Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: How are the Wolves affiliated?
A: The Wolves Wrestling Club is a fully endorsed and affiliated Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation organization. The Wolves became an IKWF chartered club in July 2006. The head coaches and administrators of the Wolves have been involved with the IKWF since 2003.
Q: I have not registered, but I would still like to participate with the Wolves. What can I do?
A: Registration is open after October 1 on a case-by-case basis. Please send your request to admin@wolveswrestling.org.
Q: What are the Wolves Coaches' Credentials?
A: The head coach - Tony Piotrowski was a high school wrestler and Illinois State class AA champion in 1984. He wrestled in college on a full ride scholarship to Northern Illinois University.
Other coaches have achieved similar success. We have former Division I college wrestlers, All Americans in Folkstyle and Greco Roman, and former high school varsity head coaches.
All of the Wolves coaches are required to participate in USA Wrestling's NCEP (National Coaches Education Program) and receive certification by USA Wrestling.
Q: How can I learn more about the IKWF and USA Wrestling?
A: http://www.ikwf.org and http://www.themat.com
Q: How much does it cost to register with the Wolves?
A: The registration fee for the Wolves depends on which level you choose to compete. Beginners pay $195 and advanced wrestlers pay $295. This fee includes the USA Wrestling insurance card and a practice uniform. It also includes use of a competition uniform and warmup jacket which will be turned in at the end of the season. It also includes entry fees to weekend tournaments.
Q: Is there an additional fundraising requirement?
A: Yes. The Wolves participate in a pizza sale with Georgio's Pizza to raise the necessary funds to keep the club's registration fee low. Participation by all members in this fundraiser is mandatory.
Q: Are the Wolves coaches paid?
A: No. The Wolves is a 100% volunteer run organization. We are also an IRS designated 501c(3) Charitable Organization and an Illinois based Not-For-Profit Corporation.
Q: What size is the club?
A: To ensure safety and maintain a desirable coach-to-wrestler ratio, the 2009 Wolves will be limited to 80 wrestlers.
Q: When and how often will the Wolves practice?
A: Depending on the skill and experience level of the wrestler, the practices will be 2 or 3 nights per week. Practices usually start at 6:15 and run until 7:45 or 8:00.
Q: Where are the practices?
A: Practices are held in the Prairie Ridge High School wrestling balcony. Sometimes, practices are held at Hannah Beardsley Middle School if the PR balcony is not available.
Q: What is the relationship between the Wolves and Prairie Ridge High School?
A: The Wolves Wrestling Club supports Prairie Ridge High School wrestling and the Prairie Ridge wrestling coaching staff and wrestlers support the Wolves Wrestling Club. Prairie Ridge HS is the host site for the Wolves WC Interstate Batteries Classic tournament, and is the "home base" for our club. It is not a requirement that the members of the Wolves live within the Prairie Ridge HS boundaries.
Q: Are the practices hard?
A: Yes. Your child will come home from practice sweaty and tired. He should take a hot shower with soap right away after every practice. He will sleep very well the first few weeks of practice.
Q: Are the Wolves a "Traveling Team"?
A: In other sports like baseball and football, the term travelling team is synonymous with "all star team". IKWF wrestling is not this way. The main forum for competition the Wolves engage in is IKWF sanctioned tournaments. These tournaments are typically hosted by other IKWF clubs and occur on Saturdays and Sundays. These tournaments are usually held in a high school gym. Some tournaments are nearby; others are a little farther away.
Q: Can I wrestle for my middle school and for the Wolves?
A: If you attend Bernotis, Lundhahl, or Hannah Beardsley, they the answer is yes. It is important to note that all students that attend IESA affiliated schools, however, are NOT allowed to participate in this program and their school's wrestling program simultaneously. You must choose. This is an IESA rule which dictates that IESA Eligibility is forfeited if a wrestler participates in club level wrestling during the school wrestling season. Please check with your school or contact the Wolves to find out which rules apply to your child.
Q: Will all the kids be in the same room during practice?
A: No. We split the wrestlers into age and skill appropriate levels that provide a very safe, managed, and well supervised atmosphere. The coaching staff is extremely qualified and experienced and is dedicated to providing a safe and excellent environment for young wrestlers.
Q: What about the tournaments?
A: The IKWF divides the wrestlers into 4 official categories:
Bantam: 8 years old and under
Intermediate: 9 - 10 years old
Novice: 11 - 12 years old
Senior: 13 - 14 years old
Wrestlers of advanced skill may choose to wrestle in a higher division under the consent and guidance of their coaches and parents.
All IKWF sanctioned tournaments compete only within divisions. Bantams only wrestle against bantams, intermediate only wrestle against intermediate, etc... In some cases, an additional category of Tot is introduced for wrestlers 6 years old and under.
Q: How many tournaments or matches will the Wolves wrestle?
A: Advanced wrestlers may choose to wrestle in about 20 tournaments. Beginning wrestlers may choose to wrestle in about 8 tournaments.
Q: What if my child has never wrestled?
A: The Wolves welcome all kids to join and experience the sport of wrestling. The coaching staff prides itself on the development of new wrestlers and looks forward to introducing this sport to a growing number of kids every season. The practices and strategy in the wrestling room reflect the overall mission of the club, to provide kids an environment in which they can learn key values that will stay with them through life, and at the same time propagate interest and a love of the world’s oldest sport.
The Wolves coaching staff focuses on the needs of young wrestlers at different ages and skill levels, and practices are structured accordingly.
Q: Will the Wolves offer other wrestling opportunities?
A: In addition to individual tournaments, the Wolves also participate in a number of dual meets throughout the year. Dual meets provide the opportunity to experience a team setting in an individual sport.
