Volunteers

Volunteers are essential to the success of almost every wrestling club, team, and event. For USA Wrestling, volunteers are particularly important, as they serve as the backbone of the 226,000-member organization. From helping out with a local youth or high school club or team, on a state association, national council or committee, or the USA Wrestling Board of Directors, volunteers all across the country are constantly working—behind the scenes and away from the mat or practice room—all for the benefit of its members.

"Any organization is only as good as its volunteers," says Keith Donnelly, Cadet Director for Iowa USA Wrestling and an assistant coach at Independence (IA) High School. In early September,Donnelly was one of over 200 USA Wrestling volunteers making the 2015 World Championships in Las Vegas a world-class event. "It's a great way to give back to the sport," says Donnelly. "What's great about volunteering is, anyone can get involved and you don't have to know wrestling to make an impact."

That's what first attracted Carrie Learn to the sport nearly 30 years ago. She started volunteering for Minnesota USA Wrestling as a kid because: "I got a little bored waiting for my brother's turn to wrestle and decided to help out."

Learn currently serves as the Secretary and Pairing Officials Director for Minnesota USA Wrestling and, like all of the organization’s volunteers, she gives up her free time to help the sport she loves. While it takes dedication, what volunteering offers in return is a sense of pride and satisfaction. And a bond that goes far beyond the sport.

"I have met so many amazing people over the years from all over the state and country,” Learn says. “Many of them are very good friends and some of them are more like family."

Volunteers assist with communication, registration, practices, and fundraisers, Learn points out. They help with everything from tournaments to carpooling to social media to marketing and concessions.

"Volunteers are the key to everything we do," says José Valenzuela, President and Founder of Boston Youth Wrestling (BYA). "I am not sure of a youth program in the state that doesn't rely on volunteers for help in the running of their organizations, in some way. I think there's something built into wrestling about giving back—always helping the next young wrestler reach their potential."

Volunteers also learn a lot, Valenzuela explains. "I think they learn about the great grit and character displayed by our kids on a daily basis and the challenges they must overcome to be successful on the mat and in life,” he says. “It helps to build bridges between communities here in Boston."

The role of volunteers is especially important at the youth club level, says August Manz, the Southwest Iowa District representative for Iowa USA Wrestling. He and other state leaders convene every year to offer suggestions to grow the sport. Coming up with new ways to promote wrestling can also help attract more volunteers, he says. For example, a volunteer interested in technology might be able to learn how to use Trackwrestling's software to help manage a tournament. 

"Volunteers feel more a part of a club and see the differences they make," says Manz. "They are the life line for youth wrestling clubs. Without them we would not have a club right now."

Just as there are numerous ways to volunteer, there are numerous ways that people come to be volunteers, notes Donnelly. "Some people have the perception that you have to know a lot about wrestling to hold a volunteer position, but that's not the case," he says. "You just have to have a desire to be a part of something and give back."

For example, Donnelly’s father was not involved in wrestling until his son began competing, and now Donnelly’s father is a regular volunteer with the local team. Other parents in his town, Donnelly notes, have kids who compete and graduate and yet they also continue to volunteer with the program.

One important point about keeping a full pipeline of engaged volunteers is to recognize their effort and make sure it’s appreciated, says Donnelly. Since volunteers are helping out for free, it’s critical to show gratitude regularly. "A simple ‘Thank you’ goes a long way,” he adds.

Are you looking to volunteer? It's easy to get started and find something that fits your interests, says Donnelly. "Get in touch with your local program, or your local state person or chairperson and ask how you can help out,” he says. “Together we can all make a difference." Start by visiting USA Wrestling’s club page here. 

Though Learn has never herself wrestled, she notes that just through volunteering, she’s had many wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet new friends, travel across the country, and even help out at the World Team and Olympic Trials."Wrestling is an awesome sport,” she says. “Volunteering for it has made a big difference in my life.”