Excitement building for Give Wrestling a Shot Week, Jan. 15-21

Photo of Ben Askren at the 2008 Olympics by Larry Slater. 

Next week, Jan. 15-21, USA Wrestling is launching Give Wrestling a Shot Week.

During this promotion, USA Wrestling will be providing memberships for the week to allow for first-time participants to experience wrestling without the requirement of USA Wrestling membership, thus making it easier for clubs to recruit new wrestlers.

2008 Olympian and two-time NCAA champion Ben Askren, who currently runs the successful Askren Wrestling Academy in Wisconsin, is spearheading the effort in his home state and has been integral in developing the practice plan for participating clubs. 

With a massive social media presence and following, Askren has already begun sharing information with followers, coaches and fans.

“There are a lot of opportunities that wrestling provides that kids aren’t getting in other places,” Askren said. “Wrestling is where you can go be rough and get your energy out and it’s OK. For them to do that in a wrestling room with coaches that are knowledgeable, that’s a fantastic opportunity for kids, especially high-energy kids.”  

You can hear more from Askren on Give Wrestling a Shot Week on Mat Talk Online’s Short Time podcast.

Flowrestling also featured the promotion in an article with current and former wrestlers sharing why they gave wrestling a shot, including reigning Olympic champion and two-time world champion Kyle Snyder.

“I learned a lot about hard work and consistency,” Snyder said. “There are a lot of good people in the sport that can teach you not just technique but life lessons. I encourage you to go out, participate in the sport and see what you can learn.

Others supporting the initiative include UFC welterweight champion and two-time NCAA All-American for Missouri Tyron Woodley, Bellator MMA fighter and Missouri All-American Michael Chandler, 2000 Olympic champion Brandon Slay and FloSports CEO Martin Floreani.

All clubs interested in participating can sign up at www.givewrestlingashot.com. This is also where parents who would like for their child(ren) to Give Wrestling A Shot will be able to sign up for participation.

Participating clubs will be provided with the aforementioned practice plan, promotional material, and a suggested practice plan to ensure new wrestlers continue coming back.

All participating clubs, coaches and wrestlers are asked to tag @USAWrestling in all social media posts.