Four years after starting the process, the Santa Monica Bay Wrestling Club (SMBWC) has secured a grant to establish an Interscholastic Wrestling Program at John Adams (JAMS) and Lincoln Middle Schools in Santa Monica.
The season will begin April 2 and run through the end of May, and will include at least two duel meets and a tournament at the season end. The program will be instructed by the Santa Monica High School coaching staff. Wrestling has a rich history in Santa Monica and is enjoying a robust renaissance in recent years. Coaches Mark Black and Brent Wright coached JAMS alumnus Yusaf Syed to the Boys California State Championship in 2007 and Lincoln alumnus Jazzy Green to the Girls State Championship twice in 2005 and 2006.
Practice at the two middle schools will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon from 3:15-4:45. Practices will include instruction in technique, sportsmanship, and scientific fitness training principles.
Local parents Robert Forster and Steve Shapiro joined Mark Black in creating the SMBWC in 2002 to establish an evening program for Santa Monica High School kids. Over the last six years, hundreds of local students have been exposed to the sport. The grant was awarded after a three-year application process working with the LA84 Foundation.
The LA84 Foundation is the organization bestowed with the profits generated by the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. One of the only profitable Olympics in recent times, the legacy of the 1984 Olympics continues to give to local nonprofit programs to provide meaningful experiences in athletic competitions.
The partial grant will pay for two wrestling mats and equipment including shoes, headgear, kneepads, scales, time clocks to keep score, first-aid kits, and cleaning supplies. Fees paid by participating families (need-based scholarships are available) will pay for shirts, shorts, insurance, and coaching. Additional funds will be raised by the SMBWC through local fund-raising efforts.
For more information, call Robert Forster at 310.656.8600 or email forsterpt@aol.com.
