“This was just the best,” Austin Jones said as the coaches finished the first day of clinic. “We had more great clinicians working with us than you’d find at any clinic in America,” another young wrestler spoke up. “I now know I want to stay local when I go to college,” a third one shared.

These were just a few of dozens of positive remarks the Metro area’s collegiate programs received this past Saturday and Sunday at the 2nd annual free Collegiate Clinic 4 You. Held at Wootton high school in Rockville and Woodson high school in Fairfax, over 350 young men and women were enthralled for 10 hours of technique, humor and friendship.

“I’m so excited I got to meet Kerry McCoy”, said one of the wrestler’s mothers. “He’s been one of my favorite wrestlers for years. I hope my son selects Maryland in a couple of years as a place to go to school and wrestle.”

For two days the four head coaches of the areas collegiate programs and their assistants donated their time so the athletes of the local wrestling community could learn a little more, not only about the schools they represent but themselves as well during the two afternoons.

“Without the efforts of Head Wrestling Coaches Jack Clark at Woodson and Kevin O’Neil at Wootton, none of this would have happened,” said Wade Schalles, one of the event’s organizers. “These men and their school’s administrations opened their doors so others could learn. It was very kind of them and a fabulous weekend for the wrestlers.”

The local wrestling community not only had the opportunity to meet the two new head coaches, Teague Moore of American University and Joe Russell of George Mason University, but was enthralled by their presentations.

Probably the most decorated coach in attendance was Bruce Burnett, the head coach at the Naval Academy and the Olympics in Atlanta plus several World, World Cup and Pan American Games Championships. He shared with those in attendance the importance of having a dream and then setting your goals.

Sponsored by the Greater Washington Wrestling Business Network and the four local collegiate institutions, it was definitely a weekend to remember.

Those who donated their time for the athletes were: Chris Marshall, Mike Letts, Todd Beckerman, Kerry McCoy, Bruce Burnett, Jake Schalles, Teague Moore, Joe Russell, Wade Schalles, Steve Fittery and Kyle Borshoff.