‘Take Down’ camp improves mat skills

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

WCHS wrestling coach Matt Turner watches Justin Anderson and Jonathan Kelly, in blue, square off during this week’s wrestling camp. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

The Second Annual Warren County “Take Down” Wrestling Camp concluded Saturday, with over 35 campers working out during the four-day clinc.

WCHS head coach Matt Turner was very pleased with the turnout, and expressed his gratitude to Cookeville High School wrestling coach Greg Dennison for his participation in the camp.

“Coach Dennison did a great job in helping instruct the camp this week,” Turner said. “His main focus was on legwork, and it was a great experience for not only the kids but for myself and coach (David) Holcomb.

“We found several techniques we need to be working on, and we’ll incorporate them into our program here at Warren County.”

Turner said he established the camp with the hope of encouraging young athletes’ interest in wrestling — and interest he feels has continued to grow.

“This camp’s main focus is to introduce kids to the sport of wrestling and get them excited about the sport,” he said. “Each year we have more and more kids interested in wrestling, and this is how we build our high school and middle school programs.

“Everybody involved in the camp this week gained a lot of experience and had fun at the same time.”