2026-27 Wrestling Club
Lions Wrestling Club is an age-group wrestling program for elementary and middle school students. Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of wrestling in a positive, competitive, and fun environment. The program is designed for wrestlers of all experience levels, from beginners learning the sport for the first time to experienced wrestlers preparing for tournament competition and the IKWF State Series.
The 2026–27 season begins Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
- Developmental Group: November 10, 2026 through February 25, 2027
- Middle School Group: November 10, 2026 through February 25, 2027
- Competition Group: November 10, 2026 through March 12, 2027
WHO CAN JOIN?
The program is open to wrestlers in 1st through 8th grade who live within the Lyons Township School District.
Younger wrestlers may also participate if accompanied by an adult.
REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Please complete the registration form using the link below.
FIRST-TIME WRESTLERS
- All first-time registrants must provide a photocopy of their birth certificate.
- Please bring the copy to the first practice and parent meeting on Tuesday, November 10.
USA WRESTLING MEMBERSHIP
- All Lions Wrestling Club wrestlers are required to have a current USA Wrestling membership/card before the start of the season.
- USA Wrestling membership is not included in the Lions Wrestling Club registration fee and must be purchased or renewed separately by each family.
- Wrestlers must have an active USA Wrestling membership before participating in club practices or competitions.
PARENT MEETING
Our parent meeting will be held on:
- Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- 6:00 PM
- Vaughan Gym — Lyons Township High School North Campus
The first practice will follow the parent meeting.
calendar
wrestling groups
PRACTICE GROUP
DEVELOPMENTAL GROUP
The Developmental Group is designed for wrestlers who are new to wrestling or in third grade and below.
The focus of this group is to:
- Learn the basic positions and rules of folkstyle wrestling
- Develop fundamental wrestling techniques
- Build confidence and comfort on the mat
- Introduce wrestlers to competition in a positive environment
Developmental wrestlers are encouraged to participate in at least two tournaments during the season, including the LT Informal Meet in the Vaughan Gym.
Developmental practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-7:30
COMPETITION GROUP
The Competition Group is designed for wrestlers who are generally in their third year of wrestling or are in fourth grade and older.
Practices will typically be held:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- 6:00–7:30 PM
The Competition Group builds upon the fundamentals taught in the Developmental Group and places additional emphasis on:
- Advanced technique
- Match strategy
- Situational wrestling
- Conditioning
- Tournament preparation
Competition Group wrestlers are strongly encouraged to compete in tournaments throughout the season, including the IKWF State Series.
The Competition Group season will continue through March 12, 2027.
MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUP
The Middle School Group is designed for wrestlers who participate on their school’s IESA wrestling team, including wrestlers from Gurrie and Park.
Middle School wrestlers will practice three days per week until the start of their school season.
Once their school season begins, wrestlers will have the option to attend:
- Wednesday Competition Group practices
- Selected practices over winter break
- Additional club opportunities as scheduled
PRACTICE & COMPETITION CALENDAR
SCHEDULEPlease check the calendar regularly. Because Lions Wrestling Club uses Lyons Township High School facilities, practice dates and locations are subject to change.
Whenever possible, schedule changes will be communicated with at least 24 hours’ notice.
WHAT TO WEAR
Wrestlers should come to practice wearing:
- T-shirt
- Elastic-waist athletic shorts
- Socks
- Wrestling shoes or gym shoes
registration fees
USA Wrestling membership is not included in any registration fee and must be purchased or renewed separately before the start of the season.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Registration fees may be paid in person on Tuesday, November 10 by:
- Cash
- Check
- Families may also pay before November 10 through Zelle.
If you would like to pay through Zelle, please complete the registration form first.
After completing registration, email lwclionswrestlingclub@gmail.com to request the Zelle payment information.
Please do not send a Zelle payment until your wrestler’s registration form has been completed.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Lions Wrestling Club is always looking for parents who are willing to help support the program both on and off the mat.There are many ways to get involved throughout the season, including helping with:
- Practices
- Tournaments
- Club events
- Youth Night
- Administrative and organizational needs
- Coaching
INTERESTED IN COACHING?
- Parents who would like to help coach on the mat are required to have a current USA Wrestling Coaches Card.
- Lions Wrestling Club will reimburse the cost of the USA Wrestling Coaches Card for parents who are interested in joining our coaching staff.
- If you are interested in volunteering or helping coach this season, please reach out.
Contact Information
COACHES: Mac Casella, LT coaching staff and LT wrestlers.
QUESTIONS: Call Mac Casella at (708)790-9791 or email lwclionswrestlingclub@gmail.com