Since 1990
About Us
“Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It’s about preparation, courage, understanding and nurturing your people, and heart. Winning is the result.”
—Joe Torre
Our Club’s History
Greater Heights Wrestling orignated in 2014 after Team Central-Park Hill disbanded after several successful seasons including multiple team and individual state titles. The original club started out as Park Hill Youth Wrestling with its founders Frank and Cindy Moyer who brought on Coach Jason Keck as one of the coaches while he was finishing up his undergraduate degree. As Frank and Cindy’s boys moved into high school, Coach Keck took over the Park Hill Youth Wrestling program and years later connected with Coach Bryan Elam who owns Wrestling Central, a sports and apparel business. Coach Elam’s business sponsored the club moving forward and thus the changing of the club’s name to Team Central -Park Hill. Team Central-Park Hill won its first youth state title in 2004 and put together a decade of dominance winning team titles for the next ten years. As Coach Elam’s boys were about to enter high school at Staley High School, he and Coach Keck agreed to amicably part ways and thus the Greater Heights Program was born. Our club has continued its dominance since 2014 with winning another ten consecutive team state titles and its first girls state team title in 2023.
“THERE IS NO SUBSITUTE FOR HARD WORK”
-THOMAS A. EDISON
Programs
GHW Preseason and FRECO Taining
Light Infantry (Ages 4-6)
Level 1 (7 and up)
Level 2 (14 and up)
Girls Program
Private Lessons
Camps
Make a Change
What Separates Greater Heights Wrestling From Other Programs?
Discipline is one of our foundational pillars that our athletes learn and come to understand its importance in finding success. They soon realize that without discipline one cannot build consistency or long-term growth. Our wrestlers learn to climb forward and understand that often the more difficult path is the most rewarding and sustaining. This learned, characteristic triat is something our athletes will carry on with them long after their competitive wrestling ends. It is one of many life skills that our program teaches which is crucial to success on the mat and in life beyond our club. It is an example of Embracing The Climb which is our program’s mantra!
How long does the wrestling season run?
The season begins with practices starting in November that will run into late January/sometimes early February for the Light Infantry (4-6 years old) group and into March for the Level 1 and Level 2 groups. We have both a Missouri and Kansas club charter through USA Wrestling which means that it does not matter if you live in Missouri or Kansas to be an active club member of our club.
Missouri holds its 6U State Tournament on January 20, 2024 and the Rookie State Tournament (First year wrestlers only who are in the 8U-14U division) on January 21st, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri.
Level 1 and Level 2 groups will have the opportunity to wrestle in the MO USA Wrestling State Series which is comprised now of Districts and the State tournament. KS USA Wrestling State Series for those that are Kansas residents will be the same in that there will be a qualifying tournament and then State tournament. The State Series is similar to the playoffs in other sports where you advance depending upon your performance and placing at the qualifying event. The MO USA State Series weekend dates are as follows: Districts is March 2nd, 2024 at Winnetonka High School and MO USA State Championships are March 8th-10th, 2024 in Springfield, Missouri. The KS USA State Series weekend dates are March 2nd and KS USA State Championships will be March 8th – 10th, 2024 in Topeka, Kansas. Please do not schedule vacations during this time frame as your wrestlers will be working all season for an opportunity to compete these final two weekends. We always have Level 1 athletes that qualify for the State Championships so don’t count out your wrestler from the possibility of making it to state.
Why are there different training groups (Light Infantry, GHW Level 1 and GHW Level 2)?
Through numerous years of coaching and running one of the most successful youth programs in history in the state of Missouri, our staff has learned that all children develop at different rates. This is why we provide a system that allows athletes to move at their own pace continuing to enjoy the sport and learn. Also, a certain skill set needs to be understood and obtained before a wrestler can advance within the system. We are ONE PROGRAM that is merely broken down into different subsections or groups. Again, some athletes may move through the different levels at a more rapid rate than others. The level of involvement and commitment by each wrestler and their parents are also key determining factors in placing wrestlers where they will best be suited. Our system works because no matter where your child is developmentally or what the commitment level is at this time, the program has a place that he/she can participate in, enjoy and hopefully excel.
We also have the ability to individualize the training in some fashion for some athletes in which they may participate in two levels simultaneously on different practice nights. Coaches will be evaluating wrestlers over the course of the first couple of weeks of training and will give feedback to parents. If adjustments need to be made in transitioning a wrestler into one of the other groups, or a hybrid schedule is needed between both Level 1 and Level 2, then that can be accomplished. Parents need to understand that the sport of wrestling is a marathon and not a sprint when looking at the overall development of their child. The goal is for steady improvement and to maintain a passion for the sport.
The Light Infantry group consists of 4-6 years olds who are learning how to follow instructions, learn the basic techniques of wrestling, engage in body awareness/gymnastic type movements to help shape an all-around better athlete and most importantly focused on having fun. GHW Level 1 is a group that is dedicated to the athletes who are either entering the sport (7-14 years of age) and/or who are in the process of developing skillsets and honing their craft on the intermediate level. This group has a mix of first year and multi-year wrestlers who are focusing not only on wrestling techniques but also learning the physical, mental and emotional approach of one on one combat through sport. GHW Level 2 wrestlers are traditionally experienced wrestlers who are committed to a highly demanding practice and competition schedule and level of expectation that is defined as “give us all you got”! This program is designed for the wrestler and family that is “all in” when it comes to the sport. A number of skilled techniques are being taught with the goal of developing consistent high-level attacks, breakdowns and pinning combinations. The process is focused on creating elite level athletes who are paced to wrestle in varsity lineups in high school and who have aspirations of state and national accolades now and in the future.
What are the costs associated with the club?
We try to be cognizant of the increasing costs of youth sports and balance affordability with producing a premiere product. Our club will not be the cheapest, but I do believe the value we provide far exceeds the costs to be a club member. Your athletes are getting top tier instruction from coaches who are committed to excellence in the overall development of your child(ren) – not just in wrestling. We also are one of the few programs in the country with multiple training locations. We currently have two stand-alone facilities where we train and 3 different high schools (Park Hill, Oak Park and St. Pius X). The cost of each training level is different as the number of training days, hours and length of the season varies depending upon where your athlete is training. The cost to join the club ranges from $275 (Light Infantry) to $375 (Level 1) to $525 (Level 2).
What is the difference between a closed room and an open room for practices?
For the Light Infantry practices we highly encourage that at least one parent or family member stay for the entire practice. Given the ages of athletes in this group it is sometimes necessary to engage a parent or family member to help with taking their child to the restroom or helping modify a behavior issue. For the Level 1 group, it is not necessary for a parent to attend each and every practice but it is a way parents can learn terminologies quickly and assist with wrestlers who may need some extra support during those workouts. For the Level 2 group, we have instilled a closed room policy in which athletes and club coaches will be the only people in the wrestling room during workouts. Parents and family members will have designated areas at each practice location if they chose to remain for the duration of the practice. We have found that parents in the wrestling room often causes athletes to not open up and try new techniques if they feel like they are going to be criticized by Mom or Dad. In addition, parents sometimes try to dictate who their wrestler is going to partner with and that responsibility falls on the athlete and the coaches. Keep in mind at practice we want our wrestlers to take risks, fail, and figure out from trial and error what their own style is in the sport. This is curtailed when a parent or family member is watching their wrestler like a hawk and then communicating their displeasure or criticism as to what just transpired in the practice room. As a parent, the best advice we have is to trust in the program and focus on being supportive to your athlete.
What makes our program unique compared to the other programs?
Our program prides itself on being a FAMILY first and working toward a unified goal of creating opportunities for student-athletes when they get to high school and beyond. We provide a foundation for success on and off the mat by instilling integrity, sportsmanship, discipline, mental toughness and a pursuit of excellence to help create quality human beings. No matter what level of greatness your children obtain on the mat it’s certainly much more important that the program assists in building good, hard-working, honest individuals so they are champions in life. Every athlete’s competitive journey is unique and we want to help shape that into a positive experience.
We have partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and A Better Way Athletics to bring opportunities for athletes and families to strengthen their faith and for parents to better navigate the athletic journey.
Our coaching staff is one of the best in the country. We have experienced coaches that have been through the grind themselves and have competed at extremely high levels in the sport. Many of our coaches have either wrestled or coached at the high school, college or senior levels. The program’s results speak for themselves. We have won consecutive youth wrestling state titles from 2003-2023. The system we teach is constantly evolving as the sport evolves. You will not find a more dedicated or passionate staff that is committed to staying on the cusp of the where the sport is heading before it arrives.
Also, we encourage parents who are interested in coaching to get involved – especially in the Light Infantry and GHW Level 1 groups. The more “hands on” work we have at those practices the better retention rate and ability to keep the troops focused and on task. There will be more information at the early season parent meeting and through our TEAM APP correspondence about how parents can get involved in coaching. If you are interested, please reach out to Coach Keck and he can jump start that process for you. We will assist with getting parents certified to coach and providing the necessary instruction through coaching clinics and other opportunities including video resources.
What equipment is needed?
Wrestlers will need wrestling shoes, a singlet (uniform) and headgear. These are not provided by the club and must be purchased individually. Wrestling shoes and headgear can be purchased at a local sporting goods store, online or through Blue Chip Wrestling located in North Kansas City. Blue Chip’s website is www.bluechipwrestling.com. Singlets and other team gear can be purchased through via our club’s online store. Singlets are only required to be worn during competitions but can also be worn during workouts. We highly recommend that wrestlers bring a water bottle to practice so that they can hydrate quickly during the break at practice. Wrestlers should also use the bathroom BEFORE practice!
Although not equipment, each wrestler that competes is required to purchase a USA Wrestling Traditional Athlete card which provides supplemental health insurance as well as other benefits through USA Wrestling for the season. The cost of the card is $46 this year. Parents can purchase the USA Competitor Card at www.themat.com under the “Memberships” tab. All club members will get a team t-shirt and team short with their registration fee.
How do club leaders communicate with its club members?
If my child decides to stop participating will my registration fee be refunded?
What should my wrestler wear to practice?
One of the main hygiene protocols for the club is keeping our mats clean. We disinfect them daily to prevent dirt and bacteria from making their way onto the wrestling surfaces. Thus, we ask that your wrestler not wear the same shoes on the mats that he/she wore to get from the car to the wrestling room or cafeteria. If you have not purchased wrestling shoes and your child will be wearing tennis to start out with then please make sure he/she wears a different pair to and from the car or wears socks. We do have some loaner shoes that we offer as well but sizes and quantities are limited. Also, we do not want any wrestler wearing his/her wrestling shoes from the car into the building or from the building to the car after practice. Wrestling shoes should be worn on the mats only.
As far as clothing, wrestlers should wear some combination of t-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, sweatshirts and socks. It is really personal preference as to whether a wrestler wants to wear shorts or sweats and short-sleeve versus long-sleeve. We do ask that wrestlers tuck their shirts in at practice to prevent a hand or finger getting caught in loose clothing. Wrestlers can also wear their singlets during practice if they would prefer. Wrestlers with braces need a mouthpiece in competitions so we recommend that any such athletes get used to wearing one in practice.
Wrestlers should also get use to wearing headgear during practice. Headgear prevents wrestlers from getting cauliflower ear and is required in most competitions. The more comfortable a wrestler is wearing his/her headgear in practice the less distracting it is going to be in a match. The headgear should fit secure on the head and the chinstrap should also be snug.
What can I do to prevent skin conditions from originating?
Unfortunately, skin conditions pop up sometimes no matter how hard we work to keep the wrestling areas clean. There are times that your wrestler may develop ringworm, impetigo or some other fungal infection. These are generally skin conditions that can be treated with medication and cured in a few days to a week. It is extremely important that if a skin condition develops that you seek treatment for your wrestler ASAP. In addition, while the infection is contagious we do not want wrestlers on the mat potentially spreading the condition to others. If a coach detects an open and contagious looking skin condition then the parent will be notified and the wrestler may be held out of practice until a doctor’s note is received stating the wrestler is non-contagious. The best course of action to prevent skin infections is to shower with an antibacterial soap (Dial Antibacterial is a good over-the-counter brand) as soon as possible after practice. There are also disinfectant wipes that you can purchase to wipe the skin down before and after workouts. It is important for parents to look over their wrestlers to make sure that a skin condition does not develop without the wrestler’s knowledge and in a place the wrestler may not be able to see. Again, if a skin condition does develop then usually a medicated topical treatment will do the trick. If the condition is in the hair or on the scalp then an oral medication is almost always required.
One way to prevent skin infections from surfacing is to regularly disinfect your wrestlers wrestling shoes, headgear, knee pads (if they choose to wear them) and the inside of their gear bags. Lysol Disinfectant is a wrestler’s best friend during the season to keep their gear and equipment clean. We recommend purchasing an aerosol disinfectant and spray down those items regularly. Also, please make sure wrestlers are airing out their shoes and equipment after each workout and not just throwing in a bag that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Lastly, please make sure your wrestlers are wearing clean clothes to each workout.
How do we sign up for tournaments and which tournaments should our child attend?
We will have an informative parent meeting in November that will walk the parents through how to sign up for a tournaments and which tournaments our club will be attending with coaches. Most if not all, tournaments will be signed up by the parents and be their responsibility. The two main wrestling registration platforms for tournaments are www.trackwrestling.com and www.arena.flowrestling.org. When you sign up your athlete for a tournament please list the club name as “Greater Heights Wrestling”. Sometimes there will be tournaments that have a couple different variations but we would like all our wrestlers to be listed under the same exact team name. This helps coaches with tracking our athletes during competitions.
The cost of local tournaments range from $20-25 generally, while national events range from $35-60. Parents can select which tournament(s) they wish for their wrestler to compete at and the coaches will certainly guide families with this process as well. Tournament participation is not required for the Light Infantry and GHW Level 1 groups. However, there will be certain novice tournaments the club will attend that matches wrestlers up with the same level of experience (i.e. beginners v. beginners). Wrestlers in the GHW Level 2 group should be competing regularly at the events the team has selected to attend. We try to offer both local and national tournaments each month.
How are the age and weight classes determined for competitions?
Is there a fundraiser to help offset costs of joining the club and additional expenses?
Are there any commitments from parents/families that I should be aware of?
Are there Team/Individual Photos taken during the season?
Yes! Every year we have a professional photographer who takes both a TEAM and Individual photo of our wrestlers. This is done normally in early January, and you will have an opportunity to buy a memorable photo of your wrestler in his/her wrestling uniform and a group picture with the entire team. Our local photographer offers great photo packages at a reasonable cost. Even if you don’t buy a packet, we ask that all kids come in their singlets, team-shirt and shorts to have a great team photo with all their fellow wrestler team-mates and coaches.
Is there an end-of-season awards banquet?
Yes! At the end of the year we will have a banquet to celebrate those who made it through the season and their outstanding accomplishments achieved including those that continue to train and compete during the summer. Since our club trains year-round, the banquet is typically held in late summer or early fall.
GHW FRECO SCHEDULE
Mondays: HyVee or Athlete Factory
5:30pm-7:00pm Red Level (U14, U16 and Juniors) 7:00pm-8:30pm Blue Level (Youth)
Wednesdays: Park Hill High School
5:30pm-7:00pm Red Level (U14, U16 and Juniors) 7:00-8:30pm Blue Level (Youth)
Thursdays, GRECO Night: St. Pius X, Hyvee Arena or Athlete Factory
5:30pm-7:00pm Red Level (U14, U16 and Juniors)
7:00-8:30pm Blue Level (Youth)