Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux demonstrates a take down move to Finn Gary on the first day of wrestling practice.
Finn Gary was practicing double leg take-downs on Travis Bradley, dropping low and springing forward to grab Bradley’s legs, but Bradley leapt up in the air in a lightning quick reaction to the move—sprawling backward and letting Gary hit the mat well out of reach of Bradley’s legs.
“Do you see how that worked?” Bradley asked Gary as he lay there trying to nod yes.
Both got up smiling and Bradley went over the offensive and defensive moves that just took place. Meanwhile Kris Hoffman worked with Brian “Bubba” Finke on several hand techniques while Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux talked to a bunch of youngsters who sat watching the first wrestling practice to take place at ISD 166 on Monday, January 5.
While wrestling is now just a club sport at school, it gives students who aren’t basketball players, skiers or hockey players a venue to get in shape and learn some great skills.
It is a program started by newly elected Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux and School Counselor Kris Hoffman, who are going to the mat for kids who want to learn one of the most ancient sports known to man.
Arrowsmith DeCoux, a former high school (twice a state qualifier) and collegiate grappler, is teaming up with ISD 166 counselor Kris Hoffman to teach wrestling to anyone in 6th to 12 grades who wants to learn.
Hoffman also has a long background as a high school and collegiate wrestler and was the head wrestling coach at Winona State University for two years before serving in the Army infantry for eight years.
“We currently have about 10 kids who are interested in wrestling. A few have previous wrestling experience, but most are just tough kids who want to learn,” Arrowsmith DeCoux said.
Practices are held after school Monday through Thursday starting at 3:30 p.m. at the cafeteria. Arrowsmith DeCoux bought the mat from a school in Howard Lake, Minnesota. “They are building a new junior high school and getting all new mats for their wrestling program. When I told their wrestling coach I was starting a wrestling program here and needed a mat he said, ‘You’re starting a wrestling program? Here, I’ll practically give you the mat.’”
Arrowsmith DeCoux is also looking at finding used headgear and wrestling shoes for the athletes to use.
This will be a learning year, said Arrowsmith DeCoux. Participants will be taught basic moves and find out how much endurance and fitness it takes to wrestle.
The first day of practice only three students showed up: Travis Bradley, Brian (Bubba) Finke, and Finn Gary, but about 10 kids sat at cafeteria tables watching the action.
Bradley, a senior, transferred to CCHS at the start of the year and has a long wrestling background. “I was 18-5 last year in competition,” he said.
Bradley, who worked half speed with the younger wrestlers got everything he could ask for in his tussles with Hoffman and Arrowsmith DeCoux.
After practicing a variety of beginner moves and going through some timed wrestling matches, the kids did pushups, crunches, jumping jacks and grasshoppers. Not a minute passed when the kids weren’t working hard.
“Kids that participate in wrestling learn discipline and get physically fit. It’s a great sport, one that they will appreciate for the rest of their lives,” said Arrowsmith DeCoux.
As far as competition, Arrowsmith DeCoux said there were several tournaments for clubs to compete in, but, because most of the wrestlers will be new, “I would consider only attending one tournament this year.”
Practice will run from January through March. If younger kids want to learn and more volunteers can be found, Arrowsmith DeCoux and Hoffman would entertain expanding the program. For now, both are hoping to see more junior high and senior high kids come out. It’s a great way to stay warm, get fit, and learn something new on what is once again shaping up to be a cold winter.
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