News: Valley Wrestling Club Now Forming

Two local educators are pleased to announce the formation of a new youth wrestling club in Farmington Valley . John McLaughlin, a history teacher and the head wrestling coach at Avon High school, and Ken Pera, Simsbury High School English Department chair and assistant wrestling coach, are set to begin The Valley Wrestling Club, a wrestling team that will emphasize developmental skill development in a fun, supportive environment. “I’m excited to offer the youth in the valley an opportunity to learn the lessons of wrestling. I am certain that we can help these young athletes understand their potential, and how to maximize it on the mat, and in life,” said McLaughlin. Pera and McLaughlin know quite a bit about maximizing potential. Between the two, as athletes and coaches, they have won over a dozen individual and state championships, as well as regional titles and All-American honors. They both were collegiate wrestlers. “It will never be about winning a particular match or title,” said Ken Pera, “We want our students to learn how to wrestle the correct way, and to have fun. We will teach the kids to set goals, and how to respond to the difficulties and glories that occur along the way to success. Our focus is on teaching transferable skills that will positively impact many aspects of life.” McLaughlin adds that “We are educators first and foremost.” The club, which is open to all athletes in Farmington Valley who are in the recommended age grouping of 7-14, will meet every Monday and Thursday at Avon High School from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Practice will begin on November 30th and end on February 17th. There will be no practice during Winter Break and on MLK day. Regardless of age, prospective athletes do not need any experience. Sign ups will be at Avon High School on November 16th at 6 p.m. Parents are urged to come with questions for the coaches. If one cannot make that meeting, registration will also be ongoing throughout the year. Any parent interested in coaching should contact Pera or McLaughlin. The cost for the club is $90, which includes USA Wrestling Membership, a tee-shirt, 22 scheduled practices, and a party at the end of the year. You can contact the coaches via email at thevalleywrestlingclub@yahoo.com, or you can visit their website http://thevalleywrestlingclub.webs.com/apps/blog/ for more information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contact Information: Ken Pera (860) 217-1659 John McLaughlin (860) 539-4648