Lithia Springs Wrestlers to Mentor Youth

A few years ago, ’s varsity wrestlers were the ones learning the ropes of the sport.

Now, they will be helping to teach the skills to youngsters. The wrestlers are going to mentor kids who participate in the school's new youth wrestling program and will stress the importance of values and ethics rather than winning, said Mark Sanker, Lithia Springs' head wrestling coach.

“They’re excited,” Sanker said. “Luckily, we’re privileged enough that we have a bunch of young men who understand the purpose and they understand what the program stands for."

Organizers are in the final stages of preparing for the start of the program in November. The practice room has been booked, the schedule has been set and, as of last week, the paperwork was finalized.

Now they’re just waiting until signups begin on Oct. 8. Sanker said he’s hoping for 15 to 20 participants and has gotten positive feedback in the community.

The Lithia Springs Youth Wrestling Program is geared toward Lithia Springs residents and will be used as a feeder program for the high school.

“We can have the wrestlers come in at an early age and continue the sport when they get to high school,” Sanker said. “At Lithia Springs, we’re known for not only creating the wrestler, but creating the man.”

Casey King, youth coordinator, said the program is geared toward instilling values in the children.

“The winning is great,” King said. “We all come to win because no one wants to lose. But, all that aside, if you have 100 wins or no wins, we want you to leave with your head held high with values, morals and confidence. That’s what we want to do. The winning is secondary.”

The program will teach children the basics of wrestling, and participants will compete in tournaments every other weekend. In addition to learning how to wrestle, Sanker said there also will be fun activities planned, such as cookouts.

“The point is for the kids to enjoy what they’re doing and have fun,” Sanker said.

The Lithia Springs Youth Wrestling Program is open to children in grades kindergarten through seventh. Signups will be held every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the wrestling room at Lithia Springs High School.

The fee will be about $200, which will include two banquets, shorts, a T-shirt, bag, warm-up suit to wear at tournaments, head gear and a $35 Team Georgia card good through next August.

The first practice is scheduled for Nov. 1, and practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through the end of wrestling season. For more information, contact King at 678-925-2890.