Former Oklahoma State National Champion, Current UC-Davis Assistant and California Native Leads High Profile Group of Clinicans
By Andrew Hipps – Staff Writer
Mark Munoz has been involved with wrestling camps his entire life.
When he was young he attended wrestling camps throughout the country. When he was in college, at Oklahoma State, he worked as a camp counselor and technician every summer for John Smith’s Wrestling Camps. He continues to work wrestling camps throughout the country, most notably in California, where he lives and works as an assistant coach for UC-Davis.
So it was no surprise when Munoz, a former NCAA Champion, decided to start his own venture called West Coast Wrestling Camps. The three camp operation, which begins in July, is comprised of a competition camp, a technique camp, and an advanced technique camp. All three camps will take place in California.
Munoz believes that West Coast Wrestling Camps will not only help young wrestlers achieve success in wrestling, but also help build character.
“I felt like there weren’t that many character building camps around the West Coast,” said Munoz. “I feel that wrestling parallels life so much. It definitely builds character, so I think if you incorporate that into a wrestling camp, kids will learn and do it in a fun, dynamic way, and get a lot from it.”
He has assembled a star-studded group of current and former wrestlers to serve as technicians for the camps. The staff includes four members from the 2004 U.S. Olympic freestyle team: Stephen Abas, Jamill Kelly, Daniel Cormier, and Kerry McCoy. Munoz understands the importance of bringing Olympians to his camp.
“A lot of kids look up to those guys,” said Munoz. “They are role models whether they like it or not. Just the fact that they made it that far, working that hard, they are definitely men of character.”
Other members of the staff include Oklahoma State assistant coaches Pat Smith and Mark Branch, two-time NCAA Champion Chris Pendleton, as well as wrestlers from UC Davis and other NCAA programs from the around the country.
The competition camp will be held from July 18-22 in Escondido, California (San Pasqual High School). Individual wrestlers will be put into teams and compete in team duals meets and competitions, as well as team building activities to create camaraderie.
“Many coaches are looking for competition because they believe that every time a wrestler steps on the mat, it’s a positive thing,” said Munoz. “I wanted to bring that to the area. The competition camp is basically going to be about competition. There are going to be dual meets, a tournament, team competitions with an obstacle course, and other things such as that.”
The technique camp will run from August 8-12 in Vallejo, California (Vallejo High School). The camp is designed more for the novice wrestler who is looking to learn proper technique and basic fundamentals. Drilling is also greatly emphasized in this camp.
Munoz, a native of Vallejo and 1996 graduate of Vallejo High School, is excited about the opportunity to run the technique camp in his home town.
“I just want the area around Vallejo to become better in wrestling because it holds a special place in my heart,” said Munoz. “So I want to bring in quality clinicians who are personal friends of mine to help me on that quest.”
The advanced technique camp, which will be held at The Academy by the Sea (located in Carlsbad, California), will take place from August 14-18. The camp is geared toward wrestlers who are not only serious about improving their skills through more advanced technique, but also want to participate in a much more intense environment. Wrestlers must be 12 years of age or older to attend the camp, but according to Munoz, exceptions will be made if a wrestler has prior experience.
“The advanced technique camp will touch on a lot of the techniques that are seen in college,” said Munoz. “The techniques are going to be broken down a lot more. It is also going to be moving at a quicker pace. There is going to be a lot of technique shown in a short period of time, with a lot of drilling included. I want them to pick out a move they like and continuously drill it, so they can incorporate that move into their style.”
According to the camp’s Web site, the philosophy of West Coast Wrestling Camps is to focus on the wrestler as a whole and essentially create the total package.
“The total package means being a champion both on and off the wrestling mat,” said Munoz. “It requires using the skills that you have learned in wrestling and applying them to life. Wrestling parallels life so much in a way that whatever you put into it, you are going to get out. The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Munoz understands that the competition to attract campers is fierce throughout California because of the many options available to young wrestlers. He hopes the unique experience and location will help attract wrestlers from all over the country.
“I’m hoping to get kids from elsewhere, not just California,” said Munoz. “I think having a camp right by the beach will appeal to a lot of kids because not very many of them have the opportunity to be by the beach, much less wrestle by the beach.”
There are discounted rates for groups with 10 or more wrestlers.
If you would like to get more information on West Coast Wrestling Camps go to www.westcoastwrestlingcamps.com, e-mail [email protected] or call 916-607-0642.
Andrew Hipps also accepts feedback at [email protected]
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