From the Zanesville Times Recorder
Laying the foundation
PAL youth wrestling program stirs future interest for Zanesville
By John Kerr
Sports Writer
ZANESVILLE –Although Zanesville City Schools hasn’t had a wrestling program in 29 years, there is a crusade underway to change that.
With about 15 wrestlers in grades 4, 5 and 6 are honing their skills at Zanesville Police Athletic League, on the corner of Pine Street and Nancy Avenue. However once they attend Grover Cleveland and Zanesville Roosevelt Middle Schools, wrestling for the school isn’t currently an option.
“Maybe they could start with a team at the junior high level and move it up from there, “said Mike Milner, who started the Zanesville PAL youth wrestling program in the summer of 2003. Milner noted that by beginning at the junior high level, athletes wouldn’t have to play catchup to other programs nearly as much.
Milner knows there are costs for wrestling, essential items such as uniforms, mats and head gear.
“I think with fund-raisers and boosters, we could get enough dollars together to get something started, “Milner said.
The PAL wrestling program is currently for ages 9-12, with the possibility of adding ages 6-8 if more kids show interest.
“It’s free. This is completely non-profit and all the coaches volunteer their time, “said Milner, assisted by Gary Jackson and John Hope.
Zanesville PAL has four experienced wrestlers, with the remaining group getting their feet wet in the sport. The wrestlers have enjoyed their share of success.
At the New Lexington tournament last weekend, Creed Milner finished third at 70 pounds and Josh Hope third at 75. Each wrestles in the 11-12 division. Coleman and Clayton Jackson each competed at the River View tournament. The PAL wrestles in tournaments nearly every weekend.
“The tournaments are really fun, “said Creed Milner, a fifth-grade student at McIntire Elementary. “We go to the Tournament of Champions and compete against the best in the state.”
He started wrestling at age 5 and has qualified for the State of Ohio Tournament of Champions three times.
Coach Milner noted wrestling would prove beneficial to young kids through several ways.
“It gives them physical conditioning for other sports. For football players who aren’t basketball players, it would help them stay in shape during the offseason. Wrestling has some of the most physically fit athletes.”
“Wrestling has made Creed a lot more aggressive with his tackling, “Coach Milner said.
Wrestling Gear
