Instilling the love of the sport in others

Lisa Kunz

04/10/2008 - Jeremy Hanson, head coach of the Gilpin County High School Wrestling team and both organizer and Coach of the Gilpin County Pee Wee wrestling program, wants to share his love of the sport with the children of Gilpin County. As a high school wrestler in Minnesota, Jeremy learned not only the skills necessary to be a great wrestler but he gained a confidence that isn’t learned in any other sport. His love of the sport is being passed down to the youth of Gilpin County through the Gilpin County Pee Wee wrestling program.

  In a recent interview, Jeremy said he is creating a love for the sport while teaching the children a work ethic and a respect for coaches that will translate into school and home life. Many parents with children wrestling in the Pee Wee program are reporting to Coach Hanson that their children are going home and demonstrating the moves they are learning along with showing a new respect for the important adults in their lives. Learning respect for not only the sport but for the adults in the program is an important aspect that can’t be taught too early according to Coach Hanson. The program was started last year by Coach Hanson and has grown this year with the help of new assistant coaches, Lonnie Kunz, Brandon James, Craig Ball and Steve Boulter. Once started, these dedicated, volunteer coaches hope to expand the program each year and to have more participants learn to love the sport, boys and girls alike. 

  Unlike some athletic programs, the Pee Wee program was accessible to all of Gilpin County Elementary School students due to the fact that the cost was only $20. This inexpensive program included a team tee shirt and trophies to be presented to each participant at the end-of-season tournament scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Scholarships were also available to any student with a financial need. Programs such as this are few for the youth of Gilpin and judging by the participation level of the Gilpin families, more inexpensive programs to reach our youth would be well attended.

  The End of Season Tournament, to be hosted at Gilpin County High School gymnasium, beginning at 9 a.m., on April 26th will include invited schools such as Estes Park, Denver Academy and Clear Creek. Each wrestler will be guaranteed at least one match consisting of three, one-minute rounds. The levels of competition are divided into 5-pound divisions so all participants will receive the chance to shine with a fair competition with a child in their own weight class. The concession stand will be open and ready to feed the hungry participants and their families along with any Greco-Roman wrestling fans. Each wrestler will receive a trophy in a special closing ceremony and the tournament will conclude with a few words by Coach Hanson and Assistant Coach Kunz.

  Please show your support for the Gilpin youth and the Pee Wee program and bring your family on April 26^th. A big showing will show the participants that a job well done will be rewarded.