skip navigation

Wrestling

2024-2025 WRESTLING REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

DSYSA Wrestling is back for 2024-2025! Practices are held in the DSHS wrestling room -- one of the best facilities in the state. Practices are run by Dustin Stiegemeyer, an Austin native who has helped develop multiple DSHS state champions, as well as several other UIL state champs, state placers, All-Americans, and eventual D1 wrestlers. DSHS Wrestling coaches Joe Kirksey and Eric Koontz are also part of the coaching staff. In addition, current and past DSHS wrestlers will also be present to help mentor.

The program's mission is to continue the growth of wrestling in our community by instilling in our athletes a passion for the world's oldest and greatest sport. We aim to establish a solid technical foundation while developing athleticism, competitive mindset, and an appreciation for the value of hard work.

Practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning November 5th. Grades 2-5 will practice from 5:30-6:45, and grades 6-8 will practice from 6:45-8:15. 

'24-'25 SEASON COSTS:

  • Registration Fee: $400
  • USA Wrestling Card: $55 (purchase here: https://www.usawmembership.com/login)
  • Gear Package: $TBD (different options available; link to store will be shared with parent once registered). 

If you have questions about wrestling, please see the FAQs below or email Coach Joe Kirksey at joe.kirksey@dsisdtx.us.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've never wrestled before, can I join?
Yes, our program is devoted to helping elementary to middle school youth wrestlers improve in the sport, whether this is your first year or you are an advanced wrestler. Our practices will benefit rookies through those with multiple years of mat time.

Who can wrestle in the DSYSA Wrestling Club?
Any student in Grades 2-8, this includes boys and girls, big or small.

When and how do we register?
Registration for the winter  Folkstyle Season opens in October, with practices starting the first Tuesday in November.  On the top right of the website, www.DSYSASports.org, you will see the "Register" button. You will be asked to open a parent account and then it will walk you through the process to register your wrestler.

Why do wrestlers need a USA Wrestling Athlete Membership?
USA Wrestling, the organization that regulates all wrestling in the United States, requires that all wrestlers purchase a USA Wrestling Card Membership (purchased once per year September 1st to August 31st) before participating in any USA Wrestling sanctioned events, including club practices, camps, clinics, etc. This membership is for the protection of everyone involved and provides secondary insurance to those with the membership. You can purchase your athlete's annual membership at: https://www.usawmembership.com/.

When and where do we practice?
Practices are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the DSHS Wrestling Room.  Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning November 5th. Grades 2-5 are from 5:30-6:45pm, and grades 6-8 practice from 6:45-8:15pm.

If my athlete fits better with the other practice group, can they change groups?
Yes, we will allow an athlete to change groups if it is in their best interest.

What should I wear to practice?
Students should wear comfortable athletic clothing without zippers and buttons, plus wrestling shoes.  We do not allow outside shoes on our mats. Wrestlers should wear shoe covers over their wrestling shoes or change into them upon arrival/departure. Headgear is optional for practice. Please bring water to practice.

Is a uniform provided for tournaments?
Once registered, parents will be contacted with a link to a team store. A singlet is required for all USA TX Wrestling tournaments. Option for fight shorts and T-shirt will be available too. 

Do we need to purchase any equipment?
Yes, wrestling shoes will need to be purchased (mandatory during tournaments). You can find wrestling shoes  at Academy, Dicks Sporting Goods, on-line at Eastbay, Amazon, Suplay.com, wrestlinggear.com and plus a number of other websites.

How long is the season?
Practices start the first week of November and will run until the end of February. First practice November 5th, last practice February 20th. 

Is it required for my child to participate in every practice?
We strongly encourage wrestlers to participate in as many practices as your family schedule allows. Because we will only practice twice a week, it is important that those who join the club do their best to attend all practices, as practices missed will result in falling behind in the technique curriculum.

Will we practice over the holidays?
There will not be practice over the week of Thanksgiving. We will have optional open mat practices during the second week of Christmas break.

My child is a beginner. Do they need to compete in tournaments?
We encourage wrestlers to compete in tournaments at their family's discretion.  In all tournaments wrestlers will be matched up against others based on experience, weight and age.

We will encourage athletes to compete at events attended by the club, but we will be understanding of athletes who do not yet feel ready to compete, as well as of other family commitments that might interfere with weekend events.

When and where do we compete?
We are in the "Texas Central Region," and local tournaments will be throughout the region depending on the host club. Each tournament requires a registration fee to compete, usually $15-20. The state tournament is in Round Rock at the end of February.

Tournaments are on weekends, usually Sundays, but occasionally both Saturday and Sunday. We also plan to get together with other clubs for occasional during-the-week scrimmages. We intend to build our schedule around local events and avoid out-of-town, overnight trips. We will enter in about two tournaments per month beginning in December.

Do you allow parents to view practices?
Yes, space for parents is very limited, but we do allow parents to observe, consistent with the needs for safety of the wrestlers.  We do ask that parents refrain from interacting with their kids during practice to minimize distractions, and please no coaching. 

Feel free to reach out to Coach Dustin Stiegemeyer at dstiege125@gmail.com with other questions.

 

 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

Sponsored by Jersey Mike's Subs, Belterra Village

Jersey Mike's Subs, Belterra Village

Visit Website