Waller Camp provides valuable lessons for area wrestlers

NEW CONCORD — Connor McMahon has a vision to grow the John Glenn wrestling program.

The Muskies' head coach brought in one of his greatest influences, Rob Waller, to instruct a two-day camp on Wednesday and Thursday at John Glenn.

Nearly 50 grapplers, of all ages, participated in Waller's All-American Wrestling Camp. He has been working with wrestlers for almost 50 years, and Evan Henderson, a two-time All-American at North Carolina, were among others who provided instruction.

"It's exciting to bring his camp here because his camp was a special place for me," McMahon said. "I credit him for a lot of my success so it means a lot to bring him to my place. It's huge to get someone of his caliber in our area, and I hope to make this an annual event."

Wrestling opened many doors for Waller. The West Virginia native didn't start competing in the sport until he was 17 years old, but the sport helped him get into college. Since then, he has paid back wrestling by passing down his knowledge to youth throughout the country.

His facility is located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania where the 72-year-old has trained seven national champions and 37 All-Americans. Though he may not physically be able to do what he once could, the opportunity to assist the next generation remains his focus.

"Wrestling has been good to me and my family, and I'm fortunate to have a job I enjoy," Waller said. "I bring guys I've trained over the years to camps like this. They can do a lot of the things that I can't do any more. They bring in new techniques and moves, and we evolve as the sport does."

Waller also knows how much wrestling has done for McMahon. He is willing to do his part to help McMahon in his mission.

"He's a young coach who loves wrestling. He's also a quality coach and wants to establish something here," Waller noted. "I admire what he's attempting to do. He wants to get young people involved and make them enthusiastic about the sport. I love doing this, and I'm glad I can help out."

Instruction by an All-American like Henderson also intrigued the young wrestlers. Henderson, who fell one point short of being the United States representative at his weight on the world team, makes the most of his opportunity to work with the youth.

Henderson was showing off one of his signature moves, the cross-face cradle which helped him climb the ranks during his youth, high school and college days.

"I love sharing my knowledge. The youth level in Ohio is pretty good, and it's fun to teach new stuff to the next generation," Henderson said. "The cross-face cradle was a move I did all the way up, and I want to help the youngsters add to their arsenal.

"I know they won't learn it all in a couple of days. If they can do 50 to 70 percent of it, that will give them opportunities to be better in other positions," he added. "My goal is to also motivate and inspire them. Hopefully, they get something out of this, and I know Connor will help his guys build on what they learn here."

Using new skills was part of the fun for the wrestlers. Zayde Blanchard, 13 years old who attends John Glenn, was practicing with 12-year-old Jacob Dunfee from Kent. Both agreed the chance to work on new techniques will add to their arsenal next season.

"That cross-face cradle is something I want to try," Dunfee said. "They're trying to help us get better, and it's fun to learn from guys like that."

Dominic Derwacter, 11 years old and entering seventh grade at John Glenn, was using some of the new moves on his grappling partner. He noted the cross-face cradle and Double A takedown will help him.

"It's really nice to know I can rely on some other moves," he said. "Pro wrestlers are using those moves, too, so if it works for them, it can work for me."

Listening to Henderson break down different aspects of wrestling caught the attention of 16-year-old Noah Lingle. The Meadowbrook grappler was working with one of Waller's students from Pennsylvania, 16-year-old Eli Carr, and admitted he is more confident in his skills on the mat.

"They break down each individual move, and these are moves I can use," Lingle said. "They also want us to keep the action moving. You don't want to stop in wrestling, and you have to find a way to keep the match moving at your pace."

Carr added the opportunity to wrestle others is why he travels for the camp.

"Different areas have different styles," he said. "Being able to get around different people adds to the experience."

McMahon hopes this camp can be replicated in the future. He wants all young wrestlers to understand how dedication can fulfill their goals on and off the mat.

"Rob brings a lot of kids with him, and he's trained many of them to have successful college careers," McMahon remarked. "I want these kids to see how to practice and what serious wrestlers do to become successful. It takes a lot of work and time, but if they are willing to put in that effort, they can be rewarded."

bhannahs@gannett.com

Twitter: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Waller Camp provides valuable lessons for area wrestlers