The Maroon Athletic Center was filled with energy and excitement on Tuesday, July 14, as Perry Wrestling hosted a summer camp featuring Oklahoma State University Head Wrestling Coach David Taylor and an outstanding lineup of OSU wrestlers and Olympic-level athletes.
Designed for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, the camp attracted 115 participants representing more than 40 different schools, making it one of the largest and most successful wrestling camps hosted in Perry.
Campers were divided into two sessions based on grade level. Students entering grades 6-12 participated in the morning session, while younger wrestlers, in grades K-5, took the mat during the afternoon session. Throughout the day, athletes received high-level instruction on wrestling fundamentals, technique, and competition strategy from some of the sport's most accomplished coaches and competitors.
Hosting Coach David Taylor provided young athletes with a unique opportunity to learn from one of the nation's elite programs. Camp participants also benefited from instruction by current OSU wrestlers and Olympic-level athletes, gaining valuable insight into the work ethic, discipline, and techniques required to compete at the highest levels.
Perry Wrestling coaches and organizers express their sincere appreciation to the families, athletes, volunteers, and the Perry Takedown Club for helping make the event a tremendous success. They also extend a special thank you to Jeff Balderson, whose efforts have made this camp possible for the past two years, and to Coach David Taylor and the Oklahoma State Wrestling program for investing in the next generation of wrestlers.
The camp continues to strengthen Perry's tradition of wrestling excellence while giving young athletes access to world-class instruction close to home. Organizers look forward to building on this year's success and welcoming even more wrestlers to future camps.