This season marks an exciting new chapter for Cleveland Tiger Wrestling as Coach Kyle Blevins takes the helm. Coach Blevins brings a wealth of experience, not only as a seasoned head coach but also as a standout collegiate wrestler at Appalachian State University, where his grit and determination that inspire his coaching today were on full display. Under his leadership, the program is poised to grow stronger and more unified as we tackle the season ahead.

Wrestling has a deep-rooted history in Cleveland, with a tradition of excellence that has shaped countless athletes over the years. That strong foundation has allowed us to expand and evolve, and we are thrilled to enter our second official year of Girls Wrestling. The enthusiasm and hard work of our Lady Tigers are already making an impact, and the future of Cleveland Wrestling looks brighter than ever.

Our wrestling program is shaping up to be an exciting journey. While December competitions are just beginning, the pace will quicken in January as we dive into the heart of the season. The Lady Tigers have already shown their mettle, with Paytyn Schaefer fighting her way to a 4th place finish at the “Jay Border Wars” in the 120-pound bracket. On the Junior High side, the team competed at the challenging “Clyde Boyd Middle School” tournament in Sand Springs, where Parker Ingram emerged as Champion in the 112-pound division. These early successes highlight the determination and talent within our program.

This weekend, our High School Boys team is gearing up for the “Chuck West Invitational” in Bristow on December 12th and 13th, while the entire team looks forward to the Joe Cole Classic on December 19th-21st. This three-day competition will provide valuable insights for our coaching staff and set the stage for focused training during the Christmas break.

Our team is young but full of potential, with 24 freshmen and sophomores compared to 13 juniors and seniors. Between the boys’ and girls’ squads, we proudly return 4 of the 9 State Qualifiers from last year’s team. This year, we are emphasizing the importance of a “Team Effort.” Wrestling, often viewed as an individual sport, thrives on camaraderie. Training together, supporting teammates, and building resilience in moments of defeat are key to individual and collective success. As Coach Blevins often says, “Wrestlers are stronger together.”

The Wrastlin’ Tigers will use their 11 practices over the holiday break to grow mentally, physically, and technically tougher. With a promising mix of experienced and developing wrestlers, we are confident that this season will highlight growth, hard work, and team spirit.

We hope to see you in the stands at the Joe Cole Classic and other competitions as we cheer on our Tigers! Cleveland Wrestling is more than a sport; it’s a community tradition built on perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. Let’s keep building on that proud legacy and make this season one to remember! Come out to support!

Full Schedule can be found here! Most up to date changes can be viewed on our district calendar page.