Adult Wrestling Club Coming to Central PA
As the sport of wrestling continues to grow in popularity, interest among adults has also blossomed with many new adult wrestling clubs popping up across the country. When Kevin Glossner of Centre Hall set out to get involved in the sport, he found that his only option for adult wrestling was at Mat Return Wrestling, a club located in Allentown established by former Lehigh wrestler John Bolich. Glossner indicated “I made the 2.5-hour trip to Allentown a handful of times for a 1.5-hour training session. I loved the workouts, but it just wasn’t a sustainable option.”. After consulting with Bolich and another club in Washington DC, Glossner decided to establish such a club in Central PA. That’s when he solicited help from Joe Eaton, a friend and former Lock Haven University standout wrestler with coaching experience at multiple levels, to get the process started.
Gyms throughout Central PA were contacted to gauge interest in hosting such a club. “The one club that stood out was Full Body Health and Fitness Center in Lock Haven,” said Glossner. “Owners Brian and Lori Hoy are very open to the idea and willing to work with us as the club gets established and matures. Lock Haven is also a centralized location allowing for convenient access from State College, Bellefonte, Jersey Shore, Williamsport and other surrounding communities”.
When asked why he wanted to get involved in adult wrestling, Glossner called out various drivers that he feels apply to many that might want to give it a try. “I’ve always enjoyed the sport and decided that it would be a great way to stay in shape, learn a bit more about the sport, and make new friendships. The physical demand of wrestling produces some of the most physically fit athletes that exist. There’s also a respect that wrestlers have for one another and a strong sense of camaraderie that exists within the wrestling community. Being able to train with a group of folks and build relationships is a big part of it all.”
The objective of the club is to establish an affordable Adult Wrestling Club in Central PA to promote wrestling, individual fitness, camaraderie, and healthy competition in a lighthearted, encouraging environment.
The one point that Glossner wants to make sure is heard loud and clear is that you do not have to be a former wrestler to participate. “This club is geared towards everyone – beginners that have never wrestled before to former wrestlers that just want to roll around again. Additionally, the workouts are not intended to have the mental and physical grind that you see in workouts with younger competitive wrestlers. If someone wants to take it to a competitive level and get involved in adult wrestling tournaments, that option certainly will be available as well. USA Wrestling sanctioned tournaments are available that bracket wrestlers by age and weight for competition, creating an even playing field for all, which is nice.”
The club will be modeled after what Glossner observed at Mat Return Wrestling and will include both folkstyle and freestyle training. The club is open to any male or female 18 years and older. Age is not a limiting factor as wrestlers in their 50s, 60s & 70s are actively participating in adult wrestling clubs throughout the country.
The following informational sessions will be held in the coming weeks for those interested in learning more details about the club.
Tuesday November 19 (6:30 – 7:30)
Nittany Valley Sports Centre
177 Champion Drive
State College, PA 16803
Wednesday November 20 (6:30 – 7:30)
The Liberty Arena
315 Hepburn Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Thursday November 21 (6:30 – 7:30)
Full Body Health and Fitness Center
501 East Walnut Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Glossner asks anyone interested to please follow the QR Code below to answer a few quick questions. This will be very helpful in the planning of these sessions.
If you have any questions or suggestions prior to attending an informational session, e-mail Kevin Glossner at glossnerka@gmail.com.
