Club develops wrestlers — and personal skills

Building self-esteem and confidence can be crucial during the grammar-school years. These two attributes, along with many others, are the premise behind the creation of the Northside Wrestling Club in Bountiful.

The program was founded by Centerville Junior High School wrestling coach Shandell Smoot several years ago with the initial idea of creating a treasure trove of young, talented wrestlers who would be able to compete at the top level when they reached their respective high schools, primarily Woods Cross, Bountiful and Viewmont.

However, after the club was initially opened to develop wrestlers as young as kindergarten up to ninth-grade, it became apparent that the club's purpose was not only to groom top wrestlers but also to help young athletes develop personal skills vital to their success in life.

One example of the secondary skills learned through the club is ninth-grader Rob Baxter from Bountiful, who joined the program during his last year of eligibility.

Baxter, who wrestles in the 120-pound classification, joined the club this past year after missing the deadline during his eighth-grade year.

"I wanted to get involved in an athletic program last year. I wanted to do wrestling, but I missed the opportunity to enroll in the club, so I waited a year and joined up as a ninth-grader," said Baxter.

"I wanted to build up my physique and get stronger."

Aside from the physical aspect, the club offers a social structure that many young athletes find lacking in school and other areas in their lives.

"I joined because of my friends and to meet new friends. A couple of friends at my school wrestle, and I wanted to be a part of that, because otherwise I felt like I would be missing out on a great opportunity to participate in a fun team sport," said Baxter.

"I also joined because the program helps build people's confidence and coach Smoot emphasizes doing well academically, because if you don't do well in school, then he (Smoot) won't let you participate in the program," added Baxter.

Baxter has found that having a strong role model as a coach has helped him develop as a wrestler and as a player — an opinion that he feels is shared by the majority of wrestlers in the club.

"Coach Smoot is a nice guy. He is a good teacher. He is very patient with all the students, and he will come to practice early to help students who need extra help to learn all the moves. Plus, it's funny to watch him (Smoot) wrestle the big guys, because there's no one else big enough to wrestle with them," said Baxter with a chuckle.

The Northside Wrestling Club wrapped up its last practice during the last week in January, but Baxter hopes to continue wrestling.

"I am going to try and wrestle at Viewmont High next year, and I am hoping that I can join the Centerville Junior High team for the remainder of this season," he said.