AAU Southern Pacific Wrestling California Champion Clinic a Success

The AAU, Amateur Athletic Union, Southern Pacific Wrestling California Champion Clinic was held on July 23-25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the gymnasium at Grand Terrace High School. The clinic featured three California state champions: Chris Mecate from Old Dominion University, Christian Betancourt from Cal Baptist University and Kenny Breaux from Lindenwood University. Also featured was David Rivera, a three-time Wrestling Coach of the Year from Mt. San Antonio College. The clinic was designed for individuals looking to improve their wrestling skills and to teach skills needed to optimize the campers’ wrestling abilities using current training trends and techniques. Twenty-five campers were in attendance and ages varied from elementary age to high school; the majority being high school students. In regards to the clinic's outcome, State Champion Mecate said, "A lot of good technique was shown. Good enthusiasm from the campers. Looking forward to next year with a bigger turn out of kids. The hospitality shown by David Loza, the AAU Director, was awesome; not too many guys barbecue on the last day." Rocky Martinez replied, "Good to see a local boy like Chris Mecate giving back to the wrestling community. Good thing for the campers to see. More one on one with the clinicians during the live wrestling sessions was also good." David Rivera said, "The turn out was good for the first year. Hope it keeps growing. Overall good for the campers to have it at a close location and the facility is nice.” Kenny Breaux mentioned, "the campers benefited from the small number in attendance. We worked on little details like hand control, heavy pressure on your opponent and finishing your shots. Also making sure good position when taking the shot, good stance, ready to react to your opponent. Campers inspire the Coaches (clinicians), it goes both ways!" David Loza said, "I'm happy with the clinicians, they are supportive. The little details shown are going to help out the campers during their season. Going to stick with the camp, move it to the weekend and more clinicians for next year." Logan Odenbaugh, Grand Terrace High School wrestler and camper, added "We had a lot of one on one time with the clinicians which allowed us to really understand the techniques that were taught. I had a lot of fun and got a lot out of this camp.”