Lake Travis Youth Wrestling
Although many folks may associate the sport of wrestling with the wild and crazy kind that is seen on TV, wrestling is considered by many as one of the purest forms of athletic competition known to organized sports. There are no balls, bats, pucks, sticks, nets or other equipment; only you and your opponent of equal size, weight and age. The winner is usually not the biggest or strongest, but the kid with the most desire to win! It is for this and many other reasons that wrestling, already popular elsewhere in the Country, is steadily gaining exposure here in Texas.
It was for the love of the sport that prompted Paul Beavers and Tom Tierney to form the Lake Travis Youth Wrestling Club. In its 3rd year, the not-for-profit organization’s goal is to train and teach local kids—within the guidelines of the USA Wrestling Association—the benefits of physical development, nutritional awareness, self-confidence and if they choose, preparing them for competition in high school or at the collegiate level.
Paul, father of 6, had coached a youth team in the Lake Travis area from 1999 to 2002. However, due to the lack of a high school wrestling team, the kids eventually grew too old to compete in a youth league. When asked what has changed since then, Paul replied, “It is very likely the high school, when reaching 5A status, will start a wrestling program. Given that, I want to help prepare the youth of the area for competition at that level”.
Tom, father of 2, has over 20 years of experience with the sport of wrestling. He is a master of both collegiate and freestyle wrestling and has excelled in all levels of competition. His many accomplishments include:
- NCAA Division I contender
- USA individual top ten ranking
- All East Honors
- National top ten collegiate ranking at US Naval Academy
- Member of Division III National Champions while coaching and competing at Ithaca College
When asked why he wants to donate his time to coach this program Tom replied, “Since I have two young boys, I obviously would like to see them enjoy wrestling as much as I have. More importantly, both Paul and I would like to give back to the community by promoting a sport that has taught us self control, discipline, and a positive aggressiveness that has helped us succeed personally and professionally.”