Lion's Den Wrestling Club

Happy New Year from the FCA Wrestling Family! We want to thank everyone who has shown patience and support toward our program in what was a challenging year, yet one filled with many blessings. One of which being our Annual Lion's Den Golf Outing to benefit the Faith Christian Academy Wrestling program. We are pleased to report that the event and its generous supporters raised $12,270. These proceeds have already begun to help us order new apparel, enlist in the prestigious P...owerade Tournament (postponed to Jan. 29-31), and register for non-sanctioned events and tournaments. Because we will not be traveling as much this year, there will be a surplus of funds leftover. We are hoping those funds will allow us to enlist in multiple national tournaments next year that involve traveling and excess expenses. We truly appreciate your support and will continue to seek wisdom to be good stewards of these funds for our program in 2021 and beyond.

Thank you, Veterans! LDW Youth Club Tonight @ 6:30-8pmThank you, Veterans! LDW Youth Club Tonight @ 6:30-8pm

LDW Youth Club tonight with Coach Ben and Colton! 6:30-8pm Prepay for drop-ins at www.lionsdenwrestlingclub.com.

Faith Christian Academy Lions (12-8) District 1/12 AA Champions SE Regional AA 4th place District 1/12 AA Dual Champions... PIAA AA Dual State Qualifier Head Coach: Ben Clymer Graduated Seniors: Isaiah Vizcarrondo 29-13 D1 RQ Andy Muzika 24-13 D2 RQ Max Schultz 37-9 D1 R4 SQ Damon Waltenbaugh 24-5 D1 R3 SQ Britton Walter 18-15 D2 RQ Zion Bartholomew 1-1 Coach and I talked about this decorated Senior class and what it will take to replace such a group of wrestlers. Coach responded, "This group of kids meant a ton to our program. It was a good leadership, great character group of kids that bought into the system. We didn't have to worry about these kids making bad decisions. They allowed the program to really progress. Losing this class means that this years team will take a hit with leadership. This years team will only have two Seniors. Those Seniors from last season can't be replaced. The groundwork that they laid will do a lot for the future of our program." Returning Starters: Eric Alderfer (11) 37-9 D1 R3 S8 AJ Stayton (10) 32-13 D1 R4 SQ Cody Witzer (11) 13-12 Lincoln Hower (10) 25-16 D1 RQ Jake Kurlak (12) 11-12 Leo Muzika (11) 31-7 D1 R5 SQ Joshua Stump (11) 7-16 D4 Like Slack (12) 19-18 D2 RQ FCA will return 8 full-time starters. I asked Coach to discuss his group of returning wrestlers. Coach stated, "We have a really good group of kids returning. We have a lot of blue collar, chippy, scrappy guys. They work very hard at the sport. These kids really support each other and want to be around each other. We are going to have a lot of fun this year with this group of wrestlers." Note: Eric Alderfer earned the first State medal in the history of Faith Christian Academy wrestling last season. Newcomers: Cody Wagner (9) Joey O'Rourke (10) Caleb Sine (10) David Chao (12) Coach and I talked about the successes of last season both individually and team wise for the Lion wrestlers. Coach replied, "We are extremely proud as Coaches. Some of those goals were set before the start of last season such as having the first State medalist in FCA wrestling history. I was very proud of the focus that Eric showed to be able to accomplish that goal. He was so diligent with everything and we are excited to see how he will lead the team this season. We are excited for the upcoming season. We are definitely trending in the right direction and are proud of this whole group of wrestlers." Coach and I chatted about the season goals for the 2020/2021 season. Coach stated, "I think this will be the one year where we might be giving up some points to start the match. We are going to have to dig deep, stay diligent, and stay healthy in order to make it to Team States again. Interesting point on our schedule this year. We were asked to wrestling Wyoming Seminary. I was not going to say no." We ended the conversation discussing the effects of Covid 19 on the FCA program. Coach responded, "I think this pandemic has caused everyone to be a little spooked and definitely more cautious. We have to learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable, just like a wrestling match. We don't know what is around the corner yet. We have to practice staying level headed during this time. We are training and we are taking a group of wrestlers to Super 32s. We will be ready if and when the season starts." Coach stated that the Faith Christian Academy wrestling program runs on a simple philosophy which can be found in the meaning of Proverbs 13:11. Coach stated, "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but those who gather little by little will profit." Best of luck to the Faith Christian Academy Lions!!!!!!

On this day, October 31, we honor and remember Andrew Flath by sporting his favorite type of shirt: plaid/flannel. Coach Dan & Lori have been a special part of our wrestling family, which means when they mourn, we mourn. When they celebrate, we do too. Andrew’s 21 years of life continue to impact our guys, and these flannels are a small symbol of preserving his memory over the last two years. Love and miss you buddy. Dan Jordan

Stop in this Saturday to longtime Lion's Den Wrestling / FCA Wrestling supporters The Milk House Market for some family fun!