AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wrestling alum Eric Voelker (1986-89), a three-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion at 190 pounds, spent Wednesday afternoon as a clinician at the 24-day Cael Sanderson World Class Intensive Training Camp held at Lied Recreation Center in Ames.
Voelker, a middle school wrestling coach and teacher at Dallas Center-Grimes in Iowa, was sharing his knowledge at an ISU camp for the first time as an alum.
“The experience is good, working at this camp, “Voelker said while hosting a session of live wrestling. “Showing these kids what I knew then still matters now. ”
Participants are in grades 9-12 and have traveled from all over the country and Europe to attend this elite camp. These wrestlers are taught technique, strength and conditioning, mental preparation, match strategy, nutrition, work ethic and how to have fun.
Out of 77 wrestlers attending the camp, only five are from the state of Iowa. “It’s beneficial to have more out-of-state guys here because they are at the top of the ladder in their state and you get a feel for how people wrestle outside of Iowa, “Spencer Neal of Cherokee, Iowa, said. “If not as many Iowans attend, it gives you an edge because you’ll be one up on them. ”
Freshman Derrick Singleton of Montana said his interaction with the coaches and wrestling counselors has taught him to be mentally tough. “The ISU wrestlers have talked about how they train during the season. Learning to be mentally tough is probably the biggest thing I have learned here, “Singleton said.
There are two wrestlers from Germany and one from England. “I came to the camp because I knew Iowa State is one of the best in the nation. “Johnathan Scott of England said. “Wrestling in Europe is nothing compared to wrestling in the States. My experience has been good because I’ve learned a lot of the little techniques, the small things that no one would really notice or teaches. The style of teaching is great. ”
The camp includes instruction by Cyclone alumni, Iowa State’s current coaching staff and members of the ISU wrestling team.
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