Learn more of our story, meet our coaches, and hear the philosophy behind what we do.
In 2001 five former wrestlers who were in a morning bible study together, decided to start a youth wrestling club as an outreach ministry for Real Life Ministries. This was initiated by Real Life Ministries head pastor Jim Putman. Putman a college All American and multi Idaho state champion headed up the ministry portion of the Team Real Life Wrestling Club. The coaching duties were divided up amongst Lonnie Lovett, Mike Smith, Rick Durbin, and Rod Clugston. All of whom were High School State Champions or College All Americans. Dana Fultz joined the group to tend to the administration duties. Fultz brought his experience as the founder of the Lakeland Wrestling Club.
In 2008 Abel DeLaRosa joined the program and took Team Real Life to the next level. DeLaRosa, a High School State Champion, brought his experience as the founder of the Central Valley Wrestling Club. DeLaRosa took over the technique and training of Team Real Life and remains the Head Coach of the program.
20 years later the ministry is running strong. Through the two league programs and the club program, Team Real Life Wrestling Club will work with over 100 wrestlers each year. They have produced dozens of Youth, High School and National Champions.
"My coaching philosophy is to provide a very fun and safe environment for the wrestlers, which makes them want to come and be part of this program. A program that has God at the center, with prayer and Bible curriculum. A program that focuses on the skills needed to be successful by drilling 70% of the time, live wrestling 30% of the time."
-Abel DeLaRosa, Head Coach