Giving Back

It is with pleasure that this article is written. Wrestling has done so much for my growth that it is imperative that I return the favor.

When I started wrestling 2 decades ago as a freshman, nothing appeared to deter my desire for learning the sport more. I wanted to read everything out there regarding wrestling training, techniques, literature, etc. There were several magazines then and the world wide web was being conceived. I traveled to as many camps and tournaments as my mothers funding could provide. We didn’t have a lot of money but this did not deter my desire. I knew there be a way…I made a way with the help of others.

Growing up in Evanston, Illinois certainly helped my wrestling career. We had a Hall of Fame Coach, Elias George, who was a champion in every regard. Coach George was willing to assist any student who needed help and desired to work hard. He was also a several time AAU National Champ, 2 x NCAA All-America, & State Champ. We had Northwestern University Wrestling who offered several free clinics every Thursday. Olympian Jim Scheer was usually there giving instruction. Imagine being a 14 year old learning from one of the world’s greatest wrestlers…Jim was a Olympian, World Silver Medallist, & NCAA Champ. We also had the Northwestern University Wrestling Team to practice with during the off-season. It was impressive for me just to shake a Big Ten wrestler’s hands let alone work with them. I believe interactions from these folks played a big part of what I am and who I am to day. That being written, here comes the good part.

We will have open room for high school students who obtain a USA Wrestling Card and or who can not afford to pay our service fee. We will make a way with the help of others. We have room for 30 high school athletes and we begin practice Monday March 22, 2004 in the Family Focus Wrestling Room located at 2010 Dewey, Evanston, Illinois 60201. Practice will be M, W, F from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. My goal is to give everyone the wrestling opportunities that I had as a youth. If in some way this inspires a kid like me growing up with dreams and ambitions of doing something productive with their life, services will be rendered and my heart will be filled with joy.

Email nappyshann@msn.com or call 773-784-0615 or check out our website at www.leaguelineup.com/teamgillespie if you have any questions.

Shannyn J. Gillespie
Executive Director
Black Kats Wrestling Club