Waltham Wrestling Club gives local youth a chance to excel

For 11-year-old Evelyn Mancilikli, wrestling started out as just another activity in a busy schedule filled with after-school recreation.

Now with the help of the Waltham Wrestling Club, Evelyn has developed her passion. The Watertown resident and Our Lady’s Academy student is pretty good at the sport — Evelyn went 3-0 in the Youth New England Wrestling Championships U12 girls 160 lb. division last month to capture the crown in her weight class.

“Evelyn has found a love for the sport,” said her mother, Heather. “It has become more than just a recreational thing for her. She is interested in continuing her training in the postseason, learning more about the different styles, and practicing areas in which she can improve. Strength and conditioning, live wrestling, additional technique and drilling so that there is additional improvement in each season she participates.”

Evelyn originally picked up wrestling two years ago to benefit her Brazilian jiu-jitsu skill set. She had been doing jiu-jitsu for about five years before picking up wrestling. It did not take long for the sessions at the Waltham Wrestling Club, located on Moody Street, to become her favorite activity. She also plays softball, lacrosse, and some basketball. Now, those sports are on the back-burner.

“I have found that I like wrestling more,” Evelyn said. “Once I go to high school, I’ll cut down on other sports. Most likely, I will focus on wrestling.”

The Waltham Wrestling Club offers twice-a-week practice sessions split into different age groups during the winter wrestling season. Grades kindergarten through third take to the mat on Monday and Tuesday while additional Tuesday and Thursday time slots are offered to fourth- through sixth-graders and seventh- through eighth-graders. The club offers younger students an excellent chance to get introduced to a sport that many don’t pick up until they get to high school. Even for those who do not plan on sticking with wrestling in high school, taking up the activity is an excellent way to advance skills that can translate to other sports.

In the case of Evelyn, joining the program can also lead to a regionwide and statewide reputation. The Youth New England championships featured kids from a plethora of states. Evelyn knocked off the defending Massachusetts state champion and runner-up in addition to defeating a New Hampshire wrestler.

Evelyn will look to continue her success as she moves up to the U15 bracket.