BERKELEY MAT RAT WRESTLING TEAM operates in coordination with the Berkeley Recreation Dept. and under the direction of Head Coach, Joe Birmingham, a past 3-time NJ State Qualifier who placed 2 nd in the Southeast Conference Collegiate Wrestling & 5 th in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association.

BERKELEY MAT RATS offers scholastic wrestling instruction for children grades 1 through 9. Focus is not only placed on the importance of physical fitness but also on academic achievements (A Team) which are recognized during our annual end of season banquet. We host an annual tournament. The Berkeley Bash, which is open to all wrestlers, is held duing the month of December

WHAT DOES IT COST? $35 per child plus a $40 participation fee. For information about joining the club contact us.

WHEN IS THE SEASON? The season normally runs from about mid-November through March. Practices are usually held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Central Regional High School.

WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED? The club will loan each wrestler a singlet to be worn to tournaments. The club also normally provides each wrestler with tournament warm-up pants and jacket. Wrestlers will need to purchase protective head gear and may choose to purchase a pair of wrestling shoes.

WHAT IS THE COMPETITION LIKE? During practice, new wrestlers will be separated from experienced wrestlers. Depending on the number of wrestlers participating, they will also be paired with someone around their own age and weight to the extent possible. Tournaments are held by various wrestling clubs throughout the state nearly every weekend during the season. There are many held near by. There is usually a nominal fee to participate in these tournaments. During the tournaments, wrestlers compete against other children their own, age, weight and experience level. The divisions are as follows: Tot 5 & 6 year olds Bantam 7 & 8 year olds Midget 9 & 10 year olds Junior 11 & 12 year olds Intermediate 13 & 14 year olds These divisions are further divided by weight and there is usually a novice level at each of the younger divisions.