Jake Kettler, of Minot, explains a drill and expresses the importance of technique to the wrestling students. (Ashley Berg/PCT)

Wrestling camp was held this past Wednesday-Friday in Rugby. Craig Zachmeier, camp coordinator, runs the camp each year to benefit the kids in Rugby. Wrestlers come from Belcourt, Devils Lake, Rolla, Rugby and Williston.

Fifty kids participated in this year’s camp, taught by Jake Kettler, an 11-year wrestler who lives in Minot. Kettler is a friend of Zachmeier’s and gladly accepted an invitation to help out. “This is work, technically, but I could do this all day. I love it,” Kettler said.

Kettler’s teaching methods stem from two main areas mental and physical. “I teach them the philosophical part of wrestling, how to have the right attitude towards wrestling and the toughness that comes with it,” Kettler said. “It can be hard at times, and I want to show them how that can turn into fun.”

The physical part of Kettler’s teaching starts with basic wrestling skills, becoming more advanced if he sees kids who are catching on quickly or have a higher skill level.

Wyatt Schmaltz, one of the students at the camp, said he likes being able to work on moves with other people and getting to know more wrestlers. “I like wrestling because it’s competitive. It’s not a team sport; it’s mostly on your own, so it requires more skill,” Schmaltz said.

The camp focused on group demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, with wrestlers practicing with partners to learn moves. “My favorite part about doing this is getting to know the kids,” Kettler said. “Seeing their progress and knowing that you’ve impacted someone in a positive way is the best part.”

Wrestling camp is free to Rugby kids, as the Rugby Eagles donate money for that to be possible.