Find the right practice group, check your wrestler’s schedule, and get directions to the wrestling rooms. The club’s 2026–27 winter season begins Monday, November 2, 2026. All times are Central Time.
New this season: Winter practices are split between Washburn Rural High School (WRHS) and Washburn Rural Middle School (WRMS). From March through October, all club practices are at WRHS.
Check the live calendar · Club updates / Discord · Ask a coach
Which Practice Level Is Right for My Wrestler?
These are general guidelines based on age, experience, skills, and readiness—not rigid placement rules. Contact the coaching staff if you are unsure.
Little Hammers
Primarily first-year Pre-K wrestlers, generally ages 3–5. Some kindergarteners also fit here. Wrestlers must be fully potty trained. Introduces wrestling through movement, tumbling, games, and basic positions; competition is not recommended.
Novice
Generally first- and second-year wrestlers in kindergarten through 3rd grade. A structured, beginner-friendly practice focused on basic wrestling skills, coordination, tumbling, and building enthusiasm for the sport.
Open
Generally wrestlers in their third year or beyond, or wrestlers in 4th grade and above. Faster-paced development of wrestling fundamentals and competition readiness. Middle-school wrestlers participate in Open or Elite.
Elite
Typically 3rd grade and above, with at least two years of wrestling experience and the skills and readiness for an advanced room. Kindergarten–2nd grade wrestlers require approval from multiple coaches before joining Elite. Practices emphasize advanced skills, conditioning, and a higher level of commitment.
Not sure where your wrestler belongs? These descriptions are placement guidelines. Coaches can help choose the right group.
Practice Schedule & Locations
Winter regular-season practices begin Monday, November 2, 2026. For the first time this season, groups are split between Washburn Rural High School (WRHS) and Washburn Rural Middle School (WRMS).
| Group | Days / Times (Central) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Little Hammers | Wednesday, 5:30–6:15 p.m. | WRHS |
| Novice | Monday & Wednesday, 6:15–7:15 p.m. | WRHS |
| Open | Tuesday & Thursday, 6:15–7:15 p.m. | WRHS |
| Elite | Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00–7:30 p.m. | WRMS |
| Open / Elite combined | Wednesday, 6:00–7:30 p.m. | WRMS |
Where to Go
WRHS Wrestling Room: 5900 SW 61st Street, Topeka, KS 66619 — Little Hammers, Novice, and Tuesday/Thursday Open practices in November–February.
WRMS Wrestling Room: 5620 SW 61st Street, Topeka, KS 66619 — Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday Elite, plus Wednesday combined Open/Elite practices in November–February.
March–October: All club practices will be at Washburn Rural High School.
Need help finding the wrestling rooms? Scroll to the “Find Our Wrestling Rooms” section near the bottom of this page for high school and middle school entrance maps and photos.
Regular-season end dates: Little Hammers and Novice finish Wednesday, February 3, 2027. Other groups and postseason practices continue according to the club calendar and announcements.
Check for updates: Winter facility blackout dates and other postseason adjustments may affect some practices. Always check the club calendar and Discord for cancellations or location changes.
Practice Calendar · Weekly Updates / Discord
Year-Round Sessions
Winter (Regular Season): November–March
Spring (Freestyle/Greco): April–May
Summer (Champion Season): June–July
Fall (Pre-Season): August–October
Find Our Wrestling Rooms
High School Map & Entrance
Middle School Map & Entrance
2026–2027 Winter Registration Fees
$175: Novice / Open / Elite
$125: Little Hammers (final regular-season practice: February 3, 2027)
$125: 7th/8th-grade Middle School wrestlers
Sibling Discounts
$50 discount for 2 wrestlers; $150 for 3; $325 for 4. Siblings must live in the same household. Little Hammers and middle-school registrations do not qualify for the sibling discount.
USA Wrestling Membership
WR – Topeka Blue Thunder Wrestling Club is chartered by USA Wrestling / USA Wrestling Kansas in District 3. All wrestlers and coaches must hold active USA Wrestling memberships before stepping on the mat. A short-term liability waiver is available in the document library for those trying out.
First Practice Checklist
All wrestlers and coaches must have the required USA Wrestling membership before taking the mat. A short-term liability waiver for trying out is noted in the club’s document library. For equipment questions and group placement, contact the coaching staff.
New Parent Meeting & Open House
October 27, 2026, 6–7 p.m. at Washburn Rural High School, Gym A (small gym).
Parent meeting information: To be added after the meeting.