For students who lack the time or skill necessary to participate in Division I athletics, there are always club sports, which provide a similarly competitive environment. Wrestling club is just one of the avenues students can take when seeking new opportunities or simply looking to be reunited with sports.
"I came here wrestling, freshman year on the Division I program," said Aneal J. Ram, a junior communication major and current president of the wrestling club. "Wrestling is a lifestyle, and the lifestyle I chose was to be myself and explore college, which had more to offer besides wrestling."
Since the start of the club, the membership has increased due to constant recruitment of members from different backgrounds.
"We have more than tripled our club," Ram said. "We've had, on average, between 14 to 18 people calling twice a week who are interested."
According to Ram, the atmosphere he wishes to establish for those involved in the wrestling club is a pleasant and disciplined environment that participants can leave feeling physically and mentally sharp.
"It's a happy environment, but we work hard," Ram said. "You leave with a sense of accomplishment."
Club members come from all walks of life, including retirees of Division I wrestling to those who have never wrestled before, ranging in class from freshman to graduate students, according Ram.
"Wrestling is becoming more popular in the media," he said. "I want to take the stigma of wrestling and fight that stereotype."
Most of all, wrestling is probably known for its taxation on the body, forcing some wrestlers to drop massive amounts of water weight before competition. Although physical exertion is part of the lifestyle of wrestling, the sport also provides for increased mental quickness, according to Ram.
"Wrestling is one of the most notorious sports for body drama," Ram said.
Those who participate in mixed martial arts (MMA) can benefit from adapting the wrestling lifestyle into their daily routine, Ram explained. The skills and restraint wrestling requires are the same techniques that Ram uses in his own life, off the mats. Ram prefers a cleaner wrestling style without any outside influences, although the club is always open to new ideas.
"Some of the kids who are now in the club bring their friends from other clubs that know other forms of martial arts," Ram said. "I try and transfer these abilities into everyday life. The first thing I explain to the new kids is balance and positioning; it's all about defense."
In addition to the disciplines of self-control that Ram likes to convey to club members, a balance between wrestling and academics is important.
"First comes school, then comes wrestling club," Ram said.
Wrestling club has gone on to compete in local competitions under Matt Beers, the club's former president. They competed in a dual meet tournament at Niagara County Community College under Beers. The wrestling club is awaiting their next competition in the fall.
"We're looking to get a bunch of tournaments in next semester," Ram said.
Ram stressed that although members aren't expected to practice with the intensity of Division I wrestlers, there are practices two times per week to keep members in their best shape.
"My grandma [swims] 20 laps, so I expect at least 10 out of these guys," Ram said. "It's sort of like a game of chess - you need to be mentally tough and aware, as well as have some concept of your abilities."
Wrestling club practices are held in Alumni Arena on the Division I mats every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ram is also looking to schedule one more practice day on Fridays.
"What happens on the mats stays on the mats. It's nothing personal - just all wrestling," Ram said. "You can come in and be accepted in a day. Everyone is respectful, no pressure."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
