Jason Guyton has began a wrestling academy to encourage the resurgence of the sport in Alabama. Guyton is offering the lessons free to all North Alabama residents throughout the week in the Huntsville area.

Guyton will be at Sparkman High School in Huntsville Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Lee High School in Huntsville Tuesdays and Thursday. The sessions begin at 6 p.m. and go to 8 p.m. The academy is open to 3rd to 12th grade students of all skill levels. “Anyone from 3rd to 12th can learn, whether they have wrestled before or not,” Guyton said.

Following a decline in wrestling and wrestling publicity, Guyton said he was inspired to start the academy. Despite having the state championships in Huntsville, Guyton said many are unaware of the wrestling community in Alabama. After hearing a student from north Alabama say they knew they could beat an opponent but did not know what to do, he decided to start the program. “I want our kids to have the same opportunity,” Guyton said.

Enquirer photo/Lauren Jackson

Guyton has been involved with wrestling for 30 years, and brings experience as a former NCAA Division 1 National Championship Qualifier and is a Missouri State Champion. Currently the classes are in the beginning stages, and Guyton said there are approximately 3-8 people that come to each class. Guyton said he got into coaching by accident, following in the footsteps of many of his family members. In addition to offering the academy for free, he has a vision of creating a wrestling facility that is free and open to the public. “I don’t want anyone’s wrestling career to be hindered by finances,” Guyton said.

For the classes, students need to come with shorts, socks, t-shirts and wrestling shoes or tennis shoes. Once it is colder, Guyton recommended having a sweatshirt, sweatpants and a beanie. Guyton said he expects the program to run year round, and says he hopes the program will allow students the opportunity for scholarships in the future. “We are not training for wins, we are training to be good wrestlers,” he said.

In addition to the program, Guyton offers individual training and camps on certain Saturdays. For more information on the program, contact guytonwrestling@gmail.com.