Naval Academy camps give wrestlers and fathers/sons unique training

Updated: February 13, 2019

By Tristan Warner

For over 60 years, the United States Naval Academy Wrestling Camps have been offering young wrestlers nationwide the opportunity to enhance wrestling skills while mastering a championship lifestyle.

With nine separate camps spanning roughly a month from mid-June to early July, youth through high school-aged grapplers can select to attend a Father Son Camp, Technique Camp, SEAL Ultra Camp, SEAL Elite Camp or SEAL Screener Camp.

Though each camp targets a different population, the world-class facilities, renowned clinicians and unparalleled core values remain the same.

“These camps feature a progressive curriculum that ensures every camper leaves with an understanding of fundamentals to advanced skills,” Navy head coach Joel Sharratt said. “The quality staff and counselors always give our campers exposure and educational opportunities in every aspect of living a championship lifestyle. We work on the mental, moral and physical aspects of development for long-term success and maximum gains in attaining individual goals.”

Each of the Naval Academy’s uniquely designed camps now take place in the climate controlled space of Wesley Brown Field House, a 140,000-square-foot multi-function athletic facility. The state-of-the-art indoor complex houses a track, indoor football practice field with a Magic Carpet Astroturf system as well as a 5,800-square-foot weight training facility, eight locker rooms and seven sets of bleachers.

Commencing and closing the 2019 summer camp slate, the Naval Academy’s Father Son Camp I runs from June 15-16 while the second edition occurs July 5-6. This co-ed overnight camp targets the younger elementary-level wrestler.

“We start this year with our Father Son Camp that gives a parent and his or her younger child or children the opportunity to learn more about the sport and have a wonderful point of connection by spending a couple days together at the Naval Academy,” Sharratt explained.

The Technique Camp is held twice consecutively, from June 24-28 and again from June 30-July 4. The technique camps expose student-athletes to high-level instruction with less intensity.

“The Technique Camps develop baseline skills to advanced techniques and feature Olympic medalists, World Champions, NCAA champions, All-Americans and many active college wrestlers in every session,” Sharratt continued.

The Naval Academy also offers three distinct SEAL wrestling camps, as the two-week SEAL Ultra Camp takes place from June 17-30, while the shorter SEAL Elite Camp I and II occur June 17-23 and again June 24-30. The one-time SEAL Screener CAMP will be held July 1-4.

“Our SEAL Intensive camps are the flagship of our camp system and offer those dedicated and committed individuals exposure to training and development at the highest level. These camps feature our world-class clinicians and exposure to active-duty SEALS who come in and share training and experiences. The ELITE and ULTRA camps also feature sessions in character development and sports psychology.”

While a plethora of wrestling camps and camp systems operate each summer across the country, attending a Navy wrestling camp is an experience like none other. The first-rate facilities of the culturally rich Naval Academy, advanced instruction and contagious mentality of discipline sets it apart.

Speaking to the facilities, Sharratt takes great pride in the learning-conducive atmosphere Navy’s wrestling camps provide.

“Our world-class air-conditioned facilities allow our sessions to be run with comfort while students can remain focused and attentive during each of the three sessions per day.”

In terms of high-level technique and an attitude for success, Sharratt sees that both integral components collide at the Naval Academy.

“The minute you step on campus you can feel the quality and professional atmosphere we operate with. The sessions start on time and progress through the technique syllabus in a sequential fashion. The dedication and commitment of every staff member ensures a quality experience that supports incredible growth in development on and off the mat.”

For prospective student-athletes considering an opportunity to enroll at Navy, the camps provide exclusive access to the leaders of the program.

Living and training alongside the current Midshipmen provides a glimpse of what daily life is like for the nationally-ranked Midshipmen wrestlers.

“Those who choose to pursue the Naval Academy will do so with a strong understanding of the standards this program demands from its student-athletes. Living in Bancroft Hall, working out on the same mats our Midshipmen train on and dining in King Hall is one of the most insightful experiences you can have as an aspiring student-athlete.”

(To register for any 2019 Naval Academy wrestling camp, visit http://register.navywrestlingcamps.com/.)