The "Bone Collector" comes to TopCat

Eduard Aliakseyenka aka "The Bone Collector" was the guest clinician on Monday 11/5. Coach Aliakseyenka was a three time Division III finalist and won a national title while attending Monclair State University. He was trained in the former Soviet Union and was a member of the Belarus National Team. While competing for Team Belarus he placed 6th at the World Championships in freestyle wrestling. On Monday, Coach Aliakseyenka showed some slick technique out of the russian tie up. We learned several finishes along with other moves. Everyone enjoyed his teaching and we thank him for spending time with us.

Thanks to my past assistant coaches and wrestlers.

And thanks also to my past parents of wrestlers, fans and friends who supported me and sent congratulations upon my induction into the Camden County Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday evening, October 25. Thank you also to those who attended the banquet on my behalf. The South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame Executive Committee was well represented as was the Executive Committee of the South Jersey Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. I was truly honored to represent the sport of wrestling. It was a wonderful evening spent with family and friends.

Great first night at TopCat

Almost 50 guys showed up tonight to the first workout at TopCats Get Ready to Rumble Fall Session. It's great to have Coach Adam Derengowski back this session and as always he did a great job tonight. Other coaches were Gary Papa, Nick Papa, Ed Giosa and Anthony Trongone. It was a fun night. You can expect high energy at every workout this preseason. I can already tell this group is ready to go hard! As expected, this session fills up fast so if you know someone who should be here, they better show up soon. Remember to look good and feel good! Coach Papa

What I've been up to

We did not have a summer camp this year because I was working on a special "bucket list" project. I started training in late March for an attempt to summit Mt. Rainier in Washington state in mid July. Mt. Rainier is one of the highest mountains in the continental United States. This training took up much of my time and was very intense. I am proud to announce that I was successful. I started my climb on July 12 and reached the summit at 14,410 feet above sea level on July 14 just after sunrise. We then descended on the same day. I was accompanied by my friend and ex wrestler, Dennis Angeline (PVI 1980)who organized the trip,his friend Barrett Johnston, and my brother-in-law Nick Mazziotto. The experience was a once in a lifetime (maybe). In any event, it's back to wrestling and TopCat Fall - at least until the next big adventure. Coach Papa

Winter/Fall session is almost full!

We have two groups this session. The second group, 6th grade through 12th grade, is very large. We will probably close registration after this week. Thanks to all the guys that have signed up and are attending. As usual they are working very hard, but more importantly, they are learning valuable technique. Stay tuned to this site for the schedule of guest clinicians.

This group works really hard!

We just finished our third week and I have to say these guys are truly inspiring! What a hard working group. I am also impressed with the way these guys pay attention and learn. This TopCat class will surprise their opponents this season. Thanks for choosing TopCat and thanks for being such "Animals!" p.s. Coach Brian Farnham will be in next Thursday.

Get Ready To Rumble 2011

Are you going to be ready for a " breakout" season in wrestling this year? If your answer is yes, then let's make it happen! My committment to TopCat wrestlers is second to none! I truly want you to succede and I will work tiresly toward that goal! At TopCat wrestling we go THREE nights a week not two like most clubs. We are the foremost club using the latest techniques in mental preparation. We are years ahead of other clubs in that regard and we are the ONLY club to have a clinical Sports Psychologist on our staff. Our Get Ready To Rumble Fall session starts September 8, and ends on November 21. This session will feature extremely hard work in drilling,conditioning,technique,mental preparation,and live wrestling. I hope to see you at our fall session, As always, "Look good and feel good" Coach Papa