Testimonials
practice what you preach
“We have been with the program for about 9 months and can not say enough wonderful things about this program or Coach Murphy. We looked at every club in town and chose Wrestling with Character because we liked that they take the time to coach the kids at an appropriate level and pace, unlike other clubs that throw young untrained kids onto the mat risking injuring themselves or others.
We have been more than pleased with the program’s introduction of skills, agility, and wrestling moves. Even more important is how Coach Murphy and his staff train the kids to be good sportsmen. While other clubs focus on “the win”, Wrestling with Character focusses on the wrestler behind the win. We have been to a couple of meets and have seen other coaches yelling at little kids, coaching in an aggressive manner, and all-around acting like terrible role models. This has only solidified why we love Wrestling with Character. Coach Murphy successfully coaches his kids to a win by positive encouragement, going over what they have learned and what they should be doing in a kind and approachable way.
All in all, as a family with collegiate, semi-pro, and pro athletes in our family, as well as multiple coaches; we understand exactly what is needed to make a child a successful athlete both physically and emotionally and have not seen any other wrestling club in the area that answers to these needs like Wrestling with Character and Coach Murphy.”
“Once in a great moon, people touch your heart and ignite your senses. College sweethearts? Perhaps. Your first teacher that showed you that your writing was horrific - so she spent ACTUAL time fleshing out your thesis to make it better, truly showing she cared? Getting closer. But these guys. These guys at Wrestling With Character. Oh my goodness...these guys. They subscribe to the belief that FUN is required, respect is super cool, and defeat is palatable - it makes you want to defeat and be defeated - only to be better!!!
Our son shakes his shoes out from extraneous dirt and grime before every practice, explodes in a fit of tears if he can’t find the correct color shirt, and sits in the car waiting for us to start it prior to departing. But I know, I know...it’s not just cuz he loves wrestling. Isaiah loves who he is wrestling with and on what mat. The Wrestling With Character Mat.
Thank you Coach and Coaches.”
“This program is hands down the best!! Coach Murphy and the other coaches that put their time into these kids are 110% committed to each and every one of them! The best part is that not only are they teaching them skills and techniques, but they are also instilling character, integrity, compassion and so much more into every wrestler in the program. 5 stars aren’t enough...they exceed all expectations!!!”
“We are just starting this program with my son. He is a beginner at wrestling and so excited to wrestle. Coach Murphy has reached out to us several times prior to starting to answer any questions and I feel confident he will do well with this program. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the wrestling club and am happy to be part of it now!”
“I have had my boys in this wrestling club for a couple of years now and I have been very pleased with Coach Murphy and the philosophy of the club. He and the other coaches have helped to guide my boys as they start one of the greatest sports out there. I am also a coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport of wrestling and completely trust Coach Murphy with the development, physically, athletically, and emotionally of my boys. This is a great club to send your young wrestlers to. I highly recommend it and have done so many times with other people I talk to about wrestling! Coach Murphy works so hard to ensure every wrestler is successful and is so detailed with practices and the system that he uses, it ensures that all his wrestlers have the best opportunity to learn to love the sport of wrestling.”
“It has been an absolute joy working with these great kids! I love seeing their excitement and eagerness to learn week in and week out. It is truly rewarding to see these kids develop not just in the sport of wrestling but to see them grow in a character sense. And when the kids have those ‘eureka’ moments, when some bit of advice clicks for them, that is just the best! I think it’s great that the primary focus of the program is not about winning, but more on teaching technique and fostering a real love for the sport. I love that Coach Murphy has found a way to disguise teaching kids wrestling, about character, and sportsmanship in such a way that the kids only know that they’re having fun.”
“My son started this program about a year ago. The coaches and volunteers are great with the kids. They have a great balance of fun while also teaching the kids important character traits such as Discipline, Perseverance, Integrity, etc... It is definitely time well spent and my son has matured and grown a lot! I like how they focus on skills before the kids start competing, unlike other youth sports.”
“Our son has been in through this program and I can’t say enough how great of a program it is. He was a beginner wrestler and has learned so much. Coach Murphy and all of the other coaches are so great and work so well with all of the kids.”
“The program not only teaches the kids about wrestling rules and strategies but about life values and characteristics that make a good wrestler, teammate, competitor, and friend.”
“We moved to this program from another excellent program due to scheduling and the fact that it is closer to home. We were hesitant because we were already part of a great club. This club is great and we are very pleased that we moved. My two sons are happy with the move. They are even more interested in wrestling now. The coaching is excellent. I am particularly impressed with the way that they handle young wrestlers who are not paying attention or being disruptive: calm and matter-of-fact, calling them out on exactly what they are doing wrong and having them sit out for a few minutes. Not in an embarrassing way, though.”
“This a spectacular program for any level of a wrestler from the very beginning of the passion first program to the competitive team. Our son has grown in more ways than just becoming a good wrestler he has learned important core values in being a great person. I would highly recommended anyone who is looking to get their child into a sport to look at coach Murphy’s program and give it a try because they will love it.”
“My son was struggling with team sports. Everything was always somebody else’s fault. We decided to pursue a 1 on 1 sport. Something he could gauge what he put in, is what he got out. He has been enrolled just over a month and he will not stop talking about it.
Coach Murphy does a wonderful job. The kids are learning so much, not just athletics. I have seen a different attitude in my son since joining.”
“This staff is led by a person who cares deeply about the success of every member of this wrestling community. The amount of communication, time commitment to each wrestler, and individualized support are unparalleled to any other sporting program that we have been a part of. If my child wants to continue his pursuit of wrestling we will also be a Wildcat Wrestling family.”
“I can’t say enough great things about Coach Murphy and this program! My son joined when he was just 4 years old. He is now 7 and has graduated to being in the Wildcat Wrestling Club. I have watched him grow and learn to control his feelings and treat other kids and people with respect and learn how to be a good sport and support the other kids in the program. Thanks to Coach Murphy and all the other coaches for all that you do for these kids!”
“My son has been with this wrestling program since it started. The coaches dedicate a lot of time and have great individualized attention to the kids. The focus of this group is not only the development of the kids both mentally and physically with wrestling and overall athleticism and coordination, but an overall understanding of being a good person, and building within yourself to be a better person to and for those around you as well as for the kids themselves.
I would highly recommend this program for any parents looking to have their kids develop and grow, and be part of something that the parents and kids can both be very proud of.
Coach Murphy is very good at recognizing the kids throughout the year. Whether it be for a tournament performance, efforts in practice, a birthday or moving up in their own development path, Coach is always providing the notice that keeps the kids involved and loving the program.”
“Very good for the children in this program. Teaches very good skills for life far beyond their youth, as well as the physical fitness they get.”
“We have 2 boys who have wrestled for this program since the beginning & have truly enjoyed it. Coach Murphy is a great role model, his heart is in the right place, and you can tell he truly cares for his wrestlers. There is so much more to wrestling than the sport itself/technique....it is character building, humility, accountability, courage, physical & mental toughness, sportsmanship, respect, perseverance and so much more. We are thankful for this club and its positive influence in our boy’s lives.”
“Wrestling with Character is one of a kind program that should be the standard for all youth programs regardless of sport or activity. Coach Murphy’s philosophy on character and attitude is a foundation that carries over to all aspects of our young wrestler’s life. The time, energy and passion Coach puts into the program is contagious. He truly cares about the athletes and parents on his team and his desire to see them succeed is evident. We are proud to tell others we are a part of this program and could not recommend it more.
In a world with daily stories regarding poor sportsmanship, selfish teammates and corrupt coaches or programs, it’s comforting to know our son has a positive coach role model in his life helping guide him and demonstrating what commitment to himself and his team truly means.”
“There are a lot of youth wrestling clubs around, and even more youth sports available for kids to participate in, but none of them offer more than Coach Murphy and Wrestling With Character! My sons haven’t received so much individual coaching and technique development in any other activity! And, as a parent, I absolutely love Coach Murphy’s passion for his mission, which is much bigger than winning tournaments or even developing champion wrestlers, it’s about creating great young men and women, and helping them develop outstanding character. Wrestling With Character is definitely worth looking into if you are looking for a great way to help your child develop skills and character at the same time.
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“Coach Murphy truly is passionate as the name states about educating the children not only in wrestling skills but also the attributes you hope your children exemplify such as integrity, respect, and perseverance. We have been extremely impressed with this organization!”
“Wrestling With Character and their Passion First program has been a blessing for our boys. The coaches show enthusiasm, knowledge, and a passion for wrestling. My boys are so excited to go each week, and we enjoy watching them learn and progress. Super happy to have found this club!!”
“This program lives up to its name, the coaches teach much more than wrestling skills. My son is learning true sportsmanship through a thoughtfully designed program. We are proud to be a part of this team, the best in the Omaha area.”
“Skilled coaches great environment. My kids loved it.”
“Wrestling With Character and Coach Murphy provide a great service that focuses on athlete development over just wins/losses, exactly what youth sports needs!”
“I am a huge fan of Wrestling With Character! I have two sons who have completed the Passion First program and participated in Wrestling With Character. The coaches are excellent and care a lot about the kids. Coach Murphy is an extraordinary coach. He has spent more time and effort than any other coach my boys have had in any other sport. He is teaching them to be good wrestlers and also to be good people and have good character. I am very grateful my boys get to be a part of this outstanding organization!”
“Great program for learning the fundamentals of wrestling and building positive character traits for young athletes. The coaching staff truly cares about the athletes, not just wins and losses, but developing respect, integrity and discipline.”