Grandview Youth Wrestling Club
A fun, positive environment that builds life and wrestling skills
The GYWC provides learning opportunities to novice wrestlers through practices and competitions beginning in November and running through early February. We also provide additional training and learning opportunities year-round through camps, clinics, and financial support to Grandview wrestlers who participate in more competitive clubs.
2025-26 Season Key Dates and Details
* Registration opens on October 1st
* Practices begins November 11th and continue Tuesday and Thursday evenings through mid February
* Competition season starts on January 4th, 2026
* Practices at 1065 Ridge St, Columbus, Ohio 43212
* Open to K-6th grade boys and girls of all skill levels
* $125 per wrestler ($25 discount for each additional family member) - use promo codes SIB1, SIB2 during registration.
The Importance of youth wrestling
To wrestle is a natural act. From an early age, children grow up rolling around with their friends and siblings instinctively developing strength, balance and body control. As much as dolls and Legos, wrestling is an integral part of unstructured child play.Anyone can wrestle - boys and girls, of all shapes and sizes and ability levels. Wrestlers missing legs or sight have become champions. Successful wrestlers combine knowledge of technique, physical stamina, mental resilience and a love of the sport. Youth wrestling programs develop these skills in a fun, safe, structured and progressively competitive environment.
Meet Our Coaches and Board Members
Our club is led by a highly experienced and deeply committed group of coaches and board members. Collectively they bring decades of competitive wrestling, coaching, and community involvement at the youth, high-school, and collegiate levels. This blend of technical expertise, mentorship, and organizational leadership creates a supportive environment where every Bobcat wrestler can learn, grow, and thrive both on and off the mat.
Sal Marandino, Head Coach
Sal is one of the best youth wrestling coaches in Central Ohio. A native of the great state of New Jersey, Sal wrestled collegiately at The Ohio State University and has coached wrestlers at the Ronin and Stieber Elite wrestling clubs.
Sam Mehling, Coach
Sam is a Grandview Wrestling Alumni and was also the GHHS coach for nine years. He has three boys who are involved in the youth program at Grandview. Wrestling is a huge part of his life and he’s excited to share his love for the sport with others.
Jimmy Woodland, Coach and Board Member
Jimmy is Grandview Heights wrestling. He was a two-time state place winner for the Bobcats and has served as a coach at the youth, middle school, and high school level in Grandview for many years. His coaching ability is matched only by his generosity in the community.
Alex Picazo, Coach
Alex was an undefeated state champion for Grandview in 2003. He went on to be a team captain for Ohio State Wrestling where he also served as their strength and conditioning coach for 8 years after graduating. He has since left the Buckeyes and returned to the Bobcats to help coach his three daughters and their teammates.
Travis Ulmer, Coach and Board Member
Dr. Ulmer is a tireless supporter of all things wrestling, from Ohio State's Olympic Regional Training Center to youth and middle school teams in Grandview. He's endlessly generous with his time and amazing seats at Buckeye home wrestling matches.
Robert Hatta, Coach and Board Member
Hatta comes from a long line of wrestlers, scholars, and artists. He wrestled at St. Edward High School, a national powerhouse, before enjoying a mediocre college career at Stanford.
Katie Mehling, Board Member
Katie found a love for the sport of wrestling while her husband Sam was the head coach at Grandview. She loves how wrestling teaches kids so many life skills that will be with them forever. She has three boys who are in the youth program at Grandview!
Lauren King, Board Member
Lauren is a dedicated parent to two wrestlers, Harrison and Hannah. She admires wrestling for the confidence and strength it builds in kids and their parents. As a committed board member, Lauren loves seeing the program grow and thrive, supporting young talent in the Grandview community.
Jen McInnes, Board Member
Jen works with the Ohio State Wrestling program where she fell in love with not only the sport, but the ability that wrestling has to build confidence, strength, discipline and respect into each athlete. Jen has two boys in the Grandview youth program and looks forward to growing the program in the community.
Sam Younkin, Board Member
Sam isn't just a great coach, father, and friend. He makes being a great coach, father, and friend look good. Lulu Lemon head-to-toe is how he rolls when he isn't wearing surgical scrubs.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about GYWC, please send us a note!
Thank you
Thank you for reaching out. One of our board members or coaches will review your note and get back to you as soon as possible.