Reaper Wrestling Club
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“Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” —Dan Gable
Who is wrestling for?
About Us
Welcome to Reaper Wrestling Club, a youth wrestling club dedicated to building strong athletes—and even stronger character. We proudly serve boys and girls of all skill levels, from beginners just stepping onto the mat to experienced wrestlers aiming for the podium.
At RWC, we believe wrestling is more than just a sport—it's a path to discipline, confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Our experienced coaches are passionate about developing each athlete’s potential, while creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where kids can grow both on and off the mat.
We offer year-round training, seasonal programs, and tournament opportunities for youth ages 5-18. Whether your child wants to compete or just learn the fundamentals, there’s a place for them here.
Come join the Reaper family and see what they’re capable of—on the mat and in life.
We are a non profit organization.
Is wrestling worth it?
Why should you choose wrestling?
Wrestling builds more than just athletes—it builds character. It teaches discipline, hard work, resilience, and confidence like no other sport. On the mat, kids learn how to face challenges head-on, push their limits, and earn success through effort. Off the mat, they carry those lessons into everyday life.
Wrestling is for everyone—no matter your size, experience, or background. Every kid gets a chance to compete, grow, and shine.
What Our Wrestlers & Parents Say
Read testimonials from our wrestlers & parents about their experiences with our team.
Mike Smith
State Champion
This team has been instrumental in my development as a wrestler. The coaches are knowledgeable and supportive, and my teammates push me to be better every day.
Erin Beard
Parent
RWC has become part of our family. My son has been with the club since day one & we've never looked back. Watching him grow into a strong, confident, and determined little powerhouse has been incredible! I cant say enough about the coaching staff, they don't just teach technique, they teach heart, grit and how to carry yourself with pride. The love they show these kids is real.
Sarah Martinez
National Champion
As a female wrestler, I've always felt respected and supported on this team. The coaches have helped me develop my own style and achieve results I never thought possible.
Meet our coaches
Forrest Short
Head Coach
Forrest brings passion, experience, and energy to the mat. With years of involvement in the sport as both an athlete and a coach, he is dedicated to building strong, confident wrestlers—on and off the mat.
Forrest's coaching philosophy focuses on effort, discipline, and personal growth. He believes wrestling is one of the best sports to teach kids resilience, mental toughness, and respect. His approach combines structured technique, positive reinforcement, and a team-first mindset to help every athlete reach their full potential.
Chad Conner
Assistant Coach
Chad brings a lifetime of wrestling knowledge and passion to his role as Assistant Coach at Reaper Wrestling Club. A 2010 VHSL State Placer, Chad has competed at a high level and developed under the mentorship of outstanding coaches throughout his career. From 2015 to 2020, he also served as a VHSL wrestling official and was an active member of the Roanoke Valley Wrestling Officials Association, further deepening his understanding of the sport from all angles.
Since the founding of Reaper Wrestling Club, Chad has been a key figure in its growth and success. He is deeply committed to helping young athletes build strong foundations—on and off the mat—through mentorship, discipline, and a deep sense of community.
Kyle Milette
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kyle, is a retired United States Marine with 20 + years of military and training experience, and is now working towards his Doctoral degree in Pastoral Care & Counseling @ Liberty University; in addition, he is concurrently, in order to bring Reaper athletes the best opportunities for training and athletic nutrition awareness, working towards his National Council on Strength and Fitness certification.
* 45 years athletic training, participation and experience.
* 25 years of coaching experience: including the mental coaching of a former high school athlete who now plays in the NFL.
* 20 + years of United States Marines’ physical fitness training and combative physical fitness readiness training.
Reaper Wrestling Club
110 Butt Hollow Rd Salem, VA 24153
(540)739-9576