Chris Caporale, sports@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Chris Caporale Leander Moon, top, works on his technique against Joe Perez during Dennis Hall’s wrestling camp at Menominee Indian High School. Roughly 20 kids showed up Thursday and Friday for the extra mat time.
For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. Olympic medalist Dennis Hall has come to Menominee Indian High School for a two-day wrestling camp.
Hall worked with 20 wrestlers over Thursday and Friday, including roughly 10 high school team members. The professional not only teaches technique, but also possibly something even more important for those who go one-on-one on the mat.
“I think, for one thing, he gives the kids a lot of confidence, and there’s a lot of mental aspects to it, but he sticks with the basics because it’s the little things that can help the basics work better,” said Kirk Bahr, MIHS head wrestling coach. “I think that is what is helping our kids.”
The camp ran for two days, going for roughly six hours each day. Joining the MIHS athletes were some of the wrestlers from the Shawano Youth Wrestling program.
For two years, it almost wasn’t possible for Hall to make the trip to Keshena. Without the support of the Figure 8 Musky Club and Matt’s Memorial Musky Tournament, Bahr said he likely could not get Hall into the MIHS gymnasium.
The fishing tournament, which was started after Matt Bystol passed away, is held each fall. Bystol worked with the youth wrestling program. The proceeds benefit various organizations, including the wrestling club.
“The Musky Club has been donating from his benefit the last few years, $500 a year to get Dennis here,” Bahr said. “I’d like to thank them. That’s nice.”
In addition to running camps, Hall also has his own club wrestling team and coaches two Olympians.