Empire Wrestling Academy

"Empire Wrestling has been a game changer for my son. In one year he has developed into a confident and skilled wrestler. John and his coaching staff have an remarkable teaching style that instructs in proper technique, while at the same time making the experience an enjoyable one. Can't thank Empire enough for the amazing transformation in my son’s wrestling ability in such a short time, as well as the opportunities it has provided for him. Kudos to the entire staff for making this wrestling academy such a success. Would definitely whole heartedly recommend Empire for all your wrestling training needs."

"Since our son joined Empire, his skills have grown by tremendous leaps and the experience has transformed his game. But most importantly, his development as a young man has been incredible. Through his training with Empire he has found grit and determination and reserves of strength he never knew he had, and his maturity has advanced tremendously as well. He has a newfound seriousness of purpose which has infused every area of his life. This is the "wrestling mindset" you hear so much about, and this creates the mental habits which generate success in all aspects of life. This is what my son earned at Empire, and it has changed his life. In practical terms, all the coaches are fantastic and the kids get the personal attention they need to advance their skills in group training. There are regular clinics offered with outstanding NCAA champions and coaches. There are also two team camps in the summer to train with legends at Penn State and NC State. The techniques from these clinics and camps are then incorporated into regular training so you master them. For athletes who are committed to achieving personal best performance and earning attention from college coaches, Empire offers an outstanding travel program where wrestlers compete every month off-season in regional and national tournaments. Wrestlers who distinguish themselves may get introductions to John Degl's connections at NCAA programs across the country, which we have found to be very helpful. Our experience with Empire has been nothing but superlative and we recommend it without hesitation."

"My experience at Empire Wrestling Academy has been excellent. After my freshman wrestling season I wanted to improve myself as a wrestler, I tried out two clubs in the area and Empire was the one I chose because of its amazing coaching staff and wrestling partners. Now I am beginning my junior wrestling season and I can say that the club has exceeded any expectations I could’ve had when I was a freshman. Empire’s relationship with colleges has made it the an extremely valuable resource. I am able to visit colleges and meet with their coaching staff because of the connections that Empire has created over the years. The club puts emphasis on being an elite wrestler and an excellent student, Coach Degl often says to wrestlers that being a student comes first, then wrestling. If you want a wrestling club that has superb collegiate connections, a world class coaching staff, and elite partners, Empire Wrestling Academy is the right choice to make."

"Empire Wrestling has changed my wrestling career for the better. Like many of my teammates I left GPS and it was one of the best choices I ever made. My brother and sister stayed at GPS for a year after me, but soon they saw my progress and how fast I was making gains and they too left for Empire and we all agree there is no comparison. Other clubs coach wrestling and that’s all but Empire has so much more. Empire regularly has Elite college coaches from Williams to NC State. EWA has had athletes go to prestigious schools to wrestle like Cornell, Harvard, Upenn, Princeton, Brown and Columbia as well as dozens and dozens of other amazing schools. EWA has a lots of great connections to coaches from top programs. This was so helpful in my recruiting process as many coaches know and respect John and the other staff. I can't say enough about how my entire life has changed for the better because of John and Empire Wrestling Academy. I truly recommend this club to all athletes who wish to make massive gains and be surrounded by a rich wrestling culture."

"John has grown one of the premier training clubs over the last 20+ years. He cares about his athletes and facilitates their success on the mat and in the classroom at a higher level than anyone else. His level of commitment to the young men and women he coaches has led to success at all levels within the national and international scale. There is no better place to send your kid than to empire wrestling academy and their team of coaches."