A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT
SARASOTA WRESTLING CLUB
A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT
941-600-9282
sarasotawrestlingclub@gmail.com
PRACTICE TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS • 5:00–6:30 PM • @ SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL • GRADES 1–8 • FOR BOYS & GIRLS •
OUR PLEDGE
Sarasota Wrestling Club is a Florida nonprofit organization committed to the relentless athletic, academic, and character development of Sarasota's youth. Through wrestling, we empower young people to become disciplined students, strong teammates, skilled competitors, and confident leaders. Athletes will train and optionally compete in local tournaments.
COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT
We develop the whole athlete—building wrestling skill, academic discipline, strong character, and relationships that last beyond the mat.
A TRUE PATHWAY TO HIGH SCHOOL
We work with every Sarasota high school. Regardless of which school an athlete will attend, we connect them with their future coaches and teammates and provide opportunities to begin training with the high school program before they arrive. That familiarity creates confidence and a seamless path to high school success.
A STRONGER SARASOTA
Our ambition is bigger than individual wins. We are building a developmental system that strengthens our kids, our schools, and our town—one capable of bringing a state championship back to Sarasota and keeping it here.
THE POWER OF THE MAT
Wrestling is more than a sport; it is a complete development pathway. We foster a culture of total inclusivity, ensuring every athlete finds their place on the mat. Every body type can be successful. No bench, no cuts—just a focus on discipline, dedication, and developing the habits that lead to success in life.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE
Practice sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Our training facility is the Wrestling Room located at the Ed Howell Gymnasium, Room 2-102, within the Sarasota High School campus.
2155 Bahia Vista St
Sarasota, FL 34239
Enter at intersection of Hatton St and School Ave.
MEMBERSHIP & PRICING
Join the Sarasota Wrestling Club and build champions on and off the mat. Optional tournament entry fees (usually less than $25) and wrestling gear/apparel are not included. Our pricing is designed to be accessible for every athlete in the community. Your first practice is always free.
FIRST PRACTICE CHECKLIST
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING:
- Comfortable athletic clothes with no metal parts.
- Wrestling shoes are required, but new wrestlers can wear sneakers to start.
- Knee pads are recommended but not required.
- Headgear is a personal preference at practice and is required for some competitions.
- Bring a labeled water bottle.
MAT HYGIENE:
- Keep street shoes off the mat and wrestling shoes should only be worn on the mat.
- Shower promptly after every practice.
- Keep fingernails trimmed and long hair tied back.
- Wear clean practice clothes to every practice.
THE ROOTS OF THE CLUB
Joseph Costanzo grew up wrestling in New Jersey and moved to Sarasota in 1988, where he was recruited by legendary Coach Ron Jones to Sarasota High School. That team won the Florida state championship by a record-setting point margin and was inducted into the Sarasota High School Hall of Fame in October 2025. That team produced multiple state champions because Sarasota had a strong youth club led by Coach Jones in the 1980s. After returning in 2024 and finding no youth pathway for his son, Joseph Costanzo founded the club in cooperation with the Sarasota High School wrestling program to rebuild Sarasota youth wrestling for all area schools.
“The practices are well organized, challenging, and a great place for young athletes to improve their wrestling skills while building discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic.”
— Esther S., SWC Parent
WHAT SARASOTA PARENTS ARE SAYING
FEATURED ON SUNCOAST VIEW
SUNCOAST VIEW • NOVEMBER 11, 2025
NEW YOUTH WRESTLING CLUB LAUNCHES IN SARASOTA
Coach Joe and Sarasota High School head coach Bob Phinney discuss how Sarasota Wrestling Club prepares local youth wrestlers for high school competition.
“The coaches are incredibly kind, patient, and supportive, and the instruction is paced perfectly for the kids to learn and build confidence. My son genuinely loves being there.”
— Jen D., SWC Parent
