History

Tri-Cap Wrestling Program -- Established 1978

Here is some history of how the Tri-Cap Wrestling Program began.

Wrestling at Helias began quietly in the 1960's. Under the direction of Mike Jeffries, the program exploded in the 1970's and brought wrestling to prominence in Central Missouri in the 1980's. Interest in the sport at the grade school level was kindled by Jeffries and Helias wrestlers as they took mats and expertise to each of the three Catholic grade schools in the area. Some of the more committed wrestlers began attending a few tournaments with Joe Taylor, a former Helias wrestler. Eventually two fathers, Sam Gaines and Bob Smith, gathered a small group of boys together to practice and compete regularly. Today the club has grown to a team of 70 wrestlers, ages 6 - 14 from the Mid Missouri area. The team is coached by Helias Wrestling Alumni and parents.

Most of the coaches have sons in the club or are wrestling at Helias.