Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. -- The Life University wrestling team turned up the heat this summer with their second annual Individual Summer Camp and brand new Team Camp on June 8th and 9th. With 43 teams, 159 wrestlers, and the inspiring presence of 18 female athletes, this event was nothing short of electrifying. But, that's just scratching the surface – this camp was a confluence of excellence, with coaches and clinicians representing a total of 12 National Championships.

Head Coach Omi Acosta was buzzing with excitement. When asked about the return of alumni Denver Stonecheck and Asher Eichert as clinicians, he didn't hold back. "It was incredible to see the impact our program has had on their lives and how they were able to share a very small part of LUCHA with our camp attendees," he said. The homecoming of these stars wasn't just about nostalgia – it was about showcasing the living legacy of Life University's wrestling prowess.

The 12 National Championships were the most Life University has ever had respresented at their wrestling camps. Acosta beamed with pride as he explained, "12 National Championships in one camp. It's incredible! We want to give our campers the best experience at every camp. We bring in the best, period." The message was clear: this wasn't just any wrestling camp; it was a breeding ground for champions. 

Camp Director and Assistant Coach Tre Horton shared the secret sauce behind the camp's success. "The key to our success this summer was who we brought in. We brought in great wrestlers, but ultimately they are great people. The wrestlers were having fun, smiling, and learning something new!" Horton's passion for the sport and dedication to the campers were evident. He hinted at even bigger plans, teasing the upcoming Pre-Season Camp in August and a revamped individual camp next summer with newly renovated dorms. Coach Horton even briefly highlighted the potential a kid-focused camp for grades K-5 when he said "If you are interested in joining us for a kids focused camp, then I would love to hear it at wrestlingcamps@life.edu".

Another one of the standout elements of this year's camps was the participation of 18 female wrestlers. Coach Horton was particularly enthusiastic about this development. "I want to see the girls' side of our camps continue to grow. We have so many successful women who have wrestled from our state and in the southeast who we can bring in to teach," he said. Coach Horton shared his commitment to continuing to promote girls' wrestling in Georgia through the Life University Wrestling Camps, and it's paying off. He envisions the camp becoming a powerhouse for female wrestlers, providing top-notch training without the need to venture far from home.

In just two days, Life University's wrestling camp managed to blend skill, fun, and a sense of community. The fusion of past champions and future stars created an atmosphere of learning and inspiration that's hard to match. With coaches like Acosta and Horton at the helm, and the continual growth of both male and female participation, Life U's wrestling camps are poised to become a cornerstone in the Georgia wrestling community. Parents and coaches can learn more about the Life University Wrestling Camps at www.lifeuwrestlingcamps.com. LUCHA!