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CWC has a rich history in fostering the sport of wrestling beginning in the early to mid 1970’s. It is unknown who was at the helm of the organization however the club practiced at Centennial High School. The club maintained it's presence until 1982/83 when it ceased to exist. The club then picked back up in 1987/88 under the leadership of Brian Walker. Mr. Walker then handed off the coaching responsibilities of the club to Bob Arnold and Jeff Purcell in 1990. Still working out of Centennial High School the club rostered 20-30 wrestlers wanting to learn and be successful at the sport of wrestling.
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Coach Arnold and Coach Purcell maintained the program until 1993 when Coach Merle Ingersoll took over. It was during his tenure that Coach Ingersoll moved the club to the University of Illinois’ Wrestling Room at Huff Hall. Coach Ingersoll steadily increased the enrollment of the club and handed the coaching responsibilities over to Coach Steve Hall in 2014. During Coach Hall’s had a successful run by increasing the numbers to 60-80 rostered wrestlers. In 2018 Coach Hall handed the program over to Ron Baker, who is the current head coach and had the highest number of wrestlers at 108 in his first season.
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The Champaign Wrestling Club (CWC) is a 501 © 3 non for profit organization that is registered through the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation (IKWF). We educate and train between 70-100 youth wrestlers to compete on and off the mat. We take pride in having a structured, competitive, and fun wrestling curriculum. We at CWC are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids ages 5 to 14 from the Champaign-Urbana Community and surrounding areas.
M E E T
OUR COACHES
Ron Baker
HEAD COACH
Coach Baker began his coaching career for the Unity Rockets IKWF club in 2011. He stayed on staff until the 2013/14 wrestling season when he became an assistant coach under Steve Hall. Coach Baker has 3 kids. Ronald, Talin, and Braden. All 3 of his boys are active wrestlers in the club and now High School. He has even conned his beautiful wife Dr. Gianina Baker into coaching responsibilities for the club. Coach Baker currently works full time at Carle Foundation Hospital at a Nurse Anesthetist.
HEAD COACH
Coach Baker began his coaching career for the Unity Rockets IKWF club in 2011. He stayed on staff until the 2013/14 wrestling season when he became an assistant coach under Steve Hall. Coach Baker has 3 kids. Ronald, Talin, and Braden. All 3 of his boys are active wrestlers in the club and now High School. He has even conned his beautiful wife Dr. Gianina Baker into coaching responsibilities for the club. Coach Baker currently works full time at Carle Foundation Hospital at a Nurse Anesthetist.