LOWELL — Lowell Police Department Superintendent Raymond Kelly Richardson and Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joel Boyd are pleased to announce the Lowell Police Youth Services Program will offer a two-day wrestling clinic during February vacation.
Since the start of the 2021-2022 school year, the Lowell Police Youth Services Program has offered a rotating series of after-school wrestling clinics for students in Grades 5-8. The clinics teach students the basics of wrestling after school on Fridays for four weeks, then shift to other schools.
So far this year, the clinics have been offered and well-attended at the STEM Academy, Pyne Arts Magnet School, and the Sullivan, Wang, Daley, Butler, Stoklosa, and Robinson middle schools, with students from the Bartlett Middle School invited to attend the clinic at the Stoklosa. About 80 students participated in the after-school clinics.
On Tuesday, Feb. 22, and Wednesday, Feb. 23, any student in Grades 5 to 8 can attend a free two-day wrestling clinic at the Bartlett Middle School to learn more about the sport, or to build upon the skills learned at the after-school clinics earlier in the year. Participation in the after-school clinics is not required. The clinic is open to both boys and girls.
“I want to thank Lowell Public Schools for their partnership on our efforts to give all Lowell youth an opportunity to take part in free athletic and character-building activities while having positive interactions with police officers,” said Superintendent Kelly Richardson. “I’d also like to thank all those from the Lowell Fire Department, Lowell Public Schools and the Lowell Police Department who have teamed up to create this opportunity for city youth.”
Lt. Kevin Dillon and Firefighters Dave McNeil and Adam Dowling of the Lowell Fire Department have donated their time to the after-school clinics, as has Sullivan Middle School Physical Education Teacher Kevin Sheehan, who was a two-time All-American wrestler in college. Lowell High School wrestling coaches Nick Logan and George Bossi have also supported the program by providing mats and coaching. Lowell High School varsity wrestling coaches and student athletes from the Lowell High School Varsity Wrestling team will be on hand at the two-day clinic as well.
Both Superintendent Boyd and Lowell Police Sgt. Mike Marshall were deeply effected by participating in wrestling as young men. Sgt. Marshall, a Lowell native and former Lowell High School wrestler, co-founded the Doughboys Wrestling Club in 2003 to give other city youth an opportunity to find a healthy outlet in wrestling.
“Growing up, my family struggled financially and I was an at-risk teen — struggling academically and behaviorally. It was in high school, when the wrestling coach literally grabbed me by the neck and let me know that my behavior would not be tolerated, that my life really changed. He became my mentor and I began to connect in school and set out on the path that led to where I am today,” said Superintendent Boyd. “It wasn’t easy, but the discipline and camaraderie that came with wrestling changed my life in countless ways and I hope this partnership between the Lowell Police Department and the Lowell Public Schools can do the same for our students. It is exciting to see and I’m looking forward to seeing it continue for many years to come.”
Students taking part in the two-day clinic will receive a T-shirt with a Lowell Wrestling logo that says “Building Back Together Brick by Brick.”
“The meaning behind that is that we’re trying to fundamentally rebuild the foundation and connection with the youth of the city by working together with all community stakeholders,” said Sgt. Marshall. “Wrestling runs deep in the City of Lowell, and I know first-hand what a positive source of focus and confidence wrestling can provide.”
Anyone with questions on the clinic should contact Lowell Public Schools Coordinator of Special Programs Carolyn Rocheleau at 978-674-2053, or email crocheleau@lowell.k12.ma.us.
To sign up for the clinic, click here.
About the Lowell Police Youth Services Program
The Lowell Police Youth Services Program seeks to create opportunities for all city youth to participate in free after school activities, athletics, and other ventures that emphasize health and wellness, while also experiencing positive interactions with police officers. The Lowell Police Youth Services Program is open to partnering with all community stakeholders. Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months for additional programming involving boxing, swimming and ultimate flying disk. For more information on the Lowell Police Youth Services Program, email: LPDYouthServices@lowellma.gov. To make a donation to the Lowell Police Youth Services Program via the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, click here.
To follow the Lowell Police Youth Services Program on Instagram, click here.
