Coach Jason Edwards encourages elementary students to consider joining the Patriot Wrestling Team at Bob Jones High School.

“I’m excited to offer this opportunity to be a part of one of the greatest sports on the planet,” Edwards said. “Any student in Horizon, Rainbow, West Madison or Columbia elementary school in grades K-6 is eligible to compete on our team.”

“He needs this, and you need him there,” Edwards said.

Registration for the 2013 Southern Youth Wrestling Organization season has opened. “Come let your son join an amazing team with a great tradition,” Edwards said. “Where else can a 40-pound kid be the hero right next to the 265-pound kid and every weight in between?”

Registration opened on Jan. 9 and will continue on Jan. 16 and 28 and Feb. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The final registration date is Feb. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Students will register at the Bob Jones wrestling building adjacent to the track.

Bob Jones wrestlers are 8-2 in duel competitions and have faced state championship teams from Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Alabama. “They have really held their own,” Edwards said. “This is the hardest working bunch I’ve ever been around. I’m very proud of them and their positive attitude. They are truly a team.”

This season’s achievements include Huntsville Invitational champions, Battlefield Duel champions, runner-up at the Beech Invitational in Tennessee and third place in Archer Duels in Georgia.

Wrestlers Micah Hatley, Melvin Gibbons, Levi Hickson, Chris Gomes, Blake Rogers, Collin Olivier, Griffin Ridgeway, Shane Brasher and Alex Maxwell have more than 20 wins at the midseason.

Southern Youth Wrestling Organization’s 2013 schedule includes Lincoln Village, Feb. 22; Shoals Youth Wrestling, March 1; Huntsville Youth Wrestling, March 8; East Limestone Youth Wrestling, March 15; Team Hayden, March 22; and James Clemens High School, March 29.

For more information, call 256-656-8131 or email jaedwards@madisoncity.k12.al.us.