Somers Grad, Mahopac Resident, Wrestling Champ Opens Youth Club in Armonk

Grant Paswell of GPS Wrestling in Armonk placed multiple times in the states as a wrestler for Somers High School.

He was also an All-American at the University of Illinois. The credentials firmly in tow, Paswell doesn’t put as much credence in being able to teach technique in comparison to the more subtle insights that his experience can provide.

“You understand things a little bit deeper. It’s the commitment, and the reasons things are done a certain way. That’s what I really want to convey,” he says.

Still, the Grant Paswell System adheres to the process and streamlines the regimen so his wrestlers are on the same page. “It’s the basics but doing the basics right,” says the Mahopac resident.

At the same time, he knows success for his wrestlers starts closer to home. “Sure, we want state champs and all, but we need focused kids first,” he says. “Then the wrestling will take care of itself.”

Or not because Paswell also understands the layers that brings kids in the door. “We’re doing something where you have kids trying to be state champs, and others coming because it’s a positive experience,” he says.

Kristine Goldstein applies her 10-year-old to the latter and appreciates Paswell’s low-key style. “Grant is very easy going,” Goldstein says as she has watched her son Jared participate for the last three months.

The same goes for parents who have had wrestling success of their own and maybe see the potential for something greater too. “He encourages kids in a very matter of fact way,” says 1984 Ardsley grad Phil Canfield. “There’s never a lot of criticism which is a different approach than a lot of clubs.”

Previously operating out of Core Fitness, GPS has moved across the street to 130 Business Park Drive and currently has about 50 kids practicing between 40 and 90 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. “Technique, drilling and repetition,” he reiterates.

Paswell knows that might sound bland in comparison to having the referee raise your arm in victory, but wrestling serves as a metaphor for something greater and that tops his agenda. “We want to build strength to deal with the obstacles they will face in life - not keeping your fingers crossed and skate around them,” says Paswall.

Grant can be reached at 914 384-0045 or gpswrestling@gmail.com.

Story and photo/ Rich Monetti