PHOTO PROVIDED From left, Brian Hoy, Kevin Glossner, Joe Eaton and Lori Hoy all pose together for a photo.

As the sport of wrestling continues to grow in popularity, interest among adults has also blossomed with many new adult wrestling clubs popping up across the country.

When Kevin Glossner of Centre Hall set out to get involved in the sport, he found that his only option for adult wrestling was at Mat Return Wrestling, a club in Allentown established by former Lehigh wrestler John Bolich.

“I made the 2.5-hour trip to Allentown a handful of times for a 1.5-hour training session. I loved the workouts, but it just wasn’t a sustainable option,” Glossner said.

After consulting wtih Bolich and another club in Washignton DC, Glossner decided to establish such a club in central Pennsylvania. That’s when he solicited help from Joe Eaton, a friend and former Lock Haven University wrestling standout with coaching experience at multiple levels to get the process started.

Gyms throughout the central part of the Commonwealth were contacted to gauge interest in hosting such a club.

“The one club that stood out was Full Body Health and Fitness Center in Lock Haven,” Glossner said. “Owners Brian and Lory Hoy are very open to the idea and willing to work with us as the club gets established and matures. Lock Haven is also a centralized location allowing for convenient access from State College, Bellefonte, Jersey Shore, Williamsport and other surrounding communities.”

When asked why he wanted to get involved in adult wrestling, Glossner mentioned numerous drivers that he felt apply to many that might want to give it a try.

“I’ve always enjoyed the sport and decided that it would be a great way to stay in shape, learn a bit more about the sport and make new friendships. The physical demand of wrestling produces some of the most phsyically fit athletes that exist. There’s also a respect that wrestlers have for one another and a strong sense of camaraderie that exists within the wrestling community,” Glossner said. “Being able to train with a group of folks and build relationships is a big part of it all.”

The objective of the club is to establish an affordable adult wrestling club in the region to promote wrestling, individual fitness, camaraderie and healthy competition in a lighthearted, encouraging environment

“This club is geared towards everyone — beginners that have never wrestled before to former wrestlers that just want to roll around again. Additionally, the workouts are not intended to have the mental and physical grind that you see in workouts with younger competitive wrestlers,” Glossner said. “If someone wants to take it to a competitive level and get involved in adult wrestling tournaments, that option certainly will be available as well.”

USA Wrestling sanctioned tournaments are available that bracket wrestlers by age and weight for competition, creating an even playing field for all, which is nice.

The club will be modeled after what Glossner observed at Mat Return Wrestling and will include both folkstyle and freestyle training. The club is open to any male or female 18 years of age and older. Age is not a limiting factor as wrestlers in their 50s, 60s and 70s are actively participating in adult wrestling clubs throughout the country.

There are a handful of informational sessions upcoming. They include:

– Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre in State College

– Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Liberty Arena in Williamsport

– Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Full Body Health and Fitness Center in Lock Haven