One of The Center’s longest standing resident groups is a sports organization called the San Diego Bulldogs Wrestling Club. The group’s goal is to involve those interested in learning and participating in freestyle wrestling.

The Bulldogs were founded in April 1998 and started out as an idea to bring together men who wanted to get out on the mat and learn the same type of wrestling that is often seen in the Olympics in a fun, non-threatening and relaxed atmosphere. According to club director Russ Connelly, the response has been overwhelming.

“People contact us and say that it’s about time there’s an organized wrestling club in San Diego. They are enthusiastic and they are eager,” said Connelly.

The club’s first practice location was in North Park, but they soon started to look for a better venue and found it when The Center moved to its current location, in 2000.

Over 25 people are signed up with the Bulldogs, who practice on Sundays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and now on Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The Bulldogs caters to all weights and skill levels, especially beginners, and also features additional instruction for beginning wrestlers who wish to develop their skills. One of the more interesting and challenging aspects of the Bulldogs is the level of experience that members of the club bring to practice.

Although many participants are stepping on the mat for the first time, some have been wrestling for many years. These members help make up the coaching staff and also give the Bulldogs representation in wrestling competitions.

When five Bulldogs traveled to Tampa, Fla., for a tournament, they returned with five medals – three gold and two bronze. Last year the club traveled to San Francisco for the annual Golden Gate Tournament and came back with four medals. These awards have come while competing against more experienced clubs, and have inspired Bulldog wrestlers to achieve more as a team.

The Bulldogs are a social club that host events monthly. Barbecues, potlucks and parties are held regularly, in addition to fund-raisers to help with club expenses.

“The support we have received from The Center and businesses in our community has been outstanding,” Connelly said. “They have been the reason that this club has been able to come together and thrive as well as it has – everyone has been amazing.”

The Bulldogs are holding a Wrestling 101 clinic on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the main auditorium of The Center, located at 3909 Centre St. The event is part introduction and part instruction for those who might be too intimidated to attend a regular Bulldogs practice, but are curious to find out what the sport and the club is all about.

Meet and support the Bulldogs for a beer bust/fund-raiser and wrestling demo at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, at ReBar in North Park. Support the Bulldogs Wrestling Club from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight to help the club purchase more mats. ReBar is located at 3404 30th St.

For more information on the Bulldogs, call (619) 491-4747, e-mail info@sdbulldogswrestling.org, or visit their new Web site at http://www.sdbulldogswrestling.org.

-Press Release