About ACWA
We are the Armstrong County Wrestling Academy, a youth wrestling team in Claude, Texas. Small numbers, hard work, and targeted practice mean big results.
Our goal
We develop young athletes with a set of skills they'll use on and off the mat. Wrestling builds physical strength and coordination, but more importantly mental and emotional strength. It teaches kids to rely on themselves and to take ownership of the goals they set. We want to be a stepping stone in each wrestler's career and help build a solid foundation they can build on.
ACWA is a member club of Texas USA Wrestling and operates under the 501(c)(3) umbrella of Claude Youth Sports Inc., a registered nonprofit.
Why wrestling?
- Teamwork and sportsmanship
- Physical and mental fitness
- Skills that last a lifetime
It's also the best off-season sport for football players. Wrestling sharpens agility, balance, coordination, endurance, aggressiveness, and discipline.
Coaches
At practice
Academy headquarters
Our home is the historic Warner Community Building, a century-old schoolhouse that was one of the first in Armstrong County. 400 N Vine St, Claude, TX 79019, just north of the school.
"… built about 1912 as Llano School (15 mi. SW of Claude), was vacated in 1930, used as rural community center, then moved 1939 to this site donated by Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Christian. Volunteers applied stucco and remodeled interior, using funds raised by the Armstrong County Federation of Women's Clubs. The center name honors Dr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Warner, pioneer leaders in social progress and culture."
— Texas Historical Marker (1962)
More history: the Llano school
"It was located two and one-half miles west of the old Baker homestead. The schools were held in the summer, as most of the children had to go long distances, the winters were so severe, the snow storms being numerous, the winds blowing the snow making it very dangerous and most impossible for children to attend school through the winter months. Schools were built with state and county funds. Funds being scarce when the Llano school building was complete, the cowboys helped buy the furnishing for this school. They were a fine bunch of men, always generous, helping the people and their county in every way. A Sunday School was soon organized at Llano. Mr. Jim Grimes, whose present home is in Claude, Texas, was elected Sunday School Superintendent. The Bakers and other settlers were elated over being able to have this school so near so their children could attend Sunday School and church regularly."
— The Cowboy's Association with the Nester by Inez Christian Doshier