Combat U – Wrestling
Wassup KSSU listeners and readers, we’ve got an interesting read for you today as our sports team branches out to the wrestling team under Sac State’s new Combat U program! For those unaware, Combat U started official training in the Fall of 2024 with multiple combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Urijah Faber as the Program Coordinator. The program is open to all Sacramento State students. So if you’re interested, feel free to join!
Wrestling practice happens Tuesday to Thursday from 3 to 4 PM in Yosemite Hall. Under the guidance of Head Coach Cody Linton–a 2016 NAIA Nationals Champion and 3 time All American–the Hornets wrestlers can be seen warming up, drilling, and practicing techniques. Plenty of the wrestlers come with different goals in mind. Some to get in shape, some to learn the sport, and others to compete. Likewise, there’s plenty of participants at various skill levels, many with years of experience and others for a few months. All that is to say, if you’re interested in trying it out it isn’t too late to come out and join!
We went out and checked out the program ourself and were able to meet with Coach Linton. Our first day there we sat in and observed practice in session. The practice lasted an hour and involved constant movement of warming up and partners practicing the technique together.
Understandably, there are plenty of students who already know some of the techniques. But with some that are new or returning, it doesn’t hurt for experienced wrestlers to go over old techniques. More so, under the guidance of a 3 time All American Champion there are definitely tips and tricks only Coach Linton can provide.
Once practice is done, the team winds down. It is similar to a warm up but only this time it is with their partners. Wrestling is a full body contact sport, so being able to carry your own weight, both literally and figuratively, is important!
Again, if you’re interested in trying it out feel free to come on out! It’s open to all students and graduates. All you have to do is get your physical done, get a baseline concussion test done, and complete a concussion training – then you’re able to get on the mat! Don’t worry about skill level or competitiveness; that all can be worked on. Coach Linton is excited for you to come out and join. If you’re uncertain, you’re welcome to stop by and watch!
The team is also preparing to compete in some upcoming tournaments, and KSSU will cover the events as best as we can since opportunities like these don’t come around often. We’d also love to cover other Hornet sports teams, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out! Additionally, KSSU’s sports team has provided live play-by-play coverage of our football games. If that’s something you’re into, be sure to tune in during our home games!