The dream of every wrestling coach would be to have their own gymnasium and workout area dedicated only to wrestling. No working around basketball or any other activity, to schedule your duals and practices, just wrestling.
That dream is a reality in Duncan.
In 2015, the old middle school gymnasium was scheduled for demolition. Fortunately, Duncan alum and former wrestler Randy Hoover stepped in, making a generous donation to save the building. Following Hoover’s lead, others contributed to rebuilding what was fittingly renamed the Hoover Wrestling Center.
According to Head Coach Ashton Cooper, “the community really came together to help the cause. Lots of families, local businesses and organizations put in to help Duncan Wrestling and the Duncan Youth Program.”
The Hoover Wrestling Center is a stand-alone facility with endless possibilities for the wrestling program. Home duals are held there and there’s not a bad seat in the gym as everyone is close to the action. Coach Cooper stated, “this place gets packed and rocking during the duals.”
While touring the facilities, the junior high team was practicing on the gym floor, while the high school team conducted their own practice in the spacious wrestling room. The tour also took us to the old wrestling room, which sits above the gym floor and is now used as the VIP Lounge during duals, and also serves as a team meeting area for their Mind Set Wrestling and as a place to unwind after a strenuous practice.
Currently there is limited space for cardio equipment and weights, but that is changing as they will soon be adding a 60’ x 40” state-of-the-art weight room. Coach Cooper said they hope to break ground in the spring and completed by next August. Very impressive facilities and so nice that it is all for wrestling! Watch the video to see a tour of the Hoover Wrestling Center.
