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Fort Myers-Riverdale Wrestling
2 State Championships  2008, 2009
19 State Champions
15 Conference Championships
10 District Titles

Parents or Guardians, my name is Kris Hayward. I am the Head Wrestling Coach at Fort Myers-Riverdale High School. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about the Fort Myers-Riverdale Wrestling program and encourage your son to participate in the sport of wrestling.

Wrestling is a sport that builds character, teaches a strong work ethic, self-discipline, humility, perseverance, and self-confidence. Wrestling combines an individual sport with a team sport. Wrestling is a sport that includes all body shapes. You can be tall and lean, short and stout, you can be you. Wrestling is a physical but rewarding sport. Wrestling is a sport that teaches you many life lessons.

I would ask you to keep an open mind about the sport of wrestling. We have no try outs and we NEVER cut anyone from the team, everyone participates. I know that there are numerous choices for kids today. If you already have a commitment for this year, please think about wrestling in the future. I would encourage you to ask people in the community about our program and the sport of wrestling. I am confident of what they will say.

The Fort Myers Riverdale Wrestling program is one of the premier sports programs in the state and country. In the past 39 years, Riverdale has won 2 state championships, a state runner-up, 6 regional championships (4 in a row), 11 district championships (7 in a row), 15 Lee County Championships (7 in a row), dual meet record of 112-18 (since 2002), ranked in top ten in the state for the past 9 years, 19 individual state champions, 63 state place winners, 6 High School All-Americans, and 1 college All-American.

We are proud of our accomplishments off the mat as well. Our wrestlers have attended
numerous colleges and universities over the years including: Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Georgia Tech, Central Michigan, USF, UCF, - the list goes on. We have alumni who are teachers, pilots, lawyers, doctors, serve in the military, coaches, own their own business, stay at home fathers, money managers, graphic designers, and many other professions. I share this with you so you know we care a great deal about our wrestlers’ academics as well as their life after high school.

Personally, I believe wrestling is a great sport and I can honestly say it has made the difference in my life. If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, Kris Hayward
Head Wrestling Coach
Fort Myers Riverdale High School
239.694.4141 Ext. 381
kriseh@leeschools.net