July 14, 2025, Lancaster ISD / Lancaster, TX — This summer marked another athletic milestone for Lancaster ISD as the district launched its first wrestling camp. The three-day event welcomed students from across the community to step onto the mat and explore a sport that’s steadily gaining momentum.
The camp focused on introducing the fundamentals of wrestling in a fun, inclusive, and encouraging environment. With students, parents, and coaches all under one roof, the camp offered not just skill-building, but also a strong sense of community and pride.
The camp was led by head coach Jerry Sands, who has been with the program for nine years. Sands emphasized that the importance of the camp isn’t about competing, but learning.
“Anytime that we have an opportunity to give back and work with the kids, we’re all for it,” Sands said. “We’re trying to expose them to wrestling so they can see something other than the most popular sports like football, basketball, and track.”
For Sands, watching students discover a new sport brings a sense of purpose. “I just gain gratitude,” he said. “I’m really grateful to be a part of this experience.”
Assistant wrestling coach Vivica Outlaw enjoyed seeing students show interest in this new opportunity. “I’m really excited! We’ve got a lot of young people, and their parents showing real interest in wrestling,” Outlaw shared. She went on to explain that the camp represents more than just introducing the sport to children, but a way to bring a bigger community to the sport.
“I’m hoping that parents and kids go home and spread the word in their neighborhoods and schools. Let them know that Lancaster High School has a strong wrestling program. We’ve had regional champions, state contenders, and a state champion, and we plan to keep building the program by starting them young,” said Outlaw.
Among the campers was Diane Wheaton, a rising sophomore year who also served as a camp aide throughout this week. After competing at the regional level as a freshman, Wheaton joined the camp to sharpen her technique,and stay connected to the sport she’s grown passionate about. For her, growing that passion also includes helping young campers find theirs.
Wheaton shares she’s especially glad to help younger students get involved in wrestling. “It’s good to see kids actually interested in participating,” she added. “Coming from someone going into her sophomore year, it makes me excited about where the program can go.”
As the camp wrapped up, it became clear that this was more than just a week of workouts, it was the beginning of something special. With dedicated coaches, enthusiastic students, and growing community support, Lancaster ISD’s wrestling program is planting the seeds for a future full of strength, determination, and Tiger pride one match at a time.