Freedom Wrestling Academy celebrates new gym

MOSES LAKE - Due to the need for more space to accommodate more wrestlers, the Freedom Wrestling Academy is changing locations.

To celebrate the move, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the new building located at 11814 Debonair in Moses Lake.

"We're really excited about our new gym," Melba Janke said.

The celebration will take place this Saturday, Aug. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m with a BBQ luncheon served afterward.

The academy is open to youth across the Columbia Basin and public registration continues today and tomorrow from 6 to 7 p.m.

Freedom Wrestling Academy is entering its third year of operation with a new gym that is three times the size of the previous one.

The academy is led by Mark and Matt Janke with a number of assistant coaches present.

"We've got several coaches for the wrestlers, of course," Melba said. "They're trying to make it more of a one-on-one type thing so they really learn technique and the different moves."

Mark was a three-time Tri-State champion and won a state championship his junior year of high school.

After high school, Mark received a full ride scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, but was forced to return to Moses Lake after injuring his knee.

Upon recovery, Mark became of two-time national champion for North Idaho College under John Owens.

Matt was a Tri-State champion his senior year of high school and served as an assistant coach to Owens at NIC.

Both brothers have been involved with wrestling since they were young boys and founded the Freedom Wrestling Academy with the goal of developing future Olympians.

To RSVP for Saturday's event contact Melba at 509-793-5100.