Yuma County state champions give back at Back to School State Champ Camp

Yuma County state champions lead opening day of camp at Matador Wrestling Club

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) — Three of Yuma County's top wrestlers traded competition for coaching as they helped mentor the next generation during the Back to School State Champ Camp held at Matador Wrestling Club.

Kofa state champions David Elias and Logan Whitacre, along with Gila Ridge state champion Cannon Farrar, led the camp by teaching techniques that helped them reach the top of Arizona high school wrestling.

The camp gave young wrestlers an opportunity to learn directly from reigning state champions while gaining valuable mat time ahead of the upcoming season.

For Elias, the highlight of the event wasn't demonstrating technique — it was seeing the excitement from the campers.

"My favorite part is just having fun," Elias said. "Seeing the kids' faces, they're all laughing, they're all smiling. It's cool to see more kids involved and the next generation coming up and having fun."

The Back to School State Champ Camp aims to help develop future wrestlers by giving them instruction from athletes who have recently experienced championship success, while also fostering enthusiasm for the sport before the school year begins.

The second day of the camp will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Matador Wrestling Club on Orange Avenue.