Cardinal Elite Wrestling Camps — with Devin Mellon
Age Groups: Youth (4 years to 6th grade) & Middle/High School (7th grade to senior year)
This summer, Cardinal Elite Wrestling is bringing high-level training opportunities to local athletes with a series of wrestling camps led by Devin Mellon, former Division 1 Big Ten coach for the University of Maryland. These camps are designed to help wrestlers of all ages and experience levels sharpen their technique, build confidence, and grow both on and off the mat.
Athletes can expect focused instruction in fundamentals, advanced positioning, mat awareness, drilling, and live wrestling — all taught in a competitive but encouraging environment. With coaching experience at the highest levels of collegiate wrestling, Devin Mellon brings years of knowledge, leadership, and proven training methods directly to Lawson and the surrounding communities.
Whether your wrestler is just getting started or preparing for the next level, Cardinal Elite Wrestling’s summer camps are a great opportunity to stay active, improve skills, and train alongside athletes who love the sport.
Youth camps are for ages 4 through 6th grade. If you will be in 7th grade next school year, you will be a part of the older camp group/sessions called the Middle/High School Skills Camps.
Youth session dates are:
Saturday July 25th & Sunday July 26th (2026)
Morning Youth Session: 8:30am to 10:30am
Lunch Break: 10:30am to 11:15am
Afternoon Youth Session: 11:15am to 12:45
All campers need to be picked up by 1:00pm.
All campers’ parents will be required to sign the camp waiver and paperwork the first day of camp, at check in. All camp sessions are hosted in the Barker Center (600 Bob Gill Dr.) behind Lawson High School. Food not provided. Please pack your camper lunch/dinner or plan accordingly.
Expected Attire: Dress for athletics; shorts and t-shirts. Please wear socks. If you have wrestling shoes, bring them.
Middle and High School Skills camps are for grades 7th through senior year. If you will be in 7th grade next school year, you will be a part of the camps.
Middle & High School session dates are:
Friday July 24th (2026)
Check In: 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Wrestling: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday July 25th & Sunday July 26th (2026)
4:00 to 5:30
5:30 to 6:15 (dinner break)
6:15 to 7:45
All campers’ parents will be required to sign the camp waiver and paperwork the first day of camp, at check in. All camp sessions are hosted in the Barker Center (600 Bob Gill Dr.) behind Lawson High School. Food not provided. Please pack your camper lunch/dinner or plan accordingly.
Expected Attire: Please dress for athletics; shorts and t-shirts. Please wear socks, if you have wrestling shoes, please bring them.
Do view and share our downloadable camp flier, click here:
Where to Find Us
All summer camps and open mat sessions are hosted in the Barker Center, behind Lawson High School.
The Barker Center
600 Bob Gill Dr.
Lawson, MO 64062
Frequently Asked Questions For Summer Camps
Who can attend camp?
Our camps are open to wrestlers of various ages and skill levels. Whether your athlete is brand new to wrestling or has years of experience, there will be instruction and training opportunities designed to help them improve.
Who is leading the camps?
Camps will be led by Devin Mellon, former Division I Big Ten coach, along with Cardinal Elite Wrestling staff.
What will wrestlers learn at camp?
Athletes will focus on fundamentals, technique, positioning, drilling, mat awareness, live wrestling, and overall wrestling IQ. Campers will also work on discipline, confidence, and mental toughness.
Does my wrestler need experience to attend?
No. Beginners are welcome. Camps will be structured so wrestlers can learn at their own pace while still being challenged.
What should my wrestler bring?
Wrestlers should bring:
Wrestling shoes (or wear socks)
Water bottle
Wear athletic clothing
Healthy snacks, packed lunch, or dinner if needed
Will there be live wrestling?
Yes. Depending on age and experience level, wrestlers will participate in drills, situational wrestling, and supervised live wrestling.
Are camps separated by age or skill level?
We do our best to group wrestlers appropriately to create a safe and productive training environment for everyone.
Why attend a summer wrestling camp?
Summer is one of the best times for wrestlers to improve. Camps help athletes stay active, sharpen skills, build confidence, and prepare for the upcoming season while having fun with teammates and competitors from surrounding areas.
How do I register?
Registration information, camp dates, and pricing details are all on the website, as well as posted through Cardinal Elite Wrestling’s social media pages and communication channels.
Can parents stay and watch?
Parents are welcome to observe portions of camp unless otherwise noted. There is limited room, so please be aware that there may not be seating for everyone.
What makes Cardinal Elite Wrestling camps different?
Our camps combine high-level coaching with a positive, hardworking atmosphere focused on growth, accountability, and helping every wrestler reach their potential — no matter where they are starting from.