About us
Welcome to High Country Wrestling Camps!
Formerly known as the Mountaineer Wrestling School, High Country Wrestling Camps are run by the Appalachian State Head Wrestling Coach JohnMark Bentley. Our camps offer several options for wrestlers at every level. All camps will be conducted on the campus on Appalachian State University and are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level, and/or gender).
Meet our Staff
Get to know the experienced and dedicated coaches who bring passion and expertise to High Country Wrestling Camps!
JohnMark Bentley
Head Coach
Randall Diabe
Head Assistant Coach
Austin Nelson
Director of Operations
Max Maylor
Assistant Coach
Paul Bianchi
Assistant Coach
Varsity Gym at Appalachian State University
Camp Address: 530 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28607
Varsity Gym - Camp Location
Daniel Boon Inn Restaurant
Downtown - Boone, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wrestlers need to bring their own gear?
Yes! Wrestlers should bring:
- Wrestling shoes
- Workout clothes
- Headgear (optional but recommended)
- Water bottle
What if my child needs medical attention?
Certified athletic trainers will be on-site at all times.
Can parents watch the camp sessions?
Yes! Parents are welcome to watch technique sessions and live matches.
Do resident campers get meals included?
Yes! Resident campers receive 7 meals during their stay.
Do day campers receive meals?
No, day campers must bring their own meals or make arrangements for food.
What is the Prospect Camp?
The Prospect Camp is designed for serious high school wrestlers (Grades 9–12) who want to compete at the collegiate level. Led exclusively by the Appalachian State Wrestling Staff, this camp provides:
- Advanced wrestling techniques
- High-intensity competitive drills
- One-on-one instruction from college coaches
- Insights into collegiate wrestling expectations
Who is eligible to attend?
- High school wrestlers in Grades 9–12.
What are the pricing options?
- Commuter: $320 (No meals or lodging included)
- Resident: $430 (Includes lodging & meals)
- A small online convenience fee applies during registration.
Are discounts available?
- Multiple Camp Discount: Save $50 on your second camp registration.
- Sibling Discount: Save $50 for the second sibling.
Where does the Prospect Camp take place?
- All sessions take place at Varsity Gym, home of Appalachian State Wrestling.
What is the refund policy?
- A $100 is non-refundable.
- Partial refunds for medical reasons will be reviewed case-by-case.
Intensive Camp FAQs
What is the Intensive Camp?
The Intensive Camp is designed for wrestlers looking to train at an advanced level. This camp simulates collegiate training, emphasizing:
- Advanced drilling techniques
- Live competition
- Mental toughness training
Who is eligible for the Intensive Camp?
- Wrestlers must be 14 years or older at the start of camp.
What are the pricing options?
- Tuition: $420 for first-half payment
- Tuition: $420 For second-half payment
- Full Registration: $840
- Sibling Discount: Save $50 for the second sibling.
- Multiple Camp Discount: Save $50 when attending multiple camps.
What is the refund policy?
- A $100 is non-refundable.
- Medical-related refund requests will be reviewed case-by-case.
What is the focus of the Youth Camp?
The Youth Camp is designed for boys and girls aged 7–12 and focuses on:
- Fundamental wrestling techniques
- Building confidence
- Fostering a love for the sport in a fun and engaging environment.
What are the pricing options?
- Tuition: $225
Do campers need to bring their own food?
Yes, wrestlers must pack their own lunch each day.
What is the refund policy?
- A $100 deposit is non-refundable.
- Partial refunds for medical reasons will be reviewed case-by-case.
What is the format of the Team Camp?
The Team Camp is designed for teams and individuals and includes:
- 8 Technique Sessions led by Appalachian State Coaches.
- 7 Live Matches for skill application.
- Optional Individual Tournament on the final day.
- Individuals Attending Solo? No problem! We will place you on a team.
What are the pricing options?
- Day Camper: $350 (No lodging or meals)
- Resident Camper: $455 (Includes 3 nights of lodging + 7 meals)
Are there team discounts?
Yes! Teams can earn discounts if registered by May 31st:
- 10-14 Wrestlers: $25 off per wrestler
- 15+ Wrestlers: $30 off per wrestler
What is the refund policy?
- A $100 deposit per camper is non-refundable.
- Medical-related refunds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- A $100 deposit is non-refundable.
- Partial refunds for medical reasons will be reviewed case-by-case.
Yes, wrestlers must pack their own lunch each day.
The Youth Camp is designed for boys and girls aged 7–12 and focuses on:
- Fundamental wrestling techniques
- Building confidence
- Fostering a love for the sport in a fun and engaging environment.
- A $100 deposit per camper is non-refundable.
- Medical-related refunds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Yes! Teams can earn discounts if registered by May 31st:
- 10-14 Wrestlers: $25 off per wrestler
- 15+ Wrestlers: $30 off per wrestler
- Day Camper: $350 (No lodging or meals)
- Resident Camper: $455 (Includes 3 nights of lodging + 7 meals)
The Team Camp is designed for teams and individuals and includes:
- 8 Technique Sessions led by Appalachian State Coaches.
- 7 Live Matches for skill application.
- Optional Individual Tournament on the final day.
- Individuals Attending Solo? No problem! We will place you on a team.
- Wrestling gear (headgear, shoes, singlet, workout clothes)
- Athletic wear for training
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping bag, pillow, and toiletries (for resident campers)
- Youth Campers: Bring your own lunch each day.
You can register online through our official camp website. Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended.
All camps take place at Varsity Gym, a state-of-the-art wrestling facility on the Appalachian State University campus.
Each camp has specific eligibility requirements:
- Team Camp: Open to wrestlers aged 10 and older. High school graduates (Class of 2025) may attend technique sessions but cannot compete.
- Youth Camp: Designed for boys and girls aged 7–12 to learn wrestling fundamentals.
- Intensive Camp: Open to wrestlers 14 and older who want to train at an elite level.
- Prospect Camp: Designed for high school wrestlers (Grades 9–12) who aspire to wrestle at the collegiate level.
