Matthew Pitts - Founder / Coach
, Matt Pitts is a highly accomplished wrestler and coach with an extensive career spanning over three decades. His journey in wrestling began at Gordon Central High School in Calhoun, Georgia, where he was a two-time state champion and USA Wrestling All-American. Pitts achieved a remarkable high school record of 150-15 and was ranked 5th nationally as a senior.
Pitts continued his wrestling career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 2000 to 2005, where he was a three-time NCAA Division 1 National Qualifier and ranked as high as 5th nationally. He was a Southern Conference Champion and Freshman of the Year. He placed in the top 12 at the 2004 NCAA Championships. He also placed 2nd at the 2004 U23 World Team Trials in freestyle wrestling 60kg.
After his competitive career, Pitts transitioned into coaching. He began as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2006, where he helped produce one All-American. From 2006 to 2010 and again from 2020 to present, Pitts has been coaching at the high school level in Georgia and Tennessee, guiding 19 individual state champions, 7 traditional and duals TSSAA Team State Champions, and 8 high school All-Americans to success.
Pitts' collegiate coaching experience includes serving as the head assistant coach at Shorter University (NAIA) in 2011 and at Reinhardt University (NAIA) from 2016 to 2019[. At Reinhardt, his team placed 5th at the NAIA Championships in 2019, and he coached 6 NAIA All-Americans.
Since 2011, Pitts has been the head coach at Grindhouse Wrestling, where he has achieved remarkable success. Under his leadership, the club has produced 124 individual Georgia and Tennessee state champions in USA Wrestling and AAU competitions, as well as 8 Georgia dual and traditional team state championships.
Throughout his career, Pitts has trained under several notable coaches, including Terry Brands, a two-time World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Franky James, Lee Fulhart, and Steve Hamilton also coached Pitts in College. His father, Walter Pitts, coached him in high school. His club coach was Arturo Holmes.
Pitts' achievements have earned him induction into both the Calhoun/Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame and the Gordon Central Athletic Hall of Fame. His extensive experience as both a wrestler and coach has established him as a respected figure in the wrestling community.
Pitts continued his wrestling career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 2000 to 2005, where he was a three-time NCAA Division 1 National Qualifier and ranked as high as 5th nationally. He was a Southern Conference Champion and Freshman of the Year. He placed in the top 12 at the 2004 NCAA Championships. He also placed 2nd at the 2004 U23 World Team Trials in freestyle wrestling 60kg.
After his competitive career, Pitts transitioned into coaching. He began as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2006, where he helped produce one All-American. From 2006 to 2010 and again from 2020 to present, Pitts has been coaching at the high school level in Georgia and Tennessee, guiding 19 individual state champions, 7 traditional and duals TSSAA Team State Champions, and 8 high school All-Americans to success.
Pitts' collegiate coaching experience includes serving as the head assistant coach at Shorter University (NAIA) in 2011 and at Reinhardt University (NAIA) from 2016 to 2019[. At Reinhardt, his team placed 5th at the NAIA Championships in 2019, and he coached 6 NAIA All-Americans.
Since 2011, Pitts has been the head coach at Grindhouse Wrestling, where he has achieved remarkable success. Under his leadership, the club has produced 124 individual Georgia and Tennessee state champions in USA Wrestling and AAU competitions, as well as 8 Georgia dual and traditional team state championships.
Throughout his career, Pitts has trained under several notable coaches, including Terry Brands, a two-time World Champion and Olympic Bronze medalist, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Franky James, Lee Fulhart, and Steve Hamilton also coached Pitts in College. His father, Walter Pitts, coached him in high school. His club coach was Arturo Holmes.
Pitts' achievements have earned him induction into both the Calhoun/Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame and the Gordon Central Athletic Hall of Fame. His extensive experience as both a wrestler and coach has established him as a respected figure in the wrestling community.
David Klingsheim - Head Coach
David Klingsheim, a prominent figure in the world of wrestling and mixed martial arts, has forged an impressive career from his high school days to his current endeavors in professional fighting. His journey began at Liberty High School in Brentwood, California, where he quickly distinguished himself as a remarkable athlete.
During his time at Liberty High, Klingsheim emerged as a formidable competitor, securing a spot as a 4x State Placer and earning the title of California State Champion twice. His freshman year saw him place 8th at the state level, followed by a 5th place finish his sophomore year. Klingsheim's junior year was a standout period; he posted an impressive 51-5 record, won the prestigious Super 32 Tournament, and clinched the California State Championship at 119 pounds. He continued his winning streak into his senior year, capturing another state title at 125 pounds with a perfect 55-0 record.
His exceptional performance at the high school level earned him a spot at the University of Nebraska, where he continued to excel on the mat. Klingsheim became a two-year starter for the Cornhuskers and achieved the title of Big 12 Conference Champion. Additionally, he qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2011, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier wrestler.
Transitioning from collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts, Klingsheim now trains with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento under the guidance of Urija Faber. His commitment to the sport extends beyond his own training; he has established himself as an exceptional private wrestling coach. Klingsheim's passion for the sport, combined with his meticulous attention to detail and high-energy approach, has made him a sought-after coach for kids, middle schoolers, and high school wrestlers alike.
Outside of the gym, Klingsheim cherishes his time at home with his wife Brittany and their young son, Noah. His dedication to both his family and his sport reflects his balanced approach to life and his relentless pursuit of excellence. David Klingsheim's remarkable career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for wrestling and mixed martial arts. His continued success as both an athlete and a coach highlights his enduring impact on the sport and the next generation of wrestlers.
**Wrestling Achievements:**
- Big 12 Conference Champion (University of Nebraska)
- 2011 NCAA Qualifier
- 2009 Dream Team Member
- Super 32 National Champion
- 2x California State Champion
- 4x California State Placer
- Dave Schultz Award Winner
- Gatorade Rookie of the Year
- Five Counties Champion (Outstanding Wrestler)
- Doc Buchanan Champion (Outstanding Wrestler)
- 4x Lou Bronzan Champion
- 4x League Champion
- 3x Triple Crown Winner
- 20x Freestyle & Greco California State Champion
- 5x Fargo Freestyle All American
- 5x Fargo Greco All American
- Fargo National Champion (Greco)
During his time at Liberty High, Klingsheim emerged as a formidable competitor, securing a spot as a 4x State Placer and earning the title of California State Champion twice. His freshman year saw him place 8th at the state level, followed by a 5th place finish his sophomore year. Klingsheim's junior year was a standout period; he posted an impressive 51-5 record, won the prestigious Super 32 Tournament, and clinched the California State Championship at 119 pounds. He continued his winning streak into his senior year, capturing another state title at 125 pounds with a perfect 55-0 record.
His exceptional performance at the high school level earned him a spot at the University of Nebraska, where he continued to excel on the mat. Klingsheim became a two-year starter for the Cornhuskers and achieved the title of Big 12 Conference Champion. Additionally, he qualified for the NCAA Championships in 2011, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier wrestler.
Transitioning from collegiate wrestling to mixed martial arts, Klingsheim now trains with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento under the guidance of Urija Faber. His commitment to the sport extends beyond his own training; he has established himself as an exceptional private wrestling coach. Klingsheim's passion for the sport, combined with his meticulous attention to detail and high-energy approach, has made him a sought-after coach for kids, middle schoolers, and high school wrestlers alike.
Outside of the gym, Klingsheim cherishes his time at home with his wife Brittany and their young son, Noah. His dedication to both his family and his sport reflects his balanced approach to life and his relentless pursuit of excellence. David Klingsheim's remarkable career is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for wrestling and mixed martial arts. His continued success as both an athlete and a coach highlights his enduring impact on the sport and the next generation of wrestlers.
**Wrestling Achievements:**
- Big 12 Conference Champion (University of Nebraska)
- 2011 NCAA Qualifier
- 2009 Dream Team Member
- Super 32 National Champion
- 2x California State Champion
- 4x California State Placer
- Dave Schultz Award Winner
- Gatorade Rookie of the Year
- Five Counties Champion (Outstanding Wrestler)
- Doc Buchanan Champion (Outstanding Wrestler)
- 4x Lou Bronzan Champion
- 4x League Champion
- 3x Triple Crown Winner
- 20x Freestyle & Greco California State Champion
- 5x Fargo Freestyle All American
- 5x Fargo Greco All American
- Fargo National Champion (Greco)
Jaxon Wells - FUNDAMENTALs Head Coach (GA)
- Former University of the Cumberlands Wrestler
- Top 5 Team placement @ NAIA National Championships
- 2X MSC Conference Team Champions
- 3x GHSA State Placer at Dalton High School
- GA Freestyle and Greco State Runner-Up
- Former Grindhouse Wrestler
- Top 5 Team placement @ NAIA National Championships
- 2X MSC Conference Team Champions
- 3x GHSA State Placer at Dalton High School
- GA Freestyle and Greco State Runner-Up
- Former Grindhouse Wrestler
Steve Hamilton - Youth Volunteer Coach
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Coaching Background:
College: Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling Club, Northern Iowa, University of Nebraska, & UT-Chattanooga. As a college competitor, Hamilton was known as one of the top wrestlers in Iowa State history. He was one of six Cyclone wrestlers to become a 4x All-American, competing from 1988 to 1992. Hamilton was voted ISU's Most Valuable Wrestler as a junior and senior. NCAA Division I Tournament Finishes IOWA STATE WRESTLING 1989 - 158lb 7th 1990 - 158lb 3rd 1991 - 150lb 2nd 1992 - 150lb 3rd Hamilton was also brings an international background to Grindhouse. In 1996, he was victorious at the Olympic Trials South and the Michigan International Open. He placed fifth at the 1995 Grand Prix Slovakia, and he took second and third at the Sunkist Open in 1993 and 1994, respectively. Hamilton was a member of the 1993 U.S. Freestyle Team after placing third at the World Team Trials. He also placed fifth at the U.S. Nationals in 1993 and eighth in 1994. Hamilton is a Member of the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame. A native of Emmetsburg, Iowa. Hamilton was also a 2x Iowa High School State Champion. |
