The Rams Wrestling Club at VCU is a club that welcomes students of all skill levels to train and compete in the sport of wrestling. The Founder and President of the club is Yassin Semmami, a Northern Virginia native who was a Virginia All-State Qualifier and set the record for technique falls for wrestling in his High School district. Now a third year student and an Accounting and Finance major here at VCU, Semmami strives to push his wrestlers beyond their limits to really showcase their potential.
Founder and President, Yassin Semmami (right) and Vice President, Dillon Dull (left) at the Activities Fair held at the Siegel Center.
Dillon Dull is the Vice President of the Rams Wrestling Club and has played an integral part to the recruitment of members. With over 100 members on Facebook, 35 active members, and practice 3-4 days a week, the Rams wrestling club is one of the most popular and committed clubs here at VCU. When asked about the vision and plans for the club this upcoming semester, both Semmami and Dull emphasize that they, “want the Rams Wrestling Club to be one of the most recognized and competitive clubs in Virginia. Next semester, they want to focus on guiding and training wrestlers so that the club can compete against UVA, JMU, VT, and ODU.” The wrestling club is open to all students regardless of their skill level and Semmami urges anyone who is experienced and committed to join. Thus, that is the only way; his vision will become a reality.
Not only would recognition at a state level bring praise to the Rams Wrestling Club, it could even potentially push the VCU Athletic Department to provide a space where the Wrestling Club can practice. The reason why it has taken 2 years to finally start up a Wrestling Club here at VCU is the lack of training space. Not only could they not practice at the Cary St. Gym but also they could not afford the high prices of gyms around the area that would allow them to practice. Now, the wrestling club meets 3-4 days a week at the honors college to car pool to an MMA training space, 12 minutes from campus, in Henrico Co. Semmami states that, “not having a place to practice on campus has been one of the biggest challenges we have faced as a club, but we have a place to practice and again those who are committed and love the sport show up, so that’s all that matters.”
If you are interested in joining the Rams Wrestling Club at VCU or even being challenged to a practice you can request to join the club’s Facebook page: Club Wrestling at VCU.
