Return of “Opening Weekend” with Wrestling Legend Gene Mills
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural “Opening Weekend,” Sunnyvale Wrestling Club is thrilled to announce the return of this exciting two-day event that signals the official kickoff to the high school wrestling season.
Last year’s event featured Olympic Gold Medalist and NCAA Champion Kendall Cross, whose Saturday clinic drew athletes from across the region and set the stage for a highly competitive SCVWA Folkstyle Tournament on Sunday. This year, we’re continuing that tradition — and raising the bar.
On Saturday, Sunnyvale Wrestling Club will proudly host a clinic led by none other than Gene Mills, one of the most dynamic and feared wrestlers in U.S. history. Known to fans as “Mean Gene,” Mills is an Olympian, an NCAA Champion, and the all-time leader in pins at the NCAA level — a record that still stands decades later. His unique, aggressive, pin-focused style has earned him international recognition and inspired generations of wrestlers to attack rather than stall.
Mills brings not only a legendary competitive resume but also a deep commitment to coaching and developing young athletes. Through his renowned Gene Mills Eastern Nationals tournament and countless clinics nationwide, he has shared his expertise with thousands of youth and high school wrestlers. His Saturday session in Sunnyvale will focus on the art of turning opponents and securing the fall — techniques that helped define his hall-of-fame career.
Then on Sunday, we welcome back the SCVWA for the Black Sheep Classic Tournament, hosted right here at Sunnyvale Wrestling Club. Wrestlers from all over the region will compete in this early-season showdown, providing a high-energy environment just one day before high school practices officially begin across California.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Gene Mills to Sunnyvale,” said Coach Duus, head coach of Sunnyvale Wrestling Club. “Our mission is to give local wrestlers access to the best coaching and competition possible. Last year set a high standard, but this year’s Opening Weekend is going to be even more special.”
Whether you’re a wrestler looking to sharpen your skills, a coach prepping your team for the season, or a fan of the sport, Opening Weekend 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss.
Event Details:
📅 Saturday Clinic with Gene Mills — Saturday November 1st @ 10 AM
📅 SCVWA Black Sheep Classic Tournament — Sunday November 2nd @ 7:30 AM
📍 Fremont High School, 575 W Fremont Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94087
📝 Registration info: CLICK HERE for more information.
Visit https://www.sunnyvalewrestling.com/camps-and-clinics for more updates and registration details. Let’s make Opening Weekend a South Bay wrestling tradition!