Body slams will soon be heard at the University Recreation Center.The TCU Wrestling Club will begin practicing for its upcoming season at the end of October, said club president, senior Jeff Davis.

The TCU Wrestling Club was formed last year.

Davis said there was a $75 membership fee for the whole year but the club is open to everyone, including faculty and staff, but in order to compete, you have to be an undergraduate or graduate student.

“Last year we had eight regular competitive members,” Davis said. “The club competed in weight classes ranging from 125 pounds to 275 pounds.”

The TCU Wrestling Club is a member of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. The club competes against other members of the Southwest Conference, which includes teams such as Texas Tech, Colorado and North Texas.

Davis said the club practiced at Fort Worth Country Day School last year.

“The club purchased a mat this year so the members can practice in the recreation center and be able to host an event,” Davis said. “In February, the club will host the conference tournament in the (University) Recreation Center.”

Cristie Carpenter, the assistant director of campus recreation, said practicing in the Rec Center will help the club recruit more members.

The club recently had a meeting for those interested in joining. Davis said there were four new guys who attended and a few others sent e-mails.

Colby Carter, a sophomore business major, was a member of the team last year.

“Last year, we only sent four people to nationals,” Carter said. “We just need to try to get more people involved.”

Davis said he, Carter, Chris Case and Austin Galifaro competed at nationals last year.

“We had a rough time,” Davis said. “We were seeded against some of the better wrestlers. Three out of four wrestlers faced All-Americans from the year before.”

Davis said the team wants to improve on last year’s performance.

“This year the Fort Worth Country Day coaches are going to help with our training and conditioning,” Davis said. “Towards the end of the season, we will also extend practice from twice a week to three times a week.”

Davis said preparation for the season will also include running off of the mat and other special workouts.

“Every match you have determines your future,” Davis said. “Every time you get out there you can be the guy on your back.”