When your life’s passion grows into a family business, you know it’ll be something special. Felix Wrestling Academy is truly a family affair – and the Felixes know their craft. You won’t find more welcoming business owners than Danny and Cheri – and their knowledge of wrestling and how it benefits youth makes this a top-notch program. 

Wrestling is a full-body challenge. Physically, it promotes strength, agility and cardiovascular endurance in an athlete. Wrestlers become disciplined as they develop undivided concentration on the mat. These skills boost a young athlete’s confidence and provide the mindset for success later in life. 

Danny Felix opened the Felix Wrestling Academy in 2018 after leaving his career as a college wrestling coach, most recently at WVU. He was a Pac-10 Champion and All-American at Arizona State. He was a medalist at some of the most prestigious competitions in wrestling, including U.S. Nationals, the USA Olympic Trials and at international matches with the U.S. World Team.

Cheri traveled all over the country with Danny while he was competing and coaching. Once they had their son, Luca, they settled in Morgantown. As both a wife and mother of wrestlers, Cheri is a friendly presence at the Academy and often advises parents who are interested in enrolling their child. 

Danny has worked in club wrestling for over 10 years with kids from age five through their high school years. He and his team at the Academy – which includes Danny’s brother, Cory, and his son, Luca – emphasize step-by-step fundamentals to more intricate wrestling moves. The success of Felixes’ youth programs is evident by the photos on the wall. The first Summer Intensive Camp photo displays about 15 kids; most recently there were close to 100 participants. The posters of those who have committed to wrestle in college have increased over the years as well. 

The Felixes and their team of coaches welcome families to visit the Academy. You’ll see kids of all ages running through drills together, wrestling one-on-one, and clearly enjoying this competitive environment. 

Since he retired from competing and coaching at the Division I level, Danny Felix has no regrets regarding the youth training programs he has developed. “This opportunity was a blessing,” Danny shared. “I immediately knew it would work well here in Morgantown.”