Why THRiVE?
Our Mission
THRiVE exists to build up young athletes through the foundational disciplines of running and wrestling—sports that demand grit, heart, and mental toughness. We create a space where kids can grow in confidence, character, and community through purposeful training, active play, and challenges that stretch them to THRiVE in all situations.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a community rooted in the timeless disciplines of running and wrestling—raising up a generation that’s strong in body, unshakable in mind, and grounded in character. We’re growing kids who love to move, who embrace challenge, and who carry the grit they build here into every arena of life, long after the camp ends.
Our Program
At THRiVE, character comes first—who athletes become matters more than how many times they win. We believe in training the whole athlete: body, mind, and spirit. From day one, the focus is on the process over the outcome—building strong fundamentals that develop confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of movement.
Through purposeful training and mentorship, athletes are guided by experienced coaches who understand what it takes to succeed—not just in sports, but in life. THRiVE challenges kids physically, sharpens them mentally, and inspires them to lead with heart. They learn to grow through teamwork, discipline, and resilience—choosing the right even when it's hard, and carrying those values with them both on and off the field.
IT'S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST SPORTS
Who is Coach Weller?
Coach Chris Weller, the founder of THRiVE Athletics, is married to his amazing wife Jessica and is the father of two wonderful daughters, Willow and Lilly. He is a nationally accredited interscholastic coach and has been instrumental in the success of athletic programs in Northwest Arkansas and Kansas. Coach Weller's impact on children a
Coach Chris Weller, the founder of THRiVE Athletics, is married to his amazing wife Jessica and is the father of two wonderful daughters, Willow and Lilly. He is a nationally accredited interscholastic coach and has been instrumental in the success of athletic programs in Northwest Arkansas and Kansas. Coach Weller's impact on children and young adults in NWA is immeasurable. Under Coach Weller's leadership, programs grow and athletes thrive. He has been the founder or head coach of over 5 successful nonprofit/school programs, including the sports of wrestling, track and field, cross country, golf, and basketball and has been working with young athletes since 2011.
How Is It Done?
Coach Weller’s personal philosophy runs deep and is authentic.
THRiVE in Uncomfortable Situations, Trust the Process, and always
Choose the Right.
This philosophy is echoed throughout every practice, every meet, and every one on one relationship. It has impacted hundreds of athletes and developed their leadership, perseverance, integrity,
Coach Weller’s personal philosophy runs deep and is authentic.
THRiVE in Uncomfortable Situations, Trust the Process, and always
Choose the Right.
This philosophy is echoed throughout every practice, every meet, and every one on one relationship. It has impacted hundreds of athletes and developed their leadership, perseverance, integrity, ability to handle adversity, and personal accountability – tools needed to develop successful adults.
Coach Weller has helped encourage children, who would otherwise not be involved, to join wrestling, cross-country, and track and field teams. His main goal is to strengthen the mind and increase the kids’ confidence. He is dedicated to building the character of children and giving them an amazing opportunity to be involved in sports, grow, and THRiVE.
What's in the Record Books?
What's in the Record Books?
*USATF Nationally Certified Level 1 Coach & Cross Country Specialist USA
*Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach
*National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Gravette High School (GHS) & NWA Classical Academy (NWACA
Arkansas Girls Prep Cross Country Coach of The Yr., 4X Conference Coach of The Yr., 2X Girls Cross Country State Champions 202
*USATF Nationally Certified Level 1 Coach & Cross Country Specialist USA
*Wrestling Bronze Certified Coach
*National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators
Gravette High School (GHS) & NWA Classical Academy (NWACA
Arkansas Girls Prep Cross Country Coach of The Yr., 4X Conference Coach of The Yr., 2X Girls Cross Country State Champions 2022-23, 2X Wrestling State Champions 2023-2024, Wrestling Academic State Champions, Girls Indoor Track State Champions 2023, Boys State Runner Up Cross Country 2024, Boys Cross Country State Champions 2021, Boys Track & Field State Champions 2022, Girls State Runner Up Track & Field 2022
Track: 26 Outdoor All-State Athletes; 15 Indoor All-State Athletes; 139 All Conference Athletes
Cross Country: 26 All-State Athletes; 3X Arkansas vs Oklahoma All-Star Race Qualifiers; 1 State Champion, 3 Runner-Up; 36 All Conference Athletes; 2 Conference Champions
Wrestling: 38 All-State Athletes; 5 State Champions; 46 All Conference; 6 Conference Champions