With the winter season upon us, so are many winter sports. This means wrestling has been in full swing. The Kings won their first tournament on Saturday, December 13, at Clinton Central. The Kings have had four meets so far this season, and the Kings’ Courier reached out to some varsity wrestlers to see how the season is progressing.
In an interview with freshman wrestler Chace Lobenthal. Lobenthal was asked some questions about the early wrestling season. Chase replied, ”My favorite wrestling match has been the Northfield match, because I pinned him in about 20 seconds with a headlock.” When asked how Lobenthal stays motivated during tough practices, he stated, “I stay motivated in tough practice by having the mentality of thinking that I can do it and do it for a purpose.” So, what was the biggest lesson Chase has learned so far this season? Lobenthal replied, ”The biggest lesson I had learned was not to lose and learn from my failures.” Sounds like freshman Chace Lobenthal has had a great start to his freshman season.
Freshman wrestler, Brylan Berry, was asked how he balances school and wrestling. Berry responded, ”I balance school and wrestling by using my time efficiently and my study hall to get my school work done.” Some of Berry’s personal goals for the rest of the season include, “ My goals are to have a positive record, have fun, and get stronger for my other sports (football and baseball).” Berry was asked what helped him get the varsity spot. He replied,” The varsity wrestler at 150 (senior, Levi Bell) got hurt, and I was next up.” The Courier asked Berry about the hardest part of being a freshman on varsity. Berry stated, “Strength and size have been a problem, but I have been working out and practicing harder to be better in the future.” Looks like Brylan Berry has been improving this season.
The Courier got the opportunity to ask Head Coach Burrous about his thoughts on how the season has been progressing. Burrous stated, “The team has improved in both technique and conditioning as the early part of the season is a lot of teaching and drilling.” The Courier asked Coach Burrous what the biggest challenge the Kings have faced so far this season. Burrous replied, “The biggest challenge we have faced so far this season is the inability to practice due to the weather. Our first dual meet was postponed on Tuesday, so this weekend will be a big test for us as we wrestle nine matches at Maconaquah in two days.” What goals do the Kings have for the rest of the season? Coach Burrous replied, “My goals for this team are to qualify for team state in January and to advance as many wrestlers as possible past the regional tournament to semi-state and beyond.” Looks like Mr. Burrous is having a good time coaching.
The wrestling team has had three tournaments and just won their first one. Returning varsity sophomores, with Brinxton Jones and Landen Baker getting pins to help win the Clinton Central tournament. Both Jones and Baker went 4-1. Varsity Junior Eli Grist also had an amazing night, going undefeated in the Clinton Central tournament. The Kings’ current record is 12-3, with their only losses being Rochester, Peru, and Northfield. Fans can tell that the Kings have been putting in the extra work to succeed.
Wrestling is one of the hardest sports an athlete can participate in. It pushes you to reach your full potential in strength. Especially being a freshman, since everyone you go against has more experience, more strength, and speed. The District Martial Arts.com site states, “Engaging in wrestling challenges athletes to push their limits, developing their physical power and mental resilience. As wrestlers train, they build remarkable strength through a variety of exercises and techniques designed to enhance their muscular endurance and overall conditioning.” According to Wesleyan College.edu, “The physical strain and competitive nature of wrestling build mental grit, helping athletes stay determined even in difficult situations. Wrestlers often face losses and tough matches, learning how to bounce back and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.” Being able to come back after a loss is one of the biggest lessons athletes can learn from wrestling.
In conclusion, the wrestling team has had an amazing start to their season so far, pushing through tough meets physically and mentally. Fans are excited to see what the Kings have in store for the rest of their season. Come see the Kings’ wrestle at home tomorrow, on December 16!
