The Northern High Wrestlers are confident in their abilities and expect to go far this season.
by Charley Johnson
The Northern High Wrestling Patriots started the season off strong with a win of 84-0 at their first match of the season. These wrestlers went into the meet with their heads held high, expecting a flawless defeat. Junior, Hayden Tyree said “West Lake only has seven kids on their team so it will be a pretty easy win.” Many other wrestlers agreed, with similar comments on West Lakes small team, conveying the shared feeling of an upcoming win.
Although the wrestlers expected to win the match, that did not stop them from giving their all at the practices leading up to the meet. Senior, Grant Neal stated, “we practice like six days a week and we have been doing well so I think we will definitely out condition them.” Junior, Brice Boling agreed saying, “we work hard at practices, we do a lot of stairs so our cardio is definitely up there.”
The wrestlers did expect an easy match, however, they did recognize that if they lost to West Lake their practices would get a lot tougher. This pressure helped ensure that they performed their best while on the mat. Neal stated, “If we lose, which is not expected, I think the practices will get a little bit tougher, but if we win they will just stay the same since we are going on a good track, and we will continue to dominate the league.”
An easy matchup does not eliminate nerves. The wrestlers went into the meet confidently, but this confidence did not shake all of their nerves. Since this was the first match of the season there was a high mixture of excitement and nerves as the patriots awaited their time on the mat. Senior, Drew Montgomery stated, “it’s the first home match of the year so I am nervous.” With a shared feeling amongst other wrestlers, Neal similarly said, “I’m pretty nervous before any of my matches but I am excited to get back on the mat, it’s been a long time.”
There was a lot of excitement as the wrestlers awaited their first match of the season. Prior to the match Tyree stated, “I’m excited to see some of our new wrestlers, we will probably put in a lot more people who are less experienced so they can get the practice in. I think it will be a fun day tomorrow.” Sophomore, Christian Pickle expressed his excitement as well saying, “I’m excited that it’s a less good team so it will be an easier match to start the season off.” This excitement is sure to carry throughout the season as the wrestlers continue to give it their all and improve as a team throughout the season.
