Time to Roll Out the Mats

By Scott Proffitt
In the famous words of Michael Buffer, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” It’s time to strap on the head gear and roll out the mats because wrestling season is here again! Now that the football season has reached its conclusion, Coach Cook is geared and ready for the wrestling season. When asked about the transition from football to wrestling, Coach Cook replied, “Being head coach of football and of wrestling both entail much of the same things as far as preparation goes. The only difference is the sport itself.”
His goal for the team this year is for them to improve as the season progresses and to compete well on the state level. But most of all, Coach Cook expects his wrestlers to have a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard. And according to how he runs his practices, working hard is a must. Coach Cook described his practices as extremely intense with hands on drills and live situations. “I want everyone to always be working,” he says. “I don’t like a whole lot of standing around and watching.” Dalton Underwood, a sophomore wrestler, said, “His practices push you to the limit and are incredibly strenuous.” Although the preparation seems daunting, it’s all worthwhile for the wrestlers. All the hard work that’s put into practices finally comes to fruition when a meet rolls around. The team has around fifty meets during the course of the season and although this is a team sport, each wrestler has the task of facing their opponent on their own. “It’s an elevating feeling when you win a match knowing no one else helped you,” says Underwood.
Coach Cook along with the rest of the team is primed and ready for an excellent season of wrestling. Senior wrestlers this year include Glen Shoemake, Tanner Curto, Alex Davidson, Derek Hammons, and Amber Slaughter. Wrestling may seem like a simple sport, but in reality, there’s nothing further from the truth. Wrestling is one of the toughest sports there is and these students have been putting in a great deal of hard work each week. So come out and support your wrestling team and watch them kick some tail!