Tag: May Smith

JHS wrestlers use their competition to improve skills and confidence

by Isabella Stewart and May Smith

This year’s boys’ wrestling team is one of the “youngest teams” that they have had. This young team of wrestlers has not only grown throughout the first half of their season, but they have also worked hard to improve and win.

This upcoming weekend is one of the hardest weekends of their season. Varsity wrestlers travel to Evansville, followed by some of the junior varsity and varsity B teams heading to Louisville. 

Sophomore Chandler Cooke (WC 215) competes against a wrestler from Madison High School, demonstrating strong positioning and controlled technique throughout the match. Photo by Mackenzie Stubblefield.

Junior Will Honaker has been practicing every day, preparing for this upcoming weekend. He said practicing with Coach Jeremiah Cain has benefited him the most “because he has taught me to practice harder; practicing with my teammates has allowed me to gain strength, sportsmanship, and confidence.”

Many coaches come to wrestling practice every day. Head coach Danny Struck not only been attending practices and coaching, but he has also been attending middle school meets and helping any athlete who needs it.

Varsity freshman Logan Vidt said, “Coach Struck is just an amazing coach to me. In practice, he is so helpful, and he makes us drill hard and go hard every time because he knows in time it will add up and we will be our best we can be, and I really do respect that.” 

 Sophomore Julian Alvarez talks about how much practice defines real-world situations that he can always overcome because “Coach Struck always tells us how wrestling is the hardest thing we do, and I believe that is true because without wrestling, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I have a tough mindset, strong skills, and great sportsmanship, and I think that all can go into defining your own character.”

Honaker said, “As much as I would like to win this weekend, I’m not just looking for a win — I’m really hoping that going against tough wrestlers will make me tougher. I think it’s all about my mentality. I believe if we really try as a team whole, we could make it this weekend.”

The boys’ wrestling team is on their climb for the gold, but every wrestler knows it’s not just about the gold and the glory, but it’s about the privilege they earn to wrestle and the people they do it with. 

Vidt said, “We have our ups and downs, but the most important part of it all is that we keep our heads up and keep walking and never look back. I am so grateful to be a part of a team that pushes me past all my goals to go above and beyond.”

Senior Quintin Smith (WC 157) competes against a Madison High School wrestler, maintaining focus and strong defensive skills during the contest last Saturday. Photo by Mackenzie Stubblefield.
by jhshyphen

Fast-growing girls’ wrestling team prepares for upcoming season

by Isabella Stewart and May Smith

Girls’ wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports. This year’s wrestling season has started off with a big team, one that puts them at an advantage for the season. 

Wrestling coach Danny Struck teaches a takedown with assistant coach Jeramiah Cain at a recent wrestling practice. The girls’ wrestlers compete Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. at JHS. Photo by Isabella Stewart.

The wrestling team has done a lot of advertising to recruit athletes, handing out flyers, having the wrestlers talk to their friends and getting girls interested in coming to practice at least to watch. 

Girls’ head coach Joe Somerville is excited to get athletes on the mat; he wants them to “be comfortable on the mat and be the best version of themselves.”

Somerville said, “We have lost a lot of seniors, a lot of leadership, but we have so many new girls out here. We have put seven weeks into pre- seasons and I think by mid-season everyone will be in great shape.”

Junior wrestler Levi Evans agreed. “With the loss (of seniors) we have so many new girls,” she said. “There is a lot of diversity on the team, and I think that we can really do something with all the diversity this season.” 

Junior wrestler Kristin Brown has put in a lot of effort during pre-season, being there at practice to show leadership. She said, “The girls have been working extremely hard, and I have been there helping girls practice in hopes we will have a great season.”

The wrestling coaches have been preparing in the off-season as well, attending clinics and coaching conferences to prepare for the season.                      

Head wrestling coach Danny Struck said, “I have attended six clinics myself and a couple of national tournaments, and we’re just working to be our best we can be for the wrestlers.”

Wrestling coach Danny Struck teaches junior Levi Evans how to do a double leg takedown during a wrestling practice. Photo by Isabella Stewart.

A new support to the team is athletic director A.J. Moye, who has shown up to practices and been there for the team in his first season as AD.

Moye said, “I’m bringing what I’ve brought to every other team, and that’s just a lot of support. I’m just so excited. I’ve been talking with Danny a lot, and we’re both just so excited for this season ahead.”  

Brown said the team appreciates Moye’s support. “I’m really happy that we have an athletic director who cares so much about the sport. I think he’s a great asset and I think we’re going to have a great season with him.”

The wrestlers are gearing up for their opener this Saturday at JHS at 9 a.m. They’re going against many teams, as they just had their first match on Wednesday. They won against Columbus East and had a loss to Jennings County. 

by jhshyphen