2008-2009–Are you prepared?

October 29th, 2008 by Ryan Cook

There is a great saying that says “There will be a time when Winter asks you what you have done all Summer”, and that time is now! The preseason practices have been underway for almost 3 weeks, certifications have started, the booster club fundraising is in motion and the time for the “extras” is dwindling rapidly.

This being my first ever blog experience I will stay mostly informative. The official start off the season in November 17th. Before that we have weight certifications taking place now. The first round of certs took place yesterday for the high school team. The middle school team has their first shot at it on Thursday. The weight certification process is the same as it has been in the past. Wrestlers must be hydrated, proven through a urine test. Wrestlers must then be weighed and their body fat percentage measured. From these numbers the wrestler’s safest and lowest possible weight class will be determined. This process will also determine a decent program for the wrestlers allowing them to only lose 1.5% of their body weight per week on their way down to their chosen weight class. All weight certifications must be completed by the 1st of December. Another important step to start the season is School Physicals. All wrestlers MUST have a Doctors physical before the start of the season. Students that have received a physical in the spring of last year or are participating in a fall sport are ready to go, all others interested in wrestling must have a GM physical package completed by their family doctor. These physical packages can be obtained from and returned to the offices in both the High School and the Middle School.

This year’s schedule is completed and is very exciting. Many of the tournaments are different and features three home matches and is highlighted by our second appearance in the War At The Shore. We will be wrestling McDowell at the Civic Center in Erie at this event that features 5 high school matches on raised platforms and is headlined by a dual between Mercyhurst and Gannon. Presale tickets can be purchased from me now or at the high school office as the competition approaches.

The schedule will be posted on the homepage of this website shortly but I feel like beating Webby to the punch and releasing it here. This is the final schedule and will be different than the schedule published in the school’s calendar.

November 21st Scrimmage at Fort LeBoeuf
November 28th Scrimmage at North East
December 6th at Mountaineer Tournament, Philipsburg-Osceola
December 12th at War At The Shore, Erie Civic Center
December 17th HOME VS CONNEAUT LAKE
December 19th & 20th at Jarvis Wildcat Memorial Tournament, Athens
January 3rd JV at Reynolds Tournament
January 9th & 10th at Tool City Tournament, Meadville
January 14th HOME VS CATHEDRAL PREP
January 16th & 17th at Corry Duals
January 24th @ Bison Duals, Clearfield
January 24th JV at Cranberry Tournament
January 29th at District 10 Dual Meet Championships, Edinboro University
January 30th & 31st at Fred Bell Tournament, Grove City
January 31st JV at Central Tournament
February 7th JV at District 10 Championships, Northwestern
February 11th HOME VS FORT LeBOEUF
February 14th JV at Clearfield Tournament
February 20th & 21st at DISTRICT 10 CHAMPIONSHIPS, McDowell
February 27th & 28th at NW REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, Altoona
March 5th, 6th and 7th at PIAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS, Hershey

There it is! The 2008-2009 General McLane Wrestling Season. A clean slate. Everyone starts undefeated. Your chance to answer that all important question asked by Winter.

Coach Cook

“The real part is won or lost somewhere far away from the witnesses–behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights” Muhammad Ali

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