Corry Duals 6-2

January 26th, 2009 by Ryan Cook

6-2 at the Corry Duals.

Under the circumstances, forfeiting two weight classes, this is not a bad showing for the team. The what-ifs are starting to pile up with each loss and each one can be looked back upon as a missed opportunity for victory as they should be. Not because the score was close enough to sniff a victory, nor because there was a few matches that should have gone the other way but, because EVERY time we compete, duals or tournament, this is an opportunity for victory and should be treated as such. Special things are in store for this young team when they start treating every competition as what it is, an opportunity to improve and a match that should be won. Not only is this lacking sometimes but i see lack of belief in skill and conditioning affecting the outcome of the match before the first whistle is blown. Each match is a battle and should always be viewed that way, fighting for every point and a fight to defend against them.

Most wrestlers took big steps forward in their development. Undefeated tournaments from freshman Tim Wheeling and sophomore Caleb Baker showed us that they are on the path to great things in the future. Both wrestlers dominated their opponents and WRESTLED every second the clock was ticking. Baker ended all eight of his matches with a fall and Tim ended 3 of his matches early, 2 by fall and one by tech fall. Tim also piled up points on his way to two major decisions. Zac Baumgartner started to open up the offense and pour it on and it resulted in a 7-1 tourney with 6 falls and a tech fall. Freshman DJ Myers also ended with a 7-1 record with 5 pins, including a gutsy come from behind win against veteran Brandon Fronk of Corry. In an 8-3 hole early, DJ continued to wrestle chipping away and hitting a big double leg to tie the score and a reversal later to clinch an 11-9 victory.

Tyler Bowers and Seth Stonis both ended with a 6-2 record. Paul Scharrer and Doug Myers finished with 5-2 records. While Travis Bryant and Tommy Nuhfer earned 5-3 records.

I want to add a special recognition for a few wrestlers:

Kyle Kuntz earned his first varsity win, a first period pin against Warren, in his varsity debut.

Brandon Horn saw his first action of the year and wrestled valiantly in a tough role, facing two PIAA state qualifiers. Brandon has been a great partner during the season pushing the starters at all of the lower weights.

Zack Chivari has also started to turn the corner in his wrestling development. Although Zack suffers some rookie mistakes and faces some very stiff competition, Zack continues to display a great attitude in practice and works to advance his skills. Zack’s team first commitment was obvious when he selflessly dropped to weigh in at 125 even though he knew the majority of his matches were to be at 130. This move may have been the deciding factor in our win over Union City.

Congratulation on these achievements but never be satisfied with the steps you have taken as there are many more to be overcame.

Coach Cook

If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you don’t;
If you’d like to win but you think you cant,
It is almost certain you wont;
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will.
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!
Anonymous