Solid Core and Tough Preseason bode well for 2013 Season

2013 team attend the Stanley vs. Mt. Holly match in November.

     It has been several years since we have had a group as dedicated to working outside the season. We had a strong spring schedule with several tough tournaments including sending 4 wrestlers to the Junior National Duals in Oklahoma in June. After a break in August we picked up where we left off. Training at least 2 days a week, and lifting 3 days a week. With several tough tournaments in October our returning core were already well into wrestling mode by the time the season opened.
     The 2013 team is led by the core of Michael Bedard, Jared Bassett, Jacob Grigg, and Alex Ledford. Alex and Michael are the only seniors on the squad and Michael returns as a 2012 state bronze medalist. Jacob has looked strong in preseason and is poised to have a major impact in Febuary. Jared Bassett took the fall off of baseball so that he could concentrate on wrestling and seems to be a solid performer around 126.
     Also returning are Mark Bedard, Jack Reep, Eric Harvey, Evan Abernathy, Tristin Frazier, and Julius Beckham. Mark, Jack, and Eric have already made an impact in our lineup, helping compensate for the graduation of state champ John Grigg. Mark's off season work has made him more competitive in his matches, while Jack and Eric seem to have accepted there roles as veterans.
     Two unexpected additions to our program this year are D'Andre Hunter-Cathy and Roy Hedman. Both are Juniors that moved to EG this year. D'Andre placed 4th last year at 126 pounds in the 2A division for Salisbury High School, and Roy competed for East High School in Rochester, NY. Both are vying for the starting spot at 138 right now.
     The rookie class is one of the largest we have had and has several wrestlers that could be competitive this season. Tyler Spurling at 160 lbs and Chris Peterson at 220 both have already contributed in dual matches. Logan Moore, younger brother of Cody (the Headlock) Moore could make a noise if he's able to get into the line up. (FYI, he has a nice leg attack and I haven't seen him throw a headlock yet.) In the heavyweight slot we have 3 freshman wrestlers competing for the opening left by Rhett Odom's graduation. Jordan Smith and Jordan Wilson both show promise and if they are willing to stick with it and continue to work hard could give us the balance we need at the top of the line up.
     The team is working hard and seem to have great attitudes. Only time will tell but if we continue to improve and keep our focus on the right things, we could be very competitive at the end of the season.