On the 11th of January both Junior Varsity and Varsity wrestling teams of Pitman High worked to their limits as they headed to compete against the undefeated Golden Valley.
Determined, head coach Adam put forth his greatest effort to make the teams’ weaknesses their strengths. “Drill hard, practice makes perfect!” said Coach Adam.
As two days of both conditioning and practicing their moves, the day arrived. The wrestlers were allowed to go home, while the others had the opportunity to stay back and cut weight. It was 4 P.M. when the coaches told them to begin setting up the mats. Through great teamwork, the wrestling team finally finished the set-up. The gym looked amazing. Fourteen seats on one side and 14 on the other. A large scoreboard was assigned and bleachers open for fans, family and friends to come. The set-up process took a mere 30 minutes. Coach Vince wanted the team to make weight, so he demanded everyone to weigh in before the competition arrived.
Outstanding wrestler Konstantinos Roditis took one for the team and lost a total of 9 pounds in the short time of 3 hours! Konstantinos was a proud man to have been able to lose that incredible amount of weight.
Golden Valley had arrived around 5 P.M. They looked determined and focused. As the clock ticked, it was only a few minutes until the real weigh in was to occur. It was finally 5:30 and every wrestler stripped down to weigh the least amount they can. The weigh ins were wrapping up and the JV wrestlers were to wrestle first.
Coach Austin took the JV wrestlers to the wrestling room for a quick warm up. He wanted to make sure we were ready. Finally the time had come. The JV wrestling had begun. They wrestled tough but unfortunately lost.
“It was a tough match but I guess I have to work harder next time.” said Ryan Sather.
“I thought he had me, until I powered through and took the victory.” said Chris Favila.
The overall score of the JV was 27 – 38. Now, it was time for the Varsity. The gym was loud with fans, until the lights shut off. Then, a blue screen appeared. It was a magnificent video presented by the coaches where special highlights of our Varsity wrestlers were going to work.
The game had finally begun Pitman wasn’t looking so hot in the beginning. Justice had a tough match but ended up with a loss.
Honored player Logan Wolfley teched his opponent 18 – 3. Teching an opponent is an automatic victory for the opposing player.
Kyle Martinez fought hard and snatched the victory away from his opponent. The game was over and Pitman was finally defeated. The overall score was 16 – 54. As proud winners headed out the door, the Pitman wrestling team stayed back to help clean up the gym. The coaches wanted everyone to go to the wrestling room after they were done cleaning.
When everyone was in the room for a meeting, coach began by saying, “You guys fought hard, but we need to step our game up.” Every wrestler agreed and took a break in the middle. Pitman had an incredible loss this Wednesday but is sure to strike with a comeback next game.
