"Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy." - Dan Gable |
The SMHS Wrestling
Team started the 2015-2016 season with roughly 35 male wrestlers, 7 female
wrestlers and 2 managers. With 12 returning lettermen and lot of
young kids that gained varsity experience, the boys' team performed well in
every aspect of team competition including tournament and dual
competition. They had a win record of 19-8 with a tough schedule
including several top-10 teams. They also had 11 state qualifiers: Dylan
Kemmer, Pedro Villalobos, Xavier Finley, Anthony Alegria, Marco Hernandez, John McDonald, Jacob
Flannery, Chandler Brickle, Ronnie Wyllins, Juan
Loza, and Justin Johnson. Justin Johnson placed 3rd in the State
Tournament. The Lady Panthers qualified 3 girls for the Girls' State Tournament: Kyah St. Marie,
Kim Smith and Laura Napier. Kyah placed 4th, Kim
placed 6th, and Laura placed 5th in State. The season
ended with good numbers all around as 26 boys and 4 girls finished the season
with 21 of those becoming lettermen or lettering again. After three seasons in the AAA division, the
Panther Wrestling Team finally made it back to the State Duals by finishing 2nd in the Region.
Letter to the SMHS Student Body
I would like to take this time to tell you a little about the sport of amateur wrestling. High school wrestling is very similar to Olympic wrestling and nothing like Professional wrestling. There are no ring-ropes, body slams, or Choke Slams; however, there is a lot of one-on-one competition that can be very exciting and fun while getting you in the best shape of your life. You do not have to have any experience to join the wrestling team; we will teach you everything you need to know including technique, discipline, momentum, and balance.
In boys' wrestling, there are 14 weight classes ranging from 106 pounds to 285 pounds; you only wrestle the people around your size. For example, if you weigh 110 pounds, you could wrestle in the 113 or 120 pound weight classes; if you weigh 159.5 pounds, you could wrestle in the 160 or 170 pound weight classes. You are not required to lose weight to wrestle unless you weigh more than 285 pounds.
In girls' wrestling, there are 10 weight classes ranging from 105 pounds to 185 pounds. SMHS girls have earned 19 State medals and hope to earn more with your help. We would like to fill a full girls team this year so see Coach Parker if you are interested.
All wrestlers, including freshmen, will have many opportunities throughout the wrestling season to win a starting position on the varsity team. If you can beat the teammates in your weight class, you will be the starter in that weight-class until you are challenged and beaten. If you do not get a starting position, you will still have many opportunities to wrestle varsity matches in addition to junior varsity matches and tournaments. There are no try-outs and you will not be cut from the team unless you have a discipline or attendance problem. By the way, wrestling season does not interfere with any other sport except basketball.
If you are interested in giving wrestling a try, talk to Coach Parker in room C223. The first official practice begins on October 31; however, if you would like to see what wrestling is like before the season begins with no obligation, Coach Parker will be holding open gym and weight lifting starting August 22 from 3:00–4:30pm in the main gym. For more information, you can call Coach Parker at 261-2443.
I believe that the sport of wrestling provides young people with the determination, self-discipline, and mental and physical toughness to conquer any obstacle that confronts them in their future. I also believe that everyone should try wrestling once to test his/her toughness and grit.
“I challenge you to give wrestling a shot. You may be surprised at what you can do!”
Coach Brian Parker