"Once you've wrestled, everything else in life is easy."
- Dan Gable
The Panthers sent 1 wrestler to the State Tournament: Walker Biber. Walker qualified as a freshman and has an exciting career ahead of him.
The Lady Panthers sent 2 girls to the State Tournament: Junior Anna Scoville and Sophomore Alina Thompson. Looks for great things from these two next season.
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 12 weight classes ranging from 100 pounds to 235 pounds. SMHS girls have earned over 20 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 in November; 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 starting in September from 3:00–4:30pm in the main gym. For more information, you can call Coach Parker at 931-261-2443.
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