Monday, November 16, 2015

Let the Season Begin!

   Officially, another high school wrestling season is underway with the start of PIAA practices on Monday afternoon. Really though, if you're like me, which you might be if you're a regular to my blog, discussion about what's coming shortly didn't start today. I was one of the recipients in a large group text message last night that stated "Happy Wrestling Eve," then another one from the same source this morning saying "Happy Wrestling Day." So I guess at least a few people are excited about the local season.
   Like I did last year, I'll try to get to as many of the county wrestling rooms as I can in person before the season begins. It's not a big number, but my regular duties at the Bedford Gazette do keep me quite busy, so I'll do my best. Today, I hung out at Everett for a little while to check in on the Warriors. Here's a few tidbits:

2015-16 Everett Warriors
   — Everett head coach Robbie Ripple was optimistic about the number of wrestlers in the room. I don't have an official roster yet, but my count showed somewhere in the mid 20's for varsity bodies. Among them are at least seven returning letterwinners, including sophomore Liam Flaherty, who was a state qualifier as a freshman while posting a 26-11 record.

   — It was awesome to see Zach Reed working out with his teammates. Reed underwent emergency intestinal surgery over the summer and was in and out of the hospital several times very early in his life. In June, three feet of his intestines had to be removed after scar tissue had built up from his previous surgeries. A story about Zach's journey and the community support he and his family have received was featured in October 22nd's sports section of the Bedford Gazette.

   — One tough break for the Warriors this winter will be the absence of heavyweight Kyle Peterson, who suffered a knee injury in the offseason and did not play football nor will he be able to take the mat. Peterson, a junior, showed signs of promise last season with a 14-8 record at 285.

Everett wrestlers work out on the first day of official practice on Monday.

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