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Editorial: Wrestling with numbers
Op-Ed · April 14, 2016
Fewer high school wrestlers took the mat this year, yet West Branch Wrestling saw their hard work turn into wins where they could get them, improvement throughout the season and another state qualifier.
In wrestling, like golf, each individual carries an equal opportunity to contribute to the team score. At the same time, individuals can go as far as their efforts and talents will take them. Both were on display during the 2015-16 season.
Despite the team’s small roster, the Bears chalked up five team wins and kept two meets close. As for individuals, 106-pounder Tyler Siemen, 138-pounder Jacob Graves and 220-pounder Drew Finnegan each placed at the River Valley Conference.
Finnegan, ranked No. 6 in Class 1A, would move on through districts and earn that fiercely cherished trip to the state tournament. When he finished, he exceeded expectations by climbing up to fourth place on the stand.
The senior wrestler also left his mark on the team’s history books, earning 11th place for Most Falls in a Season, 24th place for Most Wins in a Season, and earning a spot on the 60 Wins Or More list with a 61-11 record. That accomplishment is even more impressive when you learn he did not wrestle his junior year due to injury and did not go out his senior year until about a month into the season.
The high school team gathers for its end-of-season banquet with the youth wrestling club team, and coaches from both groups encouraged the student-athletes to invite their friends and take advantage of open-mat nights on Mondays.
“With football so strong (in this city) there’s no reason the wrestling team should be so sparse,” youth coach Grant Jipp said. He’s right. Most schools with strong wrestling programs also have historically strong football programs, like Wilton, Solon and Williamsburg.
One of the challenges, though, is turnover at the top. West Branch High School in the last several years has had a hard time keeping head coaches. However, Head Coach Chris Paulus said he plans to return next year, and that is good news for a team trying to rebuild.
Bears, you made the most of this year regardless of your small numbers. The effort on the mat shows.
Nice work this season, wrestlers, and best to you come December!
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