Wrestlers hopeful for Mideast Regional Championships
December 20, 2016
Junior Wrestler, Ben Buenviaje crouching to gain an advantage over his competitor.
The Wakefield wrestling program continues to win matches this year, placing in every tournament they compete in. Knowing what they are doing right and what improvements they need to make will be key to their success in the future.
Senior captain Reece McArthur expresses some ideas on how the team will be able to improve dealing with weight classes as well as strength.
“We are working hard on maintaining our strength while cutting weight at the same time,” McArthur said.
The team wants to be the number one program for wrestling in the CAP-8. They have achieved this goal so far, placing in every tournament they have competed in this season.
“Goals we strive to achieve this year are placing in every tournament we go to,” McArthur said. “Which we have currently done so far this season.”
The team will continue to be successful because they have underclassmen competing, giving them the time to grow and mature in the sport before they become seniors. Building a good team foundation will be key for this team not only now but in the future as well.
“We are also achieving success in building a strong team with many underclassmen,” McArthur said. “Creating a strong foundation for the time in future years.”
On top of team goals, there are personal goals for the wrestlers individually. Senior captain Eric Albertson expresses his personal goals for this wrestling season.
“I want to be able to win in the conference championships and place in the top three at regionals,” Albertson said.
Albertson know exactly what he needs to do in order to achieve these goals he has set for himself. He is very focused and determined to continue to put in work day in and day out until he sees it pay off.
“I’m working hard on improving my technique,” Albertson said. “Practicing moves that will be successful out on the matt.”
Albertson knows that practice makes perfect. He knows that it is not going to be easy, but be will keep working hard at developing his skills and improving his strength and endurance out on the mat. As a captain, he believes he needs to demonstrate this for each member of the wrestling team especially the underclassmen.
Wakefield wrestler, Andrew Meyer competing in the Mideast Invitational tournament.
“I will achieve all my goals I have set for myself by working hard every day in practice,” Albertson said.
A strong relationship between the wrestlers and the coaches is crucial to the team’s success. The team looks to Coach Robert Lusk as a leader, and also a mentor.
“Our relationship with Coach Lusk is good,” Albertson said. “He puts a lot of trust in us and does the best he can to help us be ready for each match.”
The team needs time to get better and get used to the wrestling environment, as half of the wrestlers are underclassmen. Lusk sees this and he knows exactly what to do in order to achieve success for his team.
“We are lacking experience and depth and that will take time to develop,” Lusk said.
Knowing what success means is half the battle. Lusk knows exactly what success means to him and his team.
“Success is an on-going process where you continue to grow in the sport and as a person,” Lusk said. “We have to be better than yesterday in academics and athletics.”
Lusk holds the team to a high standard. The members of the team are expected to be leaders not only on the matt but in the classroom as well.
“Each individual is a representative of the team, the sport, and our school,” Lusk said. “Their conduct reveals their true character. I’ve told them that you cannot be two people, the person you are and the one you want others to see. Ultimately, your true self will direct your actions and affect your life and relationships.”
Members of the cheer squad have helped out the wrestlers a ton with their ability to control their body and have overall better athleticism. They helped the wrestlers work on their flexibility, core strength, and body control.
“I appreciate the members of the cheer squad that worked with our team on tumbling,” Lusk said. “It was very effective and we have continued to use those skills to build body control and athleticism.”
Mr. Steve Stock, Wolverine Booster Club president, provided an off-site training center for the team. This benefit every athlete in the department by providing more time for each team in their facilities.
“Special thanks to Wolverine Booster Club President Mr. Steve Stock for providing an off-site training center for our team,” Lusk said. “This benefits every student-athlete in the department by increasing the time each team needs in our facilities.”
Lusk cares for the students. He wants the best for his wrestlers and he wants to push them and have them push each other to be the best they can possibly be.
“I want every member of the team to understand they have a responsibility to each other,” Lusk said. “They need to push each other and make each other great. I believe that by providing honest, frequent feedback that athletes will know where they are and can take responsibility to continue developing.”