Garretson grapplers start their 2019-2020 season
by Oliviyah Thornton, Blue Ink
On Monday, November 18, wrestling had its first practice this season and the coaches are looking forward to seeing how the new wrestlers grow and seeing past athletes return.
Only three out of the seven who qualified for state last year returned this year; three graduated and one moved out of the school district. Because of this, the wrestling team has a young team, and a few haven’t done wrestling before. The coaches don’t see this as a bad thing but more of a good one.
Mr. Ruml, the head wrestling coach, is optimistic about the new, young talent.
“I love that we have new people coming out for wrestling,” he said.
Wrestling team numbers have been declining for the past few years, but this year is a change from that trend.
“Our numbers have really dropped over the years and we are doing what we can to get more student-athletes out for wrestling. I think some people are intimidated by wrestling because they have never done it and it seems foreign to them,” Mr. Ruml said. He continued, “Wrestling is one of those sports that you figure out as you go and it really teaches you discipline and respect. Wrestling also teaches you how to take a loss and how to take responsibility for your mistakes.”
Gabe Johnson, a sophomore, joined wrestling and this will be his first year. “This year I decided to do wrestling after I was approached by a football coach and asked if I would be able to give wrestling a week to try it out, and so far, I'm liking it!”
Even being a novice, Johnson has set goals for himself.
“My goals are to improve myself whether it be sportsmanship, athleticism, or even footwork. I aim to improve myself to the best of my abilities and to be ready for every challenge that comes my way,” he said.
Having a younger team and new players can come with a disadvantage because of the lack of experience these athletes will have, but there are more positives than negatives. Since they are brand new/ younger, they don’t have any bad habits on or off the mat.
Mr. Ruml explained the positives of having a younger team.
“It is nice to be able to show a new wrestler a technique that is new to them, so they only know how to do it one right way. We have seen in the past where veteran wrestlers have learned lazier ways of doing a technique and then it doesn't work against opponents,” he said.
Blue Dragon supporters will get to see them improve throughout the season. Garretson hosts three home meets this year, in contrast to the one they had last season. Home contests are December 12, January 28, and February 14.
Garretson wrestling also has seven wrestlers returning from the last year's team, including three state qualifiers: Preston Bohl, Jayse Miller, and Dominic Abraham.
Bohl, a freshman, highlighted the benefits of coming back to the squad.
“I knew that if I came out this year it would make me tougher,” he said, “not only physically but mentally also to help me become a better runner.”
He, much like Johnson, has set out goals for himself, giving a focus throughout the season, “This year I’m hoping to make it to State again and place.”
The wrestling season is only just begun, and the new wrestlers have much to learn and the older ones are gaining more experience. Their first tournament is the Flandreau Invitational in Flandreau on December 7 at 10:00 am.
