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Best In The Class
Top Seniors:
1T.Adam Hall, Bonners Ferry
1T.Shawn Jones, Snake River
3. Paul Gentry, Meridean
4. Wes Cooper, Minico
5. Jeremy Ensley, Homedale
6. Dyaln Whitting, Skyview
7. Derek Mestrovich, Skyview
8. Brandon Palanuik, Lakeland
9. Kevin Lester, Nampa
10.Chris Katus, Lakeland
Top Juniors:
1. Joe Fio, Sandpoint
2. Clayton foster, Kamiah
3. Alex Vickers, Skyview
4. Jake Thompson, Rigby
5. Kyle Burch, Weiser
6. David Hayes, Bonners Ferry
7. Kirk Smith, Centennial
8. Dallin Higgs, Skyline
9. Mark Skogrand, Lewiston
10t. Anthony Weerheim, Preston
10t. Matt Durrant, Kuna
Golden Zollinger, Declo
Bryan Martinat, Homedale
Jacob Peck, Aberdeen
Top Sophomores:
1. Kaden Piva, Challis
2. Jaron Hathaway, Eagle
3. Seth Untersherer, Capital
4. Spencer Patrick, Mountain View
5. Jake Densley, Centennial
6. Tayson Beck, Skyview
7. Kaden Thueson, Nampa
8. Steve Meland, Nampa
9. Jake Glider, North Fremont
10. Colby Van Orden, Snake River
Top Freshmen:
Weigh In Procedures
- Must be weighed in by December 6
- May lose 1.5%/week
- A wrestler cannot compete below their certified weight
- In making a descent to his certified weight, the wrestler must reach it in time to still complete
3-certified (scratch) weigh ins (There must still be 3-dates on the schedule)
- Once a wrestler has achieved the minimum weight, they may compete at a higher weight--In returning
to their certified weight, they may lose up to 4-pounds/week
- Home teams must record the weight of each wrestler from every team present.
Wrestling with Weigh Ins
I recently sent a letter to Bill Young, the executive director of the Idaho High Schools Activities Association
(IHSAA). The letter centered on some of the ambiguities surrounding the state's new weigh in procedure.
As stated in the letter that follows, I am not a fan of the new procedure. I am convinced that the new procedure
is too easily manipulated, rewarding those who are willing to engage in deceptive practices while punishing the honest.
Additionally, I believe that the new procedure favors incoming cross-country and soccer players and discrminates against incoming
football players and non-fall athletes. I believe that the new procedure will encourage athletes to begin cutting in September
and October. Lastly, and most importantly, I believe that the new procedure to be dangerously inaccurate where hydration levels
are not correctly determined, rendering a false fat percentage reading.
It is not my intent to sit back and complain. I am convinced that the IHSAA has taken steps in
the right direction, making a sincere effort to place reigns on an issue that, if left untamed, has the potential to run rampantly
out of control. Generally speaking, the procedure, when accurately implemented, affords athletes and coaches
some insight into a healthy, competitive weight for the athlete. Next, the procedure itself is still a work in progress. The
state, in my opinion, is to be applauded for the intent. Mr. Young was prompt, thoughtful, and articulate in providing
a response to my letter.
Below you will find concerns, recommendations (albeit somewhat vague,) as well as the letter to and response from Mr.
Young.
Concerns:
- The Procedure is Easily Manipulated--Height, hydration levels, sauna-soaking followed by water guzzling
(this is where you get people having to re-weigh several times)
- Discriminates--If an athlete comes in at a weight below 7% (e.g., 5.5%), he or she can get a note from
a doctor to compete at that percentage; however, if an athlete comes in at 7.2%, he or she cannot get a note to compete at
a percentage below 7%. You will find that your incoming soccer and cross country players wll come be far more likely to
come in below 7% than incoming football players.
- Early Cutting--If an athlete is at 10% body fat in October, what will prevent the athlete from cutting
to 5.5% body fat by late November? If they do cut to 5.5%, what doctor is going to tell them to pack some fat on before
they'll certify them to compete?
- Deceptive Readings--Simply check your fat reading when you have a barely legal hydration level (nearing
dehydration) versus being almost overly hydrated.
- Other Concerns:
The athlete who is not allowed to compete at a weight below 112.5 but whose weight falls to 110
as the season progresses and is forced by the state to compete at 119-pounds. An issue that becomes perilous when that
athlete competes against individuals from other states who are cutting from 130-pounds.
Recommendations:
- Involve Physicians in determining a safe weight for the athlete (in conjunction with the current procedure.)
Have a physicain on hand at initial weigh in. I believe that in our case, two kids would have been prohibited from cutting
the weight the new procedure allowed for them to cut and three kids would have been allowed to cut the extra half-pound
or less, enabling them to compete at the lower class
- Involve Parents
- District level Appeals Director/Supervisor
- District level involvement where an athlete has had to be re-weighed numerous times as result
of failed hydration levels
- Random Testing to hold the entire process accountable. The concern has much more to do with vailidity
than blame. If a different certifier were to come to a school and get very different readings, the IHSAA would need to take
a close look at either the certifier or the entire procedure.
Letter and Response, Bill Young
Mr. Young,
This is Mike Randles, the head wrestling coach at Sandpoint High School. I am writing to you requesting clarification
regarding some of the questions that have arisen surrounding the new weigh in procedure implemented by the IHSAA.
I'll be starightfoward and say that I am not a fan of the new system--in part because I feel as though I don't have enough
information surrounding the new procedure, and in part because I feel the new system is easily manipulated, as well as favoring
incoming x-country runners and soccer players over incoming football players.
I believe, however, that with more information, I, as well as other coaches, will have a better understanding of the program,
enabling me to better implement and support it.
With your permission, I would like to publish your responses on the following site: theidahowrestler.tripod.com. If you
rather I didn't publish your responses, I will follow your wishes.
> Question:
When Idaho schools attend out of state tournaments/duals or in-state events--not sanctioned by the IHSAA, can wrestlers
compete at a weight lower than the weight they certified at with parental permission? If not, what might the consequences
include if they chose to do so?
> Question:
If a wrestler certifies at 103.58 pounds, can that wrestler be allowed to wrestle at 103-pounds with a physician's approval?
Are there any appeal processes for such situations?
> Question:
A wrestler is determined to have 6.0% body fat and gets a note from a physician, declaring that he is healthy to
compete at that fat percentage. Might this not encourage wrestlers to begin cutting before the start of the season (September,
October,) knowing that if they go below 7% body fat, most physicians will give them the approval they need to compete at percentages
below 7%?
> Question:
Once a wrestler passes the hydration test and steps on the scale and is certified, can that wrestler asked to be re-weighed
on a future date?
> Question:
Do you foresee where the state might check the validity of certain certifications? For example, as can be expected, competitors
at nearly all schools have went up at least one weight class since last year; however, there are a few schools where kids--and
not just a few--not only have remained the same, but have also actually gone down a weight class.
Thank you for your time concerning this matter. Again, I am convinced that the better educated we coaches are, the more
effectively we can implement this system
Mike Randles
Sandpoint High School
Dear Mike-
Thanks for your e-mail of inquiry regarding the IHSAA Wrestling Weight Certification program. You are not
alone in questioning some facets of the certification program and the probable pitfalls that suddenly appear with the implementation
of any new program. However, I feel the new program has merit and is positive for high school wrestling. Like all new programs,
modifications will be needed to insure that the spirit and intent of the program is followed. Whatever modifications or adjustments
are made with the weight certification program, we must be mindful of the driving force that caused the implementation of
this program, and that was the health and safety of high school wrestlers.
Mike, in answer to your questions:
#1A - High school wrestlers from Idaho would not be allowed to wrestle at a weight that is below their minimum
certified weight that appears on the school's wrestling weight certification Alpha Master Report.
#1B - For those who choose to violate the rule, could be declared ineligible for the remainder of the season
and the school fined. Each case would be handled on it's own merits with penalties being imposed by the IHSAA Board of Directors.
#2 - Presently the IHSAA has not adopted an appeal, other than for wrestlers who are below the 7% body fat.
These individuals must have written approval from a medical doctor.
#3 - There is no question that this very scenario could happen. At this point in time I do not have any suggestion
from preventing this from happening.
#4 - Under our present policy an individual would be allowed a dry run. However, wrestlers would not be allowed
to practice or compete until they complete the certification requirements that determines their minimum wrestling weight.
#5 - At this point in time there are no plans to check the validity of weight certification of our member
schools.
Mike, thank you for your questions and concerns. If you have any thoughts on how the program could be improved,
please contact me with your suggestions.
Respectfully,
Bill Young
Rosholt Helps Oklahoma State to National Title
| National Champion |
|
| Former Sandpoint wrestler, Jake Rosholt, OSU, Wins National Title. |
Former Sandpoint standout Jake Rosholt, Oklahoma State, stunned the field at the NCAA National Championships to
capture the 184-pound title in helping the Cowboys to their first national title since 1994.
Rosholt, who was one of two former Sandpoint wrestlers in the finals (Jared Lawrence, Minnesota) and one of three former
Bulldogs in the tournament (Tony Hook, Oregon State), avenged his loss in the Big 12 title match, scoring a major
decision over Missouri's Scott Barker in the championship match.
Earlier in the day, OSU sealed their championship with an impressive consolation round. The Cowboys outdistanced two-time
defending champion Minnesota. Keeping the Golden Gophers in the hunt was 149-pound defending National Champion Jared Lawrence.
Lawrence was upended by OW award winner and Hodge Trophy recipient Eric Larkin of Arizona State.
The Idaho Wrestler Announces Third Annual All State
Team
First Team
103-Dustin Packard, Meridian
112-Vance Beeson, Eagle
119-Sean Connor, Skyline
125-Kevin Spangler, Moscow
130-Phillip Leck, North Fremont
135-Chad Jennings, Post Falls
140-Jonny Nunez, Mountain Home
145-Clint Leonard, Lakeland
152-Paul Ricks, Skyline
160-Luke Feist, Sandpoint
171-Jason Cates, Sandpoint
189-Dallin Carter, Blackfoot
215-Andy Patrick, Meridian
275-Nick Smith, Centennial
Second Team
103--Josh Strait, Marsh Valley
103--Preston Gentry, Emmett
112--Jose Garcia, Blackfoot
112--Sean Jones, Snake River
119--Kip Watson, Vallivue
119--Todd Turpin, Snake River
125--Talon Vickers, Weiser
125--Joe Smotherman, Meridian
130--Creed Knee, Vallivue
130--Drew Lattimer, Challis
135--Tad Berry, Challis
135--Cody Plant, Snake River
140--Nate Jensen, Madison
140--Jordan Johns, Aberdeen
145--Cody Sommers, Madison
145--Richard Cervantez, Blackfoot
152--Kyle Cheney, Vallivue
152--Tyler Freeland, Captial
160--Gerado Vega, Burley
160--Skyler Johns, Aberdeen
171--Nathan Barzee, W. Jefferson
171--Joey Vail, Minico
189--Justin Watson, Sandpoint
189--Ben Fritschman, Orofino
215--Jared Rosholt, Sandpoint
215--Richard Flowers, Parma
275--TJ Corrigan, Challis
275--Russell Weirsma, Buhl
Doors Open In 5A and 4A; Closed Tightly in 3A and 2A
5A
Having graduated a number of seniors from last year's squad, defending champion Skyline is
believed to be engaged in a reloading process. Despite boasting the state's best in 152-pounder Paul Ricks,
the Griz will have to fend off challengers such as Meridian, Centennial, Skyview, and Eagle
Arguably the state's most deceptive program is Meridian. The school's dual record may lead
to a mistaken identity--make no mistake, Packard, Smotherman, Sigler, Patrick, Hagadone, and company are for real...The real
important question, however, may be: Does Meridian have the firepower to hold off the likes of Centennial?
The Patriots may well have the blue chips as well as the supporting
cast to lay claim as the "favorites" for the 5A's. Troy Tincher, Matt Densley, and Nick Smith are expected to lead the charge
for the Pats. Smith, who was upset at last year's state tournament, may well be on a collision course with Meridian's Hagadone
for the heavyweight title.
Despite moving up a classification, the 5A's deepest team may well be Skyview. The former
4A program returns six state placers, including big man Tevita Vasi.
Some early season results suggest that 2001 state champion Eagle High School may also figure
into the picture. The Mustangs posted a 6-0 record en route to capturing the Bonneville Duals. The Eagles return five
state placers: Beeson brothers, Rinehart, Fierro, and Jorgenson. Add to these veterans a solid supporting cast and you may
well have the 2003 Idaho 5A champions.
Top Returners From Top Teams
Meridian
Dustin Packard
Joe Smotherman
Todd Sigler
Andy Patrick
Nick Hagadone
Centenial
Troy Tincher
Nick Thompson
Matt Densley
Jason Griswold
Nick Smith
Eagle
Vance Beeson
Mike Beeson
Zach Fierro
Mark Jorgenson
Joel Rinehardt
Skyview
Keaton Nelson
Dean Carl
Carlos Valadez
Kyle Nelson
Gus Madler
Tevita Vasi
4A
Having dominated the last two state tournaments, Sandpoint will have their hands full fending
off a multitude of challengers. Despite returning three finalists and five additional placers, the Bulldogs will
need big points from last year's non-placers to three-peat. Leading the way for Sandpoint will be Senior Jason Cates.
A two-time runner-up, Cates has established himself as one of the state's best in capturing the prestigious Tri State title.
Mountain Home returns not only quality but quantity as well--a necessity of any 5A/4A
state championship team. Led by last year finalists Nunez (145) and Knudson (215) the Tigers have posted numerous dominating
dual victories. Expect to hear much about the Tiger's youth, including Jason Greenfield and Garret Wells.
Having finished no lower than second the past four years, Blackfoot also returns a plethora
of quality competitors. The Broncs will be led by Josh Gordon, Richard Cervantes, Dallin Carter, and state champ Jose Garcia.
As usual, Kuna figures prominently into the scheme of things. The former 3A school returns
five placers, including runner up Ty Murdock. Should Kuna arrive in Pocatello with their usual crew, expect the Cavemen to
make a run at the title.
If early season scores reflect genuine quality, then Post Falls is genuine. The Trojans boast
among the state's best in 135-pound Chad Jennings. Jennings captured a state title last year in impressive fashion and should
do the same again in 2003. Jennings, however, will not be the only Trojan visiting the podium. Expect visits to be made by
Jake Booth, Evan Kohateck, Randy Nelson, and Jim Beck
Top Returners From Top Teams
Sandpoint
Belgarde
Walkington
Ziegler
Feist
Lichty
Watson
Cates
Rosholt
Mountain Home
Cornford (Inj)
Ramsey
Wells
Greenfield
Nunez
Knudson
Blackfoot
Garcia
Cervantez
Carter
Gordon
Kuna
Temple
Durrant
Troupe
Murdock
Marsala
3A
Sugar Salem...Won state title by 95-points and return nine state placers, enough said? Leading
the charge for Sugar will be returning state champ Ryan Price, who will position himself to eventually capture three state
titles. The junior may well be accompanied to the podium top step by teammate Dallen Wilding. Wilding lost his chance for
a state title on a controversial call in last year's 152-pound state championship match.
Snake River returns a multitude of quality competitors and arguably the state's best newcomer
in freshman Sean Jones. Senior Todd Turpin will be looking to add another piece of gold for his mantle. Hopefully joining
Turpin on the awards stand will be Bond Bowman, Cody Plant, and Andy Gerber.
The usaul suspects--Declo, Gooding, Buhl-- return a handful of placers. Expect to see a surge
by Bonners Ferry. The Badgers return a solid line up that kept quite busy in the off season. Keep an eye
out for Bonners freshman Adam Hall.
Top Returners From Top Teams
Sugar Salem
Adam Harris
Luis Bean
Cory Green
Beau Godfrey
Dallen Wilding
Ryan Price
Corey Arnold
Drew Evans
Matt Kent
Snake River
Tood Turpin
Bond Bowman
Cody Plant
Andy Gerber
A number of teams with 2-3 returners...
1A/2A
We all know where this is going...Challis, Challis, and more Challis. We are reminded of
that scene a few years back when North Fremont seemed to have sent their entire community to the awards stands. Now it's
Challis. The Vikings won last year's title by 113-points and they return all eleven placers--Yikes!
On a smaller scale--impressive nonetheless--is Orofino. The Maniacs return all six of their
placers, including state champ Ben Fritschman. While the Maniacs cannot challenge Challis, they may be able to challenge the
likes of Malad and North Fremont for a higher place on the rung.
Both Malad and North Fremont--staples of the 2A trophy hunt--return three
placers apiece. Don't dismiss them. They are among those teams that simply find a way regardless of what they do or don't
return. Blake Buehler will be seeking his first state title for the Dragons while Coach Leck's son over at North Fremont will
be attempting to defend his.
Top Returners From Top Teams
Challis
Dillon Brower
Jimmy Butts
Drew Lattimer
Rusty Darrah
Tad Berry
Andrew Cutler
Jason Keppner
Mike Foster
CW Hurliss
KC Hurliss
TJ Corrigan
Orofino
Richard Turcott
David Hixon
Cody Hollibaugh
David Houston
Brian Fritschman
Keraton Irby
Malad
Lex Firth
Blake Buehler
Cade Beeton
North Fremont
Lowell Bishop
Phil Leck
Chance Cannon
Early Season Picks
5A-Eagle, Centennial, Meridian
3A-Sugar, Snake, Bonners Ferry
2A-Challis, Malad, Orofino
The Idaho Wrestler Announces All State Selections for 2001-02
First Team
103--John Clark, Declo
112--Dillon Brower, Challis
119--Mike Wilding, Highland
125--Robert Wallace, Coeur d'Alene
130--Jordan Johns, Aberdeen
135--Danny Shea, Borah
140--Matt Hodges, Idaho Falls
145--Reggie Ross, Sandpoint
152--Tony Hook, Sandpoint
160--Jeff Anderson, Minico
171--Curtis Scott, Mountain Home
189--Eric Smith, Centennial
215--Robbie Clayborn, Skyview
275--Sky Pruitt, Lakeland
Second Team
103
Vance Beeson, Eagle
Jose Garcia, Blackfoot
112
Tood Turpin, Snake River
Sean Cook, Centennial
119
Brock Zollinger, Sugar
Talon Vickers, Weiser
Kevin Spangler, Moscow
125
Tyler Wilcox, Madison
Travis Stone, Gooding
130
Chad Jennings, Post Falls
Shilo Armstrong, Pocatello
135
Tad Berry, Challis
Skyler Terry, Bonneville
140
Paul Ricks, Skyline
Clint Leonard, Lakeland
145
Cameron Hanna, Madison
Scott Thometz, Borah
152
Chase Johnson, Skyline
Mike Gross, Bonners Ferry
160
Chris Feist, Sandpoint
Luke Feist, Sandpoint
171
Jason Cates, Sandpoint
Orin Luther Lund, Lake City
189
Jerad Rosholt, Sandpoint
Blake Kelsey, Skyline
215
Andy Patrick, Meridian
David Johnson, Pocatello
275
Danny Ledda, Caldwell
Jaxson Jones, Burley
The Idaho Wrestler Announces First Annual All State Wrestling Team
In an effort to recognize the state's best of the best, The Idaho Wrestler announces its
First Annual All Idaho Wrestling Team. As stated in an earlier release, only those competitors who earned a state title
could be considered for a first team selection. For a wrestler to be considered for the second team, he had to have been a
state finalist. All Idaho Wrestling First Team 2000-2001 103-Brock Zollinger, Sugar
Salem 112-Tyler Wilcox, Madison 119-Shilo Armstrong, Pocatello 125-Jake Summers, Madison
130- Scott Jorenson, Eagle 135-Rusty Taper, Mountain Home 140-Matt Hodges, Idaho Falls
145-Tony Hook, Sandpoint 152-Drew Dickerson, Weiser 160-Tremaine Burton, Madison 171-Morgan
Knickerham, Pocatello 189-Jake Rosholt, Sandpoint 215-Joe Forsman, Sandpoint 275-Sky Pruitt,
LakelandAll Idaho Wrestling Second Team 2000-2001 103-Neil Durrant, Kuna
112-Jaymes O'Hara, American Falls 119-Mario Cervante, Blackfoot 125-Kyle Jones, North Fremont
130-Jed Case, North Fremont 135-James Bush, Kellogg 140-Troy Egbert, Jerome 145-Chase
Johnson, Skyline 152-Curtis Scott, Mountain Home 160-Luke Carson, Vallivue 171-Cory Goicochea,
Wood River 189-Casey Phelps, Lakeland 215-Stacy Mello, McCall Donnelly 275-Danny Ledda, Caldwell
The Quest
As the season draws to an end, several of Idaho's best will be seeking the Holy Grail of high school wrestling--The
State Title.
While nothing can be taken for granite, fans from all over the state are beginning to focus in on certain
potential match ups. The most heated of which may very well be 119-pound, 3A classification where perennial favorite Brock
Zollinger, Sugar Salem, will defend his state title against numerous competitors, including Weiser's Talon Vickers.
Zollinger,
who earned double All American honors last spring in Fargo, will be seeking his third state title. He has spent time at both
112- and 119-pounds this season and has left little doubt about his ability to make the adjustment from his traditional home
at 103-pounds. The losses have been few and far between for the state's most decorated off season competitor.
Vickers,
who ranks among the state's fastest rising stars, is, like Zollinger, unfamiliar with the concept of losing. Just missing
last year's state finals as a sophomore (3rd at 112), Vickers has been nearly unbeatable one season removed. While competing
at the American Falls tournament last month, Vickers upended Idaho's other 119-pound standout in Highland's Mike Wilding to
avenge an earlier loss to the Greco Roman All American.
Vicker's split with Wilding gives him the current season's
criterion over Zollinger by way of common opponent. Vickers owns a 1-0 record over Wilding while Zollinger is 0-1 against
the common opponent.
Zollinger and Vickers, however, are not the only 3A, 119-pound competitors with their eyes on
the prize. Both Gooding's Lance Nebeker and Preston's Caleb Sharp will not be overlooked. For Vickers, Nebeker, and Sharp,
this year's 119-pound class is something of a class reunion; the trio placed three, four, five in the 112-pound class last
year.
The quest for the 119-pound, 3A Holy Grail appears to possess those traits that characterized the original quests:
sacrifice, perseverance, and passion. Regardless of who the fans cheer for, regardless of who ultimately takes the podium's
highest stair, regardless of the reasons or excuses, the Grail will end up with its rightful owner and win, lose, or draw,
Idaho High School wrestling wins.
Standing Outside The Fire...Not For These Two
Garth Brooks sings a song about how life "Outside the fire" is a life free of challenges and trials. Idaho
Falls senior Matt Hodges and Skyline junior Paul Ricks must have taken those word to heart.
The two perennial state
finalists have been competing within the fire since their freshman years. Neither Hodges nor Ricks has ever competed in anything
short of the championship match at the Idaho State wrestling tournament. The two have combined for five trips to the championship
match and sixteen tournament wins. Last year the inevitable happened and the two met in both the district and state finals
with the fiery competitor from Idaho Falls capturing both crowns. That was last year.
"Wanting to fly higher and higher/I
can't abide/Standing outside the fire..."
Brooks' song continues as does the attitude of Paul Ricks. The assumption by
many was simple, Ricks can win a title by avoiding Hodges. Ricks would have none of it. Despite another stellar year for Hodges,
Ricks remained at the Hodges home, the 140-pound class. He raised some eyebrows with his dominating performance at the Madison
Invitational but made people, including his cross-district rival, stand and take note at the prestigious Tiger-Grizz Tournament.
It was there that Ricks not only upended Hodges but also dispelled any notions of "fluke" with a victory over Utah's
nationally ranked Zach Lamano. Ricks worked into and eventually secured a "spladle" on his in-state nemisis. The spladle,
typically worth five points, is increasingly becoming the trademark move for the Skyline junior, who also spladled a two-time
state champion from North Fremont.
"We call them fools/Who have to dance within the flame/Who chance the sorrow and
the shame..."
Hodges, who finished fourth at this year's Reno Tournament of Champions--considered by most as the nation's
toughest high school tournament, could also take the obvious route to a different weight class. He has already defeated the
state's top seed at 145-pounds. He already has a state title. Why the risk? For Hodges the answer is simple, Why not? This
is the fire and Matt Hodges has never been one to stand outside that circle. He has been among the state's top two seeds in
each of his previous three years and has lived up to that billing each year.
For Hodges, the strategy seems simple
enough, wrestle as he's always wrestled and beware the spladle--without crediting too much of the quirky technique to Ricks
success. Indeed, there were no spladles in Ricks' victory over Lamano. For Ricks, it will be to wrestle with the confidence
gained from the state's most impressive 2001-2002 regular season performances.
"But you've got to be tough when consumed
by desire/
'Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire..."
For neither Matt Hodges nor Paul Ricks would
earning a state title elsewhere be enough. Both have rights to the word, "revenge," both have rights to the word, "champion,"
both, by any argument, have the right to wrestle elsewhere--but that just wouldn't be, "Standing outside the fire/Standing
outside the fire/Life is not tried, it is merely survived/If you're standing outside the fire."
Go West...For One Great Clinic
Drilling, technique, strategy, skin care, and philosophy were among the multitude of topics presented
and discussed at the Washington State's Wrestling Coaches Association's Clinic held November 2, 3 in Ellensburg.
The two day clinic included presenters from all facets of Man's Oldest and Greatest Sport. Olympic gold medallist
Dan Igali headlined this year's group of clinicians. In addition to Igali, other hi-lites included coaches from Hermiston,
Oregon and Lakeside, Washington who discussed the systems that have enabled their programs to consistently rank
among the region's best. Igali, who competes for Canada by way of Africa, detailed a number of ways in which
wrestlers can execute and finish the single leg takedown. Igali occassionally interrupted technique demonstrations to share
anecdotes that carried with them important overtones of advice. In one story, Igali recalled his gold medal match where he
grew hesitant to shoot. "I kept seeing opportunities," explained Igali of his match against his Iranian opponent,
"but kept thinking that if I mess up, It's really going to cost me. But really there is no perfect, golden moment to shoot.
You gotta go or it might be too late." Igali went on to explain that for every attack there is a counter attack and
that one cannot deny that fact. That's the way it is, "You gotta go. Can't keep waitin'." Hermiston's Curt Berger
discussed his philosophy which helped propel Hermiston to an Oregon state title. Much of Berger's philosophy was framed within
the popular Nike motto, "Just do it." Throughout his presentation, Berger sing-songed a litany of excuses and ambitions coaches
hear all too often from their athletes. Berger explained how he responds to each of these excuses or desires with the three-word
response, "Just Do it." Accompanying Berger was Dan Larson, parent of three very successful Hermiston-produced
wrestlers and Berger's assistant coach. Larson credits his boys' successes to their work ethic, something he's dedicated
himself to instilling within them. From a very young age, the boys were given chores on the family-run horse farm. When the
government prohibited youth under 16 from such work, Larson looked for an outlet where that sense of responsibilty would not
be lost. Wrestling provided such an outlet. "When I looked around, it became very clear that wrestling had what I
wanted for them: hard work," Larson explained. Much like Berger, Lakeside's Scott Jones has developed a program
that has garnered the respect of his peers. With a small contingent of team members, Jones went through a number of drills
that serve as the cornerstones of Lakeside practices. Among those drills were a number of shadow drills where wrestlers motion,
sprawl, and finish with a takedown: Wrestlers shadow motion Upon coach's clap, wrestlers sprawl, keep head
up, eyes focused on coachCoach holds up one, two, three, or four fingers--each number designates a specific kind
of takedown (e.g., one finger equals single leg; two equals double leg...)Wrestlers circle to stance, motion, and
execute designated takedownThe drill, just one among many presented, would serve as an effective warm up, encourages
athletes to keep their heads up on sprawls, and encourages athletes to move from one position to another. Clearly
the Washington State Wrestling Coaches' Association has packaged and delivered a worthwhile event. The clinic utilized
an effective school-day type schedule with most presentations lasting around an hour. The presentations covered a multitude
of topics, affording coaches the opprtunity to improve all phases of their programs, from skin care to freestyle clubs and
everything in between. Association president Craig Hanson discussed the possibilty of expanding the event to
a multi-state clinic. It is my sincere hope that Hanson pursues just that. The size of Washington's coaching coalition
enables them to organize an event on a much grander scale than one might find in either Idaho or Montana. However, it's not
only about the number of clinicians and the multitude of topics, but also the other successful coaches on hand willing to
share ideas on drilling and technique. During one break, Lake Stevens' Brent Barnes took to the mat to discuss a piece
of technique with a Moses Lake coach--an image one would encounter on repeated occassions throughout the two days. Anytime
we have the opportunity to come together and share ideas, improve our programs, and promote our great sport, we must act.
Boise State Announces Stellar Recruiting Class
Hopes are high for Boise State University to continue their successes of recent years. The Broncs recently announced their
recruiting class for the 2001-2002 season. Four Idaho state champions will make their way into the Bronco wrestling
room in hopes of making contributions to a program that is increasingly making noises at the national level: Lakeland
High School standout and two-time state champion Casey Phelps (197) has opted for wrestling instead of football;Another
multiple state champion making a commitment to stay home was Eagle High School's Scott Jorgenson (133). Jorgenson,
who dominated the state's 125-pound weight class, won his other state titles while competing in Alaska;Centennial's
Sean Page (Hwt), who captured the 275-pound state title last season, won't have far to travel from homeKellogg's
James Bush (141) captured his first state title for the Wildcats this past season and will also don the orange and
black for Boise State;And returning home after a stint at Jamestown University will be Salmon's Jaco McGinnis (184).In
addition to the homegrown standouts, Boise State further announced having signed several other top caliber recruits: Colter
Brown (125), Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 3x state champion, 154-10;Nick Budeski (141), Great Falls, Montana, 4x
finalist/2x champion, 154-16;Justin Sarnowski (141),Carson City, Nevada, state champion, 170-32;Ben
Cherrington (149), Granby, Colorado, 3x state champion, runner up, 143-3;Russell Brunson (157/165), Salt
Lake City, Utah, Transfer BYU, Runner up High School Nationals;Nathan Ploehn (165/174), Salt Lake City, Utah,
Transfer Ricks College, 3rd at NJCAA Nationals;Tony D'Amico (184), Palmer, Alaska, Transfer Oklahoma State
U, 3x state champion;KC Walsh (184/197), Tacoma, Washington, 2x state champion, 131-9;Josh Ward
(184) Chattanoga, Tennessee, Transfer Carson-Newman U, 2x state runner up;Craig Winona (184/197) Moses
Lake, Washington, state champ, runner up, 144-19;Garrett Knutson (157/165), Tri Cities, Washington, Transfer
Lehigh U;Travis Knutson (165/174), Tri Cities, Washington, Transfer Lehigh U.The Bronco's coaching
staff, as should be expected, are pleased with the incoming recruits and the impact they will ultimately have on the program "We
feel this year's recruiting class will be a strong addition to the existing foundation we have returning," said BSU assistant
coach and recruiting coordinator Chris Owens, "and will enable us to continue and build on the success of the past few years."
Coaching Changes
Borah High School Bill West, former Livingston HS administrator and Missoula Hellgate coach, named head coach. Coeur
d'Alene High School Jeff Moffat, former CDA standout and assistant coach, named head coach.
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