Mr. Rust, the head coach of the wrestling team, believes that participating in this sport will “help you deal with the adversities of life.”
November has approached and so has the 2015 Rockie wrestling season. Rockie wrestling is one of the many extremely dedicated, but experience filled sports offered here at PHS.
Wrestling is an on-contact sport, making it quite difficult. The wrestling athletes work hard each practice to improve their skills before each meet. Although, this does not mean they do not have some fun while improving their takedowns, pins, and joint locks.
The 2015 team is mostly made up of seniors, so be sure to come out and support them at the home meets this upcoming season. This year’s seniors are: Cody Allmon, Bodie Neidig, Jake Stayton, Trenton Garza, Jeremy Splix, Terrance Hooten, Collin Meister, and Justin Puglisi.
Senior Cody Allmon has done wrestling throughout his high school career and surely holds many memories from each season. Although there are many obstacles and challenges to face, Allmon shares his favorite highlight of the wrestling season.
“My favorite part of the wrestling season is when conference starts, because then you get to really see how good you are and how far you can go. To me it’s almost like a whole new season because now everything counts.” Without a doubt, Allmon also holds several goals personally and as a team for his last season as a Rockie wrestler. “This season I want our team to grow mentally and physically and connect with one another to form a family and to qualify for state,” he said.
Head coach Mr. Rust encourages students, particularly freshmen, to consider joining the team. “I would encourage freshmen to join because it is fun, but you will learn many things that will help you deal with the adversities of life.”
The returning team members hope to find new faces at practice. Freshmen Fernando Rebollo will be one of those new faces. Rebollo is bringing his skills from Lincoln to the PHS team. He is very excited to become a Rockie wrestler and shared his thoughts about the sport. “I am joining the wrestling team because I really enjoy the sport. It is a tough sport and makes you become stronger. I am excited for this season’s meets and hopefully winning a lot personally and as a team,” he said.
It does not take much to become a Rockie wrestler, in fact Coach Rust has only two requirements for new and returning members to belong to the team.
“Students need to have a physical on file with the school and be willing to show up everyday and work hard,” he said.
Practices begin November 2 and continue everyday after school. Tournaments are almost every Saturday. A physical must be in file.
Besides blood, sweat, and passion, these athletes hold special memories for their sport. Make memories with the team as well. If you are interested in joining the team and want more details, contact Coach Rust as soon as possible.