We had a good contingent of wrestlers choose to go to the University Nationals this past weekend. Although I would have liked everyone train and attend, we did have 14 wrestlers attend the competition – Ibrahim Bunduka, Bill Prochniewski, Ryan Renkey, Logan Harvich, Sahid Kargbo, Tejon Anthony, Matt Raines, Sean Raftery, Daniel Mika, Patrick Davis, Austin Harrison, Justin Hite, Gary Miltenberger, and Matt Voss. 13 competed in Freestyle and 9 guys competed in the Greco-Roman tournament. My hope is the matches will help them learn what they need to work on over the summer months. I believe competition helps with the evaluation process and can increase your learning curve.
Although we did not have anyone place in the Freestyle competition, we did have several guys win matches. Notably, Patrick Davis led the team with a 4-2 record. Matt Voss finished with a 3-2 record. Sahid Kargbo was 2-0, before being injured in a bout. We made the decision, despite his protest, to withdraw him from the remainder of the competition.
We had 3 placers in the Greco-Roman Tournament. Matt Raines and Ryan Renkey both placed 8th. Despite their lack of Greco-Roman experience, it was good seeing them have success. Matt Voss found a way to when the Heavyweight division. It was fun watching him compete. He wrestles a high pace and is willing to take risks. He won 3 matches in order to qualify for the best of 3 finals. In his semi-final match he won by a fall early in the bout after throwing a great left-handed head lock. He lost his first bout in the finals, but won the next two to punch his ticket to the University World Championships in Turkey. His composure and effort level were outstanding.
Off season wrestling is also good for team bonding. We were able to spend lots of time together. Every evening we were treated to great hospitality and food by the Meadows family. I know the guys are thankful. On our last night in Ohio, we were able to celebrate Tom Carr’s birthday and watch UFC 199 at the Meadows home. I think we might have overstayed our welcome as Mike and Connie went to bed before we left their home.
On Monday, I was able to attend the 29th Annual Patriot Club Alumni-Athlete Golf Outing. It was a beautiful day for the event. I ended the day by getting a tour of the Inn at Evergreen by Mike Garcia. I was more than impressed by the work done to renovate the historic home. The only bad thing about the event is we lost the award for the team with the most alumni in attendance to Baseball. I certainly prefer winning. Hopefully we can win it at the 30th Annual.
Speaking of winning, I am hopeful we can win the 2016 alumni-athlete giving challenge that concludes on June 30. We are currently in 3rd place. Thus, please pester alums in to giving. For more information about the alumni giving challenge and to give go to http://www.gomason.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205073218&DB_OEM_ID=25200
The guys are now taking a few days off before beginning our summer Strength Program which will be led by John Delgado and Israel Silva.
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