Adam Smith / Advocate Staff Writer [email protected]
Every Union County wrestler has a story about playing through pain, whether it be a dislocated shoulder, broken bones, or major knee surgery. When asked about it, they simply shrug it off. That’s what they do.
These are the guys that often have to starve themselves at the end of the week to make weight classes. As senior Kenny Manuel noted, he’s had to sit out before after weighing in at 141.3 pounds in a 140 pound weight class. Senior Jonathon Vinson said, “One time I stepped up to wrestle, and I was a couple ounces over (his 171 pound weight class). “Vinson didn’t think twice. He got rid of the underwear and went about the business of wrestling.
Practice is nothing short of “living hell “according to sophomore Adam Carr. Endless drilling, running and more drilling in a furnace of a gym. Freshman Jake Wempe said, “Practice is hard-we just run and get yelled at by the coaches to get in stance and keep drilling harder. There are times when I’m tired of doing the same thing over and over again, but I’d be too afraid to tell them. “
But the repetition works. Wempe, for one, was the Paducah invitational champ, 4th in Region and a State qualifier, all as a freshman. Coach Dennis Walls said, “If you’re going to do a perfect takedown, you’ve got to have done that takedown a thousand times. That’s part of what sets our program apart from all the rest. “
It was a season of sacrifice and heroics: Chance Puckett and Carr tearing into each other at practice, preparing each other for their phenomenal State runs. Billy Brumett coming one match from placing at State. Mitch Ervin (6th in State) providing an early preview of next year’ surefire State contender. Miles Risinger, his voice still hoarse from cheering on his teammates after narrowly dropping a 13-9 decision in the 4th round of State. Diante Wright providing a huge physical boost in the upper weight classes. David Cheatham and Daniel Wright maturing into dangerous wrestlers.
But as they say, “the best wrestlers come in pairs. “Behind every Max Ervin there is a Jarvis Elam, a Josh Willet, a Joe Belt, an Eddie Jones, a Brandon Dunn, and a Darren Hogan-all pushing the 14 varsity starters to re-dedicate themselves, to feel some much needed heat from those who may someday succeed them.
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