Wrestlers prepare for rest of season

Chatting+it+up+with+some+teamates%2C+junior+Preston+Welch+prepares+to+start+practice+in+his+third+year+as+a+Chieftain+wrestler.+%E2%80%9CLast+year%E2%80%99s+season+was+pretty+good%3B+we+had+3+state+medalist+two+of+which+were+state+champions+and+this+year+we+are+looking+to+build+on+that%2C%E2%80%9D+Welch+said.+Photo+by+Jacob+Kriewald.

Chatting it up with some teamates, junior Preston Welch prepares to start practice in his third year as a Chieftain wrestler. “Last year’s season was pretty good; we had 3 state medalist two of which were state champions and this year we are looking to build on that,” Welch said. Photo by Jacob Kriewald.

As the winter season quickly approached, the Chieftain wrestlers are ready and have been preparing for the season.

Sophomore Garrett Grice and junior Preston Welch are looking to have better and more successful seasons than in the past. But for reigning state champ Garrett, he’s looking to do it one more time.

“I practice at a place called MWC and competed all over the country over the summer,” Grice said.

Grice was state champ for the 113 weight class last school year and is looking to repeat his success. Although he is the one getting it done on the mat, he gives credit to the behind the scenes. Todd Porter, varsity head wrestling coach, has been more to Grice than just a coach.

“I think Porter knows me better now. He understands how I wrestle,” Grice said.
“Also, he’s good for being there for me when I’m down on myself and knows what to say and when to say it.”

But Grice is not the only athlete coming into the season ready to mix things up. Junior Preston Welch is prepared to take the season by storm.

“I myself am looking to place this season. I’m currently preseason ranked 4th in the state for heavyweight, but I’m shooting for top 3,” Welch said.

Welch has also been getting ready for the season, but feels that the best way to help is by “keeping the team motivated.”

“[Motivation] is a very useful thing because without motivation you start to see guys not show up or not work as hard so keeping motivated is very important,” Welch said.

For Grice, wrestling has played a big role in his life and has played the role as the connection between him and his brother. Tradition has also been a huge part of why he has continued to do the sport.

“I’ve been wrestling since I was 5 years old and I got into because I was always at my older brothers meets and I wanted to start,” said Grice.

As for Welch, being a multiple sport athlete playing football, track and field and wrestling, and being constantly in some sort of activity, he has helped him stay conditioned and ready to compete.

“Over the offseason I worked to keep myself in good condition by lifting hard in the weight room and running,” Welch said.