This year we have already seen that not everything has been going as it normally would. School classrooms are more spread out, classes are emptier, some more than others. In our everyday stores we stand in line farther apart. We see more people wearing masks to protect themselves and others, more than we ever have. Since Covid-19 came into our lives many things have changed, including PHS wrestling. 

Wrestling is a sport that many kids participate in at PHS. It’s a sport that would normally consist of a lot of hands on contact, but not this year. 

“Covid guidelines have made us group our kids to limit exposure. They are now working with the same group every day, which makes them create bonds and trust in their pods.” said Head Coach Michael Huddleston. 

The wrestling coaches are being as dedicated as they possibly can be to the team and that is not the only precautions they are taking. “With increased cleaning in high traffic areas and wellness checks before practice we have tried to do what is best for our athletes.  Along with the increase of hand washing and the use of masks at appropriate times. We also have alternative uniforms for the second match and MSSH has provided small changes to match procedures. ” said Assistant Coach John DiFiori. 

Wrestling is broken down into weight classes. Most kids try to get to a certain weight class because it will help them succeed, not all kids can do it. When they can’t drop the weight (in a non-self harming way) they have to wrestle in the weight class that they are originally in and they may not be able to succeed as much as they would like to in that class.

Because of Covid, the Potosi R3 School District took two AMI days and one week of virtual learning. Over this break wrestling was still practicing like they normally do. They even ended up having a tournament and took 4th place in it. 

Both coaches seemed to be looking at this season in a positive way saying “awesome” and “looking good.” “We have only practiced this far and I am optimistic about this team,” Coach Huddleston responded.

The coaches are “quite confident” as Coach Huddleston said about having multiple athletes  with the potential to make it to state. 

Coach DiFiori said, “I have high expectations for postseason competitions and look to be competitive in every match we wrestle”.

This season the wrestlers will keep one thing in mind:

 “I must not fear.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. 

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.”