Wylie Wrestling

Season 09-10 Approaches

2009-09-26T13:04:00.002-05:00

Exciting things are happening as the team is preparing for the upcoming season. Our practice structure has been modified and improved. We continue to practice before school, however our athletic period is now in the 3rd period of the day. The primary focus of this time will be leadership/character training. However on Monday we have team meetings and film sessions, and Tuesday and Thursday we conduct a study hall in the school library.

The schedule has been finalized and it is great to see tough competitions, as we are constantly looking to improve.

11/5/2009 (6:00 p.m.)
Intersquad
Wylie HS Aux Gym
11/7/2009 (10:00 a.m.)
St. Marks Scrimmage
St. Marks School of Texas
11/10/2009 (6:00 p.m.)
Lake Highlands Dual
Lake Highlands HS
11/14/2009 (10:00 am)
Mustang Invitational
JJ Pearce HS
11/19/2009 (6:00 pm)
FM Marcus/Weatherford Tri
Wylie HS Aux Gym
11/21/2009 (10:00 am)
Texas Toughman Tournament
Bishop Lynch HS
11/23/2009 (10:00 am)
Lovejoy Round Robin
Lovejoy HS
11/24/2009 (3:00 p.m.)
Berkner Dual
Berkner HS
12/1/2009 (6:00 p.m.)
Allen Dual
Lowery Freshman Center
12/5/2009 (9:00 a.m.)
Rumble at the Rock Tournament
Rockwall HS
12/8/2009 (5:30 pm)
Highland Park/Jesuit Tri
Dallas Jesuit CP
12/12/2009 (9:00 a.m.)
The Original Lone Star Duals
St. Marks School of Texas
12/17/2009 (6:00 p.m.)
Frisco Dual
Frisco HS
12/19/2009 (10:00 am)
Wylie Invitational
Wylie HS - Both Gyms
Wylie Round Robin
Wylie HS - Both Gyms
1/5/2010 (6:00 p.m.)
Richardson Dual
Richardson HS
1/8/2010 (3:00 pm)
Cy Fair ISD Invitational Tournament
Cypress, TX
1/9/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Cy Fair ISD Invitational Tournament
Cypress, TX
1/15/2010 (6:00 p.m.)
Springtown/Haltom Tri
Wylie HS Aux Gym
1/16/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Doghouse Duals
McKinney North HS
1/21/2010 (6:00 p.m.)
Plano Sr./First Baptist Academy Tri
Wylie HS Aux Gym
1/23/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Eastside Tournament
Plano East Sr. HS
1/28/2010 (6:30 p.m.)
JJ Pearce Dual
JJ Pearce HS
1/30/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Frisco Centennial Quad
Frisco Centennial HS
2/6/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
District 18 Tournament
Berkner HS
2/12/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Region 3 Tournament
Allen HS
2/13/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
Region 3 Tournament
Allen HS
2/26/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
UIL State Tournament
Delco Center - Austin, TX
2/27/2010 (9:00 a.m.)
UIL State Tournament
Delco Center - Austin, TX

Will blog again later- much love.

Freestyle schedule posted

2009-03-17T00:16:00.000-05:00

2009 North Texas Freestyle and Greco Schedule

April 4th -Coppell Spring Jam-FS/GR
April 11th-Frisco HS- “Peter Courcy Memorial”-FS Only
April 18th-Arlington HS - Tentative
April 25th-Redhawk – Liberty HS-FS Only
May 2nd- The Colony-FS/GR
May 9th- McKinney Mat Rats @ Old Settlers Rec. Center -FS/GR
May 16th-Coppell Spring Slam-FS/GR
May 22nd&23rd-TXUSA State – The Woodlands
June 11-13th- Southern Plains Region in Hays, KS (Boys Only)

For the local tournaments, medals are awarded for the top 3 placers in every division. Weigh-ins are from 8:00-9:00am. Wrestling begins at 10:00am. Entry fee is $12.00 for one style and $20.00 for both. 2009 USA Wrestling cards are required. If you do not already have a card, it MUST be purchased online prior to the event.

The State Championships and the Southern Plains Region will have a different time schedule.

The proverbial 'dust' is now settling

2009-03-07T10:45:00.005-06:00

Well the season is now over. We did very well this year. We finished third in our district. (47 points short of first) We had 5 regional qualifiers (2 district champions) and 5 alternate qualifiers. Unfortunately we did not qualify any for the State tournament. As always, I am still hungry!

I am already encouraged to see many of our guys participating in freestyle and looking forward to next season. They seem to understand that extra matches will translate into more wins next year. I don't want to get the cart before the horse, but next year 'on paper' (with who we have returning, etc.) looks like a lot of fun already. I am very excited.

I will try to remember to post after our banquet (May 1st) to update you on our letter man winners and our specialty award winners. Till then God Bless.

Front Row (L-R): Zach Matthews, Garrett Mills, Tayler Cameron, Safer Muhammet, Adam Disque, Jeff Ferrell, Devon Abbott, Carter Haynes;

Second Row (L-R): Justin Greenlee, Jamie Bautista, Dropped, Nathan Smiddy, Mike Robb, Josh Van Hook, Brian Knechtly, Jose Anguiano;

Third Row (L-R): Richard Rigsby, Jacob Ford, Austin Fullen, Taylor Henderson, Justin Ford, Sammy Washington, Ryan Weems, Paul Dhot, Raul Murillo;

Fourth Row (L-R): Kenny Harbison, Michael Derbonne, Dropped, Brandon Pollay, Noe Rocha, Kurt Day, John McManus, Rodney James;

Back Row (L-R): Assistant coach Brian Cook, Keenan McCord, Alex Wilkerson, Michael Boyefio, Bill Reeves, Colby Henderson, Michael Arredondo, Head coach Drew Wight.

Down the home stretch...

2009-01-11T21:34:00.003-06:00

Well break is over and here we go, down the home stretch. The team roster has been finalized as the cost for some was too high. We have a slightly banged up, but tough team that has performed very well since the break (defeating Richardson, and wrestling well at our home Round Robin).

I am anticipating being at full strength shortly as we approach the final six events of the year. It is amazing that only 27 days remain until our district event.

I am not going to be shy about how I feel having finals in the middle of January. I think it stinks. As an educator first, and coach second, I feel that the first semester of school should end before the student's winter break. I think that six weeks/semester/final exam grades would be higher if everything for the first semester were complete before the break. Obviously I don't have any data to support that argument, but students and this teacher would prefer not to have any schoolwork lingering during the winter break.

Now as a coach, the team is put in a tough situation working toward our achieving goals. We have to make our grades, and we have to continue to improve. Because every other team out there is improving regardless of what we are doing during final exams.

To close I would just say that I have seen more and more truly great moments as this season has progressed. I don't want to call anyone out by name, but several athletes have grown up, matured, and have gotten on board toward achieving our goals.

Victory and Break

2008-12-18T21:54:00.002-06:00

The team is going to take momentum into the Christmas break as we defeated Frisco Wakeland tonight (50-34). Wakeland, like ourselves, have come a long way and are no longer an "easy" win. Coach Kennedy is doing good work - no doubt.

I am very proud of where we are as a team thus far. We are taking a 14-2 dual record into the break as well as a first and second tournament placing out of three tournaments attended. The team is buying into what we are selling and it to shows! Work and improvement must continue, but that is for when we come back.

I hope that everyone has an incredible break. Whether you are going somewhere or staying home I hope that every person has the opportunity to spend QT (quality time) with their families and friends. Tell someone that you love them.

Wrestlers, ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF! You have been doing a good job, now is time for a little break. Please still jog (no less than) 3 miles daily. Push ups/Sit ups, strength training etc. NO MAT!! Eat sensibly, but enjoy Christmas dinner. Remember that you still must weigh in when you return, and it is still a small percentage that you can lose weekly. SO don't come back fat. I will see you on Monday morning (Dec. 29th) @ 9:30 a.m. Till then God bless and have a good vacation!

December

2008-12-16T18:04:00.003-06:00

The month of December has held some tough wrestling matches for us this season. State dual selected TCA, beat us in a tough match at their house by 18 points. We beat Houston Clear Lake mostly because of the opponents forfeits.

We then placed a less than stellar 10th of 16 at the Rockwall 'Rumble at the Rock' Invitational.

We did respond well going 4-1 at the Lake Highlands 6-way, however the response did not meet expectations which was to beat L.H. (losing 51-33).

So how do we respond is the question? I see it as one of two ways, tuck and run, or fight. I think all those who know me understand my preference. Things outside the wrestlers' control have already interrupted this week's practice. Pictures Monday, inclement weather Tuesday, 1st/3rd Wednesday schedule; then we are expected to beat two very solid programs Thursday?

Optional after school practices have been scoffed at by the team. No one comes. Does no one really want to improve? We are good enough to beat easy opponents, but we are just plain lazy enough to maybe lose the reins on what would be an otherwise outstanding year (beating quality opponents throughout).

Coach Cook and myself keep pushing, but we are the only leadership. WE DESPERATELY NEED LEADERS TO EMERGE FROM THE TEAM. Without athlete leadership we will be an easy shell to break.

Check www.wyliewrestling.com to see how we do Thursday. I am optimistic, but we must get prepared ASAP.

Mustang Showdown/Richardson Round Up

2008-11-23T12:58:00.005-06:00

Sorry, long time-no post. Busy times these day you know!

I am pleased with the way things have started so far this season. We took second in the Mustang Showdown at J.J. Pearce, and first at the Richardson Round-Up at Richardson High. We are also still undefeated in duals.

The best part about the entire situation is that we are in the third week of the season, and our wrestling will only get better as the season progresses.

We are wrestling well (don't get me wrong) but the way we are doing things is littered with little errors that will be corrected. Seeing as all of our wrestlers have lost at least once, we/they all know that there is plenty of work to do.

We are still classy and wrestle tough. Things are looking very promising, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.

Final thought: Promising doesn't mean squat! We need to out train, out drill, and out work the competition to win. Why will we win/lose? Because of how we train. Period.

About to begin

2008-10-31T18:28:00.004-05:00

The start of our season is but a few days away now. Coach Cook and I have been talking, and are excited about the possibilities of the season. From the experienced returning varsity starters, to the sophomore class that has stepped up in a big way, to the small group of freshman and rookies who are wrestling more confident every single day. Everyone is working toward clearly defined team goals.

The opportunities for the team are simply put: very exciting. It is just all about how we handle our business, day in & day out. Improving the way we drill is paramount to our success.

We have come up with one rule for the team, and I think it will stick for years to come - it is the "Do Right" rule. It is an all encompassing rule which includes the basic principles of respect, honesty, leadership, etc. All of which boil down to simply doing the right thing. One rule! That's easy right?

We also challenged the team (& ourselves) to ask the following questions of their (& our) character:

1) Can I trust you?
2) Are you committed to excellence?
3) Do you care about me?

It's my belief that by continuing to evaluate ourselves, asking these questions (& answering "YES!") The team will grow stronger corporately, and individual self esteem will rise.

Well that's it for this time, its Halloween and Velvie's got to get in her 'lil puppy outfit to hand out candy. Till next time- Much Love.

Guest Coach

2008-10-11T18:34:00.002-05:00

A great week of practice, was topped off with a special visit from All-American Derek Bosso. The Pirate wrestling family was proud to host Derek Bosso for a short visit this Friday.

Bosso wrestled with Coach Brian Cook at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and was in town visiting. We appreciated his advise and his motivational team talk. It was nice that a collegiate All-American echoed the same sentiments that we have been telling the team. His talk focused on practicing fundamentals, commitment, diet, and the balance of life and wrestling.

We will continue to emphasize excelling in all facets of life, while having a special focus on wrestling and the lessons our sport imparts.

Great finish to a slow week

2008-10-04T21:08:00.004-05:00

I don't like to dwell on the negatives, so I'll skim the beginning of our week and make it to the good stuff shortly.

It was the last week of the grading period, and because it was the first of the school year - -and because we want everyone to have a good academic start, we allowed some concessions. For instance, practices were missed all week for athletes with a C average or less in any subject area, so that they could attend morning tutorials to try and increase their averages.

However for the rest of the year, athletes will only be allowed to miss one workout a week (when necessary/essential) for a class where their grade is less than a 75 for tutorials. More than one missed practice in a week will prevent the athlete from participating in that week's competitions. I believe this is extremely fair considering all of the time that has been built into each students' day for tutorials (SOAR). The test center (room 244) is open everyday after school (except Friday) for test retakes, and Thursdays after school tutorials are from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

So....enough of that! We had a very productive first week on the mat. Our main focus was to establish routine. The general outline of our workouts has now been set, so I think it will be easier for the guys in upcoming weeks. Outside of working through small kinks practices went well. We taught three different neutral techniques, with multiple finishes. Although we aren't drilling as hard as we would like, the guys are giving outstanding effort (with attempted correct technique) every rep. Right now...That's all a coach can ask for.

To cap off the week many of the team volunteered for the cross country meet. We had an outstanding turnout, and they did an excellent job of working the finish line area. Thank you guys for volunteering, I received many complements on you.

We had many wrestlers that participated in the race, in addition to volunteering. The cross country course was 3.2 mile trail course; on uneven inclines. It was a mental and physical challenge, at which the following athletes represented us very well:

Safer Muhammet: 21:30, Keenan McCord: 22:12, Rodney James: 22:15, Dan Prokop: 22:17, Francisco Hernandez: 22:37, Taylor Henderson: 22:37, Tayler Cameron: 23:20, Kevin Gray: 23:27, Noe Rocha: 23:35, Kenny Harbison: 24:02, Kurt Day: 25:22, Paul Dhot: 25:31, Brian Knechtly: 25:35, Adam Disque: 26:18, Bill Reeves: 26:37 (8 min, 24 sec. or less per mile for 3.2 miles)

Eight of these times would have beat times turned in by athletes that competed varsity. Outstanding job guys!

New Wylie Wrestling Website

2008-09-28T19:11:00.006-05:00

No need to wait any longer, the Wylie Wrestling community now has a single, easy to use website.
www.wyliewrestling.com

Big Wow!

2008-09-25T16:45:00.002-05:00

What a difference a few days can make!?! I am guessing, but I think the team is seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This week officially ends the 'conditioning' to compensate from the lost time of having the summer off. We start on the mat next Monday. Hallelujah!! Coach Cook and myself have both been dying to see how we actually - wrestle.

I don't mean to sound like the running was getting old. We made huge strides, in fact tomorrow we are doing the exact same workout that started with at the beginning of the year, and I fully expect the kids to laugh at how easy it will seem.

We also formally charged the team to be consistent all week, and I can report that we have done so, to near full extent.

On another note, our Parent/Coach meeting was earlier this week. I can truly say that our parents are amazing. Everything in the meeting went smoothly. Great questions were asked, booster club support was given, parents stepped up in multiple capacities to help the team succeed. I am truly blessed to have this support. I know that MANY other coaches are trying to pull an additional load that I don't have to because of the support I have.

Blog in short: Thank you parents and athletes, this was a GREAT week.

Reminder: The six weeks ends next Friday, October 3rd. Students- you need to be working extra hard/studying this next week.

Disappointment

2008-09-20T23:46:00.002-05:00

Wow! The team had a rough week. Wight was out Wednesday, and Friday because his wife had surgery. The disappointment revolves around the team's response while he was out. Absences increased, good effort was sparse, as well as out right insubordination reared its head.

Before I rant, I'd like to thank the wrestlers who did show up to: workout hard, remained consistent throughout the week, and help sell programs at the homecoming football game.

The rant: The team is selling football programs for only two games during the year. This Friday many wrestlers didn't show, many had attitude problems, some flat-out said 'screw it' and watched the game - - walking right past their teammates that were selling programs like they were asked to do.

How is it that humility has taken such a backseat to the self-absorbed egos on the team? When will the team learn that even in an individual sport, teamwork is essential? Why is everyday a fight?

Toughness

2008-09-13T09:34:00.003-05:00

We have been going through some intense workouts, no doubt about it. The majority of the team is handling them with incredible steadfast resolve. However some are choosing to take a different road.

What ever happened to knowing the difference between pain and injury? Pain can be overcome with mental toughness, and determination. Injury prevents you from being able to do what is asked of you - it is legitimate and diagnosed.

The bottom line: We have to get tougher to contend.

Schedule

2008-09-08T16:47:00.002-05:00

Wylie High School
Wrestling Schedule: Men's Varsity

8-Nov
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
St. Marks  
10:00 a.m.

13-Nov
Thu
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Allen High School  
Wylie H.S. Aux. Gym
6:00 p.m.

15-Nov
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
JJ Pearce Eight-team Tournament  
Pearce High School
8:00 a.m.

20-Nov
Thu
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Rockwall Heath HS  
Rockwall Heath
6:00 p.m.

21-Nov
Fri
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Richardson  
Richardson High School
12:00 p.m.

22-Nov
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Richardson  
Richardson High School
8:30 a.m.

25-Nov
Tue
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Lovejoy/Frisco Liberty-Tri Meet  
Lovejoy High School
12:00 p.m.

5-Dec

Fri
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Trinity Christian Academy Quad Meet  
Trinity Christian Academy
4:00 p.m.

6-Dec
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  Msg: Utley Freshman Center
Rockwall Open Tournament  
TBA
8:00 a.m.

9-Dec
Tue
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Highland Park/Jesuit Duals  
Wylie H.S. Aux. Gym
5:00 p.m.

13-Dec
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Lake Highlands Six Way  
Richardson - Lake Highlands
8:00 a.m.

18-Dec

Thu
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Frisco Wakeland/Arlington Tri Meet  
Frisco Wakeland High School
6:00 p.m.

6-Jan
Tue
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Richardson High School  
Richardson High School
7:00 p.m.

10-Jan
Sat
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Sprintown/Frisco Liberty/LongView Pine Tree/Lovejoy/Berkner  
Wylie H.S. Main Gym
8:00 a.m.

16-Jan
Fri
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Springtown/Haltom/Irving  
Wylie H.S. Main Gym
1:00 p.m.

17-Jan
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Bishop Lynch Open Tournament  
Bishop Lynch High School
8:00 a.m.

22-Jan
Thu
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Frisco High School  
TBA
6:00 p.m.

24-Jan
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
PESH/Plano/All McKinney HS/St. Marks/Carrollton Hebron  
Plano East High School
8:00 a.m.

29-Jan
Thu
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Plano Sr. High  
Plano Sr. High School
6:00 p.m.

31-Jan
Sat
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
Wylie Invitational Tournament  
Wylie H.S. Main Gym
8:00 a.m.

7-Feb
Sat
Wylie High School (Home)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
District 18 Tournament  
Wylie H.S. Main Gym
8:00 a.m.

12-Feb
Thu
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  Msg: Merrill Center: Katy, TX
Regional Tournament  
Leonard Merrell Center
12:00 a.m.

13-Feb
Fri
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  Msg: Merrill Center: Katy, TX
Regional Tournament  
Leonard Merrell Center
8:00 a.m.

14-Feb
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  Msg: Merrill Center: Katy, TX
Regional Tournament  
Leonard Merrell Center
8:00 a.m.

27-Feb
Fri
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
State Tournament  
Courts of Amarillo
8:00 a.m.

28-Feb
Sat
Wylie High School (Away)  Men's Varsity Wrestling  
State Tournament  
Courts of Amarillo
8:00 a.m.

Wylie Wrestlers to compete at the next level

2008-09-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

Nadeem Al-Hasan (23-6) and Jeffery Lambert (21-4), both regional qualifiers in their senior year (2008), will be the second and third Wylie Pirate wrestlers to compete at the collegiate level. They have already begun classes at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Bacone is a private, Christian, NAIA school, that has had many All-American wrestlers in recent years at its level of competition. They will be coached under Brett Oleson.

Coach Oleson was a two time national qualifier at 174 pounds during his career; and has coached four All-Americans and one national champion.

The Pirate family congratulates these student-athletes, and wishes them well as they continue their education and athletic careers.

Wylie Wrestling Club: WWC update

2008-09-06T12:12:00.003-05:00

With the conclusion of our inaugural season, the WWC is looking to build on the outstanding success they shared.

We would like to personally thank the board members, coaches, parents, and athletes for all the hard work and patience that is required to start a club team. Two of the WWC's athletes will be competing this season for a spot on the high school's varsity program.

The new season's workouts are scheduled to start October 3rd, however they will not be held at X-factor MMA this season. We are currently working on securing new facilities, we feel that with such a wrestling supportive community this will not be a major challenge.

High School Program: May-Sept.5th

2008-09-06T11:27:00.004-05:00

Every year the start of school is exciting but this year seems to have a fresh/newness surrounding it.

Before the school year even began we had some coaching changes on the high school level. Coach Andy Gomez left us (on a somber note) his family needed him to move closer to them, southwest of Waco. We can not say enough about Coach Gomez, he was a true program builder and maverick in the advancement of wrestling in Texas. The current strength of the D/FW metro area wrestling programs are a direct correlation to Gomez and other coaches like him. Those men tirelessly worked for years to get us where we are today. Coach Gomez will be greatly missed, and that our prayers are with him and his family.

With the loss of Coach Gomez, the search for a new coach had begun. Many qualified applicants were interviewed; and we think that there is a lot of excitement about the direction of the high school program which allowed us to chose the best applicant of many. In the end, Coach Brian Cook will be filling the vacancy left by Coach Gomez. Coach Cook comes to Wylie by way of Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, where he taught and coached for a year. Previously Coach Cook was competing for the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in Pennsylvania. Coach Cook grew up just outside of Pittsburg and has an extensive wrestling background. He is truly committed to the sport, and is an asset to the continued growth of wrestling in the state of Texas.

The high school team is going to be the strongest team the program's history this year. We return 9 seasoned seniors of which several have a legitimate shot at going deep in the post-season tournaments. The team also has 21 juniors, 10 of which have quality varsity experience. We are excited about the sophomore class as well with 22 returning experienced young men. Without junior high programs our freshman numbers are typically low at this time of the season, with only 3 freshman. However we expect the freshman numbers to increase at the conclusion of football season.

Workouts went well. The team is going through the typical pains of getting back into shape after (many) chose to relax a bit over the summer. Mental toughness and over coming the pain threshhold will be an area of focus over the next several weeks.