42 boys, 5 girls out for Royal wrestling
New Royal High School wrestling coach Randy Miller shouts out encouragement during a team workout.
ROYAL CITY - New Royal High wrestling coach Randy Miller has to be excited. His first turnout includes 42 boys and five girls.
"The workouts are looking fantastic," he said. "They're aggressive, and they're going to be tough."
Miller, who just finished the football season as an assistant coach, is making efforts to re-energize the Royal wrestling program. He started off by renovating the wrestling room.
With the help of volunteers, Miller removed some old heaters, recycled them and used the money to buy paint for the room. Martin Rivas, a professional painter from Othello, donated the painting.
Miller is looking toward Emilio Bustos for leadership. Bustos finished sixth at state last year and should wrestle at about 160 pounds.
Additional leadership should come from state tournament-experienced Carlos Hernandez at 145 pounds, the coach's son, Darin Miller, at 170 and Carter Allred at 182.
Two other boys who could prove to be leaders are battling at 195. They are Matt Bartlett and Hunter Follett.
The Royal wrestling season will get under way next Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Quincy. The Knights will host Cle Elum, Connell and Zillah on Dec. 14.