Back to the basics for MLHS boys wrestling

by REBECCA PETTINGILL
Staff Writer | January 10, 2022 1:00 AM

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake High School boys wrestling team is going back to the basics to build a strong foundation for this wrestling season and to prepare for future seasons.

“We are a young and exciting team that every time we step into the wrestling room or mat, we are showing signs of improvement,” said head coach Jaime Garza.

With only six seniors, compared to the 12 seniors who graduated last year, Garza said it has been a fun challenge to focus on more basics and meet the athletes where they are to build upon their skills, rather than having athletes who don’t need as much individual coaching.

He also said it has been fun to watch the athletes find their way into becoming leaders and supporting their teammates.

Some of the goals Garza has for the season and his wrestlers are to build a sturdy foundation by establishing wrestling fundamentals, to be competitive in all levels, work hard, have fun and understand their individual accountability.

Garza said accountability is very important in wrestling. He explained the wrestlers are not only accountable to show up to practice and work hard, but to be accountable for their choices, which will impact their weight class, strength and the rest of their team.

This is Garza’s ninth year coaching Moses Lake boys wrestling and with less experienced athletes this year, Garza said it is really important to encourage and support them in their growth because the instant gratification of winning matches may not be there from the start.

Garza said some standout athletes to keep an eye on include sophomore Dayton Regan, freshman Dryden Gaither, junior Brock Clark, junior Joshua Grubb and senior Bryer Knowles. Captains this year are Grubb, Clark and senior Saul Villa.

Garza mentioned a highlight this season was the team taking second at the Eisenhower High School Cadet Classic on Dec. 18.

The double dual scheduled last week was rescheduled to Thursday due to the extreme winter weather. The double dual is between Moses Lake, Eastmont High School and West Valley High School.