Wrestling sees fresh faces on the mat, new head coach
Calleen Ballard of Bigfork goes in for a shot on his opponent during the Polson wrestling tournament. (Seth Anderson Photography/Hungry Horse News)
Bigfork wrestling opened their season at Polson’s Owen Invitational last week with new head coach Clay Woll.
Woll boasts 22 years of club wrestling coaching, as well as six years of high school assistant coaching.
“No one understands what they can do, and that is what this sport teaches this younger generation,” Woll said. “Wrestling grounds them in the real world and our hopes as coaches are that we can give these young men and women in our schools the mindset that life is tough but not impossible. Nothing is ever free, but it is purchased through hard work and sacrifice. It is a blessing to coach kids through the hard times to show them the reward.”
Bigfork’s team is young compared to last season with nine new wrestlers and nine returning, but makes up for it in work ethic and competitive mindset. Returning wrestlers Lyrik Fainter, Wyatt Elwell, Holland Jantzen, Ava Larsen, and Angela Farrier will provide team leadership.
“There is the possibility for anyone to be a standout this year,” Woll said. “They are learning quickly and applying what we teach them so it is hard to say specifically who you should keep an eye out for in this truly exceptional group of young men and women.”
This weekend Callen Ballard (110) placed sixth, Lyrik Fainter (113) placed sixth, and heavyweight Holland Jantzen placed fifth.
Up next, the Vikes and Vals compete at Superior High School Saturday, Dec. 14 starting at 6 a.m. Then on to Hamilton Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 5 p.m.