By Jack Hardman, Staff Writer
The Hawks hit the mats once again with this season’s wrestling team, returning for what they hope will be a comeback year. After a disappointing 4-8 season last year and placing eighth in the county the Hawks are looking to make a serious comeback. With state champion Dylan McCullough now wrestling at Bucknell University and former captain Jacob Cohen now graduated, the Hawks are looking within the team for new leaders.
They found leadership in seniors Matthew Sheppard, Garin Jeng, Nathan Fulkner, and Max Carr. Though only in his second year as coach at RHHS, Coach Remy, who previously coached at Old Mill High School producing multiple state champion wrestlers is now enacting what Senior Matthew Sheppard describes as a “culture shock.” Sheppard goes on to outline a plan he believes will come to fruition long after he graduates as Coach Remy has clarified that he wants to, “create a new dynasty for River Hill Wrestling.” According to Junior Owen Fraiser, “Coach Remy has already attained the respect and admiration of multiple rival coaches within one year as head coach” which demonstrates that while it will take time to build his dynasty.
To kick off the season the Hawks attended a tri meet at Glenelg, where they wrestled against the Long Reach and Glenelg teams. Although there were some impressive matches like Osiris’ and Dorothy’s the Hawks came up short against Glenelg 36-18. However, they rallied later in the day and beat Long Reach 48-18.
Wrestling sees frequent injuries and skin infections and the Hawks have already lost senior Shae Frasier to an unfortunate knee injury which occurred in practice. Due to her injury the Hawks had to forfeit both the Glenelg and Long Reach 106 lb matches.
Owen predicted this season would have “a lot of losses in the first two weeks of competitions including tournaments as new wrestlers refine their skills,” but went on to say that, ”we will break late this year after Christmas break and we will finish the year very strong.” Matt Sheppard also weighed in saying, ”We are going to do much better this year, especially after being the last seed in the county tournament last year, so we have a lot to prove.” Going into a dual tournament this weekend with some tough matches like Hammond, a wrestling powerhouse, on the horizon; the Hawks will attempt to defy the odds this season and return River Hill Wrestling to its former glory.