Jack Hathaway (right) fist-knocks Coach Kellen
Delaney after a pin in early rounds Saturday.
(Photo by Ed Piper)
The operative term for La Jolla's wrestling team this year is growth.
The Vikings may not dominate anybody. But, as Coach Kellen Delaney pointed out at the Mira Mesa Tournament Sat., Dec. 12, La Jolla's ability to send out varsity wrestlers in 11 of the 14 weight classes is a big step forward. "From last year, we've doubled our size," he said.
Leading the way are veterans Jake Harvey, Jack Hathaway, and Anthony Pace, all seniors. In 2013-14, the cupboard was bare. In 2014-15, these three grew in skills and success with their fellow wrestlers in the Viking band of brothers.
Working real hard, and possibly even overcoming early expectations for them, are Griffin Young, a junior, and Elliot Austin, a sophomore. Of Young, Delaney said, "He has been real hungry, even though he's only a second-year wrestler."
Austin, wrestling a weight up last week against Chula Vista after not making the 106-pound weight, was back to his preferred weight Saturday. That should help.
After pinning an opponent in early rounds, Pace, still pumped up from the match, discussed his technique. "I love leg riding," he said after pinning his foe early in the second period. "It gives me complete control. It helps me relax on top."
Asked to break down leg riding into layman terms for a non-wrestler, he explained, "I get a leg hooked in. I go across his (my opponent's) body."
Copyright 2015 Ed Piper
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