This winter, the Westminster Middle School’s wrestling team has returned to the mat, and the fact that 6th graders can compete for the first time means the team is more popular than ever.

 The season started during late October and goes until January, making the wrestling season longer than most other sports’ seasons. This year, many students tried out, resulting in a team of 48. Most wrestling teams average 15-20 students. And for wrestling, the more people, the better. Most of the students on this year’s team are 6th graders. 

Though the 6th graders are younger and smaller, wrestling coach David Gale reports amazing progress and results. “So far, we’ve beaten North Cobb Christian, Atlanta Jewish Academy, Walker, and with the other three teams we’ve lost to, we came one match short.”  

Though the team is doing well in terms of results, Gale is more proud of the individual progress he’s seen. He has also noted how well the 6th grade is doing. Gale and 8th graders report that the 6th grade has been holding their own. Despite lacking size, they have amazing technique. And with the 6th graders making amazing progress and holding their own, the 8th grade has been doing well too. 

The top wrestlers on the Middle School team are five 8th graders: Ian Park, Reid Chaikin, Will Kincheloe, Arthur Davenport and Robbie Godhe. All of them have been getting pins and wins, which results from their practice.

The wrestling team has practice every day and competes in meets once or twice a week. Their practices go from 3:30 to 4:45, with meets at 5:00. The many wrestling practices help new wrestlers develop their skills.

Matcats not only grow in skill, but they forge new friendships. Students get to meet up every day to wrestle, and hang out with friends. Park has made many friends over the course of the season. “When I came in 6th grade, I was new, and I was nervous. But when I joined wrestling, I made friends.” 

Wrestling isn’t just about competing, it is a great place to make friends when new. And now that 6th graders can compete, they can grow and join an amazing community.