Wrestling back on

I got back at it again on the mat this weekend.

Friday

I was scheduled to officiate a youth wrestling quad match and let me tell you the little guys were going at it. It's unbelievable to watch them use better technique than some of the older guys.

The quad featured Glen Este, Mason, Fairfield, and the host school Moeller. I typically only do a few youth assignments a season and this happen to be one of them. Michael Jaspers was the other official with me and he does a nice job.

There was some really good wrestling going on and Glen Este was laying the hammer down. There guys do a nice job over there but then again all four of these youth clubs do a fantastic job. But on this night, Glen Este was the top dog.

It was a fun night for me as well because my wife brought our son up to watch. He has seen me officiate the older kids, but this is the first time he has seen the little guys. He loved it and was totally into it. He will turn 2 years old next week.

Saturday

I actually had to go back to Moeller again on the following day and officiate a Moeller junior high quad. Wow! I thought there was some good wrestling the night before but it was another level on this day. This quad was loaded with the host Moeller, Elder, St. Bernadette, and Lowell, Michigan.

From what I was told the wrestlers from Lowell, Michigan go to Davidson high school at the next level and some of the St. Bernadette wrestlers go to St. Edward.

I was joined by Russell (pictured above). Like Mike, Russ does a good job of officiating as well.

All four of the teams had some kids that should make some noise at the Varsity level in a few years.

The match of the day was a Moeller kid vs a St. Bernadette kid. These guys seem to be even on the mat and they were really good wrestlers. The score was tied 3-3 in the third period and near the endline the Bernadette kid got the takedown with about 20 seconds left. He almost gave up a reversal but held on and won 5-3. Tough match between two good kids and class kids to boot.

Not sure who won the quad overall, think it was Moeller. But in the end it was a great day. Duane took care of us with some good food and the coaches from all the teams were class acts. A few made sure they came up to us and shook our hands and told us excellent job.

It's nice when we can all be cordial with each other after a long competitive day!