A new MSMS wrestling team is now available to students interested in grappling.
Formed by juniors Shaw Prewitt and Jayden Wagner, the team practices every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Stark Recreation Center. It is led by coach Jackson Grace, a Mississippi State University student who had wrestling experience in his home state of Texas.
The team plans to have potential charity matches in the future, pending approval from the administration.
Team members include juniors Ross Chism, Enoch Clardy, Aidan Holifield and Jesse Shelton, and others occasionally practice to relieve stress. The team welcomes both experienced and inexperienced students, and its members also encourage Goen residents to join and form a team for the next school year.
“[My family and I] helped start the team here and start the club, but I’m just one small part of it, along with the rest of my team members,” Prewitt said. “Without my teammates, I would feel incomplete,” Prewitt said.
At their weekly meetings, members focus on building endurance and mental and physical strength. Recently, Prewitt introduced new techniques, including the single and double-leg takedowns, to the members. Wagner said he keeps the members motivated by encouraging them to never give up.
“[They] are the hardest working guys I know, on and off this mat. [They] never complain about it. I am so proud of all of [them],” Wagner said.
Clardy said he is amazed at the growth of the wrestling team and is grateful for all the people who have his and the team’s back.
“[I’m really] thankful that we’re able to start this team, and we have a guy like Shaw who’s dedicated and loves the sport this much … [to help us out],” Clardy said.
When asked about the team’s well-being, Shelton said the team is currently in a rough spot, but there can be no growth without great challenges.
“I don’t think a lot of us are going to compete this year. Next year, [depending on] how we do, I’d imagine we’ll do pretty decently,” Shelton said.
Holifield, a newcomer to wrestling, said he is learning everything from scratch.
“It’s really fun. We learn a lot of new stuff. I am not that experienced yet, but I want to build my endurance so [I can compete next year].” Holifield said.
In hopes of building a better competitive experience, Chism said he aims to learn more techniques.
“I’m feeling good. I want to start competition soon and hopefully be able to learn a lot from practice.” Chism said.
