The Chinook Sugarbeeters and Harlem Wildcats were in Glasgow this past weekend for the Scottie Invitational. The meet was the second of the season and was a good test for our local wrestlers to get to compete against quality competition, many of whom they may see come the Eastern C Divisional. Results are unavailable as Trackwrestling updated to the new week before I had a chance to download them. I apologize for any inconvenience and will ensure it doesn't happen in the future.
Harlem Wrestling Head Coach summed up his team's performance on the mat at the Scottie Invitational. "The Boys hung in there for several rounds, and we saw a lot of good things happen, but upsets or not, we still have a long ways to go to get big show ready." Baker is looking to help the boys turn the corner, "It seems like the conditioning is there, the technique is there, but the confidence is still lacking. I found that most of the boys still haven't mastered the mental game yet and that will be my focus this week in practice. It is a tough sport and there is no room for hesitation or second guessing."
Baker continues to rave about the Lady Cats, "The girls had three podium finishes. Leading the pack was sophomore Cyla Adams with a second-place finish. Cyla continues to be a student of the sport and her hard work is starting to pay off early this year." Baker added, "Senior Kaitlyn Johnson placed fourth and sophomore Jarah Wilson placed fourth! Again, a lot of upsets and matches we should have won." Sometimes the opponent seems to be affecting the outcome before the match even begins, "Seems like there is some intimidation with the bigger schools, but they have to remember they put their singlets on the same as they do. We will definitely be focusing on confidence on the mat as we head into CMR this week. The talent is there, they just have to channel their minds."
Chinook Head Coach Ben Stroh summed up the 'Beeters weekend on the mat at the Scottie Invitational, "The team as a whole wrestled pretty well. We need to start focusing on learning in the room. We are wrestling hard and have the right mindset for the sport, but it is time for this team to become students of the sport and really focus on learning." Stroh added, "They are all lacking in technique, which is understandable for such a young team. I want this team to start acting like a team of juniors and seniors. However, to do that, we need to find some leadership from our upper classmen."
The 'Beeters, Wildcats and Lady Cats will now head to the Fort Benton Mixer on Thursday and then to Great Falls for the CMR Holiday Classic on Friday and Saturday. Wrestlers that don't qualify for the Classic on Saturday will compete at Great Falls High at the tough Walt and Trudy Curry Tournament, which features top talent from all over the state.