GC&SU wrestling club ready to rumble

Georgia College & State University’s wrestling team is ready.

The team, led by freshman Stephen Gates, has been training over the past couple months for their opening match against UGA.

“We are getting involved early,” Gates said.

Even though it is only the team’s first year, they have already begun the process of entering tournaments with other, much larger schools such as the University of Georgia, Clemson, Georgia Tech, and other schools in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (an inter-collegiate wrestling club) in 11 different weight classes.

GC&SU will wrestle at an average of two matches a week until mid-March. The team has entered the NCWA without the financial aid of SGA. Most of their funding comes from fundraising events, such as selling Papa John’s coupons.

Despite this being the team’s first year, the age and experience of the squad also varies.

Though most of the players wrestled in high school, anyone is invited to come out and join. The team, described by Gates as “very committed,” seems to have already connected with one another, sharing wrestling moves learned in high school before the practice during warm-up.

According to Gates, part of their bonding comes from talks about past experiences in wrestling. The team’s connection is also due to Gates’ willingness to train with the team as a player more than a coach.

“I don’t have the guys do things I don’t do,” said Gates.

The team meets daily at 8p.m. in gym of the Health and Sciences building. For more info contact Stephen Gates (478-361-6027).

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Dec 3 2004. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry