Girard High & Middle School Wrestling Season Preview

As another exciting season of wrestling gets underway, Coach Scott Rieck of the Girard High & Middle School team is preparing his young athletes to meet the challenges ahead. With a mix of returning players and fresh, new talent, the team is poised for success both on and off the mat. One of the biggest strengths of the Girard team this year is the presence of several top returning players from last season. Coach Rieck highlights 10th-grade state placer Storm Rieck and senior Gage Short, who were just one match away from qualifying for the state tournament last year. These two wrestlers bring not only valuable experience and skill to the team but also serve as role models for their teammates. Additionally, 10th grader William Bishop, who missed last season due to a knee injury, has returned stronger and is expected to make an impact this year. In terms of leadership, Coach Rieck emphasizes the importance of leading by example. Captains are not chosen but rather emerge naturally based on their work ethic and dedication to the team. While Bishop and Rieck are strong contenders for the role, Coach Rieck believes that all his players have the potential to be leaders in their way. However, for a young team like Girard, building chemistry and camaraderie can be a challenge. Coach Rieck understands the importance of teamwork and stresses the value of positive energy and enjoyment of the sport in fostering a strong team dynamic. He also believes that communication and mutual respect between teammates are crucial for success, both in and out of the wrestling arena. Motivation and pushing oneself to reach their full potential is a critical aspect of any sport. Coach Rieck instills this mentality in his team by focusing on the mental aspect of the game. He constantly reminds his players that they are capable of achieving more than they think, and it is essential to push themselves to push their opponents. This mindset not only helps them on the mat but also in their personal lives. Of course, preparing for a new season always brings its own set of challenges. For the Girard team, a major hurdle is their lack of experience compared to other teams. However, Coach Rieck and his team are determined to overcome this challenge by drilling the basics and honing their positioning skills. This year’s schedule is also highly competitive, providing the team with opportunities to face tough opponents and improve their game.