Gilmer High wrestlers have been mixing it up during June as they have attended practices and camps.
Summer is a vital time for any program, and the 18-time state champion Bobcats are no different. Head coach Josh Ghobadpoor and staff have welcomed between 20 and 30 wrestlers to each practice, which kicked off June 6.
“We had upward of 32 wrestlers at one practice. Obviously we’d like for our numbers to be a little higher because we have a pretty good sized team,” Ghobadpoor said.
“I feel like the quality of work those kids are putting in, they’re doing a really good job.”
GHS bid farewell to 11 seniors off last season’s traditional state championship team, which included four state placers and one champion. Ghobadpoor is in search of wrestlers who can fill their void both on and off the mat.
“We’ve been looking to see who is going to step up and be leaders,” he said. “When you lose so many seniors, that’s a lot of leadership. We want people to step up and take accountability.
“We had our pre-summer workouts where we’re in the weight room getting conditioned a little bit and getting back together again and that led right into summer.”
Gilmer typically convenes for practice three days per week. Wrestlers have also participated in some local duals and received some much-needed mat time at Lander University’s three-day camp. The camp was divided between duals and technique sessions, and 19 GHS wrestlers made the trip.
“It was a great mix for what we have. We have a mix of veterans and some younger guys stepping up,” Ghobadpoor said. “We’re trying to do a mix of different events. Outside of building leadership, we want to get a lot of quality reps and practices in. For those guys who were a backup or third string, now it’s their time to shine.
“Our returning state placers saw some great competition, and those younger guys stepping in went 50 percent (win/loss record) on the week.”
Thirty-six schools were in attendance, and an all-star dual was held at the camp’s conclusion. Two wrestlers per weight class were picked to participate, and GHS state champions Juan Rafael and Carson Farist were selected. Rafael is a rising senior, and Farist will be in eleventh grade and both pinned their opponents.
GHS hosted a youth camp, which attracted 11 young wrestlers. The Bobcats also attended their annual “Homegrown Camp.” The two-day event was hosted by University of Tennessee — Chattanooga wrestler Matt Williams, as well as current Mocs and GHS alumni Matthew Waddell and Caleb Waddell.
Gilmer will wrap up its summer schedule this week. Ghobadpoor mentioned some wrestlers who have stood out during the month, noting, “We’ve had an awesome core group who have come to every practice and shown up for every opportunity. Bregan Berry has had an amazing summer, and Frisly Ambrocio has taken more of a leadership role. Carson has been there for everything, and Hayden Burdette has been to every practice.
“There are a lot of cool things happening. It’s good to see the camaraderie between the wrestlers as they’ve worked hard this summer. It’s good to see the team’s identity take place.”