07 March 2011

Roll Tide

Today marked the beginning of the final week of preparations for the National Championships. The practices are being toned down, with no live wrestling happening since last Thursday. Rocky & Chris both seem to be relaxed and focused at the same time. That is the key to success at the national championships. This is the tournament that they have been working for since the captain runs in early September. All the weight cutting, lifting, running, and wrestling practices conclude on Friday & Saturday where 170 wrestlers will compete for the top prize a National Championship in their respective weight classes.
The main thing that I have personally preaching to both Rocky & Chris is to stick with their routines leading up to Friday & Saturday. This will be key for their success out there. The main reason is that it will help them stay calm. It will also help them stay focused and not get caught up in the overwhelming atmosphere of the NCAA Championships. I have seen many talented wrestlers get caught up and lose focus at the worst possible times. This is what I am trying to avoid with Rocky & Chris. I believe that these two are grasping the concept as they seem very relaxed and focused. Until tomorrow when I talk about the match ups that we will & could be facing on their way to All-American status.

Coach Bastress