News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County High School has started its own wrestling program after years of having wrestlers participate with teams at other schools.
First-year teacher David Foster said the school planned to co-op with Cumberland County High School this year. He said when some 45 White County students signed up to wrestle, he decided he would coach the team if the school board and TSSAA were on board.
“I think just a source of community pride,” Foster said. “Just being able to represent where you’re from, but more than anything, being able to practice right where you go to school and really have something that’s your own. I think it’s been a great thing.”
Foster said even more kids signed up when they learned that they would not have to commute to Crossville for practices and matches. He said most of the team lacks experience, but they are not backing down from the challenge.
“We will get better, and as we get better, we will win more, and more people will know that it is available and that it’s something they can participate in, get tough, and have fun,” Foster said.
The team competed in a three-way match against Livingston and Polk County where they tallied the first win in team history. Foster said the team won primarily on the basis of their enthusiasm. He said while the team is behind the curve from an experience standpoint, opposing coaches have spoken highly of the team, even in matches they did not win.
“Hardin Valley’s coach commented on how gritty our kids were, and that’s something that I’m proud of,” Foster said. “We’ve got kids that have been practicing for three weeks going against people that have been practicing for 10 years, but they’re not backing down and they’re doing everything they can.”
Foster said when Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger first agreed to start the team, all they had was a 10-by-10 mat from his house to practice with. He said a competition-level mat can take some six months to obtain. He said the program has plenty of room for growth and he hopes to begin hosting matches by 2025.
“Some kids that maybe never would have tried it if it was, if they had to drive for 45 minutes have come out to give it a shot,” Foster said. “We’ve had several come out and try it one time and say, “Yeah, I really like it. I want to be a part of it”,” Foster said.
