Building of wrestling program begins with inaugural camp
By Zach Greenwell Meade County wrestling coach Bob Davis knows what the secret to success is for the top-notch wrestling programs in the state of Kentucky. “All of the great teams have feeder programs,” said Davis. “Places like Larue and Union County start their kids young so that they have several years experience by the time they get to high school.” The second-year Greenwave wrestling squad took its first step toward starting a feeder program last week with the inaugural Meade County wrestling camp held at James R. Allen, serving 50 students in grades 4-12. According to Davis, the camp is a great tool for revealing young talent that might not be seen otherwise. “This is where I get to see potential,” said Davis. “Some of these kids have hidden natural ability, and being out here brings that out.” However, the camp is not aimed exclusively at elementary students. Davis requires all of his current wrestlers to attend, as well. “We are letting them do a little more advanced things than we did last year,” said Davis. “They all need to be here because every one of them only has one year of experience. There is always something they can learn or perfect.” In addition to help from assistant coaches Larry Ohmes and newly-appointed Marcus Adams, Davis brought in two grapplers and two coaches from Campbellsville University to work with the campers. Campbellsville has one of only two college wrestling programs in the state of Kentucky along with Cumberland University. The Tigers, led by Franky James, finished the 2007 season in 7th place in the NAIA national tournament and have had nine All-Americans in their three years of existence. “We have really stepped up onto the national scene quickly,” said Tigers assistant coach Andy Bricker, who finished his high school career with a 122-3 record and recorded 86 wins at Campbell University. “We have actually had so many qualifiers for nationals that we have had to choose who we can take, so there are good things happening at Campbellsville.” For Davis, the knowledge and experience of proven winners is invaluable to his program. “They are an awesome asset and can really help me build a program,” said Davis. “They have been so patient and have taught the kids so much that they might not have learned on their own, so I’ve been very pleased.” For Campbellsville senior-to-be MarcAntoni Macias, who grapples in the 140-pound weight class, being able to instill what he knows into younger wrestlers is a rewarding experience. “It’s great to teach what you know and see them put it to use,” said Macias. “I have been teaching a kid back in Virginia since he was in 7th-grade and he just won a state championship, so it always makes you feel good to know that you helped them along the way.” Davis does not plan on letting the feeder program stop with the camp, however. The 2006 3rd Region Coach of the Year has created a 7th- and 8th-grade intramural program, and hopes to start a league for the elementary students, as well. “Our intramural program may be headed by (former coach) Eli Dix,” said Davis. “I wasn’t able to get the league for the 4th-, 5th- and 6th-graders this year, but I’m hoping that can be started the year after.” With much focus on the development of the sport in Meade County, Davis just hopes for now to give the young campers a taste of the basics of wrestling. “We just want them to have a little knowledge of the sport and know the fundamentals,” he said. “It’s not a sport that is for everybody – we don’t have as many campers today (Friday) as we did at the beginning of the week. But this is a great sport for some kids who won’t play football or basketball. It gives them a light at the end of the tunnel.” “For the younger kids, we just want to create a building block,” said Bricker. “We try to give them a frame that they can use to succeed in the future.” With only one year of existence under its belt, Davis knows his program still has a long way to go to compete with “the Larues and Unions.” But, it is very clear that his team is well on its way. “Sometimes last year, our lack of experience didn’t allow us to do some of the things we wanted to,” said Davis. “But any successful wrestler will tell you that the longer you work at it, the better you become. Hopefully by getting these younger kids out here earlier, they can all gain a lot from this.” “It’s been amazing how quick these kids have picked things up,” said Bricker. “As long as this program keeps running and the younger kids keep working, there’s a big future for Meade County.” Click Here to Go Back
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Photo by Zach Greenwell