GENTRY -- Gentry wrestling coach Beau Collins acknowledged it's tough being the one of the few non-Class 6A or 7A schools in the area to offer the sport.
But the Pioneers, who claimed the Class 1A-5A state team title in 2010, have still managed to compete well in their own classification come state tournament time.
"It's kind of a double-edged sword," Collins said. "It hurts me trying to recruit kids to come out for wrestling when they know we have to face kids who, for the most part, don't do other sports. They just wrestle. But I do think it's a benefit for our kids who do wrestle those kids when they come up and see the schools our size at state."
Gentry finished eighth a year ago and Collins believes a top-five finish is within reach this year.
Seniors Zach Ellis and Kevin Easter are both returning medalists, which should form the backbone of the team. In addition, senior Cody Watson, who medaled as a freshman and sophomore, returns after missing all of last season because of a knee injury suffered in football.
Watson is much stronger than a year ago and appears ready to have a big year, Collins said.
General News on 12/03/2014