Wrestling is considered by some to be the toughest of the scholastic sports.

Lake Havasu High School wrestling volunteer coach Gary Meyers, along with head coach Rob Wylie, recently discussed the 2016-17 wrestling season for RiverScene Magazine.

photo courtesy Gary Meyers

“There are no excuses; you win or lose based upon your own efforts. The workouts and practices are grueling. The weight class controls are unique among high school sports. The matches and tournaments often require hours of travel and occupy most weekends during the wrestling season,” Meyers said.

He continued, “Wrestlers that survive the season have shown grit and determination, and should all be congratulated.”

Meyers said Lake Havasu High School has a legacy of training successful wrestlers.

“The 2016-2017 team is no exception. Although the current team members are mostly underclassmen, they have been quite competitive against older and more experienced teams. In coming years, they will be dominant,” Meyers said.

He said standouts among this year’s team include nine different wrestlers who have won medals in tournaments thus far during the 2016-17 season. They are sophomores Erle Para (113 lbs) with a second and two first-place medals, and Robert Samsoe (152 lbs) with a fifth, two seconds, and a first-place medal. Each is setting school records for the number of sophomore wins.

photo courtesy Gary Meyers

“This Saturday we will be heading to Lee Williams High School in Kingman, AZ., we hope to do pretty well. We’re looking to take the plaque home. We are looking for strong wins from the top wrestlers to carry us to the top. ” said head coach Rob Wylie.

There are only a couple of weeks left in the current season. Sign ups for the next season of the Havasu Heat Wave Youth wrestling program will begin in mid-February. Contact Rick Kelm, Kelmconcrete@gmail.com for more information.

photo courtesy Gary Meyers

Team photo left to right:
Coach Gary Meyers, Coach Patrick Barney, wrestlers- Kyler Green, Erle Para,
Trenton Byers, Cory Pellerin, Sean Goldsberry, Xavier Merritt, Austin Marsh,
Devin Ray, Robert Samsoe, Colton Wienchowski, Tanner Sikman, Josh Clement,
Jared Thomas, Andy Arnold, Leonard Keno, Coach Ryan Schumann (bottom left-
Jacob Lamacki, bottom right – Head Coach Rob Wylie).  Missing from photo-
Coaches Justin Lahman, Donnie Heckle, Rick Kelm.