High school winter sports continue to be in high gear during these gray and windy months. Fortunately, we are one month out from the beginning of another youth sports season: middle …
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High school winter sports continue to be in high gear during these gray and windy months. Fortunately, we are one month out from the beginning of another youth sports season: middle school wrestling. This program is open to all local youth in the sixth through eighth grade.
"Last year we had around 35 athletes try out the sport,” said Coach Ryan White. “The middle school season is less than two months long and designed to introduce our kids to the sport.”
The local wrestling team will have up to six meets with all schools in the North Olympic Peninsula League, which includes teams in Forks, Port Angeles, and Sequim.
“As of today we have 23 athletes already registered and have room for more,” White said. “We anticipate having the same coaching staff as our high school program, which is five certified coaches with over 100 years of combined coaching experience."
The season starts on Monday, Feb. 5, and runs through the League Championship on March 27. Practice is on school days from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the PTHS Wrestling room. League meets are on Wednesday afternoons, hosted by various schools. Practices are designed to instill confidence in young athletes, challenge them physically and mentally, and teach them good life habits.
Middle school weight training is also open to all Jefferson County middle school-aged youth. Port Townsend High School Phys Ed Teacher Logan Stegner hosts a free training program from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for boys, and at the same time on Tuesdays and Thursdays for girls, in the PTHS weight room at the school gym.
"We encourage all of our wrestlers to spend time in the weight room, and this wonderful program offered by Coach Stegner is a great place to start,” said Coach Joe Banks.
Students in weight training are introduced to proper lifting techniques and exercises, followed by a structured and safe workout. Coach Stegner is on-sight for the boys' nights, and PTHS Health and Culinary Teacher Jennifer Kruse runs the girls' program. This program started in the fall and will continue into the spring or later.
"I wish all middle school kids would try this sport for one season,” said Coach Jim Wilcox. "All of these kids can learn so much in this environment about pushing themselves, working hard, and earning wins in life through consistency."
