Wrestlers, coaches deal through winter sports shutdown

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

When Frazier wrestling coach Buck Watkins learned of Gov. Tom Wolf’s three-week shutdown of high school winter sports, he didn’t fret or question the decision. 

He simply accepted the situation and chose to embrace the challenge of preparing his group for when Wolf’s order will expire on Jan. 4. 

“My reaction was, ‘Well this is the hand we are dealt and just move forward,’” Watkins said. “You don’t grow when things are easy; you grow when you face the challenge. I kind of saw it coming and just told myself everyday I have to make sure I send out a message and challenge.

“I have to make sure these kids know they are on my mind. We are in this together.”

Area wrestlers are undoubtedly faced with the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Safety regulations are of the utmost importance, but now athletes are forced to prepare themselves for the winter sports season without any official practices or matches. 

“What happened is out of our control but we can control how we respond and, as a coach, I need to stay positive and work on becoming more creative,” Watkins said. “For the kids, it’s a good time to grow as individuals. Watching wrestling videos, getting school work done. It’s a great time for them to develop mentally.” 

McKeesport senior Colin Lyons admits he was upset when he learned of the three-week pause implemented by the governor. 

“Everyone was starting to get back into the flow of things and we were all knocking off the rust and getting into shape,” Lyons said. “Now with the three weeks implemented, we are gonna have to get after it on our own.

“Honestly, I saw it coming due to the rise in cases, I was just glad it happened earlier rather than later.” 

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