BY KAYLA GATES
After months of training, Cooper City High School’s varsity wrestling team competed at its first meet of the season. Despite the long hours dedicated to practicing, the Cowboys began the year with a loss. However, they hope to use the experience to their advantage.
The wrestling team has seen many accomplishments in recent years. After placing in the top 10 at last year’s district championships, the Cowboys anxiously awaited the start of the new season. Returning members and new players came together for their first competition.
“It was a good meet to start with,” Coach Scott Sodergren said. “We saw a lot of areas that we need to improve in.”
The meet was held on Wednesday, December 5 at 4 p.m. The Cowboys traveled to South Broward High School to compete in the first official meet of the season. The team had participated in a preseason tournament the week prior, hoping to get a feel for the competition they would be facing.
Players competed in matches against South Broward, taking on opponents belonging to their weight class. The goal was to win as many as possible, however, the team struggled to achieve this. Round after round, Cooper City players were pinned to the mat. With their competitors delivering an aggressive offense and solid defense, the Cowboys failed to win a majority of their matches.
Despite the many losses, one player came out victorious. Sophomore Aiden Yates was the only team member to win his match. Yates was promoted to varsity this school year, and currently competes against players in the 120-pound weight class. After an intense round in which Yates struggled to successfully pin his competitor, he managed to secure a win for Cooper City High School.
“It was a good meet to start with,” Coach Scott Sodergren said. “We saw a lot of areas that we need to improve in.”
Sodergren plans to make changes based on the team’s performance at the meet. With many new players still adjusting to the intense competition level, the Cowboys believe they can learn from the experience. They hope to improve upon the mistakes they made in order to be successful at future meets.
“The season has been fun so far,” freshman Dylan Bernowitz said. “My first match was exciting, because there’s nothing like going toe-to-toe against someone on the mats.”
“In the future, I hope to expand on what I already know,” freshman Bengaly Kone said. “I feel like knowing the best option for each scenario is key, because you never know where the match will go.”
Many players expressed their mixed emotions regarding their first meet. While disappointed with the results, the team was satisfied with the overall experience. The Cowboys stressed the importance of enjoying themselves, no matter the final score.
“The season has been fun so far,” freshman Dylan Bernowitz said. “My first match was exciting, because there’s nothing like going toe-to-toe against someone on the mats.”
The Cowboys finished the meet with their heads held high. As training continues, the team looks forward to the remainder of the season. With an entire school year still ahead, the Cowboys hope to showcase their progress as a team.
Photo curtesy of The Lariat photography
