Wrestling Season
So far the Tiger Wrestling team has a 27-3 season record with 3rd place at the State Duals and 6 tournament championships
Interview with Commerce Wrestling Coach Kendall Love
CT.com: With the gym being torn down & the new one in the rebuilding stages, has that affected any significant home tournaments?
KL: The rebuilding will not effect us at all. We will have our matches in the old gym until the auxiliary gym is complete. At that point, we will simply use that gym until the main gym is ready.
CT.com: What wrestlers have stood out as the most improved since last year in practice at least?
KL: We have a good core of returning wrestlers. We also have a good group of 9th and 10th graders that have some potential. Once they figure out the work ethic that is needed, they will see great gains. Some of the guys that stand out as improving are Trea Edwards, Zach Harmon, Terrence Martin, Tyler Austin, Addison Davis.
CT.com: Is the fan base growing with the success from last year?
KL: I think so. We finished the season 21-9 two years ago. Last year, our dual record was 21-3 and finished 4th in the state tournament. Our numbers are growing each year at all levels. We have about 40 kids in the USA program right now, about 35 on the MS team, and about 35 at the High School level. I could not ask for more support. From the administration, to Coach Savage, parents, and community, they have all been great. I hope the fan base will continue to grow.
CT.com: Also what would you say to those who have yet to come out to a wrestling tournament? What are the selling points?
KL: Wrestling is the greatest and oldest sport in the world. These kids lay it on the line every match in a one on one situation. If people have never watched one, they should. I believe that would leave with a great respect not only for the sport, but for the kids that wrestle. There is a ton of excitement at every wrestling match.
CT.com: Who are some new names to look for this season on the team?
KL: We were fortunate to only graduate on wrestler off of last years team. Here are some of the returners from last year that should have a great year: Addison Davis, Doug Maloch, Casey Drinkard, nick Arostegui, Jon Cash, Dustin Mcclain, Philip Edwards, Thomas Sears, Terrence Martin, Tyler Austin, Andrew Minish, Chase Bowen. Also, Jake Hill, Hunter Drake, and Jacob Harrison could also start for us at times.
CT.com: Have you found it more gratifying in building up a program here in Commerce rather than being part of an already successful team at Jefferson?
KL: I get asked that question a lot. That is a big reason that I came to Commerce. I wanted to build a program, like the one at Jefferson, here at Commerce. At Jefferson, once the kids hit the varsity level they had already had a ton of matches. It was just a matter if drilling what they already knew. Here, I was able to put in a new system and have seen great improvements each year. It has been very gratifying.
CT.com: Are there any fund raisers besides the general booster club you would like to mention? Tshirts etc?
KL: We have a BBQ sale each fall to raise a little bit of money. That is the only thing we do. Coach Savage is great as far as making sure we get what we need.
2008-2009 Commerce Wrestling Roster
Commerce Wrestling Roster –Download Copy Here
Nick Arostegui – 11
Justin Askey- 12
Tyler Austin- 11
Chase Bowen- 12
Jon Cash- 11
Andy David- 11
Addison Davis- 10
Hunter Drake- 9
Casey Drinkard- 11
Philip Edwards- 12
Trea Edwards- 9
Zach Harmon- 10
Jacob Harrison- 9
Ty Hill- 12
Jake Hill- 11
Ryan Jones- 10
Cole Ledford- 10
Sam Lewis- 9
Doug Maloch- 12
Terrence Martin- 11
Dustin Mcclain- 12
Andrew Minish- 12
Cody Nation- 9
Austin Patterson- 10
Tyler Reddish- 10
Jessie Savage- 10
Thomas Sears- 12
Josh Streetman- 11
Thomas Sweeney- 9
Jake Vaughn- 9
Brian Whitfield- 9
