Walker Valley romps past struggling Lions

Assorted Sports Equipment on Black
Assorted Sports Equipment on Black

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - After a disappointing showing Saturday at the Cleveland Duals, the Walker Valley wrestling team rebounded Tuesday with a 60-12 victory over Red Bank.

The Mustangs shrugged off Saturday's 1-3 performance across town by taking just 44 minutes to secure their 13th win in 18 meets. Most of their points came via forfeit victories (at 113, 120, 145, 152, 160 and 170 pounds).

It was a disappointing night for Ulric Winesburgh, but the rookie Red Bank coach knew before he began the trip up Interstate 75 the tale of anguish that was coming. He is trying to overcome or outlast a plethora of problems including injury, weight-loss and weight-maintenance issues and even academic problems.

"We have guys that are just out. We don't have enough discipline and are struggling in the classroom. I made a stand that if they're not passing they're not going to wrestle. This is what happens," Winesburgh said. "They have to learn. They have to be students first and athletes second, and that's how I'm going to approach things as a coach. They learned today they can't fail classes."

The weight issues come with having numerous youngsters stepping into a lineup that was decimated by graduation.

"We have a guy or two showing up five pounds over the day before. It's discipline," Winesburgh said. "They're young kids and it's going to happen, but the guys with grade issues are the ones that are supposed to be leaders, and we have young kids with great potential that are learning and leading also.

"We have to have standards and stick to them, but it's still hard to go someplace and take a beating like that."

Mustangs coach Alan Morris has been there.

"Everyone knows I've seen it. I told him to hang in there," Morris said. "You can only control what you can and get what you can from who's available. As a young coach he's doing a great job with his team in setting the bar where it needs to be."

All Winesburgh can do is hang on and hope the lessons are learned before the season is ruined.

Red Bank did manage two wins in the seven matches that were wrestled. Chris Rice (106) and Devon Suddeth (220) secured pins for the Lions' points.

"Obviously Red Bank is down right now, but our guys came out and got after it," Morris said. "At 220 we have a brand-new kid, a football player (Cody Duggan) who's in his first year of wrestling. He's learning, but sometimes you have to learn the hard way."

Walker Valley got actual victories from Ethan West (132), Dillon Clark (138), Mikel Gregory (182) and Koby Hooker (285).

"I was pleased, although it's hard to tell when you only have half of your lineup going," Morris said. "We're getting ready to take a break. We'll practice the rest of this week but then take off (from competition) till after Christmas."

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.

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