Coach John Whitman is busily preparing as many as 20 students for Mullins High School’s first wrestling team.
The preparations for the inaugural season are underway, thanks in part to a jumpstart donation from Anderson Brothers Bank. Marketing Director Perry Grice made the presentation of at the bank’s main office in Mullins on Main Street. “We thought it would be good for the community to know a new sport is coming to town,” Grice said, adding that they hope that by showing their participation financially, it will inspire others to help out, too.
Whitman said although there is word of state budget cuts affecting school districts, they’re still looking for assistance in building the program. “I just want the kids to have something else, other than basketball, to get involved in during the winter,” adding that wrestling can coincide with football.
Practices begin in November and matches will run in December and January, with tournament action after that, Whitman said. He added that he expects this to be a momentous year for the new squad. Justin Shaw will help coach the team.
“I’m extremely grateful for Anderson Brothers Bank helping us out,” Whitman said, adding there is still a lot of work left to do. “This is a fairly new sport to the area and most of our students have never seen a real wrestling match. We’re essentially starting from scratch,” Whitman said.
The coach thanked Marion School District 2 Superintendent Nathaniel Miller and Athletic Director Ron Lanham for initiating the program and acquiring the school’s wrestling mat. “With a little bit of hard work and determination we will have a successful year,” Whitman said. “It’s kind of tough to start a new program,” Whitman said. “There’s nothing to fall back on … We’re checking hydration and making fat checks … and we’re getting physicals.”
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