Back in February I had the opportunity to, once again, get a press pass and take photos for my home town’s newspaper at Wyoming State Wrestling. Last year I sought the opportunity for the experience, and what a great experience it was! But at the same time it was also very hard missing out on the family time. For my family State Wrestling is like a family reunion, and being that I now live so far away from my family it was hard, hardly seeing them. Because of this lost family time I wasn’t going to seek out the chance to take photos at wrestling this year, but luckily my will to do it, the convenience of me already being there, and I assume my eye, lead to my newspaper’s editor emailing me to ask if I would take pictures again!!! Now I understand that it was the practical choice all around, being he wouldn’t be able to make it, but still it was nice to be sought out!
Now don’t get me wrong wrestling is a great sport, but my family doesn’t just load up and head to Casper Wyoming
This year we had the two youngest boys wrestling. First there was Jacob who has been wrestling for years, I actually can not think of a time he was not wrestling. Jacob is a senior and all season been dominating at tournaments only coming in 2nd place a couple times and usually to the same kid- his rival. Then there is Merrill who is a freshman. Growing up Merrill was the only boy in our family who wasn’t really into wrestling, being the youngest I’m sure his idea of wrestling was just getting beet up by all the older brothers. But in 8th grade his interest peeked and this year he went out, just to find that he actually enjoyed it!
Both of my Brothers qualified for state! So I was able to watch Jacob wrestle for the last time in his high school career and Merrill for the first!
Merrill was out in his first two rounds of the state tournament, but for me to be able to watch him wrestle and how he wrestled was so cool! It was great to see him know what he was doing. Know when he had made a bad move. And then when to and what to do to get out of it! But also it was great to see the support he had on the side of the mat; his big brother, his coaches, his team and his best friend, who wore the colors of a neighboring school.
Then there was Jacob, who we knew was headed for greatness during this tournament, but because even the great can fall, every match was hold your breath intense (thank goodness I had to stay calm and professional, while taking photos! It helped me not over think that was happening on the mat!) Within the First day Jacob had made it to the championship round, along with two of his teammates! And after that we just had to wait it out. And in my case, take photos of the wrestle-backs. Finally it was time for warm ups and the Championship rounds! I was honestly a mess of nerves! I couldn’t comprehend what I would do if Jacob lost this last mach, do I hug him right away or let him go do his thing? I didn’t know-I had to stay available to take pictures. Where do you draw the line of personal and professional when in comes to your own life?
As the last round started I just had to hang back, all three of our wrestlers where in the middle of the weight group, one right after the other in weight, so I had lots of free time to try and stay calm! But one thing I was able to experience was being on the floor of the Event Center
Finally the moment was upon us! Our first wrestler was up. At 160-pounds Nathan wrestled his rival. And won with a pin.
(I love the expression on the Girl's face-Nathan's cousin as he stands a State Champ!)
Jacob was next, his opponent the long time rival, and to me it seemed like time slowed. I new my mission was to take photos, but all I remember doing was holing my finger on the shutter button! I cheered under my breath and prayed in my head. There were moments when Jacob was down and times when it was iffy. I could hear cheers from the crouds, but coming louder were the cheers of my family in the stands and on the floor behind me. During those moments I had to remind myself to breath! Then when he had the upper hand I had to hope he could keep that position! I do recall looking at the scoreboard, but no memory of what is said. Then finally the moment of truth: I saw the look in the opponent’s eyes through my camera’s lens and heard the whistle blow, and Jacob slowly stand. The match was over and Jacob was the new Wyoming High School State Champion for 170-pounds!!! Immediately I had tears fill my eyes! I got to my feet and did my best to take photos of every moment! The smiles, the cheers, the hugs! It was all wonderful and as Jacob got off the mat and started walking towards me, the BIGEST SMILE on his face! He said, “Put that camera down.” I did and, with tears coming down he gave me the biggest sweatiest hug! And in that second I got to share a moment of great excitement with my little brother (and because my sibling are all so competitive, I might add that I was the first of our family to give the new champion a hug.) then it was back to work!
(After Jacob won his match he gave his teammate, Dino a high five as he walked off the mat and Dino walked on)
We still had one more wrestler to go! Dino wrestled at 182-pounds and pinned his opponent in 1 minute and 36 seconds!
A great night for a great team and three great high school seniors along with their friends and family! I am so glad I had the opportunity to spend it on the floor with my camera! My brothers and my family in the stands!!! I was able to improve my craft and meet amazing and interesting people! Such a good time!!!
(The team ended up placing 3rd)
To see more wrestling photos check out the slideshow!
