Henry Huber on wrestling: First year covering wrestling was more than I could have hoped for
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I never gave the sport of wrestling much thought growing up.
My high school in Louisiana had a program - and stars to go along with it - but I was a swimmer and a die-hard football and basketball fan. And my university (LSU) hasn't had a wrestling program since 1985.
When I was told I would be covering wrestling during my interview for this job back in June, I was intimidated, a feeling that didn't go away as Lycoming football wrapped up and December began. I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy it and that would be reflected in my work.
But through the buildup to the season, working on previews and talking to coaches, I started getting excited about it. It took one event to somewhat get my footing, thanks mostly to Lock Haven Express editor Zach Powell and former Sun-Gazette reporter Mitch Rupert providing me with pointers.
After Top Hat, I was motivated to learn more, having just learned what a tech fall was. By the end of King of the Mountain, I couldn't wait to start writing my articles covering the event.
Fast forward to the present day and my mindset regarding the sport has completely changed. Being a part of one of the most passionate wrestling communities in the country certainly helped, but it's by no means the only factor in me falling in love with the sport.
The level of talent within the community made every event exciting and consistently provided potential for incredible, storied matchups and tournament runs. In a sport where a match can be won at any time, the stakes are always high, a factor that keeps eyes glued to the mat until the final whistle is blown. And when a match doesn't end in regulation, the stress of everyone observing is palpable.
Seeing some of the best wrestlers in the state — and even some of the best in the country — throughout the season was a surreal experience. Seeing those same wrestlers that dominated all year go the distance in matches in the postseason was as well.
It's a sport that requires so much composure, grit, strategy and confidence, aspects that are learned both through consistent wrestling and life in general. It's a sport that teaches these kids to shake off tough losses, overcome adversity, never give up and live in the moment, aspects that can certainly go a long way.
"I guess the biggest thing I take from it is that if we instill good life lessons into these kids, they're successful in life," said Loyalsock coach Ben Hepburn at states. "That's what we're really trying to do."
Every high school sport requires consistent dedication and hard work. But for some of these wrestlers, the grind truly doesn't stop.
"This is awesome, and I'm going to enjoy this tonight and tomorrow before getting back on the mat. I need to get better in all positions," said Montgomery sophomore Brandt Harer, 15 minutes after winning a state title. "You've got to train to get better every single day, and that's what I'm going to do."
That level of dedication and passion is palpable, a feeling that hit me repeatedly throughout the season. Whether it was at tournaments like King of the Mountain, Matness at the MACC or Top Hat, or duals like the ones between Montoursville and Warrior Run or Montgomery and Warrior Run, it's hard not to get excited alongside the parents, coaches and wrestlers.
It's incredible getting to cover so many storied programs and wrestlers as well.
Storylines like the Harer brothers earning state titles together in Conner's historic senior season, Reagan Milheim avenging his state title loss, Montoursville breaking multiple records (regional qualifiers and state qualifiers) and winning its first regional title in program history, Sullivan County advancing multiple wrestlers to states for the first time in program history, and so, so many more make my job feel more meaningful and admittedly, make it easier.
And with this year featuring the inaugural girls wrestling season in Pennsylvania as a PIAA-sanctioned sport, it was surreal having the opportunity to witness history.
Getting to see what programs like Hughesville, Montgomery and Williamsport brought to the table amidst their first seasons was intriguing and the prospect of seeing those programs, among others in the area, develop is honestly a dream come true as a writer.
Being present to witness the overwhelming support for the girls at states was incredible as well, as the crowd's endless cheers made their experiences all the more dreamlike. Area wrestlers like Williamsport's Marissa and Lillian Rumsey, Montgomery's Emily Murphy and Hughesville's Lexi Kurzawa making deep runs at the event was an added bonus, displaying the talent already present within the area on the grandest stage.
"This is honestly just amazing to get to see all these girls here competing," said Murphy at states.
"I think it's amazing," said Kurzawa at states. "Like two years ago, if you told me I was going to be wrestling, I would be like, 'you're crazy.' And now, here we are at states. It's just amazing."
"I'm just super happy with the way this year went," said Hughesville coach Royce Eyer after Kurzawa clinched her medal. "I thought it went exceptionally well and having a state medalist our first year is fantastic. I'm very excited."
Wrestling isn't just a sport that appeals to the journalist and sports fan in me though. It's produced a community who’s fun to interact with and welcoming overall, from the coaches and wrestlers to the parents and fans.
It's produced a lot of stories, both in the paper and in my life.
The period from district duals to individual states was a whirlwind, but it was the most enjoyable experience of my career so far, one which increased my passion for the sport tenfold. Even amidst a brutal Day 2 of states, I never stopped enjoying myself.
To everyone who made me feel welcome within the community and showed support, I can't thank y'all enough. It's been a pleasure covering the sport for the past few months.
I can't wait for December.
Henry Huber is a sports reporter at the Sun-Gazette. He can be reached at hhuber@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @HenryHuber_.