SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. - The Mount Vernon varsity wrestling team begins the 2018-19 campaign on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Woodward Prep Duals at Woodward Academy at 9 a.m.
As the season approaches, the Mount Vernon Athletic Department asked first-year head coach Ryan Welch questions about the upcoming season.
Below are the questions and Welch's answers.
1) What are you most excited about for the upcoming 2018-19 wrestling season?
"I am most excited about seeing how the team responds, develops and performs under a new head coach with a new schedule and practice system - building on the foundation that already is present and seems strong while growing the team will also be exciting."
2) What has the team been focused on in practice leading up to the Woodward Prep Duals on Nov. 17?
"We have focused on a disciplined and methodical practice, focusing on the basics while building a bit each afternoon. We have practiced takedowns with different setups as well as escapes from bottom and breakdowns from top which are the three main positions in the sport. We have also focused on taking the match to our opponent - being the first to strike - rather than allowing the match to happen to us."
3) Who has impressed you in preseason and why?
"I have really been impressed with everyone so far, and I could give example of everyone being motivated and excited to get started. I will say that the energy for wrestling here at MV has really impressed me, and I'm excited to be a part of it and look forward to building for the future."
4) How important is the leadership on and off the mat?
"The wrestlers I do have are showing great leadership. Despite their age, especially sophomores Charlie Hale and Gill Christian."
5) What are some the keys that you think will lead to a successful season?
"Discipline. If a team is not disciplined, there will be no long-term success. Each practice, I focus on getting the team focused and disciplined. Wrestling is a sport that requires discipline: what you eat, what you drink, how you rest and how you train. If you are not disciplined in each of those areas, success will be elusive."
The Mount Vernon Athletic Department strives to build the student-athlete by providing a five-star experience built on community, relentlessness, innovation, hospitality and professionalism. As a school of inquiry, innovation and impact grounded in Christian values, we prepare all students to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. For more information on Mount Vernon athletics, visit www.mountvernonathletics.com and follow @MV_Athletics on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news on the Mustangs.
Q&A WITH HEAD WRESTLING COACH RYAN WELCH: 2018-19 SEASON PREVIEW
