Troy

Youth movement

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

Troy High wrestling going to battle with young squad

TROY — Troy High wrestling coach Gary Harlan understands that being a freshman on a varsity squad is not an easy task.

But with a plethora of injuries, the Colts have up to eight rookies taking to the mat in each match.

“It’s just part of the game,” Harlan said Jan. 27 during a break from practice.  “I love these kids. They’re good athletes and they go as tough as they can, but they’re inexperienced. It shows when they go against a junior or a senior. (They) kind of take it on the chin, and that’s just the way it is.

           

“But those are the kids that are going to turn into real wrestlers.”

           

Even with the inexperience, Troy is still in the running for a championship in the Oakland Activities Association White Division. At press time, the Colts were 14-12 overall, 4-0 in the division.

           

Harlan said many of the wins came when the squad was fully healthy. At this point, the Colts are missing three starters, which has forced the freshmen onto the mat.

           

Harlan said getting an inexperienced wrestler to believe he’s good enough to win is one of the toughest challenges.

           

“Some don’t have a real good self-concept. Getting them to understand, ‘You have worked hard; you’re in better shape than your (opponent); and you do deserve to be the one that comes out (on top),’” he said.

           

With such a young lineup, the Colts are leaning on senior captains Dan Jajjo at 125 pounds, Bryce Jones at 130 and John Jensen at heavyweight.

           

The trio said they realize experience on the mat and in practice will be invaluable for the future generation of Colts.

           

“They look up to us, and we have to show them what it’s like to work hard — show them what it’s like to practice,” Jones said.

“You have to show the young kids, and hopefully, they’ll keep at it … give them a good attitude towards the sport and set a good example,” Jajjo added.

The Colts made the move from the Red Division — arguably one of the toughest in the state — to the White this season.

Harlan said he wants the program back in the Red and that the current crop of freshmen could be the ones to lead it there.

Until then, the Colts hope to finish the job in the White.

           

“It’s important to us because we’re seniors, and we want to make names for ourselves,” Jajjo said.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.