Hornets team wrestles with inexperience

The EHHS wrestling team works out during a recent practice. Photos by Frances Taylor.

At this point in the season, East Hartford High School wrestling coach Steve Kanopka says his team’s toughest opponent is youth and inexperience.

“We have only five seniors on the team this year, and the schools we play against have more than that,” said Kanopka, who added that in wrestling, experience counts.

“It’s not like on TV where you can just pick up a guy and throw him on the ground. It’s about technique and moves. And that takes time to learn,” the coach said.

Looking forward to the future, Kanopka said changes at the middle school level in East Hartford will have a significant impact on his team at the high school next year, and the years that follow. “They are starting wrestling for kids at the middle school level,” he said. “When they get to high school, they will know all the basics and be more ready to learn technique.”

Wrestling takes time and commitment, Kanopka added. About 48 players turned out for the team this season, which is now down to 23 wrestlers. “It’s a tough sport physically – there is constant movement. We do lifting and stretching, then we do wrestling, and then we do conditioning.”

Jamane Ward, a senior and captain, has a 28-5 record this season, and is one of the team’s strongest wrestlers, the coach said. “It’s been a pretty good season – I’ve just been working hard to try to improve myself,” Ward said. “At each match, I’m trying to get a better rank.” He acknowledged that the tough season has weeded out some players. “We’re down to the people who come every day and work out. It’s tough to do, because there are a lot of distractions. But the only way to do it is to stay focused.”

Humberto Teixeira, a freshman, is ending the season almost 30 pounds lighter than when he began. “I decided to go out for a sport because I was told I was overweight. It was tough at first, but I kept working hard, and every week I saw results,” he said “And I really like the sport, and it’s helping me to be healthier.”