TDMS wrestlers cap year with solid state efforts

In matches taking place Saturday at Woodburn High School, the Wildcat duo had a few tough wins on the day, as Dodge wound up being one match away from placing and Carrera had a tough opening battle against the 160-pound division’s No. 1 seed.

Carrera lost a close match by a 2-1 score against an opponent, who eventually placed third in the tournament.

Dodge also suffered defeat in his first match, but then won his first consolation bout by pinfall and then captured another win on points in the next rounds.

With a chance to place high, Carrera lost a decision in his third consolation match.

Carrera ended the year with a 22-5 record, while Dodge, who tipped the scales at 125 pounds amassed a 25-3 record.

“All-in-all, this season has been a good experience,” Kramer said. “Tough wrestling was shown by both boys. I believe they both walked away realizing that there is more to sport as there is in life than winning. We had a talk about how the only thing people see in the end is scores and places, but few have seen the sacrifice, the time spent in training and the dedication these young individuals have put into their sport.”

In his first season as coach, Kramer said he learned so much about himself and the athletes he is around for hours every day. Kramer said that most of all, he learned, or rather was reassured, that the individuals he has had the honor and pleasure of coaching are not to be taken lightly down the road.

“They are like sponges and I am learning there is not enough time in the day to fill the potential of this team with lessons in the ancient art,” Kramer said. “I have learned to work with the time we have, but it is never enough. They are just amazing individuals and it shows on and off the mat every day. It’s always a race of the clock to prepare these kids, because they are progressing so fast. We are already linking moves together and they are executing them at will. It's pretty impressive.”