2012-13 Results and Media Coverage
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Pearl River senior Brent Bourgeois considers himself to be in good shape, for football.
After finishing the 2012 season rushing for over 1,600 yards, his attention is now focused squarely on wrestling. Ranked as one of the top competitors in the 195-pound class, Bourgeois is dealing with a shoulder injury that he hopes will not take too long to heal.
“There’s a difference between football shape and wrestling shape,” he said. “Since wrestling is more aerobic, I need to do more running to get where I want to be.”
Pearl River Coach Jim Hobson is just grateful to have one of his leaders back with the team, and expects nothing but the best. “He’s such a great kid and a strong advocate of the program within the school,” said Hobson. "This year, we had 26 people come out for the team, and that’s the most we’ve had.”
Hobson's increasing numbers reflect a statewide trend of wrestling's increased popularity.
Louisiana has seen unprecedented expansion in participation and attendance. One of the unique features created a raucous, standing-room only crowd at the state tournament last year at the Pontchartrain Center. In the finals of each weight class, the schools of the participating wrestlers are allowed to sit on opposite sides of the mat to cheer on their teammates. Participation and attendance reached the point where competition had to be halted temporarily since the arena had reached capacity according to the fire department. The matches resumed without incident, but clearly
demonstrated the growth and enthusiasm behind ever-increasing popularity of the sport.
Bulldog Classic (Fontainbleau): After finishing second in the Division II state tournament last season to champion Teurlings Catholic, Holy Cross was looking for some early momentum and got it, capturing the round robin, dual meet title ahead of Jesuit. The rest of the field included (3) St. Paul’s; (4) Fontainebleau; (5) Mandeville; (6) Rummel; (7) Shaw; (8) Pearl River; and (9) Northshore.
Double Whammy: Rummel has been missing the core of its team due to a number of athletes on the football team which travels to take on No. 9 Ouachita Parish this Friday. The rest of the numbers have been reduced to due a virus with flu-like symptoms.
Referee’s Corner: Having been officiating for 10 years in three different states, Bob Hennessey begins his first year in Louisiana after moving from Tampa, Florida. While the National High School Wrestling (NFHS) is the ultimate governing body in terms of establishing rules, there are differences in each state, some minor.
“In Florida, you can’t take down your singlet after a match, or else it will cost the team one point,” said Hennessey. “That’s not a violation in Louisiana.”
He went on to add that it is up to each state to accept the rule in its present form, or to go further. However, states may not reduce, or take way from the original form.
Upcoming Schedule: Nov. 30-Dec. 1, George Trygg/Ray Gremillion Duals at Grace King; Dec. 1, Shaw-Stanley Rauch Memorial Duals; Dec. 1, Catholic High-B.R. Duals; Dec. 7-8, Rummel-Sam Sara Invitational; Dec. 8, Northshore Panther Duals; Dec. 21-22, Brother Martin-Trey Culotta Invitational; Dec. 28-29, Deep South Bayou Duals at Baton Rouge Centroplex
Odds & Ends: The Ponchartrain Center will host the Louisiana State High School Wrestling tournament on Feb. 15-16...Coaches and grapplers are already talking about the Louisiana Classics tournament that will be held on Jan. 18-19 in Baton Rouge. Widely regarded by many as a true state tournament, the format features an open competition in each weight class. Competitors from all three divisions vie for the top spot in each weight class. Last year, Brother Martin, Rummel, Jesuit, and Holy Cross finished in the top six while host Catholic High was the team champion.