Noxon gives mat a rest

NOXON – After a week off, the Red Devils are ready for some time on the mats and are eager for some more competition.

With only three weeks until divisionals, Noxon is kicking into full gear and refocusing on the prize at the end.

“I think they are seeing the end of the road here,” Head Coach Ben Ulrick said. “We got to really get focused these next two and half, three weeks.”

The team is now down to five wrestlers, recently losing Gary Wadman. Even with the loss, Coach Ulrick said it shouldn’t effect the team much.

“We still have enough guys to practice with each other, we’ll make it work,” he said.

The team’s focus has never really been on the team aspect of the sport, instead Coach Ulrick focuses on each kid and their skill set.

“I try to get the individuals to excel. I can’t go with five kids anywhere and expect to win a team trophy,” Coach Ulrick said.

Noxon will head to Plains on Friday to meet up with all the county wrestling teams. Thompson Falls has recently announced they would be attending the quad, which will throw in some faces Noxon hasn’t seen quite as much throughout the season.

“It’ll be good to see them,” Coach Ulrick said.

The team will then go on to the Mission tournament. The tournament is scheduled on Saturday and will give the kids plenty of opportunity on the mat. Each wrestler has the potential to get up to five matches at the event.

Coach Ulrick said the day typically goes quickly and the added bonus is the mat time.

“It’s not one of those long drawn out tournaments. Five matches is the maximum of what we are allowed (per wrestler). If time permits it, that’s what will happen,” Coach Ulrick said.

Currently Alan Chojnacky is returning back to full health after catching the bug that has been making its way around.

Coach Ulrick hopes Chojnacky is better by Friday so he can compete at full strength.

After a good day of practice on Monday, Ulrick thought the team was in a good position and like always, the Red Devils are already looking forward to the next time they can throw down on the mat.