Putnam County wrestlers kicked off their summer with informal practice June 6 with five other schools. These informal practices are important for new wrestlers because there is a less competitive atmosphere when wrestling against new opponents to learn new techniques and styles in the sport.
The informal practice helps athletes conquer any discomfort they may feel in the close quarters sport, so when real competitions begin, they will be prepared.
GHSA has completed its region realignment for the biannual reclassifications. Coach Joseph Hutsell hopes that with the GHSA reconfiguration that the PCHS wrestlers will be able to win in the new region.
He said he hopes to invest in banners as this upcoming school year will be the fourth year since the Putnam County wrestling program was established.
He wants more recognition and participation in the sport now that the program has gradually expanded.
When asked about the outlook on the upcoming wrestlers, Hutsell replied, “We have a few freshmen that will be entering the high school ranks and it’s also exciting to see them push returning wrestlers. We haven’t had a lot of depth in previous years, and it (is) nice to finally have some flexibility with the lineup.”
Wrestling was brought to Putnam by Hutsell, and the previous year’s success summarized in his words, “I never look at wins and losses as what defines my programs. My goal is to produce model, productive citizens who won’t forget where they came from and will always give back. I think the seven seniors that are leaving the program will do great things.
“Between Mercer, Georgia Southern, GMC, the military and the workforce, these student-athletes will be successful, and the wrestling room doors are always open for them to come back and share their experiences. We are a close-knit group and I hope they stay together for a long time.”
The program has had to overcome the obstacles of the pandemic as the athletes lost valuable mat time, camps and matches because of COVID-19. This year, Hutsell hopes that the program will be able to grow as the pandemic’s intensity has calmed down since last year.