Ready to rumble: Arlee wrestling squad returns experienced athletes
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In Arlee, wrestling is more than just a sport: it’s a way of life.
Since returning to the Arlee wrestling program in 1998, head coach Ken Hill has not only improved his team’s practice facilities, but he has also developed a close connection with his athletes, inspiring dozens of students to achieve more than they ever thought was possible on the mat.
Hill has a long history with wrestling in Arlee. His experience with the program began in 1970 when he was a student wrestling on the stage of the gym.
“I grew up here and wrestled here,” he said.
A lot has changed since then, but Hill says the basics of wrestling are still a critical aspect of the opening few weeks of practice, even for the most experienced members of his team.
“We always go back to basics,” he noted. “We start with that every year.”
As one week of wrestling has come and gone, Hill is teaching his athletes how to work with their feet, takedowns, escapes, stance and switches. The Warriors have also been enduring “hundreds and hundreds of drills” to help with muscle memory and reaction time.
During the past two seasons, senior Cole Rice was the team leader, winning back-to-back State championships at Arlee. Hill says 189-pound grappler Clayton Trimble and 215-pound class competitor Cody North have taken over as team leaders for his squad this season.
Also serving his team as a silent leader is Zach Tamler, who is expected to grapple in the 145-pound class this year.
Hill says he has high expectations for his team this season, but it won’t be easy, as the 12 teams in the Western B-C division have talented rosters this season.
“It’s tough just getting out of the division to get to State,” Hill said. “Having Ronan in our division will change things, but I like competing against them if they’re tough, because that means we will also have to be tough. (And) with Mission you never know what you’re gonna get. We’re all looking to see who will step up.”
So far, Hill says he has been pleased with his team’s willingness to go the extra mile and put in the hard work that is required to make it to State.
“My guys are fun to be with,” he said. “They all work really hard and know what it takes to get to State.”
