Bomber wrestling program growing together
Aidan Brown wrestles at the state tournament. Photo by Jeff Harrison
By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon
RJ Walker has been pleased with the progress he’s seeing in his third year as the Midwest City wrestling coach.
The team continues to grow and improve on the mat. Walker has also been impressed with how they’re coming together outside of the wrestling room.
“We try to build team chemistry but it’s ultimately up to them to do it,” Walker said. “And I’m seeing them around school hanging out in and out of the wrestling room and supporting each other.
They’ll go eat together after practice and that’s good to see.”
Walker said that bonding and leadership is not limited to seniors.
“We have freshmen and sophomores that push our seniors and that’s important,” Walker said. “When those seniors leave, we want to have people that are willing to take that spot.”
Walker said they’re also working to build up their youth and middle school teams. He’s been pleased with support they’ve received from coaches and parents at all levels.
One of the team’s leaders this year is senior Aidan Brown who qualified for state last year. He joined the team after football season ended and won a preseason tournament a week later.
“Aidan is the heartbeat for this team and how we operate,” Walker said. “He’s come prepared to do worlds better than he did last year.”
The Bombers have several other returning varsity wrestlers including Noah Hayden (157), Gabe Young (150) and Aiden Tollison (215) all who were a win shy of qualifying for state season. Zach Miller (113) and Junior Ambrosio (285) are also returners.
Midwest City will also have some young talent.
Freshmen JJ Reeves and RJ Sanchez will compete at 106, Gavin Harkrider (120) has improved through freestyle competitions this summer.
Sophomores Easton Hill (165) and Richard Harris (157) will play a bigger role this year after limited varsity last season.
“We have a lot of good kids back and we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do,” Walker said.
Midwest City’s girls team is also growing steadily. Megan Aaron is the team’s top returning wrestler after qualifying for state last year.
Midwest City opened its season Tuesday against Choctaw. The Bombers schedule includes duals with McLoud, El Reno, U.S. Grant, Putnam City, Lawton, Bishop McGuinness, Shawnee, Putnam City North, Del City, Carl Albert and Blanchard.
The Bombers will compete in Class 6A for district duals. That includes Broken Arrow, Jenks and Muskogee.
