Meridian Wrestling

'It’s just one season. But years of metamorphosis brought the Meridian High wrestling team to this point, where teamwork is the emphasis and camaraderie is the result. Coach Mike Sampson calls it simply “a family tradition.” A tradition where wrestlers spur each other on in a makeshift “mosh pit” prior to each match. A tradition where parents swallow the pain of current gas prices and drive miles to all-day tournaments.'

I walked toward the front door at Meridian High yesterday, a stack of about 15 papers in my arms. I didn't even get into the office when wrestler Corey Cordero popped out and remarked that I had finally made it, that he had stopped at the office for the third time to see if the papers had arrived, and that the secretary had told him I would be there at noon (I was about 2 hours late). I've rarely met people so unassuming and gracious, who let me crash at their homes, fed me, and treated me as one of their own. I simply couldn't have done this story without them. Thank you all.

This is the newspaper edit for a season-long wrestling story on the Meridian High wrestling team, which we published this week. Please check out the audio slideshow when you have a moment.

Florida, Day Three

It's gems like this that make my job eternally worthwhile. Today, the Chalker found us one. "You can paint it whatever," George Trusty said. "You can't paint over the heart."

Florida, Day Two

Grounded

The Chalker and I are safe and sound in rainy, muggy Florida. I think my least favorite part of flying is the landing, but taking pictures during the ordeal dulls any adverse effects. I will take some comprehensible pictures over the next few days. I swear.