Little Hawks wrestlers train for the future

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Photo by Paul Apfelbeck

Coach Josh Pittsenbarger talks with one of the Little Hawks wrestlers during last year’s Intersquad Rumble.

By MARY COOLIDGE and CHRIS SEMAKEN, staff writers

The Little Hawks wrestlers are preparing for the Galena Intersquad Rumble (GIR) at the GILA gym to face challenges on the mat on Friday, Dec. 2. The rumble starts at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

“I think this is a great opportunity here. If we do this long enough, we can build a state program here,” said Little Hawks coach Josh Pittsenbarger.

Throughout the high school wrestling season, they come over to the GILA gym to practice alongside the high school students. Coach Pittsenbarger says that the Little Hawks currently practice about once a week or so, twice a week after Christmas break, and three weeks straight during summer break.

During the school year, they come over to the GILA gym and practice with the high school wrestlers, hopefully to gain the knowledge for future state champions.

During the practice on Nov. 15, five Little Hawks participated with the high school wrestlers including warm-ups, stretching, and practicing.

Little Hawk Bailey Aishanna, a fourth graders, said that he sees the high school wrestlers as role models, and wants to be like them in his high school career.