Rocky Mountain Middle School wrestlers ready for conference meet Saturday

The Rocky Mountain Middle School wrestling team is gearing up for its conference meet Saturday in Thermopolis, where they will compete against some of the strongest programs in the region. Rocky will be represented by 15 boys and three girls. Competition at Hot Springs County High School begins at 10 a.m.

Head coach Tim Jones said the team is expecting a full field of competition.

“We’ll see Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Thermopolis, Worland, Greybull, Lovell, Cody and Powell,” Jones said. “It’s a good mix of programs, and it should make for a great day of wrestling.”

The timing of the conference meet immediately after Thanksgiving break adds a layer of challenge. Jones noted that the holiday rest isn’t ideal for athletes preparing for a key competition.

“It’s a terrible time to have a break, but it is what it is,” he said. “I don’t think they’re going to move Thanksgiving,” he added with a laugh, “and if we pushed the season a week later, we’d run into the high school season. That causes problems for space, coaching and finding referees.”

As the Grizzlies head into their final meet of the season, Jones is looking for growth not only in skill but in mindset.

“I’m hoping they make a big step up in their mental preparation and execution,” he said. “A match is a mental exercise as much as a physical one. You have to adjust your offense and defense on the fly. Wrestling is like a physical chess match. The kids who can make those mental adjustments as the match unfolds put themselves in a better position to win the close ones.”

Saturday’s meet will give Rocky’s wrestlers one final opportunity to apply what they’ve learned and finish the season on a strong note.