Battling the Titans

Most Class AA wrestling coaches wouldn't dream of entering their best wrestlers into an event such as the Powerade Christmas Tournament, afraid that they will have their confidence shattered by some of the toughest competition in the country.

That's why West Greene, Chartiers-Houston and all the other Class AA teams that annually compete in Powerade should be commended. Competition is the best tonic for a wrestler trying to make himself into a medal-winner at Hershey. And there is no better competition in the state during the regular season than Powerade.

Imagine Kory Bissett's confidence level now that he knows he won a weight class against wrestlers from some of the best teams in the country. Even those wrestlers who simply competed got better competition than many of the dual meets they'll wrestle in during the season. That only helps you at season's end.

Strong competition makes you stronger, win or lose. Coaches should be seeking those type of events for their top wrestlers in dual meets and tournaments, even if it means records will suffer. That's how winning programs and winning wrestlers are developed.