There’s paperwork to fill out and the schedules of other fall sports to consider. Coaches also prepare for the hydration tests and get ready to host the Christmas Tournament.
The two-day tournament takes place Friday and Saturday at the high school. The junior varsity and girls’ tournaments start at 10 a.m., Friday, with the varsity tournament beginning at 9, Saturday.
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It used to be a small tournament with most teams from San Mateo County, plus a few from San Francisco and Santa Clara counties participating.
This year’s entry list includes a few teams from the East Bay as well as most of the top teams in the Central Coast Section.
Gabe Gammon, one of the Cougar coaches, keeps a file of everyone who has entered, and in what division. The numbers have grown since he wrestled for the Cougars more than 10 years ago. He expects around 400 wrestlers to participate in the two-day tournament
“Now, the word has spread about the tournament,” Gammon said. “The competition is tougher.”
Meanwhile, coach John Rhodes works to get the mats. So far, he has three mats on deck, and awaits calls for three more mats. Getting those final three mats will not be the challenge. It will be getting the mats from trucks to their final location, either the gym or the student center, that can be the challenge.
“I tell the kids that all the lifting they need to do is move the mats from the trucks to the final spot,” Rhodes said.
He also has to chase down the scoreboards, the tables, the chairs, and get people to work the tables, at least three to a table, sell T-shirts and tickets, as well as handle security.
“There are a lot of a little headaches to worry about,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes and Gammon won’t have to tear up the phone book to look for help.
“We are very lucky,” Gammon said. “We always have plenty of people to help.”
Four mats will be set up in the gym with the remaining two in the student center.
The two will still have some time to watch the wrestlers.
“We have some good returnees and some fresh faces,” Gammon said. “For some of the kids, it will be an eye opener. We are all anxious to see what will happen.”
The coaches plan to finally put up their feet Sunday and relax.
“I will tell people to kindly go away,” Rhodes said with a smile. “If they bring me food or drink, I will thank them and tell to kindly go away.”
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