Fallon's Terry White battles an Elko opponent during last week's Earl Wilkens/Lee Riggins Memorial Tournament at the Elmo Dericco Gym. The Wave will compete in Sacramento on Saturday.
A five-match guarantee.
At this point in the season, it is what Fallon wrestling coach Mitch Overlie is looking for in a tournament. More matches equals more opportunities for the Greenwave grapplers to develop their skills early in the season.
An added bonus, though, is top flight competition as Fallon travels to Sacramento for the Natomas dual tournament.
The Wave was initially scheduled to compete at Lowry’s Cody Louk Tournament, but thanks to a connection from assistant coach Dan Shaw, Fallon was able to enter the California competition.
“I think just getting out of Nevada will be good for them,” Fallon coach Mitch Overlie said. “I hope they are a little more themselves since we won’t have anybody filming (scouting) us. It’s nice to be unknown … and hopefully we get some good duals in.”
But what is awaiting the Greenwave?
It is the question on the minds of Overlie and his grapplers. In one way it is exciting and mysterious, in another, it is a bit stressful going in blind.
Nevertheless, Overlie is confident in his athletes with the likes of Trae Workman, Nathan Heck, Clay Amezquita, Cameron Matzen, Richard Rogers, Anthony Sabatino and Dakota Schelling to name a few.
“We just want to better our positions,” Overlie said. “There are a lot of schools I have no clue (about). I didn’t want to see Northern Nevada all the time.”
As the season enters the second week, Overlie is still working his athletes into shape as they come closer to falling into their proper weight class.
As for Saturday, the long-time coach was happy to accept the invitation to get his athletes much needed mat time. The more matches early in the season, the better, especially for the development of those who participated in fall sports, specifically football.
Nevertheless, Fallon ripped through its own tournament last week with a 7-1 record. Despite a strong showing to open the season, Overlie said there is some tension about competing in Sacramento.
“I think there is some apprehension because we’ve never been there,” he added. “I think our starters are confident. I have a good eight, nine weight classes I feel confident about. We can compete, all weight classes.”