Swayze Martin is making his presence felt more and more with each match this season.
Under the leadership of Wetumpka wrestling coach Josh Highland, Martin is off to an incredible start to his sophomore campaign with a 15-1 record at 132 pounds.
“You can just see how much work he's put in,” Highland said. “It has given him confidence out there to know that anytime he steps on the mat, he has a shot to win every match. Something that I'm trying to instill in every kid.”
In only his sophomore season, Martin has provided a great deal of leadership in the wrestling room.
In a recent 45-27 win over Elmore County, Martin was one of the catalysts for success. At 132 pounds, he took on Dylan Andrew and had to persevere through multiple cramps throughout the three-period chess match. Martin ultimately took the victory, 15-1.
“He's battled through adversity, and just seeing him on the mat last Monday, with his leg looking like it was going to fail with all the cramping stuff,” Highland said. “Some kids’ mentality would say quit, but he never does.”.
Martin was forced to call for three separate injury timeouts during the match due to cramping in his leg, but remained steady and poised. He amassed three takedowns in the second and third periods and also had two crucial escapes in the bout.
The Indians have several wrestlers poised to make big runs in pursuit of a state tournament bid, and Martin is no different.
“It takes a lot to get out there and do this, every single match, every single practice, but we have clear goals this year, so we know that our little things will eventually add up to be big results,” Highland said.
