Perhaps this weekend in the Bear Den, the famous Paul Revere quote could be changed over to "The wrestlers are coming! The wrestlers are coming!"
 
They did, by the way, from near and far in what is known as The Prep Slam – an event founded by the HIES wrestling staff in 2007. In this weekend's action that quickly drew national attention from its inception, 47 teams came from all across the globe – two from as far away as New York and west Texas.
 
The weight classifications included five Greco All-Americans, one U-17 World Champion, and plenty of state champs, therefore littering and filtering the competition where podium finishes, medals, and belts from the grapplers are the norms and not the exceptions.
 
Coach Stacey Davis and his team – though a bit young before this Friday and Saturday – has come away much more mature after a successful stint in New Orleans before Christmas and now this.
 
Every wrestler won at least one match in the Bayou, and placers included Thomas Dougherty, Colt McNamara, Phillip Griffin, and Jaredd Blount. Dougherty also led the way at this week's slam, going 2-0 Friday before placing 6th in Saturday action. 
 
Besides the 'on the mat' action, HI welcomed back former Prep Slam director Kacey Michelsen back for the two days. Kacey is now an athletic director and wrestling coach in Maryland, after a stint at HI that included teaching history, organizing Model UN, and coaching lacrosse as well as his wrestling chores.
 
Thanks to Coach Davis, his staff, the many parents and volunteers, as well as our AD Tony Watkins, and all the faculty and facility people here that contributed the many pieces needed to put this successful puzzle together.
 
Happy New Year – and Go Bears!