Sussex Academy wrestlers celebrate educators before Delmar match
Finishing up their first year competing in the Henlopen Conference, the Sussex Academy Seahawks wrestling team took time before the Feb. 9 match against Delmar to thank teachers.
“We didn’t have any seniors come out this year, so instead of doing a celebration for our seniors, we did a celebration to appreciate our teachers in the school district,” Sussex Academy coach Justin Bennett said.
The wrestlers each picked a teacher who helped them make important life decisions with athletics or who has had a positive impact on their life.
“Sometimes teachers don’t feel appreciated for how much they do either in the classroom, outside the classroom or helping students out. I personally think it was a really good idea to bring out our favorite teachers and show them that we care about them,” said captain Doug Horton.
Following the ceremony, teachers and fans were treated to an exciting round of JV matches. Sussex Academy freshman George Purse ignited the home fan base by coming from behind and pinning his 144-pound opponent.
“We’re still fighting and improving,” Bennett said. “I’m seeing a lot of different styles of wrestlers coming out. They’re starting to adapt and depict what kind of style wrestler they would like to become.”
Delmar won seven of the first eight matches by pin and was closing in on a shutout before Horton proved why his coaches think so highly of him.
“Doug’s a tough wrestler, man,” Bennett said. “He’s got that mental mindset that we’ve been working on.”
Following a scoreless first in the 165-pound match, Horton opted to start on the bottom, but he quickly rose to the top. Horton and his opponent Matthew Price were very timid in the first, but in the second, Horton unleashed his aggressiveness.
“It’s February, so everyone is worn down, but I felt bad going out there and didn’t feel good about how I was wrestling,” Horton said. “But it’s about the heart and knowing that you’re going to find a way to get your arm raised.”
Sensing his opponent’s fatigue, Horton made quick work of a strong Price to earn a pin with 40 seconds remaining in the second.
“Doug’s confidence level is coming through for him,” Bennett said. “He’s starting to succeed and see improvement. He’s worked hard in practice trying to get better every single day, and I don’t see why he can’t be on top of that podium come two weeks from now.”
Delmar defeated Sussex Academy 69-6, but the Seahawks have one thing to hang their beaks on heading into the Henlopen Conference Championships: Horton has not lost to a Delaware opponent since Jan. 3.
