by Phillip Jones

The Patterson wrestling team had a great season this school year. To learn more about what drives the team, the Patterson Press sat down with wrestling Coach Andrews and wrestler Angel. Here is what they had to say:

Coach Andrews

What inspired you to coach the team?

Being a former Patterson varsity wrestler, I’ve seen over the years that many of the wrestlers did not have the technique needed to compete. To be honest, I was not concerned with my impact on the young people being taught to compete at first.

How did you prepare the team?

Preparing the wrestling team has to be ongoing, meaning constant communication and building a relationship between the coach and a wrestler. It’s not just in school; communicating with the parents/guardians and building trust in the key.

How do you feel about your team’s progress?

Progress has been improving since becoming the head coach in 2019. Now, in the 23-24 season, the wrestling program is starting to peak. We now have athletes that are placing in the regional tournaments. Also, the city tournament next year will be exclusive to those who really buy into the coaching.

How much experience do you have with wrestling?

I started wrestling in the eighth grade, from there going to Patterson High School. I made the team as a 10th grader because I was getting better and learning from great coaches. Many of the leaders of the team during the ’80 to ’83 seasons built up the strength of the team and understood Patterson Pride. Helping for all the years going to coaching clinics and competing, I have well over 15 years.

What were your best and worst years?

My worst year was 2019-2020. COVID shut everything down that year. My recruiting list was 179 males and [it was tough] not knowing what the outcome would’ve been. By far my best year was 2022-2023. We had five wrestlers and a winning percentage as individuals. It lets me know we can compete anywhere at the high school level.

---

Angel (Patterson wrestler)

Who is your biggest motivation?

My biggest inspiration is Coach Andrews. He pushed me to be a greater person.

What do you want to work on?

I want to work on obtaining a degree in engineering.

What did you nail this year that you didn’t last year?

This season I was more [well] rounded, having only lost once. I limited my technique to a handful [of moves], unlike last year where I would get confused and fall short.

How did you feel about your second year?

I feel like I did as much as I could this year with everything I’ve learned.

What’s your favorite wrestling move?

I personally don’t have a favorite move or set up, I take what I learned from all 3 styles of wrestling.

(Photos by Phillip Jones, Patterson Press)