Sweet Home Mat Club had an outstanding season, Coach Steve Schilling said last week.
The future Huskies placed several grapplers at the state championships and also saw three young matmen place at the Northwest Championships held over the weekend at David Douglas High School.
“I really enjoy working with the kids,” Coach Schilling said. “It’s fun watching them grow from knowing nothing about the sport to understanding what they’re doing.”
Coach Schilling said he also enjoys the fact that the program, which attracted some 65 youngsters, instills discipline into them.
“For some of these kids, it’s the only real discipline they have,” he said. “We’re helping shape them and get them ready for junior high and high school programs.”
Coach Schilling wrestled at Central Linn High School and graduated in 1986. He is employed in the construction business.
He is assisted by Louis Dix, Lonnie Keenon, Leon Olson, Greg Newport, Ken Weld, Andrew Swanson and Tim Holly.
“Our mat club has done an excellent job,” Husky Coach Steve Thorpe said. “Two years ago, they won the Silver Award from the Oregon Wrestling Association and this year, they won the Gold Award. That’s quite an honor.”
The award was based on level of involvement, standings in the Association, organization of club and how the wrestlers handle themselves at meets.
“This it he 30th year for the Sweet Home Mat Club,” Coach Thorpe said. “It was founded by my dad, Wayne, Jeff Murphy and Bill Lynn.”
Coach Thorpe said the club has had a “roller coaster” history, going up and down in quality, but always being a valuable asset to the community as a whole.
“Steve Schilling has far exceeded anything I could ask for as our Mat Club coach,” Coach Thorpe said. “He’s excited about wrestling, loves the kids and has a positive attitude. He’s a great example and a great influence on our kids.”
Coach Thorpe said he appreciates Coach Schilling’s willingness to spend so much time away from work and other activities and devote that time to the young wrestlers.
“For example, at the recent Oregon Classic, our Mat Club qualified more kids than ever,” Coach Thorpe said. “I’m very thankful to have an individual like Steve, as well as our other volunteers, who can be entrusted with this program. They are putting so much effort into it and making it better.”
Coach Schilling said Saturday’s placers at the Northwest Championships included Brandon Keen, third; Colton Schilling, third; and Tyler Schilling, sixth.