Patrick Woods (left) and Kane Johnson provided an exciting and physical match for fans.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

While he knows his wrestlers are not yet in the physical shape needed to be competitive, coach Joel Partridge was happy with what he saw during Socorro’s intrasquad scrimmage on Nov. 30.

Scheduling a wrestling scrimmage in Socorro can be hit or miss depending on the success of the football and volleyball teams. Still, even with a late start by the Warriors because of playoff games, Partridge stuck with the scheduled event.

“We scheduled the day, and I’m a believer that if you schedule something, you stick to it,” Partridge said.

It’s also part of his coaching scheme where the wrestlers can mentally prepare for their matches and go through a bit of anxiety and stirring of the stomach juices.

“There are just those butterflies, the anxiety, the anxiousness, the excitement, right? And there’s like a competitive spirit and those girls and boys that, if they want to earn a spot, they know they must beat this person across from them,” Partridge said.

Of course, time is ticking toward Socorro’s first match of the season on Dec. 17 at the Rio Hondo Invitational in Roswell, and Partridge is looking to create real-world situations for his wrestlers.

“I think kids are looking to be challenged. I think, as coaches, that’s our duty. We’re supposed to challenge them, get the most out of them, and teach more than just winning medals and wrestling matches. That it’s a lifestyle, it’s the way you conduct yourself,” Partridge said.

Partridge has undoubtedly succeeded in his six-year stint as Socorro’s wrestling coach, producing a state champion yearly.

Local wrestling fans will get a chance to enjoy their first home meet of the season on Jan. 4 against Cobre, and the annual Sammy V tournament is set for Jan. 14.

Russell Huffman | Assistant Editor