The Blair Mat Project Part 2: A Week at Blair

Related: The Blair Mat Project Part 1: A Man in Love

"Come, Study, Learn," the school motto, and an appropriate one for the Blair Academy wrestling team's practice week leading up to the big dual against nationally-ranked St. Paris Graham of Ohio. This would be the week that the Blair wrestling team, under the tutelage of Coach Jeff Buxton, would have an opportunity to lay the groundwork for redemption after last season's stinging defeat to the Ohio team. We would have the ultimate honor of being with the team to tell this story.

Steve Elwood and I were fortunate enough to have the golden opportunity -- courtesy of the kindness and consideration of Coach Jeff Buxton, to observe the wrestling team's entire week of practice leading up to the dual on Saturday, January 29. The following is an account of what transpired during that week:

Monday, Jan. 24: It was a cloudy day on Monday, Jan. 24, when we arrived at Blair Academy for a 3:30 p.m. practice, amid the snow-covered, Richardson Romanesque-style buildings which are grouped all along the 425 acres of the campus. The weather -- along with the snow, would be a common theme throughout the course of the week. The astonishing beauty, and feeling of coziness of our surroundings greets us immediately.

As we enter Hardwick Hall, we walk up a flight of stairs to arrive at the waiting area where the wrestlers are gathered on the floor, awaiting the arrival of their coach for admittance to the practice room itself. Along with them, is another group of wrestlers from Pennridge, Pennsylvania. Coach Dan Goetter of Pennridge tells us that they are here to practice with the Blair wrestling team. He tells us that he is here as much for himself, as for his wrestlers. "It's all about reaching my kids," he explains, "There's no better way to do it than this."

The buzzing, and constant chattering in the room comes to an abrupt halt once coach Buxton enters. You could hear a pin drop. Coach Buxton begins with a small speech to his wrestlers, praising them for their efforts from the previous Saturday by winning the Final Four Duals championship at Easton, Pennsylvania. He also offers what seems to be an apology to them, for some of the other teams' efforts (Or lack thereof), against his team on that Saturday. He obviously was expecting, and hoping for much more from them. The door to the practice room is opened, and the wrestlers are instructed to go in.

"Don't let them work your head" ... "Grind them down" ... "Pull his head down -- you don't shoot, you don't score" ... "Slow drill does not mean lousy drill -- do it right! ... "This cost us a major decision this weekend."

Assistant coach John Grey observes drills during practice

Practice starts with the wrestlers jogging around the room. Hip hop music is blasting on the satellite radio station. Once Coach Buxton seems to have had enough with that music genre, the station is changed to that of the genre of his liking -- classic rock. Steve and I look at each other, and smile. Affixed to the far wall of the practice room is a large flat-screened television, currently showing heavyweight wrestler Brooks Black's match against an opponent who defeated him that previous Saturday. It was Brooks' first loss of the season. Moments later it switches to 140-pound wrestler Russ Parson's match in that same dual -- a loss. Following that, is 171 pound wrestler Addison Knepshield's match -- again, in that same dual, and a loss. These matches are played over, and over again. It is to be a constant backdrop throughout this practice session.

Once the music is turned off, Coach Buxton calls his wrestlers into the middle of the mat. They gather around him as he demonstrates on another wrestler (In this case, 103-pound Joseph McKenna), what he wants drilled. Once he's done explaining, he barks, "Ready -- 1, 2, 3," and all of the wrestlers clap at once in unison. This is the way that it's done throughout the course of practice. The main topic of discussion, and drilling sequences are that of the tendencies of the Graham wrestlers. Coach Buxton explains to his wrestlers that the Graham boys will constantly work on his wrestlers' heads -- pushing them and wearing them down, while working different scoring options from that position. They will not allow the Graham wrestlers to do this. The Blair wrestlers are partnered-up. What follows is the constant drilling from this position, and what defensive actions will be taken to counter the head work. There is a ton of energy in the room today.

Joseph McKenna

The expression on 103-pound wrestler Joseph McKenna's face never changes. It's all business, all of the time. Let me preface this next observation by saying that every wrestler is visibly working hard during the session, but 125-pound wrestler Mark Grey is almost machine-like in his approach. It doesn't seem like anything can get this young man tired. He and his partner, Todd Preston, are relentless drilling with each other. They are a perfect fit together as partners on the mat.

The last drill of the practice has all of the wrestlers get into multiple lines at one end of the mat. They then proceed to do wind sprints from one end of the gym to the other -- over, and over, and over again. It's one long race that seems to have no end in sight. By the time this is near completion, the wrestlers look like they're literally going half-speed. It's a brutal, but satisfying way to end the session. Once practice is over, all of the wrestlers -- Blair and Pennridge, shake the hands of coach Buxton, and the rest of the Blair coaching staff. A few wrestlers are then held back for some "extra special" attention -- those who were defeated in that final dual from Saturday. The extra drilling is intense, and it's not pretty, but the wrestlers handle it like men.

Tuesday, Jan. 25: "I'm not a headlock guy, but I'm not opposed to it either -- if it works" ... "Don't look like you're tired -- even if you are tired" ... "Slow drill does not mean lousy drill" ... "He's got your head -- that's why you're not wrestling on Saturday!"

In the waiting area, the pre-practice speech from Coach Buxton starts with an apology for the wrestling "environment" from the day before. Coach felt that there may have been too many wrestlers in the room. Today was going to be "What a typical Blair practice is all about." The wrestlers are then allowed admittance into the practice room.

After a slow jog, and short period of hip hop music, the station is again switched to that of classic rock. Coach Buxton immediately begins barking orders to his wrestlers, and then remarks "One percent better each day. I saw that on the back of a shirt once." Steve and I look at each other, and crack-up. The statement becomes even funnier when moments later we observe assistant coach John Grey walk past us, sporting that exact quote on the back of his t-shirt. The man has a sense of humor.

What becomes noticeable is that there's a definite "hierarchy" as to where the wrestlers drill together on the practice mats. This remains constant throughout the week, and season, we're told. The small to middle weight starters are positioned in the center area of the practice room, Brooks Black and the upper weight wrestlers are positioned on the right side, while the younger kids, and the JV wrestlers are positioned on the left side.

This week's opponent, St. Paris Graham, is referenced throughout practice today. Coach Buxton has obviously done his homework, admittedly having watched the entire St. Paris Graham-St. Edward dual from a few days before. Coach Buxton knows his opponent's arsenal, and every tendency.

Coach Buxton gathers his wrestlers

These practices are not about learning wrestling moves. They're about refining what you already know (or should know) to the utmost detail -- these details are drilled exclusively. Coach Buxton has no problem calling out one of his wrestlers by name when he sees something he doesn't like, or they're doing something the wrong way, or for what he deems as a lack of effort during the drilling. Each individual wrestler is held accountable for their actions in the practice room. It is good-natured, but extremely to the point. When something like this occurs, the drilling is immediately stopped, and Coach Buxton calls his troops back into the middle of the mat. "It's because of him" (Buxton points), that you're all doing this again." After some moans and groans, it's back to business, and doing things the right way.

There is again a lot of emphasis on what to do when the Graham wrestlers try working their opponents' heads, as well as the proper way to position your body from the riding position. This is some air-tight riding folks. Countering single leg shots is a point of emphasis today as well.

Near the end of practice, the wrestlers are asked to lower the ropes from the ceiling. They then do the exercise by hoisting themselves up on the rope, and then wrapping their legs around it as well. They pull themselves across from one end to the other. This is done multiple times by each wrestler. It is a unique twist to the practice routine. Once practice is over, the wrestlers line up to shake hands with the coaching staff. This time we're included. Man, does that feel good.

Wednesday, Jan. 26: "Your minds are not right!!" ... "Am I the only guy who's fired up in this room?" ... "Keep you butts up, turn the corner, pin him, pin him, pin him!!"

There is no pre-practice speech in the waiting area. Once in the practice room, classic rock (Neil Young, CCR, and Eric Clapton) is again blasting through the speakers. 135-pound Austin Ormsbee seems to be having a difficult time drilling with his severely sprained ankle, from the Cheesehead tournament in Wisconsin a few weeks ago. Turks are drilled along with pinning combinations, as well as more work with the heads, working in legs, and countering techniques. Coach Buxton tells us that he feels two of the most important factors in this dual are going to be how his wrestlers handle the Graham kids trying to work their heads, as well as simply being the tougher, better-conditioned wrestlers on the mat. After a period of time it becomes obvious that the team is flat today. Coach Buxton has done a lot less verbalization with his wrestlers, and the look on his face screams that he's not happy with what he's seeing. His silence is golden. After seeing enough of this, he throws his wrestlers out of the practice room, and tells them to wait outside in the waiting area. He leaves them out there for approximately five minutes. Once they are allowed back into the room, they are told that they'll be partnering up, and going live. The wrestlers seem to be rejuvenated, wrestling live for approximately four minutes. Unfortunately for them, this is only the beginning.

Todd Preston and Mark Grey wrestle hard

After the initial four or five minute first period, they wrestle another four minutes live for a second period. Once that's over, they go live again, for another four minute, third period. At this point, the wrestlers are drenched in sweat -- Todd Preston, Caleb Richardson, Evan Silver, Max Hvolbek, and Dylan Milonas all appear ready to collapse, but it's not over yet. Three more one-minute periods follow. This is pure hell to watch. Once it's over, there's still around one half hour of practice time remaining. Coach Buxton switches up everyone's partners (This is something that has occurred frequently during these practices.) There will be no more "slacking off" today.

Once practice is over, the wrestlers shake hands with all of us. Coach Buxton holds wrestler Austin Ormsbee back. He asks the group for a volunteer to do extra drilling with Ormsbee. Russell Parsons steps up. Ormsbee and Parsons proceed to drill for another ten minutes. Ormsbee is pushed by the larger, and noticeably stronger wrestler. Coach Buxton then cuts Russell Parsons loose, and asks Ormsbee to "shadow wrestle" for a few more minutes in front of him. Coach is obviously concerned about whether or not he has made enough progress with his ankle to wrestle on Saturday. Once coach Buxton seems satisfied with Ormsbee, he cuts him loose as well. Steve and I leave stunned.

Thursday, Jan. 27: "Grind" ... "Grind them down!!"

There is no pre-practice speech today, as there are workers in the process of affixing brand new All-American plaques on the practice room wall. They proceed to finish what they're doing inside the room for the day, and continue their work outside. The mood seems to be much more energetic out in the hallway, as coach Buxton invites his team in. Hip hop music prevails today.

Evan Silver and Joseph McKenna during drills

Grinding your opponent down from the top position seems to be the drilling focus of the day. There is much more energy in the room than what was the case with yesterday's trip into hell. Coach Buxton is constantly prowling the mats, eyes like a hawk when he sees things that he doesn't approve of. We're convinced he has eyes behind his head. Nothing gets by this man.

Grinding the opponent, more work with the head, and various foot-sweeping techniques are demonstrated, and drilled exclusively. At one point during practice, Coach Buxton gets disgusted with what he deems as a lack of effort from the left side of the room. Those wrestlers are scolded for not drilling correctly. They are then told to stop, sit down, and watch, being that they can't get it right. This is how the "master" reaches his pupils. You will do things correctly ... or not at all.

The last drill of today's practice is a cool down that has each wrestler grabbing his own jump rope, and using it for an extensive period of time. A few more wresters choose to go into the back of the practice room, where they ride on the exercise bikes. Joseph McKenna's jump rope seems like it's two times the normal size for a single individual. Regardless, he handles it with ease. This is yet another nice change of pace from the usual grinding routine. Once practice ends, the wrestlers again shake all of our hands. Today was a much better day.

Friday, Jan. 28: "Don't let them grind you down, we do the grinding" ... "We're too loose, we're not focused enough, it's time to get focused."

Coach Buxton addresses his wrestlers

Coach Buxton enters the practice room waiting area, and explains to us that practice will be easier today. It's the day before the dual, and he doesn't want to take the chance of any starters sustaining injuries. He tells us that there will be no "live" drilling today. There are many more wrestlers donning sweatshirts today. The wrestlers begin their customary light jog around the gym, amidst the sounds of hip hop, and then again, classic rock.

There are two new faces in the practice room today, one of a young wrestler that we're not familiar with, and the other being the heavyweight wrestler that defeated Brooks Black last Saturday. They're both here to practice with the team. Brooks seems shocked when he first notices the same opponent that has again caused him so much more pain this past Monday. They shake hands, and the momentary uneasy feeling in the room dissipates. They will be drilling partners today.

Coach Buxton explains to us that the young guest is here with his grandfather to take in a practice session. The family is considering having their boy attend Blair Academy. Coach tells us that he's 14 years old, and is a Tulsa Schoolboy runner-up from Kansas.

I find a moment with wrestler Todd Preston during a short break during the drilling, and ask him if all of these constant visitors are a distraction to him, and his teammates. "Not at all," he replies. "You learn to get used to it quick if you want to wrestle here."

Coach Buxton is visibly content that the practice is high-spirited today. He tells us, "I'm happy today," with a wide grin on his face. He then tells us that two of the best officials in the state will be working the dual on Saturday -- Vinnie Russo and Roy Dragon. The drilling today is crisp. 135-pound Austin Ormsbee looks much more "on his game" today than he has the previous four. The injured ankle doesn't seem to be bothering him as much.

For the first time all week (that we've seen), Coach Buxton walks around the room to each of his starting wrestlers, and asks them where their weight's at in regards to where it needs to be tomorrow. Each wrestler responds by holding up their fingers. There are some quiet discussions between Coach and his wrestlers during this period. No one seems worried.

As the final practice comes to a close, it has become very obvious that this was indeed the "lightest" one of the week. Unfortunately for Brooks Black and his new partner today, that doesn't seem to be the case. The two of them look like they have just gotten out of a swimming pool when it has finally ended. They shake hands, and Brooks asks him to come back again sometime. The rest of the wrestlers shake hands with all of us one final time.

Coach Buxton works with visiting wrestler from Kansas

Coach then finds time to do some extra one-on-one drilling with the visitor from Kansas. The young man's face lights up when he realizes he's getting special attention from the legend. Unfortunately, the legend pays for it by receiving a nasty scratch over the area near the top corner of his right eye. Blood is dripping from his face. "I feel like I got hit with a switchblade," he laughs. I tell Steve that this will be all too appropriate for Coach Buxton's photo sessions tomorrow. He'll wear it like a "badge of honor." We don't ever want this week to end.

One of the many things that have had a lasting impression on Steve and I during the course of the week are the wrestlers themselves. They are the most polite, and well-spoken young men that you're ever likely to come across. They all act and carry themselves like mature adults. It's almost surreal. This is an obvious reflection of their coach Jeff Buxton, and his staff. Steve and I both realize how lucky we are, and what an opportunity this has been.

Coach Buxton calls his wrestlers to the center of the mat one last time for a small discussion. He reiterates what he wants, and expects from them on the mat come Saturday. "This is just another match for me. You guys should want this much more than I do, especially after what happened over there last season. It's up to you guys now." He continues by giving the wrestlers their entire schedule for Saturday. Tomorrow at 1 p.m., it will be shirts and ties for the dedication ceremony for their coach. From that point on, the practice room will officially be called the "Jeffrey P. Buxton Wrestling Room." Also to be unveiled are brand new All-American plaques that have been affixed along the practice room wall. At 7 p.m. there will be a short video prior to the dual, spanning coach Buxton's 29 years of legendary service with the Academy, as well as memorials of the late Adam Frey, and Ray Mendoza -- two individuals Coach Buxton holds dearly to his heart. He will introduce Ray's wife to the crowd just prior to the dual. It is sure to be a tear-inducing moment. My final thoughts to Steve are that "St. Paris Graham has no chance."

Saturday, Jan. 29: Blair 39, St. Paris Graham 18

The gym is filled to capacity. There are many painted faces in the student body section, including a character that can only be described as "The Human Blue Spandex" wearing a Blair singlet and yellow headgear. I think I spot Mil Mascaras in that area as well; but after a closer look, and to my disappointment, I realize it's just another member of the student body sporting a very unique, and of course blue mask. There is some serious atmosphere here tonight.

Todd Preston works for the pin

The dual starts out at 103, which I'm sure makes Coach Buxton happy because he knows his team can, and should get some good momentum here. They do. They proceed to go on and win the first six bouts -- three by pin, and build up a 27-0 lead. Highlights here included pins by 103-pound Joseph McKenna, Mark Grey (125), and Todd Preston (130). Evan Silver (112) and Caleb Richardson (119) "grinded" out hard-earned victories as well, as did Austin Ormsbee, who was visibly still affected by his injured ankle. Regardless, Ormsbee found a way.

St. Paris Graham goes on to win the next three bouts, one of them by pin, to close to within 15, 27-12. Russell Parsons (140), Dylan Milonas (145) and Patrick Coover (152) all wrestled valiantly in defeat. The lone pin was suffered by Milonas, who is a freshman. If the previous week of practice was any indication, this young man will bounce back. He looks to become a very good one in short time.

Blair Academy defeats St. Paris Graham, 39-18

The Buccaneers of Blair Academy then went on to win three of the final five bouts, one by pin, to close out a 39-18 victory, to a very excited, and enthusiastic home crowd. Michael Mocco (160) and Frank Mattiace (215) won by decision, while Brooks Black (285) won by pin. Addison Knepshield (171), and David Farr (189), both hung tough in defeat, only losing by decision. Farr wrestled valiantly in a bout most thought might yield bonus points to the Graham wrestler.

Overall, this dual could not have gone much better for Coach Buxton and his wrestlers. It could not have gone much better for Steve, my wife Alejandra, and me as well. For Coach Buxton and his Blair wrestling team, the challenge of taking on nationally-ranked teams Wyoming Seminary of Pennsylvania, and St. Edward, as well as Kiski Prep, lies in the week ahead. For us, it's back to the real world, along with the memories of the greatest high school wrestling week that we've ever had the pleasure to experience. It would not have happened if not for the consideration of the greatest wrestling coach of them all -- Jeffrey Buxton. Coach Buxton, and Blair Academy are all class -- on the mat, and off it.

Chris Danyo can be reached at cd1421@gmail.com. Steve Elwood can be reached at steveel@rstransportinc.com.

Sign In

The Blair Mat Project Part 2: A Week at Blair

User Feedback

Recommended Comments

Create an account or sign in to comment

Create an account

Sign in

Categories

Rankings

Browse

Activity

Support