Laughlin Airmen create local middle school wrestling team

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Up until this past fall, when Laughlin or local community members hear of Del Rio Thunder, they would have assumed it was weather related. Now they know it is the name of the first wrestling team at Del Rio Middle School.

In late November 2011, Maj. Vincent and Machelle Terrell decided to create the wrestling team to give kids an opportunity to broaden their athletic capabilities and fill the void between sport seasons.

"My son has wrestled for three years previously and I wanted him to get involved here but there was no team," said Major Terrell. "There is nothing for them after football until baseball starts up and Uvalde is the closest place to wrestle."

Although the team is new and there was not much certainty there would be interest in the sport, about 15 teammates practice twice a week and have competed in four tournaments since its creation.

"The season is going very well," said 2nd Lt. Randall Mitchner, Del Rio Thunder coach. "Many of those who have been able to make it to a tournament have medaled. They are wrestling on par if not better than those who have wrestled for a couple of years already. We are very excited about the accelerated progress that they have made over the last few months."

While starting a wrestling team allows kids to go out and have fun, Terrell said it also teaches them something about themselves.

"Team sports are great but when you're on the mat it's all on you," he said. "It's on the individual. You learn to get out of bad positions and to overcome obstacles."

Mitchner also noted how it gives the kids an opportunity to build themselves in an avenue not previously available.

"Wrestling teaches many life lessons that can be used in any situation," he said. "It makes them both mentally and physically tough for the rest of their lives. They are developing a base from where they can build up for any future endeavor."

Even though the team was created to give kids an opportunity to branch out, it is equally as rewarding for the Laughlin Airmen who help run the show.

"The best part is watching all of them go out and compete in a match," Mitchner said. "They were using the moves that we taught and to see the pride of all their hard work pay off is great. Watching a kid go out and do his best has been a tremendous experience that I will never forget."

Mitchner explained how the base is part of the community and must be responsible for its growth and development and takes pride in doing so.

"This has truly been a great experience and I look forward to the rest of the season," he said. "The opportunity to teach the sport to a young generation has been amazing. Nothing beats watching the team's hard work and dedication payoff in tournaments. When our team's hand is raised at the end of the match a great feeling of pride reminds me that it was all worth it."