The Super 32
Make NC Mat your start-up page
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One Last Look
by Mac Heffner, special correspondent to NC Mat
CHARLOTTE- Late Saturday night, after the banners that adorned Independence Arena were gone, the mats were rolled up and put away, and 42 newly crowned champions had left the building, I took it all in. While several reporters frantically tried to file their wrestling stories for Sundayƒs editions, I had already filed and decided to take one last look around the arena. Some workers were finishing up the transformation of what had been a wrestling mecca a few hours earlier, back into an empty arena floor. But I saw much more. "Third period, Two more minutes son," a proud parent yells from the stands. I thought about those who won, those who lost, and the emotions that each wrestlerƒs family went through during the tournament. Some had defended titles, others lost theirsƒ, and some were just happy to have qualified for the state. My thoughts then turned to former high school wrestlers who had competed in past NCHSAA tournaments. Those fortunate enough to walk in the parade of champions. That is a moment that can be treasured foever. I got chills on Saturday night, and will continue to get them each time I return for the finals. "One minute, keep it up," a coach yells to his star wrestler. I thought about all the people who have made North Carolina wrestling what it is today. There are so many. People like Bob Maudlin, editor of Mat News. He has promoted the wrestling in this state for 30 years. You can count on him being at the tournament every February. Referees are important too. They have tough jobs each year. One of my favorites has a crew cut and I think his name is Joe. He is fun to watch. If he calls your match, you better not stall. He will hit you with stalling in the first period if he has to. The media does a good job of covering the event, but they could do better. Too many donƒt understand the sport. Thatƒs what too much basketball will do to a person. More recently, the Internet has played a role in the state tournament. We can all thank Joe Lareau for that. Lareau moved to Washington, D.C., but he made the trip back this year. There are too many important people to name, but they all love the sport. That is why the tournament is so special. "30 seconds and itƒs yours," a wrestler thinks to himself. I think about standing on the podium wearing a medal. Seeing kids who tell themselves they will be in the top four next year. Seniors who will never have another shot. All the great stories told during the weekend made my drive from Chapel Hill worthwhile. Seeing generations come together because of the sport. Brothers, dads and grandfathers, cousins, tradition rich families can be found every year. "15 seconds, short time," a wrestler yells to his teammate. Watching kids struggle to score the decisive escape point, the stress in a motherƒs face when her son is wrestling in an overtime match, the pain a wrestler feels after a loss. All these are what make the state tournament special. A seasonƒs worth of work - cutting weight, grueling practices, and long lonely runs - culminate in two days of glory. You donƒt have to be the biggest, strongest or even the fastest to win, but you have to be dedicated. That is what makes the state tournament special. "3,2,1, time," the towel girl exclaims as she hits the referee with her towel. The match is over and a state championship is won. Mat maids screaming, orange slices after weight checks, signing a bout sheet after a big win. But most importantly, the blood, sweat and tears. Arms raised toward the top of Independence Arena, a wrestlerƒs goal achieved. It happens every year, but that is what makes the state tournament special.
He wrestled for Carson-Newman College (Tennessee) from 1996-98, and is currently a Journalism Major at UNC-Chapel Hill.
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