Volunteers keep B-E wrestling program alive; B-E, Edisto, Hanahan meet tonight
By MINNIE MILLER, T&D Bamberg Correspondent Wednesday, December 10, 2003When Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School lost it's wrestling coach at the end of the 2002-2003 school year, volunteers stepped onto the mat, determined to coach the promising young team through the season. Dan Reynolds, B-E's athletic director, said that without their leadership, the program would have been put on hold.
"The main thing was to not let the wrestling program die this year," Reynolds said. "These gentlemen have stepped in to help us through this difficult year."
Reynolds was concerned when budget cuts earlier in the year threatened to put an end to wrestling, golf, soccer and volleyball at B-E in addition to the revenue generating sports.
"What worried me the most was that not everyone fits into basketball or football," Reynolds said.
"Having the other programs reaches more students." In an effort to keep the wrestling team going, volunteers Randy Berry, Allen Fisk, Howard Cooler and Gilbert Miller are coordinating the team's daily workout sessions and preparing them for their first three-way match with Edisto and Hanahan at Edisto High School Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.
"All of us come here after working full-time jobs everyday because we want to see the program continue," Miller said.
Miller said the team will be wrestling varsity and junior varsity and has a good balance in the various weight divisions.
Donations to help support the B-E wrestling program can be sent to the Bamberg School District One office with specific instructions for which sports the money is to be used.
Donations are tax deductible. Miller encouraged Bamberg residents to take advantage of the upcoming fund-raiser that the team will be sponsoring.
Team members, coaches and various Booster club members will be selling pizza kits during the next few weeks to be delivered in January.
Reynolds said he really appreciates all the effort the volunteers have put into helping the program continue.
T&D Correspondent Minnie Miller can be reached by writing to her at 138 Nature's Trail, Bamberg, SC 29003.
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