A group of students wait in F3, needing help with their math questions. A group of wrestlers wait on the mat, needing guidance from a new coach. For Mr. Clarke Powers his year has been an experience full of firsts: his first time stepping into a classroom as a teacher as well as his first time stepping onto the mat as a wrestling coach.

Joining the coaching staff for the wrestling team this year, Powers was in a completely different element. Aside from his three years of wrestling in high school as well as some time coaching tennis, never had he experienced such a position as a wrestling coach.

Nov. 28, Powers experienced another first: the first wrestling match of the season. On the sideline he encouraged his wrestlers while on and off the mat, constantly moving around to either get a better view of the match or to talk to different players. Although suffering a loss, Powers never lost focus on the match and stayed a positive influence for the wrestlers.

“I’m surprised with how much fun I’m having; it’s really fun and the kids are awesome,” Powers said.

Emphasizing how positive his new position has been for him and his team, Powers has dedicated so much of his time towards the wrestling program. He coaches all three teams, JV, Varsity and Women’s, yet mostly devotes his time to the men’s JV wrestling team and women’s varsity wrestling team.

Although he only started coaching this season, Powers still has reached out and made meaningful connections with his wrestlers.

“Powers for me has been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He has really pushed me to improve in the areas I need help,” Davian Hernandez said.

Being in his freshman year and on the JV men’s wrestling team, Hernandez has experienced Power’s coaching first-hand, proving to be impactful on his growth and progression in wrestling.

While he has only barely embarked on his coaching career for wrestling, Powers still has a mission for himself and his team.

“I just want to get more people out there, more people into the sport,” Powers said.

by CAMERYN OAKES