Viking Voyage II: Final Entry

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         Viking Voyage II is complete. Yesterday we ‘docked’ at Union Pines High School and were welcomed by our family and friends. The trailer and vehicles were unloaded and the wrestlers went home to their own beds after fifteen days of sleeping on wrestling mats, air mattresses, and couches. Banged up, bruised, and definitely tired, nevertheless each wrestler has good reason to hold their head high. The team accomplished a lot together and individually during the last two weeks. However, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without a great supporting cast.

First and forever foremost, Big Joe Van Cleave gets our gratitude for taking two weeks off and driving the team over 1530 miles. Big Joe was not just a chauffeur, he was a coach, mentor, parent, counselor, and confidant. The next time you see him, and the five times after that, make sure you tell him how much you appreciate him. The Ambrose family also deserves our gratitude, giving up their vehicle and trailer made this trip possible. Without their generosity and support we faced significant increased costs to the trip and, as those of you that unpacked dirty laundry last night, a very smell ride home! The entire Vondruska family deserves our thanks. Their generosity and hospitality is incredible and I for one am very thankful to have them as friends and extended family members.

                The team building that occurred during this trip will pay off for us as we enter this wrestling season. Each of these wrestlers overcame physical and mental challenges and walk away better wrestlers and better people. For some, this was the most physically challenging experience they have ever had. Others had never been away from home for so long. Having overcome these challenges, they now have the confidence to know that they can overcome even greater challenges. We, as a coaching staff, never forget that wrestling is not the end, it is merely a means to achieve something greater. Throughout this trip, our team displayed the class and sportsmanship that we have come to be known for. I am very proud to be associated with them. The team gets a well deserved week off and we will announce our next training session date/time soon. Next on the agenda are the All American Duals and our elementary/middle school camp at UPHS.

                A great part of our trip was the opportunity for our newest assistant coach, Josh Malave to spend time with the team at the Northeast Ohio Championship Wrestling camp and the tournament that followed. Josh and his fiancée, Jillian, are coming down this weekend to do their final house hunting. They plan on moving down two weeks after that. Please help us prepare to welcome them and their daughter (my little Carolina Girl), Sophia when they arrive and assist them with their transition. We are all very excited to have them as part of the Union Pines Wrestling Family and look forward to the impact Josh will have on the program.

               All of the blog entries (each wrestler wrote at least one) are available on the Viking Voyage II Blog. Pictures are available on our photogallery and videos will slowly make their way to our video site. Thank you all again for your continued support and trusting us with your children. It is truly and honor and a blessing, and is something we do not take for granted. ~ Coach Bartram