One of the challenges high school winter sports coaches have that’s unique is the holiday breaks and managing their athlete’s intake of fatty foods and sweets during Thanksgiving and Christmas. West Central Valley head wrestling coach Ethan Calvert knows this all too well as a former high school and collegiate wrestler. He spoke with Raccoon Valley Radio about balancing practice time with the shortened holiday week.

Calvert made sure to push the guys hard before letting them spend Thanksgiving with their families. “We want to make sure our guys have their weight under control by the time Thursday rolls around for Thanksgiving, so that way they can at least eat a little bit, ” Calvert said, “Really what it comes down to is self-control, not gorging yourself out when you see all that food on the kitchen table.”

Calvert did give his wrestlers yesterday off along with today’s holiday so they can spend quality time with their family. West Central Valley returns to the mat Friday afternoon, preparing for their first competition of the season next Thursday in Afton against Nodaway Valley, AC/GC, and East Union in dual action.