Practice begins for new Corbin Wrestling program

Corbin High School sports fan will have a new pack of Redhounds to root for as Coach Chuck Davis has held his first practices for the wrestling team.

Davis said Monday that more than 40 students in grades eight through 12 have turned out for the practices that began Thursday.

“We hope to fill at 14 weights and if we get enough girls, fill the 12 weights to field a full team there,” Davis said noting that seven girls have currently come out for the team.

Davis said while the wrestlers have begun learning the basics, they are still awaiting the arrival of mats and uniforms and to finalize the required paperwork with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

“We are going to practice over Christmas break,” Davis said. “Hopefully, as soon as we get back from Christmas, we can at least start doing something.”

There is competition to be found in the area. In addition to Whitley County, Knox Central, McCreary Central, Bell County, Wayne County, Madison Central and Madison Southern compete in wrestling, even if they don’t all field full teams.

“North and South (Laurel) are also talking about adding it,” Davis said. “It is getting there.”

Davis said while his wrestlers are short on experience, they are high on enthusiasm for the sport and are excited to learn.

“We might take our lumps this year, but in two or three years this could be a pretty good little program,” Davis said.

Davis does bring experience on the mat to the program. He wrestled at Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia, and coached at Whitley County for several years.

“I feel that Corbin has the kids to be successful,” Davis said.

Davis is joined by assistant coaches Leigh Ann Walden and Jason Jones.

They both have Jujitsu and martial arts backgrounds,” Davis said.