Numerous students and athletes walk the halls of Musselman High School that deserve recognition. One of those student athletes being Logan Smith. He is captain of the wrestling team and has been in this field for thirteen years. To further in depth portray Smith’s leadership and character, he was interviewed in a Q&A session.
Picture provided by Derek Metz.
Q: How long have you been on the wrestling team?
A: Well, I’ve been wrestling for thirteen years in total, but I started on the Musselman Middle School’s wrestling team in sixth grade. In total, I’d say seven years, four of which I’ve been here at the high school, all varsity level.
Q: How long have you been captain of the wrestling team? As a captain, what is expected of you and what do you do?
A: This year is my first time being an official captain of the wrestling team. Last year, I helped lead just because I’ve been doing this for forever, and I know Coach Metz. I also know the program. Being captain usually entails leading the younger kids, making sure that they’re drilling hard and correctly. I’m also trying to lead by example by myself not drilling lazily, not skipping practices, making sure i’m even there on the optional practices, staying after, doing extra. It also is just keeping people accountable, but to do that first I have to keep myself accountable.
Q: Do you have any goals for this current season?
A: I’m really hoping to place at states. Currently i’m ranked tenth in the state at 150, so I’m really hoping I can place this year. I’m also going to hit a hundred wins. I’m six wins away but should definitely hit it.
Q: Is there anything you want to do differently in your wrestling style that you didn’t do in previous years?
A: I’ve been trying to drill harder the past year and a half. That’s something I’m always striving to do better. The harder you drill, the more prepared you are for an actual match. Also scoring more points, not showboating, but making it flashier, so if you want to come out and watch, making my setup smoother, going for bigger scoring moves because that makes the crowd want to come out and watch wrestling which will support our program.
Q: How do you feel you or the team have progressed in your time at Musselman?
A: The wrestling team used to have an old head coach, and Coach Metz came up my junior year, about two years ago and we have seen immense improvements on our cardio and our technique, so that has been lovely to see. Also just seeing some of the freshmen that were there my sophomore year and seeing them develop from their first year wrestling all the way up until now has been really amazing to see.
Q: Are you involved in any other activities outside of school or clubs?
A: I have a job. I work at a Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown. I’m also in Boy Scouts. I’m currently working on my Eagle Scout. Those are the two main things I do outside of school, but between those and wrestling it kind of takes up my whole schedule.
Q: What are some of your best memories or experiences while wrestling?
A: Some of my best experiences from wrestling were pulling off upsets. For example, last year I got beat three times by the same kid and at the regional tournament where it mattered for states, I beat the kid. That was amazing. Also just the van rides and speaking with Metz and my fellow teammates have been amazing.
