Raiders Battle to 2 - 2 Finish at AJ Jones Memorial Tournament

    Wrestling at the home of the defending 3A State Champions, the Orange Park Wrestling Raiders upped their team dual-meet record to 10 - 6.  "This was a great tournament," Head Coach Chad Parker said.  "It was tough, the competition was different and we overcame a bit of adversity.  This team proved to themselves how tough they are, and how much they are improving."

    In the first round the Raiders defeated Region opponent West Orange 35 - 30.  "A few of the guys weren't ready to battle in that match," Parker said.  "We gave up a couple of pins that we shouldn't have, and I wasn't happy about it."  On the strength of a 4 - 3 pin advantage, the Raiders were able to close out the victory.  "That was the first match back from Christmas, and a few a of the guys were a bit sluggish for one reason or another."

    The second round featured a tough dual with George Jenkins.  "This is one that I wish we could have back," Parker said.  "We lost by ten, but a lot of things happened bad for us in that match.  We have no one to blame but ourselves."  The Raiders were also forced to deal with a forfeit at 171. 

    Asked if that was the difference in the match, Parker was adamant.  "No. Absolutely not.  Adversity happens.  There are things you can control and things you can't.  The individual controls the outcome of the match.  To be ahead, and have your opponent on his back and lose that match by pin?  That is not acceptable.  That is not what we train for." 

    The Raiders lost 36 - 46 in match that featured 12 pins among the two teams.  "Pin or be pinned is not acceptable," Parker said.  "When you go to your back, wrestling becomes a man's game.  Get off your back.  Do what it takes, whatever it takes." 

    In the consolation quarterfinals, the Raiders bounced back in a big way.  "That match is indicative of what we are capable of," Parker said.  The Raiders beat Melbourne 39 - 26.  "There was a bit of grit that I didn't see in the previous match.  We gave up one pin in that match.  That is the effort it takes to be competitive as a team."

    The Raiders had a chance to make an amazing comeback in the consolation semifinals, but lost to Palm Harbor 34 - 38.  "At that point we were giving up two weight classes, and to be in that match shows me the improvement in the attitude of the team," Parker said. 

    "We feel like everyone on the team is a good wrestler, or at least has the ability to be one.  We need some consistency, but at this point in the season, consistency is a mind-frame.  Are you stepping out on to the mat ready to battle every single match, and every single second of that match?  That belief in one-hundred percent effort, one-hundred percent of the time will determine whether we improve from here on out."

    The Raiders will next take on Raines Wednesday, January 13.  They will compete in the perennial tough Flagler Invitational on Friday and Saturday.  "We talk all the time about opportunity," Parker said.  "Each wrestler on this team has the opportunity to do something great for themselves, and ultimately this program.  What is that opportunity?  I don't know.  That is up to each individual athlete."

    "All I know is, as the Head Coach of this program, I promise we will be better in our next match.  Better in all three positions, better mental toughness.  We will improve everyday.  I'm excited.  This team makes me excited.  Coming into the room everyday with this group is the best part of my day.  They work hard."