Beginning in summer break, fall sports head into the preparation stages, and the same preparation becomes stressed for the NC varsity wrestling squad each year. However, this upcoming year, both the roster and the staff need to brace for several adjustments. After acting as Head Coach for seven years, Jeffery Bettis announced his retirement from the Wrestling team at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season. He left behind a quality legacy: several titles including Warrior Invitational Champions, Varsity Cobb County champions, Junior Varsity Cobb County Runner-Ups, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Region 5-AAAAAA duals champions.
“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had for a sport, especially in North Cobb…. He really cares about our well-being, as well as how we are on the mat. He pays special attention to everyone and pushes us past what we believe we are capable of. He’s definitely made me come out of my shell more with wrestling. When I first started I was really shy and not that good and having Bettis as a coach really helped me grow and progress as a wrestler over the years,” senior varsity wrestler Laila Sain (125) said.
Coach Bettis’ retirement, however, does not bring only sadness for the wrestling squad — he still plans to help with the team and hone the roster based on what the school expects of the seniors. With Bettis’ retirement, Michael Dillard takes on the helm with the help of new girls’ coach Kathy Ezzell and former Allatoona High School coach and NC alum Jacob Longacre.
Every passing season, the Warriors bid farewell to their senior wrestlers. This year, the beloved graduates include first-team wrestlers Michael Heyliger (215) and Elizabeth Lynch (118), traditional region champions James Roe (175) and Gavin Tica (165) and scholar-athletes Jackson Vermillion (138) and Xavier Daniels (175). Despite the senior’s departures from the wrestling squad, their absence may invigorate the roster they left behind to build on the achievements the seniors helped accomplish.
Every two years, the wrestling regions need realignment, giving schools the opportunity to face new or former teams. This year, North Paulding, Ettowah and Marietta will face the Warriors in exchange for Osborne. These new schools’ upheaval into the region allows the Warriors to face old opponents and evaluate which will serve as the likeliest challenge for state and regional duals.
As a form of pre-season conditioning, wrestlers receive weight training in their schedules and coaches recommend they attend the Level Up Wrestling camp, located in Marietta, Georgia. Wrestlers attend the camp to hone and improve their conditioning as well as overall skill by providing them valuable practice alongside an array of different wrestlers around the state.
“The biggest thing it [Level Up Wrestling] helps with is confidence. When you put in the work outside the season, it really boosts your confidence. There are five practices a night and you can choose which practice to go to. If you go to all of them, you get a lot more comfortable on the mat and more comfortable overall,” sophomore varsity wrestler Anthony Blessington (126) said.
After every graduating year moves on to college, the following year’s seniors will automatically move to the varsity lineup. For their last year, the school holds the students to higher expectations to leave a lasting impact on the organization. This year’s senior varsity wrestlers include Jack Brillinger (285), Isaac Sikes-Rasby (215), Christian Morales(150), Orlando Wilson (215), KaRiyah Easter(106), Alex Perez (285), and Sain.
“Morales is gonna make a huge impact on the goals that we have set. Hopefully, he will achieve his own personal goals. Perez and Brillinger will help us feel confident no matter who’s holding the spot. KaRiyah Easter (106) came on strong as a junior. He’s done great things and he works hard, Easter is going to be a big part of what we accomplish this year. Laila is the only senior girl we have. I hope she continues the momentum she had at the end of the season,” Dillard said.
Despite adversity and challenges through each coming season, The NC wrestlers never fail to exceed expectations. With vigorous preparation before each coming season, others would consider it impossible not to feel excited about what the team will achieve.
