In his 21st year coaching at Bakersfield College, wrestling coach Bill Kalivas knows wrestling is important, but he also knows that academics are more important.
Kalivas expressed it well, as he said that he wants his athletes to focus on graduating and receiving their associate degrees, first and foremost.
Kalivas said the practices are “moving along” and going well. Kalivas said this year’s team is a “good group,” and “they seem to be working hard.”
Kalivas wants his wrestlers to “make realistic goals.” He said that he told them they can achieve whatever they strive for and that they should not set themselves up for failure.
Kalivas pointed out that there is no professional league for wrestling after college, and that wrestling is “really an individual sport based on team concept.”
Kalivas said he wants the team to have a winning record that can take them to the Western State Conference tournament on Nov. 15.
The wrestling team’s first match is at home on Sept. 26, against West Valley. On Sept. 27, the Bakersfield duals begin at BC. Then it will be on the road to East L.A., Santa Ana, Saratoga, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, the Cal State Fullerton Open on Nov. 22 and the South Regional Tournament on Dec. 6. The season will end with the California Community College Championships Dec. 12 through 13.
Kalivas said that the sport of wrestling “is unforgiving,” and that if the wrestlers are not academically eligible to wrestle, then those wrestlers are missing a “key component.”
Team strives for wins and grades
September 23, 2008
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