Williamsburg's Eckenrod expects 'maximum effort' at all times

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By McCall Meade, Williamsburg senior

WILLIAMSBURG -- Grant Eckenrod, in his 11th season coaching the Williamsburg wrestling team, has one simple expectation for his athletes - give 110 percent all the time.

“We expect to be competitive in every meet we have,” he said. “The most important thing is that these kids are willing to fight and show grit. We expect them to go as hard as they can every single time they take the mat.

“No excuses. Give maximum effort at all times. That's what my coaches and I expect from all 32 guys on the team.”

The Raiders, coming off a fantastic season that included a 23-3 dual record and a their first trip to the state duals, have 10 returning starters in the lineup among 17 returning letterwinners. Senior JC Vercande (152 pounds), a three-time state placewinner, leads the way and is expected to do big things. Other returning state qualifiers are senior Trevor Knepper at 126 and sophomore Aaron Schultz at 138.

“Our key guys coming back are all our returning qualifiers, our seniors, and a few juniors that I expect to lead this team,” Eckenrod said. “Leadership and chemistry are huge factors in having success. Hopefully this team will have both.”

“I think this team has good leaders, and a group that is willing to work hard to reach their goals.”

The new weight classes - cutting a division out of the middle and adding one to the top - did not help the Raiders. Eckenrod said he has a lot of depth in the middle weights and not as much depth at top. Finding spots for these wrestlers to compete at the varsity level will be tough since so many are around the same weight.

“Hopefully we will have a very successful season,” Eckenrod said. “We will work hard and try to peak at the end of the season for post season tournaments.

“It's all about getting better each time you take the mat, and that's what we will try to do. Everything leads up to the Wamac tournament, and the post season.”