02/23/2024
It’s an emotional experience being down on the mats photographing the athletes at Mat Classic. By the time they arrive at state, they have invested so much. Their families have invested so much. This is what it all comes down to and you better believe they leave it all on the mats. I am just a photographer and I teared up more times than I can count.
One of my wrestlers (I’ve photographed him and his brothers over the years) was well positioned to win but lost because of a bloody nose that wouldn’t quit. They are allowed 5 minutes of blood time, and they did everything they could to make it stop. They wrapped his face with so much tape it looked like he couldn’t possibly see or breathe. But it wasn’t enough and the blood clock ran out. He and his coaches were just devastated. They cried. I cried.
Later, I had just made my way to an intense girls match when out of nowhere a woman sat next to me and hugged me in a panic. She was close to tears. Turns out, one of the girls wrestling was her granddaughter and she was the school photographer. Her granddaughter’s opponent had just gone up by one point as the match was winding down, but the points were being contested. I comforted her while the coaches and refs reviewed footage and the two wrestlers paced. They reversed their decision which meant overtime. Her granddaughter ended up winning by one point and we hugged and cried together! Sloane ended up placing 2nd overall.
Madisen Pillers, senior at Newport HS, was state champ last year. She made it to the finals again this year but in an upset, she came in 2nd. She took off her wrestling shoes and left them on the mat marking the end of her wrestling career. More tears.
Ultimately, the reason I do this, is to be down on the mats supporting my nephews. It started when Ryan made it to state in 8th grade and was the first wrestler in WA state history to participate at Mat Classic 5 times. His younger brother, Jameson, is following in his footsteps making his first Mat Classic appearance 2 years ago as an 8th grader. The best part—Ryan is his coach. They are an unstoppable duo and it’s so much fun to watch! Even if it takes one heckuva toll on me emotionally!
