Alpena Wrestlers work with Olivet Wrestling in summer camp

ALPENA, Mich. — Alpena High School Wrestlers got together for an off-season camp this week to keep their skills sharp and ready for the season.

Joining them was Olivet Wrestling coach Brandon Brissette from Olivet College. The camp started on Wednesday and lasted until Friday, with everything from light drills, live wrestling, and more.

Wildcat wrestlers say while it is the summer- being able to hone in their technique in the offseason is huge, especially when other wrestlers may be out on the lake, and not on the mats.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Gunner Spencer. “We miss it- going from last year not being able to do anything at this time. Now we get to hang out as a group and get some wrestling in. You’ve got to separate yourself somehow, that’s why we come out here and get better every day.”

While no one expects to be in “wrestling shape” during the summer, just getting to wrestle is a great opportunity. Coach Matt Kowalski says these summer reps will make a difference in the winter.

“It’s great for these guys to have the opportunity,” said Kowalski. “We haven’t, in a long time, had the opportunity to have a summer camp in Alpena. To get guys from Olivet College to come up, get a handful of schools coming over, it’s going to go a long ways for our wrestling program.”