"From the Sidelines" Mike Norris years ago
Depler chalks one
up for the good guys
The word "impartial" to a sportswriter is like the word "alleged" to a lawyer: You either learn it or find a new job.
Even in a hometown newspaper where almost everyone who reads the story is a fan of the same team, the story still must be objective.
Oh well.
I was rooting hard-core for Marion High School wrestler Adam Depler to take first this past weekend at the 3A-2A-1A state wrestling tournament.
Part of it was because I live in Marion now, and he was the lone representative from the school and town.
Another small part was any time the team or individual I am covering wins, it makes my job a lot easier.
Picture interviewing a coach after his or her team lost at the buzzer on a half-court shot.
Not pretty.
The main reason however, was it just seemed like he deserved it. I'm sure every wrestler there deserved to win, but Adam seemed different.
I don't really know the guy, but he's always polite in person. He's quiet, at least to the public eye, and doesn't act like anyone should worship the ground he walks on.
He doesn't show up on the mat with a cocky attitude and smile you want to smack off his face.
Instead he shows up, workman-like and professional, ready to get the job done. Two-thirds of the time this season he did. His 24-12 record was second on his team only to Casey Nelson, and he was the team-leader with 17 pins.
He was considered a long-shot in the 16-man, 189-lb. bracket, but after two straight victories found himself in the semifinal match.
He lost to another surprise wrestler, Justin Hall of Stockton, who despite a 14-9 record, took second place.
Even though he lost his final three matches, Depler proved to himself and his teammates it can be done.
The Marion Junior Warrior Wrestling Club, featuring local elementary-aged wrestlers getting a young start on the sport, will now look up to Adam and try to duplicate his feat.
I shouldn't feel too sorry for Adam, considering his goal before the season was to get to state. He did more than that. Not bad for someone who finished just 9-8 last year.
His name will be in the MHS record books as long as the school exists.
So Adam, sit back, enjoy it, and be ready to do it all again next year.
