The Commentator

Issue date: 12/6/04 Section: Sports

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One of the best kept secrets around the Yeshiva campus also happens to be one of the longest running sports teams in the institution's history. The wrestling program's sense of pride dates back to when Olympic gold and silver medalist Henry Wittenberg was coach of the team from 1959-1967. The problem is that other than the wrestlers themselves, nobody really seems to care about Yeshiva wrestling.

Last month, Yeshiva kicked off its 2004 wrestling campaign under the leadership of Coach Neil Ellman. They are comprised of a determined group of individuals ready to gut it out for another grueling season, but once again it seems like nobody's paying attention.

"People look down [on] wrestling," said Ephraim Bauer, Yeshiva College '05. "The students just don't go for it."

"It's not easy being on the wrestling team" said Yoni Shenkman, YC '06. "We wrestle against people who have been wrestling since elementary school, while most of our team has just started in college-- except a certain few."

The team requires a commitment to attending practice three times a week for two hours, including Sundays. Good academic standing is also expected. This past month, the team has woken up in the wee hours of the morning on two separate occasions to attend tournaments where they have fared rather poorly.

Many people feel that pledging so much time to a sport that goes largely unrecognized is simply a waste of their time. Ronnie Eisenberg, YC '06, for one, was considering trying out before he realized how much time he would have to commit himself too. "I attended a practice and when the coach told us how many times we practice, I realized I am a YP student and just don't have time for this. Practice would interfere with night seder and shiur and I just felt those were more important."

But not all of wrestling is about working hard and attending meets. Some of it can be very rewarding. "Even though it's grueling, it keeps you in excellent shape," Shenkman said. "The coaching staff is very experienced and tells us all these techniques of how to make our body stronger. Ultimately, though, it is up to us to apply what they teach and use it for good."

A distinguishing factor between wrestling and most sports is the emphasis on the individual over the team. If a wrestler loses, he has no one to blame but himself. He has to pick himself up, work harder in the gym, and be prepared for the next time. It truly is a sport fit only for hard workers. Slacking off is not an option.

Since the schedule is made in conjunction with other schools, the team must travel to most of its matches. Some have labeled the away schedule as the source of the problem. Other sports attract fans to their home games, something the wrestlers don't get the same chance to do as often. The team has only hosted one match this season.

Until then, this dynamic and talented group of athletes wait for their day in the sun.

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