Although Jeremy has played several games of basketball this season, I have yet to see him play due to weekly conflicts with wrestling tournaments. Jim is coaching his team, and thus is the one to stick with him. This also means that we don’t have any pictures of Jeremy playing basketball, since coaching and photographing do not exactly go hand-in-hand. While Jim and Jeremy are playing ball at church, I cheer Derek on in his wrestling pursuits, armed with a camera. Alas, we must endure more wrestling pictures on this blog.

It was a big day for WA as they wrestled in the regionals tournament last Saturday. They are a small, young team, but surely overcame many obstacles and made a significant impact in the region.

The coach had t-shirts made for these last remaining weeks of the season. The theme was based on the twelve Israelites who spied out the land of Canaan. Of the twelve, only two were convinced that God would fulfill His promise to deliver His children into the land. They were undaunted by the giants in the land because they trusted God.

The boys were encouraged to be like “the few” who didn’t retreat out of fear.

Derek’s first opponent was the guy he lost to in sectionals last year. He was ready for him, anticipating the moves he knew this kid was strong in.

His bloody nose, though a significant nuisance, did afford him a coaching break.

He ended up winning the match, and due to an upset on the other mat, faced a kid he had already beaten a couple times this season.

After yet another bloody nose break, he ended up prevailing against his opponent.

He experienced his first tournament win!

Not only Derek, but four others experienced success that day and will compete in the sectionals tournament next weekend.

Here’s most of the team, with beaming smiles: