JV wrestler emerges as varsity standout
Quantum leap.
It’s a fitting catch phrase to describe William Comer’s still-budding wrestling career at Reagan. A year ago, Comer was a back-up on the junior varsity. A year later, he’s emerged as one of the Raiders standouts in only his first season of varsity wrestling.
Photos by Craig T. Greenlee
William Comer is one of the top contenders in the Central Piedmont Conference.
Comer, who wrestles in the 170-pounds weight class, had a 15-7 record at the start of last week. The 5-feet-8 senior hopes to further establish his reputation as one of the tops in his division when he competes in the Central Piedmont Conference Wrestling Championships on Saturday at West Forsyth.
“With his record, I believe he’ll be placed among the higher seeds,” said Coach Josh Cutshaw of Reagan. “Will has improved tremendously. He’s grittier and more hard-nosed. He’s one of the Reagan wrestlers who I think has a good shot at making it to the big dance (state championships).”
As a junior, Comer decided to give wrestling a try just to see what it would be like. It wasn’t the smoothest of transitions for someone who had never participated in any high school sport. At his first practice, he came in weighing 230 pounds. After one junior varsity season and the first few weeks of varsity practice, he has systematically trimmed down to reach his current weight.
Comer, who has a 4.6 weighted grade-point average, also helped his cause by taking part in grueling summer sessions at a training center in Mocksville, which attracts many of the area’s top high school wrestlers. “Since day one, I fell in love with the sport,” he said. “With all the weight I’ve lost and all the training I’ve gone through, I have no regrets. I’m thankful for all the time that I’ve put in.”
While there’s no question about the physical demands of the sport, Comer has come to understand that the mental aspect is equally important. He openly admits that he’s glad that he never listened to friends who warned him that wrestling would be far tougher than he ever imagined.
“I never paid attention to what people told me,” said Comer, who wants to pursue a career in cellular research so he can help discover cures for diseases. “Competing in this sport has taught me how to push myself and not be concerned about what others might say or think. Yes, it takes hard work and it takes discipline. But that’s what it takes to compete at a high level in this sport. It’s worth it.”
In some ways, wrestling seems to be somewhat of an odd fit for Comer, an accomplished musician who plays the piano and trumpet. Before trying out for the wrestling team, Comer, a Boy Scout, played trumpet in Reagan’s marching and jazz bands.
On the other hand, wrestling doesn’t seem so out of place when you consider Comer’s family roots. His father, William Comer Jr., was a city champion wrestler at Hanes High School in the 1980s.
Even though this is Comer’s final high school season, he has no plans for this year to be his last hurrah on the mats. He plans to continue in college, whether it’s on a wrestling scholarship or as a walk-on.
“My entire senior season continues to be a learning experience,” he said. “I had to get accustomed to how strenuous wrestling is at the varsity level compared to the junior varsity. My objective is to keep working, keep getting better and we’ll see what happens.”
