Injuries Didn’t Slow Down the Braves as the Focus is on Title 23

Hardworking and upbeat are words that can be used to describe the Star Valley Braves' wrestling team. They are set to defend their 3A Wyoming high school wrestling championship.

Eddie Clark is the head wrestling coach for Star Valley. Clark has been with the team for 21 years. Star Valley has won the 3A state title the past four seasons and has the most championships in Wyoming high school wrestling history with 22.

I asked the coach to tell me what it means to be a Star Valley Brave. Clark knew that the near-universal success of Star Valley athletics is a hot topic and said this.

“We pride ourselves in doing well and being successful. There are a lot of kids that work really hard at what they do. Being a Brave is being proud of you what you do” Clark said.

Coach Clark told me although they have had success this season, that some of their wrestlers have overcome nagging injuries and sickness that have held them out of the competition.

The coach did speak very highly of one of his wrestlers in particular. Parker Merritt who has wrestled this entire season with an injury to his ACL. The coach called Merritt something special as he is a returning state champion and has not lacked success this season.

With all of the injuries and sickness that struck the Braves wrestling team this season, I asked the coach what he would tell his team to keep them focused.

“Don’t let the highs get too high and don’t let the lows get too low,” Clark said.

When I spoke to coach Clark, he was very humble but confident in his team. He spoke to me about what he frequently communicates to his wrestler’s day in and day out.

“Leave it all out on the mat, whether we win the state tournament or if we’re second, third, or fifth you’ll know you gave it everything you had.”

Star Valley finished first at the 3A West regional tournament. The team will look to add championship 23 at the state tournament in Casper, Feb. 28-29.