TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas -- Eanes ISD has an $80 million bond on the ballot that would upgrade facilities, and part of that money would go toward adding a wrestling room at Westlake High School.
- 2006 bond election brought upgrades to school
- Wrestling program was not included
- Team practices in cafeteria
The wrestling program missed out on a 2006 bond election that brought various other upgrades to Westlake High School. The school is home to some of the best facilities in the Central Texas, but lunch and takedowns are still served in the same space.
Westlake wrestling coach Patrick O’Harra said many people are surprised to hear that they practice in a cafeteria.
“I can’t finish this takedown, I can’t do this move because I know it will send Kyle sprawling on to the tile,” said Gabe Smith, a senior on the team.
Every day the Chaps roll out the mats in the cafeteria, a time-consuming ritual that comparable programs don’t have to do.
“They all have mat rooms with safety mats on the walls and so forth to keep the kids safe in there when they are practicing,” said O’Harra.
The athletes have voiced their opinions, too. They have spoken up at meetings and done anything to get the word out.
“To watch my peers and my friends have that opportunity to be legitimized, that would mean an incredible amount to me,” said Smith.