The 2012 Georgia High School Wrestling Tournament at the Gwinnett Arena, which pits the best wrestlers that Georgia has to offer against each other, is now under twenty-four hours from starting. Pickens High School has one representative at this year’s tournament in J.T. Weyman, a senior at PHS that wrestles in the 126 lb. weight class. I caught up with J.T. to find out a little bit about what motivated him this season and his thoughts on the state tournament.Making the state tournament is obviously a huge accomplishment. Coming into this season what did you think about your chances and what did you have to improve upon in order to make this happen?

“I understood that it would be difficult to pass through all of the cuts of the region and sectional tournaments. It’s not just about your skill level but I believe you need to have a little bit of luck to make it through. But coming into the season I knew I would have to improve my neutral game, get stronger, and be willing to drop a weight class; I spent some time at wrestling clubs around the state and at the gym.”

Some fans don’t necessarily include wrestling among the top tier of sports such as football or basketball mainly due to the fact that it can be hard to follow. What would you like to say to someone who doesn’t exactly understand all the technical aspects of a wrestling match?

“It requires some attention to meticulous details. Executing a certain technique and forgetting something as simple as keeping your elbow pinched to your side could be the difference between scoring or getting thrown to your back. Keeping that flawless technique and mental acuity going into the third period while battling the extreme fatigue can be a difficult task.”

You attended the state tournament your sophomore year as an alternate. Do you think that experience will help you in anyway regarding your thoughts and preparations before the matches?

“Coach Mullins has always said that it’s a major advantage, because if you haven’t been there before it can come as a shock with how impressive and extravagant the Gwinnett Arena is. Personally, I believe it has also served as a motivator to train and return as a qualifier.”

What are your plans after high school?

“[Laughs] I have no idea.”

Thanks for your time, and good luck on Thursday.