Eppler enjoys the challenges
that come with wrestling

  Wrestling may be the most physically and mentally demanding sport offered in high school, which is just fine with Plymouth senior Wally Eppler.

  A lineman on the Wildcats' varsity football team the past two seasons, Eppler used the technique and strength he has acquired on the mats to make him more effective on the gridiron.

  Eppler took a quick break from a grueling practice recently to talk to PlymouthCantonSports.com's Ed Wright.

ED WRIGHT: Has wrestling helped you become a better football player and vice versa?

WALLY EPPLER: Both sports help me in the other sport a lot. Of the two, though, wrestling is definitely a lot harder.

EW: What do you like best about wrestling?

BH: I like the intensity. It's hard work all the time, in practice and in matches. I like that. It makes you better, makes you stronger.

EW: What is the toughest part of the sport?

WE: It's the conditioning. We run a couple miles before practice, then we lift, run and then wrestle. It's a very good workout.

EW: Considering you're probably on a pretty strict diet during the season, is it tough sacrificing going to McDonald's, for instance, with your friends during wrestling season?

WE: For me, it's not that bad because I'm at about 277 (weight-wise) right now and the limit is 285. But I try to eat healthy anyway because the healthier you eat, the easier it is to do the work involved.

EW: How did you get into wrestling initially?

WE: I wrestled a little before high school and like it. Once I got into high school, I wanted to do whatever I could to make myself a better football player, so I figured I'd try it, and I've loved it.

EW: What's the highlight of your high school wrestling career so far?

WE:  When I won against Blake Abbey in the Salem Tournament last year. With two seconds left, I rolled him over and pinned him. But I broke a rib my next match and was out most of the rest of the season.

EW: Who's taught you the most about wrestling?

WE: The coach that works with me is Dan Jammoul. He's taught me how to stay intense and the importance of self discipline. He's made me a harder worker.

EW: Do you want to wrestle after high school?

WE: I'm joining the Navy. I like the intensity and discipline it offers."

  Ed Wright can be reached at info@plymouthcantonsports.com or (734) 453-1980.