Published: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Timeout with … Eric Marks, senior, Cascade wrestling
Going into his senior year, Eric Marks figured he would be in Cascade High School’s varsity wrestling lineup the entire season.
And why not? Marks — an upperclassman and team captain well-respected by his peers and coaches — was a varsity starter the previous three seasons.
But this winter Marks got bumped. His friend, junior Jake Reining, dropped from the 215-pound weight division to 189 pounds, Marks’ weight. As the two trained together, Reining emerged as the better competitor and Marks was demoted to backup.
Disappointed but determined, Marks made the best of his unexpected circumstances.
“There was definitely some times where I was kind of down and out about the whole situation,” said Marks, “but I tried to make the best of it and tried to see it like, ‘Well, (Reining is) the best wrestler at this spot. I might as well make him as good as he can be.’”
In an odd twist, Marks and Reining wrestled each other in their first match at the Class 4A Northwest District Tournament two weekends ago. Reining pinned Marks, and Reining eventually placed sixth, advancing to the regional tournament; Marks was eliminated.
There are no hard feelings though, Marks said. The teammates remain friends and Marks feels good knowing that he helped Reining improve.
Coach’s corner
A demotion like the one Marks endured would have soured many athletes, but it actually inspired Marks to work harder, Cascade coach Todd Freeman said. “He’s just got great leadership,” said Freeman.
Team time
One of Marks’ favorite aspects of wrestling is the friendships and traditions he developed with teammates. Whether it was sharing inside jokes at practice or going to Applebee’s for half-price appetizers after a meet, the Bruins had fun in addition to working hard. “As a team, we’ve bonded pretty well this year. The camaraderie between the whole team is really solid,” said Marks. “When we’re on the mat it’s dog-eat-dog, but at the end of the day we’re pretty much cool with everybody.”
Giving back
Like many Cascade students, Marks has volunteered for the Bruins’ annual food drive. Marks, who participated all four years, helped his first-period class collect 4,000 cans of food earlier this school year. Cascade collected about 75,000 cans altogether, he said.
Busy Bruin
Dedicated in the classroom, Marks has a 3.8 grade-point average and is currently taking three advanced-placement classes (calculus, literature and psychology). He’s also involved in National Honor Society, the Hi-Q knowledge team and band. “I’m committed to every aspect (of school). If I’m going to spend my time doing something, I’m going to spend my time doing it well,” Marks said.
Drums and bass
Marks plays drums in Cascade’s marching band and bass in jazz band. He plans to attend Edmonds Community College and pursue a career in music as a teacher, performer or producer. “I love playing jazz,” he said, “but I’ll listen to pretty much anything. I’m open to options. I think it makes me more versatile for what I do musically and it broadens my spectrum.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
And why not? Marks — an upperclassman and team captain well-respected by his peers and coaches — was a varsity starter the previous three seasons.
But this winter Marks got bumped. His friend, junior Jake Reining, dropped from the 215-pound weight division to 189 pounds, Marks’ weight. As the two trained together, Reining emerged as the better competitor and Marks was demoted to backup.
Disappointed but determined, Marks made the best of his unexpected circumstances.
“There was definitely some times where I was kind of down and out about the whole situation,” said Marks, “but I tried to make the best of it and tried to see it like, ‘Well, (Reining is) the best wrestler at this spot. I might as well make him as good as he can be.’”
In an odd twist, Marks and Reining wrestled each other in their first match at the Class 4A Northwest District Tournament two weekends ago. Reining pinned Marks, and Reining eventually placed sixth, advancing to the regional tournament; Marks was eliminated.
There are no hard feelings though, Marks said. The teammates remain friends and Marks feels good knowing that he helped Reining improve.
Coach’s corner
A demotion like the one Marks endured would have soured many athletes, but it actually inspired Marks to work harder, Cascade coach Todd Freeman said. “He’s just got great leadership,” said Freeman.
Team time
One of Marks’ favorite aspects of wrestling is the friendships and traditions he developed with teammates. Whether it was sharing inside jokes at practice or going to Applebee’s for half-price appetizers after a meet, the Bruins had fun in addition to working hard. “As a team, we’ve bonded pretty well this year. The camaraderie between the whole team is really solid,” said Marks. “When we’re on the mat it’s dog-eat-dog, but at the end of the day we’re pretty much cool with everybody.”
Giving back
Like many Cascade students, Marks has volunteered for the Bruins’ annual food drive. Marks, who participated all four years, helped his first-period class collect 4,000 cans of food earlier this school year. Cascade collected about 75,000 cans altogether, he said.
Busy Bruin
Dedicated in the classroom, Marks has a 3.8 grade-point average and is currently taking three advanced-placement classes (calculus, literature and psychology). He’s also involved in National Honor Society, the Hi-Q knowledge team and band. “I’m committed to every aspect (of school). If I’m going to spend my time doing something, I’m going to spend my time doing it well,” Marks said.
Drums and bass
Marks plays drums in Cascade’s marching band and bass in jazz band. He plans to attend Edmonds Community College and pursue a career in music as a teacher, performer or producer. “I love playing jazz,” he said, “but I’ll listen to pretty much anything. I’m open to options. I think it makes me more versatile for what I do musically and it broadens my spectrum.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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