Most people have tried a sport – often several sports – they never got the hang of. But Wes Garton is one of the rare guys who excels at anything he tries: baseball, football, wakeboarding. As for wrestling, Garton didn’t try it until his sophomore year, but he’s already turned into one of the best 215-pound grapplers in the area.
Coach’s corner Garton, who has a record of 18-4 this season, has a natural feel for wrestling, Meadowdale coach Brian Boardman said: “Probably his real gift is that he picks up moves real quick.” Garton also enjoys helping younger wrestlers. “Lately he’s done a great job of taking some kids under his wing and helping them out and kind of being a role model,” Boardman said.
Sports idols Garton’s favorite athlete is Dante Bichette, an outfielder who played Major League Baseball for 14 seasons and retired in 2002. Bichette isn’t exactly a household name, but he hit 274 career home runs and had a string of stellar seasons with the Colorado Rockies. Garton, an outfielder for Meadowale’s baseball team in the spring, even named his dog – Dante the sheltie – after Bichette.
A little Ditty Before Garton wrestles he always listens to the same song over and over on his headphones: “Ditty” by Paperboy, from the rapper’s 1993 album “The Nine Yards.” Said Garton, “I kind of hype myself up. It’s one of those songs I just have to listen to.”
Instant inspiration A.J. Detwiler is a wrestler from Pennsylvania who overcame the tragic deaths of his parents and now competes for Boston University. Garton printed out a story about Detwiler and keeps it in his wrestling bag. Whenever Garton gets down, he reads the story to remind himself he should never quit and that many people have it worse than him.
Cultural connection Garton is a Blackfoot Indian. In past summers he and his brother have traveled to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Mont., to celebrate North American Indian Days, a four-day celebration that includes dancing and sports events. “It’s probably my favorite place to go,” Garton said.
Sweet tooth Garton’s favorite junk food: Butterfinger candy bars.
Nickname The Ninja. Never heard of a 215-pound ninja before? Now you have.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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