State Open in New Haven

Not sure there was too much schooling between States and State open.  THIS is the big one.  6 wrestlers went, Nick, Carter, Landon, George, Maria, Jose.

Landon on the mat as a Freshman.

Geroge and Charlie may on the mats!

Nick had a first round bye which meant his first match wasn't going to be easy.  He had a tough draw too as this kid was a wild card.  Injured for most of the season he was seeded low but very scrappy.  Tough loss here.

Maria on the mat for a win!

The confidence in this walk is evident!

Here's the final Chapter that you just didn't see the end coming.  It was a tough match.  They were even.  Battling through the periods.  Nick looks strong and seasoned.  and then..... with a second remaining on the time.  its a pin. and its the final match.

it was painful to watch and experience.  it was a harsh rip and finale.  

There were tears from all of us.  

I love these brutful photos.  

I love and admire everything he put into this sport and everything he is feeling right now.

because of this.  

Because it mattered, 

because he cared.  

because he tried.

I love coach Bristol for how he coached and believed

I lvoe Nick for who he became.

I love the moment that I feel he passes it on and truly leaves it on the mat.

The bittersweet pizza delivered by a distraught Drew who thankfully got back into the meet but couldn't get passed security.  Thank you to the Mccullough's for being there for the first match and taking Drew to a normal meal and delivering our Pizza.  We even got a piece with Charlie too who had just met his final match too.

This is the photo for next year.  We will be there to see how George finishes

and how these 2 plan to lead next years team.

Nick - I toast you for all the things we admire about you!  You should be infinitely proud of what you accomplished!  

Did I mention I met a FB market placer and bought a watch in the parking lot - yes, that too.  We could be friends, if I was 20 years younger.

 

Class S tournament in Killingly

Feeling like its all wresting all the time.  Maybe because it IS.  This is what all the work is bringing him too.  All the efforts, the dedicated work outs, the calculated healthy foods.  HERE.  Or maybe not here.  This was fun to watch them roll around with the kids and sons of the coaches. 

So many videos this season to treasure.  A massive thank you to Zita for capturing Coach Bristol as he LIVES this match with Nick.  This was the match that would take Nick to the FINALS.

https://youtube.com/shorts/JSmca2uYMTc?feature=share

Yes, Nick loves Oatmeal raisin cookies - but he sure would love to take Coursey in this final match.

They face off one last time.  Nick gave it his everything and while that wasn't enough on for the points, he didn't leave anything out.

Nick Qualified for the state opens and got a bye!  Here's to another weekend

George Redford is having a fabulous season too - really excited to see what his senior year brings for this guy!

2 VERY proud coaches and 2 2nd place Class S Champs!

Wait, this isn't Nick?!?!?  This is DREW - in Bristol at his frist tournament.  Yes, back-to-back wrestling days.  first year and figuring it out with the mentorship of his brother.

he won 3 matches that day.  It was great to see him growing with each one.  

Favorite memories - 

Getting his post weight in 109.9 breakfast sandwich

 watching Nick and Tommy Walk in right before his first match

Seeing Hugo bear hug his father after a win!

 

Conference tournament in Canton

Canton Hosts the Conference tournament!!

It rotates through all the schools and this was our turn.

It became a family affair with Coaches son learning.

Final words of 'go kick ass'

See Coursey up there again?!?!  Yup,  well Done Nick

Congratulations to the team for bringing home the title!

 

Basketball Senior Night

 Nick grew up on the court playing with these kids - Tate, Ryan, Chase, Michael - he left the sport, and these boys played on and are at the top of their game tonight.  They have the underclassmen write about them as a showcase for senior night.  Very memorable - great job all!  Will miss these boys and will surely miss seeing them families in the stands. 

Nick, Wrestling senior night

https://youtu.be/SumpunyZ2nY

I will cry more each time I listed to Caoch Bristols speach about Nick.  He otu so much into it.  Beyond Grateful that Farrah thought to record it.  Thank you for KNOWING these are the things.

Look at everything this Senior has worked for.  Tell me how good things feels for you!

Never truly understood or appreciated the pride you can feel for your own kids.

Nick and Carter both had VERY tough matches that took them both to the bitter end and they both won.  Thank you for a beautiful honor of senior night.

 

The road to the super bowl is often through the ski slopes

Another great snow fall in VT - another bonus night in a hotel watching the flakes come down!

Based mountain of Stratton was a mess.  between the fabulous snow, Superbowl weekend, and Brian's rental at another location, we didn't get the fastest start.  Drew is never bored and can always find fun in the snow.  It took FOREVER to get out on the first lift. and even longer to reunite.

Here is the fully McCullough photo!

With one Leadbetter photo bomb

Everyone in!

We made it back in time to cozy up and watch the superbowl ALL TOGETHER.  Now THAT is impressive.  Love the super suits, love the dips and love that Farrah started this tradition years ago with our first sleep over when Nick and Tate were just 2.

 

A few Ski Bums unite

Schedules, Senior year, you name it - its harder and harder to get this beloved crew together.  But we got a day for most at Stratton!

I am certain there isn't a better way to wake up than this - we had Thunder snow - I am not sure if they thought they were helping me or if they needed me.  

 

Confidence and Prisims

He had a tournament far away - (no surprise) and I couldn't resist a taking a few of these random photos.  I remember freshman year and seeing Nick on the wrestling mat and walking around at the meet.  I saw the seniors walk around that same meet and the different in their stance and confidence was EVIDENT.  I always wondered how Nick would carry himself as a senior.  

These photos define confidence 

The team crushed the meet and Nick wrestled at the LAST MINUTE possible to get in the car and make it to Prisims.  he won placing 3rd for the meet.  The Team won and Coach Bristol sported all their metals looking like the Michael Phelps of wrestling.

Nick hopped in the car sweaty after just winning his match.  I was thrilled to have a captive audience and had LOTS of questions for him.  Was the first time he visibly needed a 'moment' to collect himself after the match.  Is amazing what he pours in out there.  

5 minutes later, he is literally changing in the front seat while I race him to the concert that he has helped to produce.  Yup, just a few months prior we saw the script on the counter and wondered who in the family is was in the play.  Of course, Nick - yes, you can do all the things.

The Prisms announcements

https://youtu.be/MSPU0MlHWNA

I didn't capture any photos by the whole thing was Disney themed and just adorable!!  Loved ALL the songs - will admit that the BEST part was Tommy Johnson walking in MID SONG to find his seat and start playing.  Not waiting to between songs.  The only thing better would have been if he was wearing the first place metal that was the reason why he was late.

Some prisms music

https://youtu.be/y4z3nURWHwo

Anyone for Carvel!?!  Yes please!

The night isn't over - time for some hair dying and loved that Macy was all in!

We even managed to get Shane to say yes for a lower line 

Gosh, I think they match!