When the Greenbush and Middle River Schools paired in 1992, a new opportunity opened up in the sports department for Middle River students Wrestling. There were not a lot of schools in the area offering the sport, however Greenbush was very well-known for their extremely successful long-time program which boasted many State Champions throughout the years. There have been several Middle River students that have taken advantage of the new opportunity and participated in the sport. This year sophomore Walter Taus is joining the BGMR Gator squad, and recently has experienced tremendous success for a newcomer.
He was not planning on doing a winter sport this school year but he says “I just took a leap of faith and went to one of the meetings last November.” He showed some interest and with a little encouragement from team members, Walter was on the roster at the 215 weight.
He has found that practices are way more fun than he would have thought, but that the most difficult thing is wrestling teammates. The easiest side of wrestling is competing in varsity matches because they take the longest. But, like a true competitor, Walter says it is most fun going against the more experienced wrestlers no matter where he is or who it is.
He has been working hard in this new sport and just recently recorded his first winning pin. He described his feelings of this accomplishment: “A rush of adrenaline, my heart beating way faster than it should, and happiness. It’s a feeling like no other.”
Walter also participates in Gator baseball and football and plays on the Middle River Renegade Legion baseball team in the summer. Walter’s talents extend beyond the sports realm - he also participates in choir and has performed in several plays and musicals with the Gator Drama Department as well as the Middle River Community Theatre.
And, before this article was finalized, Walter achieved his second, third, AND 4th winning pin of his new career!
Congratulations, Walter!
