Hendersonville wrestling's Walker Mains breaks school record for career wins
Hendersonville boys wrestler Walker Mains has had to overcome several obstacles during his career.
Yet scoliosis and the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't stop him from breaking the school record for most career wins on Saturday.
He got to No. 151 on Saturday at East Gaston, getting a pin in 30 seconds in his opening match of the weekend tournament. Mains went on to win four more matches Saturday and picked up two more victories Tuesday vs. Patton and Polk County, giving him a 157-24 career record.
The senior, who's 46-2 this season wrestling at 145 and 152 pounds, also helped Hendersonville tally two more team victories. The Bearcats grabbed a 63-12 win over Patton and a 39-36 victory against the Wolverines.
Mains said coming into the season that he didn’t even know there was a school wins record to break.
He said he got more and more excited as he grew closer to the magic number. But he also made sure he wasn’t putting too much pressure on himself.
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Once he got to the record-tying and record-breaking matches, he started to reflect on all the years he put into wrestling.
“What I really thought of is all the times I’ve got to spend with my teammates during practice, at matches, on the bus, just all those times,” Mains said. “It’s been a really awesome year, and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with all of these guys.”
He said he gave a celebratory fist pump after winning the match. Then Mains was brought a banner, recognizing the achievement and got pictures with coach Michael Coggins.
Coggins said it’s impressive that Mains still nabbed the school record despite everything he’s had to overcome. He said his standout wrestler accomplished the feat with his tremendous work ethic. Mains has never missed a practice and always gives his best effort.
“He has no letdown,” Coggins said. “Every day at practice it’s full speed. Even though I argue with him, telling him to take it easy.”
Coggins said they never talked about the milestone but knew it was rapidly approaching.
He believes Mains is relieved to have it behind him, so he can concentrate on winning states. Mains finished fourth last season at the 2A state meet at 138 pounds.
Mains said that’s where his attention is turning to now.
“I just want to accomplish getting to states,” Mains said. “I want to make a really good place at state as well. That’s what I really want to do.”
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Walker Mains sets Hendersonville wrestling all-time wins record
