Rewards of hard work
As it turns out, debate was just a bit too civilized way of settling an argument for Mead senior Pete Edminster. He prefers to resolve his conflicts on the wrestling mat, where he’s become quite a success story for coach Phil McLean.
Edminster has been wrestling, by his recollection, since he was 5, but before his junior year at Mead, his mother persuaded him to try the more intellectual approach, and he participated in the debate program for two semesters.
“I competed a few times,” he said, “and did all right. But it really wasn’t my style. I’m not much of a talker, so it didn’t do much for me.”
His wrestling career, on the other hand, is hitting a lot of high notes during his senior season. He’s 18-8 overall, undefeated in the Greater Spokane League, and in addition to winning a season-opening tournament at Deer Park, has placed in several others.
Edminster is a long way from the 85-pound freshman who showed up at practice three seasons ago, almost 20 pounds shy of the lowest weight class.
“I was little,” he said, “but Coach found some guys my size and I got to wrestle a few times. …
“I was a little bigger my sophomore year, maybe up to 98, but I was no better than a mediocre wrestler. Still, it was fun because I could come to weigh-ins with a hamburger and make everybody jealous. I won about half my matches, nothing really special.”
Edminster expected big things his junior year but was shocked early in a big tournament when, after a first-round victory, he drew the eventual 112-pound state champion, “who basically wiped the mat with my face.
“I lost my next match, but it was tight and gave me a taste of a street fight and sort of set me up to improve.”
His season ended with a fifth-place finish in the regional tournament.
This year has amounted to something of an emotional breakthrough for Edminster, who’s determined to enjoy every minute of the limited time he has left on the mat.
“I’m not sure how to explain it, but knowing that I’m close to the end helps me savor it. Even practices are more fun now, and that energy can be contagious. You get kind of a feeling, like a weird wave that gets going, a point where you should be tired but you’re not.”
McLean’s a big admirer, praising Edminster’s intelligence, focus and intensity.
“He’s a great competitor who knows how to adapt and use his strengths. He can get outmuscled sometimes, but he counters that with good technique. He’s a great example of a kid who’s seeing the rewards of his hard work. …
“He’s one of our leaders, in the classroom and in practice. He pushes himself and his teammates and leads by example, which is priceless in wrestling.”
Edminster is the second youngest of five children, including two much older brothers who also wrestled in high school. He recalls being allowed to sit on the bench during matches when he was younger.
Next year, he’ll follow the same path his brothers took to Carroll College in Helena, where he looks forward not only to the academic challenges but to the opportunity to expand his outdoor interests.
“I’d love to end my career by making it to the state tournament,” he said. “I’ve heard it’s amazing, that wrestling in the Tacoma Dome is like nothing else.”
And there’s no debate about that.