Team tries to maintain focus weeks after teammate's death

	Former York (Neb.) wrestler Brock Pigorsch

March 6, 2008

By Nick Hytrek Journal staff writer

SIOUX CITY -- The five York College wrestlers quietly went about their practice Wednesday afternoon, stern, focused looks on their faces.

Their thoughts, presumably, were on the task at hand: advancing as far as possible at the NAIA Wrestling National Championships, which begin today at the Tyson Events Center.

But the memory of Brock Pigorsch is never far from their minds, coach Greg Smith said earlier in the day.

"The biggest thing is now we've got five seniors with dreams and goals," Smith said. "We've got a job to do, and Brock would want us to do that."

Pigorsch died Jan. 18 when the team's van, en route to a tournament at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, spun out of control on Interstate 29 south of Onawa, Iowa. Pigorsch, who wasn't wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the van, which rolled over on him.

None of the other wrestlers from the York, Neb., school were seriously injured.

"Obviously the team has been through quite a bit. It has bonded us together," Smith said. "They realize how precious every day is. That's a tough lesson learned."

But instead of dwelling on their difficulties, the wrestlers have chosen to focus on helping Pigorsch's brother Brandon, a senior who will be wrestling this weekend at 133 pounds.

"We've been dedicated to helping Brandon through the tough times," Smith said. "He's very devoted to the Lord and he's leaned on him for comfort and support."

The other four seniors wrestling at the national meet also will remain focused on trying to win this weekend.

"In the midst of adversity, one of the best things in the world is to be successful," said Smith, who is in his first year as a head coach at any level.

The team has printed special tie-dyed T-shirts (Brock's favorite) in the school colors of light blue, dark blue and white. The backs of the shirts read "Remembering our brother, teammate and friend."

"Brock was a funny young man, quick-witted. He had a smile that could make even the grumpiest person laugh," Smith said. "He wanted to be a coach, and he would have been a good one."

After sitting out the first semester because of his transfer to York this year, Brock had cut his weight to 184 pounds and was beginning to wrestle well, Smith said.

"He was coming on strong. I have no doubt in my mind that he would have been at this tournament."

In a way he will be.

At tonight's opening ceremony, Brock's picture will be displayed on the video board. A moment of silence will be observed.

"We just decided that the opening ceremony is a time when we honor all the athletes, and we lost one," said Corey Westra, Great Plains Athletic Conference commissioner and a member of the tournament's organizing committee. "There's not that many wrestling schools in NAIA, so it's a pretty tight family."

Smith has found out how tight.

In the wake of Brock's death, Smith said he received more than 250 cards and e-mails from well-wishers, many of them from other NAIA schools.

Such an outpouring of support, Smith said, taught his wrestlers that although they're mainly students and wrestlers, there are more important things in life, things they no longer take for granted.

"They understand the importance of taking and making the best of every opportunity."

Tonight, five York College wrestlers will make the most of their opportunity.

An opportunity to not only achieve personal goals, but to honor a former teammate.