THOMASVILLE – The present and future of Thomas County Central wrestling is in good hands.

This was the first week that the Georgia High School Association permitted schools to conduct wrestling practices. The Yellow Jackets not only started preparing for the upcoming season but also have been helping middle and elementary school wrestlers learn the sport.

“It’s just big for the culture, the culture of the program and what we expect; things like that,” Central coach Matt Tanner said. “I firmly believe that your culture is built in your younger programs. As those kids see the older kids and they start growing up, they know exactly what to do and how we do it.

“Just today, all my guys were over there helping the middle school youth kids out before we got started. We all practice together in the same gym. It’s cool. These seniors were like some of these fifth graders are, eight years ago. Over time, they just bought into that culture. We established the foundation for those guys eight years ago and kept building it.”

Tanner said there are 35 high school wrestlers, 45 middle schoolers and about 60 elementary age wrestlers participating in practices this week.

“That’s a packed gym two days a week when everybody’s in there at the same time,” Tanner said. “It’s unbelievable. It’s nerve-wracking, but I wouldn’t trade it. Those little kids are in there for an hour, my son being one of them. A couple of our coaches’ kids are out there. A lot of our teacher, faculty, staff, their kids are out there.

“It’s fun. You see them out there liking it and that’s what it’s about. We want them to learn to like wrestling.”

Central’s experienced senior class numbers 11, marking the eighth year that Tanner has led this group.

“Some of these seniors were fifth graders when I first got here. It’s come full circle during the time I’ve been here,” Tanner said.