Student says goodbye to team he helped build

PAXTON -- The high school wrestling team is gaining popularity thanks to its first member. Jacob Meyer started wrestling when he was in fourth grade and quickly learned to love the sport. He would have to drive out of town to do it until he decided to bring the sport to his school.

"My parents went and put a down payment on a wrestling mat," said Jacob Meyer.

That mat was the start of Paxton-Buckley-Loda's wrestling team; a sport that wasn't offered until Meyer came to school.

"It started off my freshman year. I was the sole member of the team," said Meyer.

"The thought of having a new sport in a small town sometimes is hard for people to understand," said Jacob's dad, Alan.

People were ready to welcome wrestling with open arms and Meyer's love for the sport quickly inspired others to join. This year there are thirteen kids on the team.

"He and I connected real quick. We started recruiting, we started getting people. He started winning tournaments and teaching me new moves and I'm teaching him things," said Coach Erik Ronney. 

"Here we are, four years later and a team that the community is proud of," said Alan Meyer.  
   
Now this senior is getting ready to say goodbye to the team he helped build.

"It's mixed feelings. I feel happy just because of how much it's grown but on the same hand, I'm sad to no longer be apart of it after this season," said Meyer.
   
But that is just on the mat. His legacy is sure to continue at PBL. 

"We're gonna start getting plaques. I want to get some regional titles and move kids to state. I want to be known as a wrestling town as well," said Ronney.

"I can't wait to see it in the future, just being big," said Meyer. 

Meyer say he is not ready to give up his team just yet. He plans to come back and coach when he can.