Grimes Deserves Good Karma
Zack Grimes could be seen warming up behind the security barrier Friday afternoon inside Salina’s Bicentennial Center, wearing a silver sweatshirt with “OZ Wrestling” on the front of it and his last name on the back. The Osawatomie junior, listening to music at the time on his MP3 player, was getting ready for one of the biggest matches in his career: a Class 4A state tournament semifinal bout against Clay Center’s Zach Anderson.
Grimes never envisioned leaving the arena the next day on crutches with a cast wrapped tightly over his right knee.
His string of unfortunate luck began Friday afternoon.
Grimes held a 6-5 lead in his semifinal match against Anderson after breaking free of a hold for an escape just 22 seconds into the third period. With time winding down, Anderson had Grimes down on the mat just out of bounds. Anderson extended his legs to attempt to record the two points. He appeared to have dragged his right foot out of bounds before moving it back in bounds. It was close. But with seven seconds remaining and a boisterous Clay Center crowd cheering, Anderson was awarded two points, and he held on for a 7-6 decision.
The worst was yet to come.
Mulvane’s Dylan Hagerman lifted Grimes just 20 seconds into their consolation semifinal match. Grimes fell hard onto the mat on his knee. Grimes continued to lay on the mat. He was clearly in pain.
Not only were Grimes’ title hopes smashed the day before, but his season came to a stunning end after he apparently reinjured the knee he blew out prior to the season and the one he is set to have offseason surgery on. He had worn a brace all season to prevent further damage. He had to settle for sixth place after having to forfeit his final two matches.
To see someone’s season come to an end is a part of sports, but considering the hard work Grimes put forth and how much of a leader he was for Osawatomie, I can’t imagine what he’s going through.
Grimes is a good example of what a good team leader is. Every time when he’s not wrestling a match, I’ve seen him encouraging his teammates from the sidelines, many times providing valuable instruction. It’s like having a second coach out there. In the few times I’ve seen him step off the mat following a loss, not once have I seen him throw his headgear in frustration.
In the world of karma, I know it might be another nine months until wrestling season starts back up, but I believe good things will in store for him during his senior year — hopefully, a state title.
