BUFORD — Tom Beuglas is certainly no stranger to success. The long-time wrestling coach built a dynasty at Archer winning the past four Class AAAAAA Duals and Traditional state titles while his Tigers strung together a remarkable 96-straight dual match win streak.
So it seemed more than shocking when Beuglas decided to leave the Tigers and take over the Buford wrestling program during the off-season. Why leave a well-oiled machine and a team that had 11 starters returning?
Beuglas said the time was right for a new challenge. So far, it looks like he has picked up with the Wolves where he left off at Archer.
They won the Lassiter Invitational, Santa Slam, and Buford Invitational and are 4-1 in dual matches. Their only loss was to his old team, Archer, without four of their starters.
AccessWDUN sports reporter Jeff Hart asked Beuglas just how that challenge is coming along...
1. How has the non-wrestling transition been coming to Buford from Archer?
"The transition to Buford has been great. The administration, teachers, and other coaches here have all been extremely helpful and made me feel very welcome. Dr. Hamby and the central office staff were great at the beginning of the year as well. The people here are very good at creating a team atmosphere and making you feel like a part of something special. Dr. Bitterman is the best principal I have every worked for, and has been a great mentor as well."
2. The Wolves had a lot of talent coming back after a successful campaign last season. What did you feel was the biggest challenge once you got on campus and assessed the program?
"The team did well last year, and had a lot of talent coming back. We moved up to (Class) AAAAA, which is much tougher, and there are some really good teams in our classification this year. The biggest thing was getting them to buy into my way of doing things and getting them to trust me and listen to me. I think they are having to do things a little different than they did in the past."
3. What were expectations once you saw what you had in the program?
"I have very high expectations for myself. My expectations for them are very high. I came here to be the best we can be. I want to continue to win State Championships and I want our kids to be successful in the classroom, in the community, and on the mat. I hope the lessons they learn through their hard work will make them successful men in life."
4. How do you think the early part of the season has gone?
"The early part of the season has been tough. The success of our football team has left us without any upper weights until now, so we have been somewhat short-handed. We have also had to battle some minor injures here and there. We have been forfeiting 220 and 285 all season, which has been tough. We lost a very close dual to Archer, without four of our starters in. Losing is losing, but at least we know the potential is there when we get all of our top kids in the lineup. But, we have been competitive and we have not put our best lineup on the mat yet. Hopefully that will come together soon."
5. Who have been the guys to step up and lead so far and embrace the changes, if any, that you have brought to the program?
"Most of the kids have done what I asked of them. Some have had to learn to work a little harder and adjust their attitude a little bit, but I think they are learning. Trent Ferguson (Sr., 152-pounds) has shown great senior leadership. He has a great attitude and works hard every day. Logan Ashton (So., 106) does a great job of leading by example and going about his business in a professional manner. Several freshman (Charlie Darracott, 145; Nick Stonecheck, 126) have come in and done very well and have been impressive with their work ethic and toughness."
6. Who do you feel has a chance to win the traditional tournament from your squad?
"I think we have a few kids that if they wrestle well, can compete for State Championships. It is about believing in yourself and wrestling your best when it counts. Trent Ferguson (152) was a State Champion two years ago. I know he wants back on the top of the podium. Logan Ashton and Jack Ness (195) were runners-up last year, so they are very driven to win a State Championship. Cooper Roberts (170), Charlie Darracott and Nick Stonecheck look very good right now as well. All of them will have to beat some good kids if they want to be State Champions."
7. Who are some guys that have been pleasant surprises so far?
"We have gotten solid performances out of Billy Barber (182) and Ethan Ceren (138). Billy didnt even wrestle last year and is 20 pounds under weight, but he has been going out and winning matches for us. Ethan did not make it to state last year, but he seems to find a way to win matches and help our team."
8. Have you changed your expectations, up or down, since the beginning of the season and do you feel y’all have a chance to compete for the Area title and the Class AAAAA Dual and Traditional state titles?
"I have not changed my expectations. I came in here expecting to win and I still do. I have had to become realistic and adjust to not having a full lineup, but I am still confident that if we put our best lineup on the mat, and we can be injury free at the end of the season, we should be one of the handful of teams competing for the title. I think we will be the favorites to win Area. I think in AAAAA Woodland, Union Grove, Cass, Clarke Central and a few others are going to be really good. But the competition is what makes you better and makes it exciting. It would not mean as much if it was easy. I think we have a better shot to win Traditionals than Duals. Our football players and one or two coming back from injuries should be 100-percent by then."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/12/482888/buford-wrestling-feature