THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 4, 1997 TAG: 9702040423
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 35 lines
Wrestling can be just as much mental as physical. Just ask Ryan Ingram.
``It's preparation and confidence,'' the Norfolk Academy junior said after winning his third-straight Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools title Saturday.
``If you're not confident, then they have a chance against you. If you go in knowing they can't touch you, they won't.''
Ingram's confidence must have soared Saturday. None of his five opponents ever had a chance. Ingram recorded three pins, had a 16-0 technical fall and a 14-1 decision.
All of Ingram's pins came in the first period - two in 40 and 41 seconds, the other in 1:48.
His easy victories paved the way for his team's fifth consecutive tournament title and Ingram's individual championship was one of five for Norfolk Academy.
He also did it all after moving up from 112 to 119 - considered by many of the coaches to be the toughest weight class in the league.
``Nobody gave me much of a battle today,'' Ingram said. ``I came in very prepared and confident.
``I use my speed and I'm a technician. You can't rely on strength alone. You need an even balance and you need to wrestle as much as you can.''
His five wins in the TCIS tournament moved his career record to 77-3 and readied him for the Virginia Independent Schools state tournament, where he will also go for his third straight title. ILLUSTRATION: Ryan Ingram