DAVID WELCH ’12 as the keys to his success. “I’m so fortunate to have mentors like [former] Coach [Jon] Rand and Coach [Doug] Goodale who helped me prepare for competition. They’ve been instrumental in my success whether it’s Coach Goodale pairing up and pushing me in practice or Coach Rand’s advice and strategy, they both have an unprecedented amount of knowledge of the sport, which has been key to winning matches,” Pilcher explained. Another factor Pilcher lists as instrumental is one that he hadn’t experienced much prior to his time on the Hill—constant support and feedback. “Before I arrived at Tilton, I was at a really large school,” Pilcher said. “While I had great coaches there, my experience in Maine just doesn’t compare to that of my Tilton experience. My coaches here are experienced and knowledgeable, but more importantly, they are available. It’s awesome to know that I can count on their knowledge in practice and matches but also on things like nutrition, working out and eating well. They have been there every step of the way to help me make choices that will help me succeed. It’s really beneficial to have coaches that I can find throughout the day and check-in with when I need something; there are so many more touch-points between coach and athlete here.” In addition to the coaching staff, Pilcher also feels supported by the entire school community. “Knowing that the school supports me is huge,” Pilcher said. “I read
all the emails and texts from my friends, classmates and teachers before I warm up. It’s just overwhelming, the support and encouragement I’ve received from everyone.” Words of encouragement and a solid coaching staff are two of three things that Pilcher brings with him to the mat. The third might be surprising—nerves. Pilcher explained that he used to think being nervous was a bad thing until he received advice from his father that he holds close. “My dad always told me that nerves are a good thing going into a match because it means you don’t underestimate your competition. I take this advice with me to most matches,” Pilcher stated. “I find that I’m most successful when I’m a little nervous.” The National Prep Wrestling Championship in February 2016 was a double elimination tournament, meaning that in the final round of competition for the national title, a wrestler was eliminated once they lost twice. Pilcher lost his first match, but was able to secure a win during his second and third matches, keeping his hope for the rest of the tournament alive. In his fourth and final match of the tournament, anger was the emotion that kept Pilcher fighting. His opponent was the same junior from Brooks School in Massachusetts who had defeated him during a match in the New England State Championship the weekend before, where Pilcher finished fourth. In a neck-andneck match during nationals,
Mentioned as one of six alumni to have competed in the National Prep Wrestling Championship while at Tilton School, David Welch ’12 has continued to earn titles and accolades as a competitive wrestler. In February 2016, Welch, a senior at Roger Williams University, was ranked the No. 1 wrestler in NCAA Division III by the NWCA. He held this position through March 2016 when he was crowned the Division III National Champion at 197 pounds. Welch’s national championship title is the first-ever national title for the university as well as its first national championship title. David has compiled a career record of 151-14 and was additionally named New England Wrestler of the Year in March 2016.
Pilcher was up 3-2 during the third period. In the end, the wrestler from Brooks came away with a 4-3 win, but it was Pilcher’s persistence that kept the score within a point. Despite the somewhat disappointing finish, in a national tournament with a 32-man bracket, Pilcher’s finish in the top 16 was a victory in itself. Due to his hard work and success in the 2016 wrestling season, Pilcher was selected this school year to compete in the toughest high school wrestling tournament in the nation—The Beast of the East. The competition featured more than 100 nationally-ranked wrestlers from 14 states, and more than 50 state or national prep champions. In December 2016 Eric Pilcher once again took to the mat. Seeded number 15 out of 48 high school wrestlers, Pilcher knew he was in for a challenging weekend. During his first match he wrestled an unseeded opponent, pinning him in just 15 seconds. Later that day he went up against the No. 2 seed (and No. 12th-ranked
wrestler in the country), beating him 3-2. A great finish to day one. Day two, was a bit more difficult with Pilcher losing both matches, but the Tilton junior still finished strong, placing in the top 12 at the tournament. It didn’t take long for Pilcher to get back to the mat, and to the winner’s podium. Later in December 2016, Eric Pilcher returned to his hometown in Maine and competed once again in the Noble Invitational Tournament. Eric pinned each of his four opponents in under 30 seconds and was not scored upon by any, giving him a first-place finish. Eric’s overall high school record, as of February 15, 2017, is 90-20. about the author
Jane Salach ’16 attended Tilton School all four years. During her time at Tilton she was involved in several athletic and after-school groups including soccer, lacrosse, and theater. She was very active in community service projects and traveled with the school to the Dominican Republic in March 2016. During her senior year she interned with Ally Goddard, former director of engagement & events. Salach is now a freshman at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania.
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