What "deep waters" mean to Blayne McDermott, Sikeston wrestling

Sikeston senior wrestler Blayne McDermott sports a small tattoo on his left side in between his ribs that read “Deep Waters.”

It’s a fighting term that refers to the strategy of using conditioning as strength at a point of a match where both combatants are exhausted and more vulnerable.

“You reach a point where you feel like you are done and you cannot go anymore,” McDermott said, “but you have to reset mentally and get control over your body and mind and continue to try and score points no matter the situation.”

The art of preparing for deep waters is to be in peak cardiovascular condition. Bulldog wrestlers would run for 22 minutes and go through high pace workouts during their daily training sessions.

“He truly has bought into the whole deep water concept,” Sikeston coach Charles Michael said.

“It just comes down to pushing that wall back each day and getting 1% better every workout,” McDermott said.

McDermott is among a handful of Sikeston seniors who recently crossed the 100-win benchmark. Mitchell said being able to swim in deep waters is a hallmark of the wrestling room.

“It's a culture thing,” Mitchell said. “We'd like to take people out to deep water. You know, when you're in deep water, you start to panic. But we're comfortable. We're comfortable with deep water.”

“It means a lot to me,” McDermott said. “It’s something I think during a hard workout or match, you’re tired just like everybody else in the 3rd period, but you’ve been prepared to be there mentally and physically.

McDermott got his tattoo with former teammate Trey Scott, who graduated last year. McDermott said coaches like Mitchell and teammates like Scott had a major influence on his development and training. He said having someone to push him is vital to improving his skill and gaining more endurance.

“They're positive all the time,” Mitchell said. “We're comfortable being uncomfortable. They're gonna be put in an uncomfortable position so that in those times when people are panicking or fearful, we’re able to come out on top.”

McDermott enters the SEMO Conference Tournament with a 21-10 record. Even after the conclusion of his wrestling career, the meaning behind his tattoo will live on.

“When life or wrestling gets tough, you can remember what deep water means and why you have it,” McDermott said.