By Kevin Eckleberry

Sports Editor

For the moment, Nathan McKenna is busy defending his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

When his time in the military comes to a close, though, he wouldn’t mind getting back on the wrestling mat where he spent so much of his time during his prep days at LaGrange High.

McKenna, who graduated in 2003 and was a standout in wrestling and football at LaGrange, spent some time in the Grangers’ wrestling room on Monday while taking some well-deserved time off from his military duties that have included a tour of duty in Iraq.

McKenna, who has a brother who recently left the Marines, has been in the military since the summer of 2003.

“I told (LaGrange wrestling coach Scooter) Weathers when I get out, I want to get into coaching,” said McKenna, who is married with a 2-year-old son. “Hopefully he’ll want me on his staff or something. I’d love to work with LaGrange football, too.”

Coaching will have to wait, though.

McKenna will soon return to his base in Japan, and from there he figures he’s likely headed to Afghanistan, although he doesn’t know for sure.

McKenna has no illusions about the perils he faces.

In 2007 in Iraq, McKenna was injured by flying shrapnel that ripped into his left shoulder.

McKenna suffered a severe muscle injury that still bothers him.

“I don’t think I’ll be 100 percent,” McKenna said. “It took so long (to heal).”

McKenna doesn’t let the injury slow him down, though.

He wrestles and boxes in the Marines, and if he went to the mat today against an opponent, “I feel like I would light some folks up.”

“It did affect me, but it could have been worse,” he added. “My friend just got blown up, but he survived. Right before I came here, he received the Purple Heart.

“I can do everything. So I’m happy.”

McKenna has fond memories of his days on the playing field at LaGrange, although he still simmers when talking about the Grangers’ playoff loss to Screven County in 2002.

A questionable call led to a Screven County touchdown, and the Grangers fell short of a second straight state title.

“I was there for the glory, and when we got gypped (in 2002),” said McKenna, a tight end on the football team. “I look back on one of those (seasons), and the other one I’d rather not think about.”

On the wrestling mat, McKenna was an area champion and a state placer as a senior.

Until last week, Weathers hadn’t heard from McKenna since he left high school.

He’s glad to reconnect with one of his former guys.

“I’ve been blessed to coach guys like him,” Weathers said.