Maxim Loskutoff’s story from last year’s issue, “Get Down, Stay Down,” was selected by guest editor Aimee Bender for inclusion in this prestigious annual anthology.  

Coach says wrestling is like life in that it’s you against everyone else. I followed him out to the parking lot one night after a meet and the back window of his Lincoln Continental was busted out and covered with an old, red, varsity blanket. His bellybutton protrudes like a giant nipple against his Spartans polo shirt. When he exhales, it’s moldy, old man, Skoal breath; breath of despair. It might be what the heart of the world smells like after we’re done with it.