Wrestling Season Preview

The wrestling season is in full swing and the team is experiencing a completely different team dynamic than the past year. Rather than having a few star wrestlers, the skill level is more spread throughout the team. The main goal for the season is to have everyone qualify for state, after they defend their district and league titles from last year.

‘We want to prove we were underrated,” Senior Chipper Jorns said.

The team had four state placers graduate, so they know they have big spots to fill.

“This provides opportunity for our younger wrestlers to step up,” Coach Ufford said.

Team members who have high expectations for qualifying and placing for state include senior Jack Mitchell, and juniors Dominique Atkinson and Grant Hollingsworth. According to their coach, they have high expectations to be leaders on and off the mat.

The team placed 14th at state last year, which was disappointing. They felt this didn’t represent their skill and how hard they worked.

“Anyone we step on the mat against, I believe [we can beat],” Atkinson said, “As long as we keep working hard and get in the weight room.”

Incoming freshman Michael Aldrich and Michael Bamford are expected to play a key role in the team’s success as well.

As for now, the team knows practicing hard early in the season is key for success later on. According to the team, they are working hard, smart, and together.