The wrestling team is entering their IHSA Regional competition tomorrow with plenty of people on the team having a shot at making state.
“We have a strong group for this season, with the seniors being great leaders in helping out the team,” Coach Ryan West said.
With a great deal of commitment and work, the wrestling team has high spirits with the end of the season.
“Commitment level is very high, especially for those who want to excel at the varsity level. I think that this year’s team was a lot stronger than last year’s was; we have a lot of players who have a good shot at state,” West said.
“As a team, our main focus is getting better,” Jake Bogdan, senior, said.
The team strives to work hard during their matches, attempting to do the best they can while on the mat.
“We strive to be aggressive on the mat and try our best. Our goal is to do our best out there,” Jacob Ramos, senior, said.
However, personal expectations vary for what the members set for themselves, from the overall team outlook. Many of the players have high personal goals.
“I want to go down to state and be able to place in my weight group,” Bogdan said.
“Many of us look like we are going to make it and even place in state,” Joshua Mackenzie, senior, said.
The team has been able to grow due to many of the players working to teach each other new techniques.
“Many of the seniors have been great leaders in the team, helping the team grow as wrestlers and as people,” West said.
Even in their productive season, members had their individual struggles to deal with.
“The hardest parts were just the early morning practices and the constant grind,” Ramos said.
“The biggest struggle was how hard wrestling is mentally and physically,” Bogdan said.
Wrestling provides many players with an outlet for their emotions.
“Wrestling helps me with my aggression. I can let it all out in a game,” Bogdan said.
“With wrestling I can focus all my aggression and emotions while I’m out on the mat. It’s a perfect way to channel my energy in order to release it,” Ramos said.
For those who advance, state will be on Feb. 15-17.