Wrestling is often seen as an individual sport, but for individual success, one often relies on their teammates. Year after year, the wrestlers share a common goal, which is to strive for improvement each day. Practicing with different people can help to strengthen an individual by facing off against the best opponent or practice partner. This has definitely shown in the previous section champion titles that the team has been awarded.

“For some of my wrestlers, their season never stops. After states, they took a week off and then kept practicing,” coach Jim Covert said.

The typical practice starts with running and drills. Stretching comes after, followed by sparring (one-on-one face offs practicing old moves). Next comes the more obvious, learning experience through new moves to help take down an opponent, escape from the bottom position and use the top position to pin your opponent.

Last year, the team had several MAC champions including now seniors Jake Pail, Bryson Miller and sophomore Quigley co-op Kenny Duscheck. The team included several wrestlers who were able to secure a spot in regionals. Sophomore Trent Schulthesis, seniors Z.J. Ward, Bryson, Jake Pail, alumni Chase Komara and Michael Muron continued onto regionals. Seniors Miller and Jake Pail as well as sophomore Schultheis earned first in their respective weight classes while Ward received third. Alumni Komara finished third and Muron finished fifth.

Every year, sports teams lose seniors to graduation and it is up to the underclassmen to fill the vacancies. This year, the wrestling team has several freshman and sophomores, ready to step up to the varsity level, while also carrying on the successful reputation the team has obtained throughout the years.

According to Covert, losing strong seniors is unavoidable, but the underclassmen have the ability to step up.

The other returning wrestlers are anxious for the start of another season. Seniors are ready to wrap up their last high school wrestling seasons with multiple victories. Coming off of the teams section title last year, they plan to continue to dominate their section and earn their fourth consecutive title.

“I’m just ready to get back at it, live in the moment and cherish these times with the boys,” senior Ward said.

One of the newcomers who has excelled throughout his Jr. High wrestling career is freshman Josh Pail. Winning several different matches and tournaments including the Jr. High MAC South Side tournament, Josh Pail will compete in the 126 weight class.

“I’m feeling excited moving up to the varsity level but also nervous for the tougher competition,” Josh Pail said.

With the combinations of new talent and returning experience, the team is looking forward to a successful season. The first official match for the team will be the Chartiers-Houston Tournament on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8.