Wrestling team looks forward to rest of season with sights set on state

With last season in hindsight, the wrestling team is working to improve as a team with two a day practices and lots of drill work. The boys are determined to take state and have been preparing to do so.  One varsity wrestler, junior Mickey Wilson, plans to return to state for the second year.

“Our main team goal for the past couple of years has been to place top ten in the state,” Wilson said.

To win state, the team is doing more technical practices in preparation.

“We need to work harder on getting our technique down and working better under pressure in real matches,” Wilson said.

The team this year is mainly composed of athletes with varsity experience. Head wrestling coach Michael Jernigan believes this will boost their chances in state.

“The guys we have in are all returners and they’re pretty darn tough,” Jernigan said.

Jernigan believes that improving as a team starts with improving as an individual. To grow from last season, all of the individual athletes are planning to work towards their new individualized objectives.

“It’s up to the individual.  That’s one of the crazy things about the sport of wrestling,” Jernigan said. “Getting the athletes to buy into it and achieve their goals.”

Make sure to come to the next wrestling meet on Dec. 13 at home against Lincoln Pius X.