Westside’s varsity wrestling team took home a strong weekend. With multiple weight classes open due to each team’s quarantined wrestlers, the Warriors had to fight back. Getting back three wrestlers from quarantine, the Warriors were down against Lincoln Pius X in dual on Friday, but pulled through late with a big win from Noah Aken and a pin from Cade Haberman. 

“One thing that’s been emphasized the whole season was that we can not get pinned and we have to strive to win by getting a pin,” said junior Ryan Zatechka. Since our lineup of guys isn’t complete we’re giving up a good chunk of team points by not having those weight class spots filled.”

With injuries, wrestlers having to quarantine due to Covid-19, and illnesses, Westside’s wrestling lineup has been low on wrestlers who are healthy and allowed to compete. Westside wrestling coaches expressed that they need to be more aggressive and get pins so they aren’t risking losing the dual. 

 “If the other team gets a pin on us, we give up another big amount of points,” Zatechka said. “So if we don’t get pins for every one of our matches we risk losing the dual. But all together I believe we’re getting better and better at it.”

Westside’s wrestling team has been working together and are trying to grow and get better every dual. After a disappointing eleventh place finish at Sioux City the weekend before, the win against Lincoln Pius was refreshing for head coach Michael Jernigan.

“It’s great to get the win at home, Pius always brings some tough guys and we’ve battled them for years,” Jernigan said. “We told the team at the get-go, things are going to be tough in the beginning, but we know that in January and February we’ll have our best lineup. I can’t say enough about the kids’ hard work and dedication that they put in after a hard event in Sioux City on Saturday.”

On Saturday, the Warriors headed to Grand Island Northwest to where they finished third. Micheal Myers, Cole Hoberman, Ryan Zatecka, and Logan Edwards, and Cade Haberman all placed first in their weight classes. Cade Haberman would also add to his accolades with his 121st career win, a Westside school record. Wrestlers have also stepped up this year by stepping into more leadership roles which is an improvement from last year. 

“[This win] helped build the confidence that some of the guys needed headed into the last weekend of competition,” said coach Jernigan. “Our leadership has improved.  Lots of the younger guys are not afraid to step up and be leaders and that is huge.  It can’t always come down on the seniors all the time.  If a person can not be a leader then they have to be a great follower.”

The varsity team will next head to Creighton Prep on Jan. 2 in the Creighton Prep Wrestling invitational. All of the action can be watched on the Creighton Prep Television Youtube Channel as the Warriors look to continue their hot streak.