The Varsity wrestling team plans to move forward from their first loss this season against Park Hill South and show the school their potential.

“The first match is always a little nerve racking especially for the guys who have never played before. Now that it is out of our system, things should look up,” senior Dominic Avila said.

What might have not shown on the mats was the guys newly developed strength. Coach Wade Walker says the boys have been lifting everyday to improve their strength training.

“We have been lifting hard, and I have been tired and sore, but I can feel the difference. I just feel stronger,” senior Brock St.Louis said.

The hornets wrestling team also welcomes a new staff member, Coach Leon Douglass, who was a varsity football coach.

“We have a lot of football boys who joined this year and they’re all very familiar with Coach Douglass. It’s really improving our upper weights,” Walker said.

The team has a few varsity members returning and Coach Walker is looking towards seniors St. Louis and Avila to help lead the team on and off the mats.

“They’re the seniors with the most experience. We are looking towards Brock to get a place at State,” Walker said.

Walker says they have a lot of work to do, but they have improved on their fundamentals and technique from last year, and plans to continue this.

“I’m looking forward to see some guys like Nick Fitzgerald, Tanner Petsch, and Jason Mulvaney improve from what they did last year. It was a good experience, we are just looking to build on these younger kids,” Walker said.

The boys crave for the support of their fellow Hornets. Having the gym filled and yelling makes the boys want it more.

“It’s always good to look over and see your friends there in the stand cheering you on. It almost gives me an adrenaline rush,” Avila said.