Photographed by Kyle Reamer

As winter sports comes in full swing, you can find wrestlers working hard on the mats every day in preparation for their grueling season. MHS wrestling has their first event of the year this weekend. Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th, Westminster will host the Westminster individual tournament.

JT Schuman, junior, says he is excited for the season and what it will hold.

“I am really looking forward to the upcoming season. The whole team has gotten a lot stronger and faster so we are expecting a better season than last year.” Schuman said.

The wrestling workouts are not to be taken lightly. They are tough for a reason. Each practice is a challenge Schuman says. In the end, they help improve the team for whatever is thrown at them.

“It is by far one of the hardest sports out there,” Schuman said. “A couple days already this season I have lost five pounds in one practice. Practices only do so much and sometimes they are not enough so you have to cut back on eating and kinda starve yourself in order to get down to your weight for that week. It is very hard on the body, but hey it’s all worth it when you absolutely outwork your opponent.”

Joseph Sadowsky, junior, said that the team has put a lot of work in already in preparation for the season.

“With offseason and preseason practices helping our team focus on the future and learn new moves, I think this team will do well with winning meets and getting medals in tournaments this season.” Sadowsky said.

Varsity wrestling is expecting a good season this winter and hopes to have a positive record and make it to state. Sadowsky said that the team is hoping to make a great state run and compete for everything.

“I’m hoping that this year we at least make it past districts.,” Sadowsky said. “Last year I was disappointed in not making it very far, but this year we plan to prove ourselves worthy of moving far.”

Schuman mentioned several wrestlers that spectators should keep an eye on this season: Jack Lenox, freshman, Josh Galmiche, junior, and Luke Milla, senior.

Sadowsky is hopeful and looking forward to the season and all that the team will accomplish throughout the season.

“We have very solid wrestlers this year and I believe that we will go far when state comes around with the talent that we have on our roster,” Sadowsky said.

Braxton Sparks, senior, has also has high hopes for the season.

“My expectations are to do really well at Westminster. I’ve placed higher and higher each year there. I think our team will do great this year and way better than last year,” Sparks said.

Sparks encourages students, parents and staff to support the varsity wrestling team this season.

“Everyone should come to at least one match this year just to experience it just once,” Sparks said