Wrestling is about ready to pick up where they left off after a very successful season last year. Although many of the state qualifiers have graduated, there are still a handful of wrestlers who have a chance to make this year a successful one.
Of the four state qualifiers last year, only Chris Russel returns this year. Seven of the sectional qualifiers (Sophomore Sam Weiss, Juniors Keegan Buttimer, John Schraidt, Eduardo Orihuela, and Nick Rohm, and Seniors Juan Gomez and Alberto Cotto) are returning this year as well.
New head coach Jason Rech is very hopeful to continue the success built from last year. And he’s not worried about there being any changes now that former head coach Neil Dughetti is no longer there. He says that things will be very similar.
“Our philosophies are very similar, although I will focus more on conditioning. And we got a new room dedicated to wrestling this year which is a huge plus for us,” Rech said.
Senior John Schraidt thinks the team is very well rounded this year.
“I think it’s going to be a great year because we have good leaders from last year returning and newcomers to round out the team. I think we’re really solid.” said Schraidt.
Another big addition to the team this year is new assistant coach Bill Kucinski.
“He wrestled at the University of Iowa so we’re very excited about having him on the staff this year,” Rech said.
The first 2009-2010 Wrestling season started with the first practice on Monday November 9th.
