After a strong offseason-conditioning program, the wrestling team looks to have a dominating season this winter. Official practice began on Monday Oct. 31, with cuts made on Nov. 7. The team will compete in its first official meet tomorrow at Brownsburg. Head Coach John Kopnisky said he has high expectations for this team in his fifth year coaching.
“The biggest expectation is dedication to the program and commitment towards success,” Kopnisky said. “Our goals for the season include winning the MIC, Sectional and County Championships.”
The team returns seven varsity wrestlers and expects to have many other athletes step up and help the team out. Returning varsity wrestlers include senior Austin Bauer; juniors Jason Klink and Jake Leech; and sophomores Colin Riddle, Garrett Samuelson, Logan Sawyers and Karl Wilhelm. Riddle said he has lofty goals for the team this year.
“We want to replicate what last year’s strong senior class was able to do in the season and hope to go further in the State Tournament,” Riddle said.
The team hasn’t made it to the State Championship as a team since 1997, but Riddle said that the goal is to break that streak.
“Our team goal for the year is a berth in the State Tournament, because we haven’t done that in awhile.”
Individually, Riddle said he would love to help the team out with high finishes throughout the season. “I would love to qualify for Semi-State,” Riddle said.