JV Wrestlers appeared confident and excited as they prepared for the upcoming state tournament. The tournament took place on February 8th, 9th, and 10th. Six students: Charles Ranta, Ian Hunt, Austin Riner, Luis Gonzalez Cardozo, Zach Moore, and Mukhumad Ismail had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills during this event.

Coach Stephens made sure that they were prepared by encouraging them to practice almost every day of the week. “We’re working a peak, working on individual stuff, having short practices in and out, and just doing what they need individually more than anything based on who they are going to wrestle.”

Charles Ranta, a senior who placed fifth at state last year, thinks that his performance this year is superior to last year’s season. During the tournament season, he prepares by “working hard during the week, going to practice, making sure (his) diet is good, focusing a lot, and trying to keep (himself) less stressed and more casual.”

Senior Ian Hunt has hope and high expectations for this season. “I have had 5 losses, but five losses where I’ve beaten the people who have beaten me before. I feel like it’s a bumpy road. If I wrestle my best, I’ll win state, because I’m faster and stronger than anyone else. On the flip side, if I don’t wrestle as well as my potential, I can end up with a seating that isn’t what I should get (like 3rd, or 4th, or 6th).” For extra luck, he wears the same wrestling hoodie from his freshman year.

Ian Hunt and Charles Ranta are the only senior wrestlers going to state and will be dearly missed by the coaches.

AJ Riner, who was 3rd in state last year, says that he has improved greatly since last year.

“I beat a lot of people that I probably wouldn’t have beat last year. Last year I was really low ranked and didn’t really have a shot to get in the championships, but this year I have a really good chance to win it all.”

Riner watched other guys’ matches throughout the championship to prepare and take notes on what techniques to adopt for himself.

Junior Zach Moore has wrestled for nine years. He is excited for the opportunity to go to the state tournament. “It’s a great feeling to know that I’m going to state. Now that it’s towards the end (of the season), I’ve gotten better.”

Mukhamed Ismail is ecstatic about competing in the tournament. “I put in a lot of work. I’ve been coming to every single practice and working hard.” Ismail is used to doing freestyle wrestling, but he has started treating the sport more seriously than he did two years ago.

These spectacular wrestlers no doubt possess the skills and confidence to bring home the state championship trophy.