The WS wrestling team started off the season strong with a second place finish at the Tuscarora duals as they prepared to say goodbye to their nine seniors. This has been a strong senior class and have been through a lot together, including a major coaching change.
“They’ve come together as a team very well,” said assistant coach Phil Cronin.
The classes below this year’s senior look up to this class for leadership, and the seniors have taken this seriously.
“They’re strong leaders and dedicated,” said junior Joey Myers.
The team is hoping for a better season than last year’s seventh place finish at Conference. This has motivated them to put in more work through the offseason in the summer and in the fall.
“They’re really into it, and they work hard,” said Cronin.
Seniors have started the season strong with a couple notable finishes in larger tournaments throughout the year. Preston Cole placed third at the Nova Classic, and Anthony Bruno placed second at the Joe Verciglio Memorial Tournament.
The team is led by senior Billy Miller, the team captain, who has stepped up this year. He has been in the program for four years, and has been dedicated to the team’s success. He took second in the conference last year and has high hopes for this year.
“Vocal leaders are really what this team has been lacking and Billy Miller stepped up to fill in at that role,” said Head Coach Ben Fiacco.
The underclassmen also have felt their impact from strong leadership and help. Through guidance and leading by example the seniors have helped bring them up
“They have made me push myself to the max,” said sophomore Braxton Ulmer.
The wrestling team often acquires participants who are upperclassman, and this group of seniors was no exception. Senior Adam Withington started in his junior year and has been readily embraced.
“The senior class accepted me and made me feel at home,” said Withington.
This senior class has been working hard throughout the offseason in order to prepare for their final season. They had early morning lifting sessions and after school green day workouts twice a week, and are happy that the coaches have organized them for the season.
“The green days were structured for the first time ever, and helped me better prepare myself for the season,” said Miller.
This class will be missed by all as they have managed to make everyone around them smile including the coaching staff.
“What I miss most about them is their personalities,” said Cronin.