As fall sports start to wind down, winter sports teams are already in preparation for the upcoming season.

The WS wrestling team eagerly anticipates a great season to come. Many have been putting work in outside of school to brace themselves for the winter months. Last season they finished with great standings in the district and region and Austin Flanagan from the class of 2013 even placed eighth in the state competition. The team hopes to repeat and also further their success this year.

Senior Clement Calderón plays football so he has not been able to participate in the off season workouts, but he has noticed his teammates’ preparations.

“Some students have started student led workouts and do cardio… and they settle into diets programs,” he said.

Senior Junior Ramos agrees with the sentiment and recognizes the work that goes on before the season.

“[People are] cutting weight by watching what [they’re] eating. It’s mostly will power…knowing what to eat and when,” he said.

This year the wrestling team also welcomed new coach, Mark Weader, who previously coached at George Mason. During his time at Mason, Weader spent five years as an assistant coach before becoming the head wrestling coach and staying in that position for six years. In college, he wrestled at George Mason and finished among the top-20 all-time victories at the school.

WS students on the wrestling team are excited about working with the new coach who has different experiences to bring to the team because of his time spent at Mason.

“[He can] help us get better.  [I hope] to have a successful senior season and do well in the district tournament,” said Calderón.

The teammates are also excited to work together again and make it a great season for WS athletics.

“I am most looking forward to watching the hard work we put in at practice pay off, and just being part of the camaraderie that is Spartan Wrestling,” said junior Laura Kratzer.

Weader says he looks forward to the change that coaching a high school team will bring and has some hopes of his own for the upcoming season.

“I am excited to start coaching at the high school level and look forward to coaching West Springfield,” said Weader. “My hope for the season is for our team to improve every match and every practice.”