With one full week of NSAA winter practices in the books, the Wakefield boys wrestling program of eight will be looking to improve each time on the mat.
Head coach Jeremiah Chase will enter year number three at the helm along with two previous years of assistant coaching experience.
"Over the summer we had open mats and the boys came in and wrestled around a little bit keeping them fresh," said Chase.
Assisting coach Chase on the boys side will be Franco Tapia, Caleb Chase and Bryson Businger while Luke Walsh will lead the girls program.
This year's seniors are Ruben Vega (recently signed his national letter of intent to wrestle at Southeast Community College) along with Lane Fischer.
During the offseason, the Wakefield boys wrestling program shook off the dust while putting in the work on the mat.
"Nothing crazy but getting into shape a little and getting back in the rhythms of it all," said Chase. "Neutral position is always a big focus for us the first week and throughout the whole season. Now with the three-point takedown being solid on your feet is more important than ever."
Coach Chase wants his team to focus on being quality human beings.
"Yes, I want the boys to be working hard but we have already talked a lot about what that mindset looks like in the practice room but also out in the school and community," said Chase.
No seniors were lost due to graduation last year, but the Wakefield boys will be without their returning state qualifier Domingo Cetino.
"He isn't able to be a part of the team this year so that is a big hit in our lineup," said Chase.
The seniors, Vega and Fischer, will be the top two returners and are coming off great junior seasons including Vega surpassing 30 wins.
"I am looking for these two to be leaders period," said Chase. "They have done very well on our team but now as they look at being done they need to instill quality values in the underclassmen and teach them what it means to be a leader."
Ruben Vega will be entering his senior year planning to wrestle at either 165 or 157. He first saw action on the mat in preschool during the Trojan youth program.
"I've really been working on my conditioning and repeating certain moves to get my muscle memory to click when I use those certain moves," said Vega.
During the first week of official practices, the Wakefield boys wrestlers have been working on getting into their own rhythm.
"Some things I've learned from the first week of these practices is to get my mind right for my last season with this group," said Vega. "Goals that we're focused on is getting better every day as a person and as a wrestler, winning some duals and coming back from tournaments with placers."
Vega is also looking forward to showing the fans how much work their group has put in and how they'll showcase it on the mat.
"Something I'd like to say is that it means a lot to us when they (fans) show up and get to watch us compete," said Vega. "I'd also like to say that this year is gonna be a fun one to watch with the talent we're bringing to the wrestling mat."
Coach Chase also highlighted that there are a couple freshmen 'chomping at the bit' and will get their chance to win a few matches this season.
Along with being mentally tough, the Wakefield boys have been working on finishing in hard positions, end periods on top and just be more aggressive overall.
The Wakefield boys wrestling season will open with a home dual against Pender on Dec. 4 starting at 7 p.m. in the Activity Center.
"Prior to Pender we need to work on just that, getting tougher," said Chase. "Pender is always a quality opponent and brings a lot of firepower. If we can be the aggressor in the match and have better conditioning then I think we can hold our own."
Wakefield boys wrestlers will also host a triangular (Madison, Ponca) on Jan. 15 during parent's night and welcome several teams during the Wakefield Invite on Feb. 7.
Coach Chase would appreciate the support from the Trojan fan base.
"Show up," said Chase. "Be there and support the team. They put in a lot of work throughout the season and we love seeing fans come out to our contests. It is a big morale booster for the boys."
