A total of 15 wrestlers will make up the Winside Wildcat program this winter with that ultimate goal in making it to Omaha for the state championships come February.
Bringing in 19 total years of wrestling coaching experience, Jesse Thies will be entering his 10th year as the head coach for Winside.
"We attended a few camps early then had open mats twice a week," said Thies.
On staff with coach Thies assisting the 11 boys will be Tom Schwedhelm while Natalie Kruger, Aric Kruger and Chris Olander will assist the four girls.
The lone senior in the program will be on the boys side being Landon Carlson.
The Winside girls and boys wrestlers held senior led conditioning in the mornings progressing to the start of NSAA winter sports practices (Nov. 17).
"The team worked on the basics during the first week," said Thies. "A lot of stance work and defense."
Some goals being set by the coaches will be learning and gaining experience along with improving their mat awareness this season.
The Winside wrestlers have positioned themselves to adapt and overcome as they prepare for their season opening action.
The Winside girls will be led by Raylyn Behmer and Maci Schmidt while coach Thies is excited for the newcomers of Avery Brummels and Aspen Sellin.
Raylyn Behmer, a junior, will wrestle at the 120 weight class for the Wildcats. She first started wrestling last year.
"Strength training and overall just getting as many reps in as possible is something I've been working on," said Behmer.
During the first week of NSAA winter sports practices the Winside girls were able to get back into a routine.
"We have been focusing a lot on getting quality reps."
Behmer shared what she's most excited about and team goals.
"Being able to get out on the mat and show off what we have been working on," said Bahmer. "Improving from each match and learning from mistakes."
The team motto for Winside wrestling is, 'nothing is given, everything is earned.'
Behmer would also like to thank all of the Winside supporters.
For the Wildcats in the boys division, Landon Carlson, Stratton Sellin, Mason Edwards and Asher Uttecht will lead the way with newcomers of Noah Pace as well as Braxton Hansen contributing to the team.
Senior Landon Carlson will wrestle in the 157 lb division this season and first stepped on the mat at seven years old.
"I've been working on getting stronger for the season," said Carlson. "Getting my body in shape."
Carlson added more what the boys have been working on early in the season.
"Getting back into the flow of things," said Carlson. "Getting technique down so I'm ready come Dec. 6."
Carlson is also excited to get back into competition following an injury which sidelined him the second half of last season.
He's proud to wear the pinstripes for the Winside faithful.
"Like my dad and brother before me," said Carlson. "As the only senior I will try my hardest to be a good teammate/role model to the younger guys on the team. I want to say thank you to all the families and fans who support us everywhere we go."
Some goals on the boys side include winning duals, gaining additional experience for the younger guys as the season progresses and send as many to Omaha (state) as possible.
"We'll need to continue to enhance our conditioning," said Thies. "It will be easier to work on things after the first meet."
Winside will begin their season on Dec. 6 for the girls traveling to Creighton and the boys in Plainview.
"We are young, but it's going to be an exciting year," said Thies. "I can't wait for the season to start."
Landon Carlson also shared, "the team and I truly appreciate the new facility at Winside. It's a space where we can work to improve every practice. It motivates us to know the community has our backs."
