Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Wildcat wrestlers are pictured above. From left, sophomore Jerardo Castillo, will wrestle in the 120 pound weight class, senior Joshua Boston, will compete in the 145 pound weight class, and freshman Deven Sullivan, will wrestle at 132.
Veteran Banner County coach Bill Gifford returns for the 2016-17 wrestling season with a team of five matmen, including two returning athletes, and longtime assistant coach Martin Olsen.
Senior Josh Boston returns to the Wildcat mats alongside junior Simon Hendricks. These wrestlers experienced their first year on the mats just last year, but Gifford is confident that they know what to expect.
"They need to come in and begin at a higher level in the practice room, and improve on their skills while expanding their knowledge," he said.
Rounding out the Banner County club roster are newcomers, Jerardo Castillo, a sophomore, and two freshmen, Gage Alexander and Deven Sullivan. Gifford looks forward to seeing what these young men are capable of.
"I really think they all will have some kind of an impact, it will be up to them to determine how big that impact will be," he said.
Numbers are the biggest challenge during practice, as the wrestlers don't match up in weight, but Gifford and his athletes are working toward a successful season on the Wildcat mats.
"We have a team that is hungry for some success, and is anxious to work hard to improve. They enjoy the sport, and have a desire to reap the benefits of competing in the sport of wrestling," Gifford said. "We will have to focus hard on our fundamentals all season and learn early what hard work and practicing the right way looks like."