Struggles with depth and a whole new practice regimen has the wrestling team looking towards the season opener at Shawnee Mission North on Dec. 3.

“This year, we are really focused on hard work. The past couple of weeks have been really grueling and probably the hardest preparation we have done since I have been here,” junior Ricky Korvick, varsity wrestler, said.  

The team has been practicing before school Tuesdays and Thursdays.

According to Mr. Steve Lueck, head coach, these early morning practices were designed to have the team in top physical condition for districts and sectionals, something that the team had struggled with in years past.

Seniors A.J. Gassman, Ben Jurgeson and Alex Rinas, along with Korvick, are among the team’s key wrestlers, leading them through the grueling practices.

Lack of freshman though has hurt the depth on the team, especially considering the amount of upper classmen on the roster, according to Korvick.

“[The lack of freshmen] isn’t really going to directly affect the team this year, but in the long run we were going to need about 50 guys to be a solid team,” Mr. Lueck said.

The team’s biggest challenge is going to be the Kearney Dual Tournament. The tournament is always circled on the calendar because it gives the team an idea of where the stand with the conference.