It is finally time for the wrestlers to take the mats and snap on their headgear. 

After a successful 2021-2022 season the wrestling team is ready to get back to work. Sending one wrestler to states last year was a huge accomplishment. Gaining another state qualifier this year would be phenomenal for the program.

“After a great year last season we are super excited for this season. We do not have a ton of experience on the team but I think we can still make some noise this year. More than half of our team are freshmen. Obviously having a state qualifier again is very hard to do but crazier things have happened,” senior Michael Moissis said.

Only a couple wrestlers on the team have some experience so this year will be a good year for the younger wrestlers to learn and gain their own experience.

“I feel like I have to set a great example for the freshman and sophomores, and coach them up whenever they need help,” junior Hunter Blair said.

The team has moved down to Division III this year from previously participating in Division II. So the schedule ahead of them will be different but they are prepared to see all the new faces in Division III. A big move that should provide the team with an easier route to the top.

“I think the move down to Division III is huge for us. We feel that we are already seen as one of the better Division III teams. After previously competing with loads of tough Division II teams we think that we will be feared in Division III. The new division is gonna give a newer look that we have not seen yet before,” Moissis said.

The Tigers start off the season with a two day Hawken Invite. With multiple good opponents attending the team is going to have to train very hard in the preseason. The team really needs to stay focused before the first meet starts especially with a lot of new faces

“The Hawken invite is always a hard one. Coming right out of the preseason we feel we are prepared for it,” Moissis said.

The schedule continues with a lot of great programs like St. Ignatius, Maple Heights, Willoughby South, and Stow.

“I enjoy playing against great schools. I feel that we only get better from playing good competition,” junior Landon Burke said.

Great programs playing other great programs only makes both teams better.

After graduating the team’s best leader the team has to build up chemistry by having confidence in each other.

“I really have to transform into an even better leader this season than I was in previous years. The preseason is one of the most important times for us to build team chemistry and we need to take advantage of that,” Moissis said.

The Tigers are prepared for the long ride ahead.

“We can be great this year, we just need to compete as a family,” Moissis said.