The varsity wrestling team faced challenges early on in the season, but turned it around as the year went on. Wrestlers said the team stayed confident and worked together to improve.

Senior Robbie Desmond said the team struggled in the beginning during duals, which are school versus school team matches, but began to improve as more wrestlers stepped up and filled the varsity spots.

“It was a rough start with duals, but we’ve definitely bounced back, and we’ve had a lot of guys break out of their shell and become the varsity guys we needed to win our duals,” Desmond said.

Desmond said coaching played a huge part in keeping the team focused and working hard throughout the season.

“The coaches were hard on us and stayed persistent. Even after wins, they still held us accountable, and it really showed over time,” Desmond said.

One of Desmond’s highlight moments came when he was able to beat an opponent that beat him last year.

“At the NEO show, I beat a guy that beat me last year in the finals at the Holiday Tournament,” Desmond said.

He also said the season had many challenges, pointing out a tough week during the Carthage duals.

“That was probably the hardest part of the season, but we came back the next week and have been wrestling really well since,” Desmond said.

Junior Edison Moody said the team experienced ups and downs early in the season, but eventually got its momentum going.

“The beginning of the season was a struggle, but other than that, we turned it around pretty much,” Moody said.

Moody said one of his favorite moments happened during a close dual meet that came down to the final matches.

“At the Blue Springs dual, our varsity 215 and 285 got wins to seal it, and that was really cool to see,” Moody said.

He said motivation from both coaches and teammates helped the team get through tough weeks.

“Our coaches motivate us a lot and push us hard, and we try to encourage each other and push one another to our full potential,” Moody said.

Moody also said the season helped him get better personally and as a wrestler.

“My confidence got a lot better, and that translated into me wrestling better,” Moody said.

Both wrestlers said the season helped the team grow stronger connections and develop memories they will remember after it’s over.