“Fun to coach.”

That’s how Head Coach Cory Connell would describe his team in three words. The varsity team is currently undefeated with wins against Prairie and Cedar Falls, and a first-place finish in an eight-team Tournament in Newton. Coach Connell has many ambitions for his team this season.

“We would like to win MVC Duel and Tournament Titles, win Districts, make State Dual and finish in the top 5 at the individual and Dual State Tournaments,” Connell said.

Connell has organized many tournaments, workouts, and camps throughout summer and spring to reach those goals.

“We went to Iron Sharpens Iron Camp, Iowa Camp, and had our own camp, plus had lifting and wrestling workouts all summer,” Connell said. “There are a ton of opportunities for our wrestlers to lift, wrestle and get better year round. However, it’s their job to take advantage of it.”

Success for the team won’t happen overnight either. Connell stresses that it takes a commitment to trust the process and to reach their goals.

“It’s gonna take one day at a time to get better each and every day.”

In one week is the West versus City meet at City High this year. It’s expected to be a full gym and the wrestlers have anticipated these meets over and over again.

“I think it’s gonna be a pretty good duel. We match up well. So if we take care of business I think we’ll come out where we want to be,” Lance Bormann ‘18 said.

The team has been waiting for a breakout season for a while. To some wrestlers on the team, this year could be when they can prove themselves.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that are just doing really well. A bunch of ranked kids that are ranked could potentially get a few more. So we just need to stay healthy and keep working hard,” Bormann said.

With all the obstacles the team will face this year some say it will all be worth the end result.

“I think we’re gonna have an excellent run this year. I think we’re gonna win state,” Hefley ‘19 said.

The Little Hawks hope to continue their undefeated record this season with a win tonight, December 7th, at home at 6 pm against Xavier.