Wrestling season is right around the corner with most teams taking to the mat for opening meets the week coming out of Thanksgiving. Here’s what the coaches are expecting ahead of a packed slate of events.

What do you expect to be the strengths of the team?

SV/Elmwood Head Coach Ryan Turner: Our strength this season will be the combination of a solid roster size and a good mix of experience. We have seasoned wrestlers who know what it takes, paired with a large group of underclassmen who bring energy, competitiveness and a willingness to learn. That blend should make us a well-rounded and hungry team.

River Falls Head Coach Cam Loomis: This season we will be led by a very experienced group of juniors that have lofty goals with only one senior on the team.

Ellsworth Head Coach Carson Huppert: Our biggest strengths will be our experience and our depth. We have a strong group of returning starters, which allows us to comfortably fill a full lineup. On top of that, this is a great group of kids who work extremely hard and genuinely enjoy being around each other. Their chemistry and work ethic will be major assets throughout the season.

Prescott Head Coach Nick Zajac: This team of boys and girls are comprised of athletes who exemplify exceptional attitudes and a strong work ethic. They have already established a remarkable sense of unity, consistently motivating and challenging one another to reach higher levels of performance. Just one week into the season, there is an energy within the room and program with growing anticipation throughout the wrestling community regarding what this group can achieve. With their collective commitment and drive, this team is poised to exceed expectations and demonstrate that their greatest strength lies in working together as one.

Who are you looking to for leadership on and off the mat?

Turner: We will be leaning on our returning upperclassmen to set the tone in the room and model the daily habits needed to compete at a high level. Their consistency and maturity will be important for our younger wrestlers as they grow into the program. We also have four wrestlers who are currently ranked in the state, and those guys are helping set the tone every day.

Loomis: We will be looking for a leadership group instead of designated captains. Possibility to change as the season goes. It will be important for the group to hold everyone accountable in the wrestling room, in the classroom and around town. We have a lot of individuals capable of being great leaders and we need them all to contribute.

Huppert: We’ll be leaning on our captains, Jeremiah Johnson and Breken Young. They bring tremendous energy and set the tone for the rest of the team. Their leadership, both in practice and in competition, gives the team someone to rally around.

Zajac: Leadership on and off the mat has already begun to emerge across every grade level. Our seniors have embraced the role of mentors, modeling positive attitudes and demonstrating an eagerness to learn that sets the tone for the entire team. Juniors have established themselves as relentless competitors, driving the pace in the practice room with their nonstop energy and commitment. Sophomores have stepped forward with confidence, leaving behind their freshman year and proving themselves through consistent effort and determination. The freshmen are battle-tested and ready for varsity competition. They have shown poise beyond their years, pushing the pace and contributing to the team’s momentum. Together, this balanced leadership reflects the unity, drive and collective strength that will define our success throughout the season.

What will be the on-the-mat keys to success this season?

Turner: For us, it will come down to fundamentals, conditioning and constant pressure. If we can wrestle a full six minutes, win the small positions and stay aggressive, we will put ourselves in a position to win a lot of matches.

Loomis: Being open to improvement each day, smile and enjoy the ride. Our season will be full of good tests, and we will take the results and make adjustments as the year goes.

Huppert: Our focus is on maximum effort every single match. We want the kids to battle from whistle to whistle. We’re not worried about wins and losses—we measure success by the effort they put in and the heart they show each time they step on the mat.

Zajac: The key to success on the mat this season will be resilience. This team has already demonstrated the drive and determination needed to build a positive and productive year, showing improvement each time they step on the mat. I am excited to see their confidence grow with each win, and to help build them back up after each loss. With a consistent commitment to hard work and a positive mindset, every opportunity, win or a loss will contribute to their growth. Ultimately, their resilience, combined with their attitude and work ethic, will be the foundation of a successful season.

What are the goals for the season?

Turner: We want to see steady improvement from week to week, both individually and as a team. Our goals are to fill as many weights as possible, compete hard, develop technically, wrestle with relentless effort and continue building a strong family culture that will grow for years to come.

Loomis: This is the first year as head coach we haven't really set an end goal for the season. The team/individuals have put a lot of work in during the offseason, and they are excited to compete.  If they compete like they train and fight for their team and town, we/they will be in a good position come the end of the year.

Huppert: Our goal is to improve every day and positively impact each athlete's life. A season comes with ups and downs, but if we can continue to grow, learn and get better—both as athletes and as people—that’s what truly matters. Consistent progress is what the coaching staff values most.

Zajac: Our season goals are straightforward yet meaningful. We will challenge each athlete to reach their full potential individually, while uniting as one team. The focus extends beyond competition, ensuring that every member has a positive experience and grows as both a student-athlete and a contributing member of the community. Wrestling will serve as a foundation for building character, resilience and leadership. While wins and losses are part of the journey, our true measure of success will be the growth of the team and the development of outstanding individuals who embody excellence on and off the mat.