The 2015-16 high school wrestling season is kicking off a bit earlier than normal this year, with local grapplers set to compete in their first event Tuesday, Nov. 24, when they head to Valley …
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The 2015-16 high school wrestling season is kicking off a bit earlier than normal this year, with local grapplers set to compete in their first event Tuesday, Nov. 24, when they head to Valley Christian High School for a 4:30 p.m. showdown.
According to head coach Luke Salzman, this year’s squad has a solid group of returning athletes who will be complimented by a fresh batch of newcomers.
With any luck, he said that the positive energy from last season will continue into this current run.
“Last season was fun, such a great group of guys that all got along with each other,” Salzman said.
“That makes it enjoyable to show up and coach every day.”
Salzman said that the Falcons had a few athletes get in a lot of training in the offseason and, coupled with a large list of returning grapplers, he’s hoping to see some big things come out of the season.
“We have 24 guys out this year,” Salzman said.
“Nine of our guys are returning from a lot of varsity experience. Five sectional placers are returning and two state placers are returning, Tony Boulanger and Parker Kauffman.”
All told, the roster consists of a big eight seniors, six juniors, six sophomores and an additional three freshmen.
“We have a few new guys in the room, like always,” Salzman continued.
“Which means we’ll be hitting the basics, which are important for all wrestlers.
“But we had everyone back at the start of the season and ready to work hard. Some of our upperclassmen are hungry and ready to get back on the mat and compete.”
Speaking of competitions, local Falcon fans will have to wait quite a while to see the flock hit the high school gym.
After competing in seven currently scheduled events throughout December and January, the local boys will cap off their season with the only home meet of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
With events at Arizona College Preparatory, Valley Christian and Payson peppered throughout the calendar, however, folks won’t need to travel too far to get in some Falcon wrestling.
Salzman said he hasn’t picked captains just yet, but he’s excited to see who puts forth the effort to take charge of the team.
“Most of our guys know they have to work if they want to be successful,” he said.
“I haven’t picked captains yet, but some of the upperclassmen take that role on as leaders and it usually works itself out by who is leading the team.”
Looking ahead, Salzman said his goal at the moment is to put together a competitive lineup, one that will place high at tournaments and eventually carry the team into a state showing.
“We have some really talented wrestlers in our lineup that will turn some heads,” Salzman added.
