Winter sports outlook: Wrestlers look to state
Published 2:51 pm Wednesday, December 9, 2015
After a strong 2014 season, the Mount Si High School wrestling team is looking to improve over their third-place ranking in the region.
Tony Schlotfeldt, head coach of the wrestling team, said the team is strong this year and could improve over the last year’s results.
“I think the team is competitive. There is no reason they can’t compete with the teams in our league if we are working hard enough and confident,” Schlotfeldt said. “In the region we placed third last year, so we would like to preserve that tradition and step up. Second would be great. State-wise I think there is potential for five to seven kids to make it to state. From there it’s anybody’s shot.”
Two of last season’s four state qualifiers have graduated, but returning to the team this year are Andrew Harris, senior, and Mason Marenco, junior, who both qualified.
Also returning to the team this year are the state alternates from last season, Henry Foster, junior, and Duncan Harrison, sophomore.
Other notable names are freshman Spencer Marenco, the younger brother of Mason, who won state in a club division, as well as Jack Hamerly, junior, and Connor Holt, a sophomore.
Schlotfeldt said that because winter sports have the longest season, they really want to take the time to focus on improving individually.
“Of course we want them to win, but we also want them to improve daily and practice, especially with the newer kids,” he said. “Can you improve on one technique in practice in neutral, one on top, and one on bottom. For the older kids that are experienced, what can you add to your arsenal to make you better. Every day we are trying to focus on something to get better. It’s not just getting in here and going through the motions.”
The team is always looking to grow and Schlotfeldt wants to encourage more kids to give it a shot.
“It’s open to everybody and we try to do our best to make it a positive experience,” he said.
Wildcat Wrestling Meets
Thurs., Dec. 10, at Issaquah, 6 p.m.
Tue., Dec. 15, at Eastlake, 7 p.m.
Tue., Jan. 5, at Cedarcrest, 6 p.m.
Tue., Jan. 12, home vs Bothell, 7 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 14, home vs Skyline, 7 p.m.
Tue., Jan. 26, home vs Woodinville, 7 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 28, at Newport, 6 p.m.
