PREVIEW: Three district qualifiers to lead Eagles

WRESTLING

     Three district qualifiers will lead a small but determined Midland High School wrestling team onto the mat this season.

     The Eagles have seven returning letter-winners among the nine wrestlers on the team. Last year’s district qualifiers included senior Landon Hunter, who will wrestle at 160 pounds this season; and sophomores Trevor Gudenkauf (120) and Griffin Gravel (126).

     Also back are seniors Slayder Hansen and Jalen Huston, junior Kasper Heiken, and sophomore Brett Schoenherr.

     “This group of athletes will bring multiple years of experience and leadership not only in practice but in competition as well,” third-year coach Cody Goble said.

     The numbers may be a bit low, but the goals are high.

     “Our team goal is to make it to regional duals this year,” he said. “We have come close a few times, and we hope this could be the year we turn the corner and get top two at sectionals.”

     The team’s ability to work together will help toward that goal, the coach said.

     “Our main strength is our team chemistry,” Goble said. “They all get along great and act as brothers in the room and off the mat. Top to bottom, they all push each other to continue to work hard and get the most out of each practice.”

     In meets, he added, “our team will be more inclined to post better places and scores at tournaments, because individuals can carry more of the team that they can at dual meets.”

     Midland does have the challenge of competing in the Tri-Rivers Conference.

     “The Tri-Rivers is one of the toughest 1A conferences in the state,” the coach said. “It has produced multiple state champs every year along with dual and team champions at the state level as well. We will have our hands full, as we do every year, but we should hold our own pretty well.”

     Casey Huston is the assistant coach.