The wrestling team is ready to get into the full swing of the season with a new co-head coach, Devon Rupp, four time national qualifier. The first practice of the season was Oct. 18 at Wayne Martial Arts.

Head Coach Gregory Vande Weil is entering his 10th season as the head coach. Over his career he has had three All-Americans and eight Academic All-Americans. His team is also a top-10 team in the nation in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.

The team is confident they can get right back to where they were last season.

“We have a returning core of seven to eight guys, and I hope we have another seven to eight new guys. I think we picked up some guys that have been on campus,” said Vander Weil.

The coaches would like to send as many wrestlers as they can to Nationals
and show everyone what they are made of there.

The coaches expect a lot from the seniors.

“We have national duals, and we are hoping to take a full team down to Utah for that,” said Rupp. “If we can take two in every weight class to Nationals, then hopefully we can fill the entire roster and take as many extra as we can.”

The two returning seniors for the Wildcats are Spencer Trout, a 184-pounder, and Patrick Donolly, a 157-165 pounder. They both try to lead the way and push the group to strive for the best season yet.

Vander Weil and Rupp look to have another great season.

“Devon has been with us for four years, our previous senior was an excellent mentor and it felt bad to lose him, but I’m fortunate to have Devon with me,” said Vander Weil. “I think we have a little more experience than we have had in the past, and I think if we combine that with new people, we are optimistic about having a solid season.”

Support the wrestlers by stopping by the upper level of the Student Center Cafeteria and purchasing Wrestling gear or Godfather’s coupons today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or contact Coach Greg Vander Weil or any member of the team. They have a great selection of WSC wrestling gear or for $5 you get $10 off any regular priced pizza.

Wildcat Wrestling competes at home Nov. 17 and 18 at the Rec Center. Anyone interested in joining the Wildcat wrestling team can contact Vander Weil or Rupp.