As the 2025-2026 wrestling season continues, the team uses its early challenges and successes to shape its approach for its upcoming matches. After an intense start to the season, filled with invitationals and dual meets, the Bulldogs have settled into the rhythm of the season with their long-term goals in focus.
The team emphasized improvement and consistency following their early practices and shortcomings. As the season progressed, these practices have remained intense, with the boys working to critique their technique and strengthen their skills.
“The boys have been working hard to improve and reach where we are now,” Head Coach Ezekiel Stroupe said. “There is a lot of work left to do as we seek our fourth consecutive section title and fifth straight playoff berth.”
Early in the season, the team struggled to fill the shoes of leadership following the loss of two key seniors from the previous year. They faced the challenge of not having players willing to step up and take their place. Brayden Reynolds (11), Charles Brenckle (12) and Thomas Henry (12) were selected as the team captains for this season.
Since the season can be very demanding with the strict weight restrictions, long practices and back-to-back matches, it can be difficult to stay motivated. The wrestlers must rely on strict self-discipline and support from their teammates and coaches to push through both physical and mental challenges.
“Everybody has to stay confident. If we think we’re gonna lose, we’re gonna lose. It’s kind of like a manifestation. Everybody pushed themself at practice, so you have to believe they wanted to win,” Brayden Reynolds (11) said.
As the team continues, this mentality is expected to follow them and help prepare them for every competition and season to come.
It is often a silent challenge among athletes to balance school with the responsibilities and demands of the sport. This provides another opportunity for these students to push themselves and really see how much they’re capable of when they work for it.
Despite any difficulties, the team has continued to show resilience, using each obstacle as preparation for the remainder of the season and the potential postseason competition. The team’s improvement was also influenced by its coaching staff, which emphasized conditioning and consistent effort through practices.
“Our coach had weeks where we’d just run and run and run, but it made us better and made us work harder,” Troy Gorajewski (11) said.
With the latest section title, the team became the first in school history to earn a fourth-time section win.
“It feels good. We did pretty well overall in how we performed. We started slow at the beginning of the season, and we picked it up for section champs,” Gorajewski said.
With several meets still ahead, the wrestling team remains focused on steady improvement and preparation for postseason competitions. Through continued hard work, the team hopes to build on its experiences and finish the year stronger than it began.