For some boys at Freedom, weight really matters. It isn’t just about looking aesthetically pleasing; though that is a plus. The team is lacking a few key weight classes such as 103, 189 and 285 pounds. They expect to have a very high win percentage, but since they are missing some key weights some matches could be potential forfeits causing them to start the match down by 18 team points. Even with this, they expect a good season with a fair chance of making it to playoffs for the first time in quite awhile. The boys practice hard every day to stay in shape. “[Coach Covert] is pushing us harder and harder every day; we are getting up early for practices, but we all know that when it comes time for us to compete, we will be ready,” Senior Lenny Radzicki said Even though they went to their first scrimmage already, it didn’t seem like it. “Keep in mind; it’s not a scrimmage like other sports. We basically had one big practice,” said Sophomore Kurt Kitzman. “We did what we would do at any normal practice, but we only wrestled people from other schools, plus a little stretching and conditioning.” “Entering the scrimmage we were pretty confident; however, a lot of our team didn’t show up, but [the players] there ended up successful. As long as that carries out, I think we are destined for success,” Radzicki said. The team will have their first official match of the year on Dec. 15, so come out and watch them win. “All of the kids this year are keeping a winning mindset, which is ‘no complaining, just do it,’” said Stroupe. “ Slacking doesn’t figure in on that. We are doing less running this year, but our focus has shifted more to mat time. That consists of drilling, technique, and live wrestling, which most would consider harder than running.” The wrestling team doesn’t only work, but they also know how to have fun. One of the things that matters a lot in every teenager’s life, music, is an important factor for the team. “Every year we have a stereo that we mess around with before practice. For match night warm-ups, it’s always a big argument about who gets to pick the music, but the last match of the year, the seniors get to pick it without any say from any other member of the team,” Stroupe said. If you’re one of the people that don’t know the wrestling scoring, this will break it down for you. Two players begin facing each other, and, at the referee’s call, they begin circling, anxiously awaiting an opening to strike. As soon as the opportunity arises, one opponent will take the other to the ground, and when they gain control of them, receive two points. When someone is on top of you, and they have control, but you stand up away from them, then you get one point. When you are on the bottom and you switch them, and get control, then the pinner receives two points. Finally, when you get them on their back and get close to pinning them but you don’t get the pin, there are two options. When they are on their back for five seconds or more, you receive three points, but if it’s three seconds you get two points.