The winter season means the second wave of sports has arrived at FHC, and for the Ranger wrestling team, this means it is time to get down to work so that they are ready for everything thrown its way. 

“We have a strong core of upperclassmen that have put in a lot of time. We have high expectations of them,” head coach Brad Anderson said. “They are internally motivated and hard-working, so we should have a successful season. We have some new faces, and they are learning quickly. Some might even make it into the starting lineup.”

With a lineup of strong wrestlers, the possibilities are endless for what this group can do. The returning athletes may have the experience under their belts, but a new year means new skills, and there is no shortage of talent in this group.

“I’m excited about this wrestling season because I’m stronger and better than I was last year, and I’m looking forward to bonding with the team again,” junior Alex Korff said.  

Sports seasons always have a bittersweet feeling being the seniors’ last year on the team after growing with the program, and with all of the support from their younger teammates, the senior Rangers are ready to put it all on the mat one last time.

“I’m feeling confident and dangerous. I’ve put in so much work, and now it’s time to show what I’ve become,” senior Blake Jacobs said.

Another team victory this year will be a loaded girls roster for the first time in a few years. After a great season last year that saw returning wrestler Ashley Schenck qualifying for the state finals, the once-small girls team is a growing powerhouse that will be one to reckon with this year. 

“I am really excited to see how we do this year,” Ashley said. “We have a bigger girls team this year with five wrestlers, so hopefully more of us will make it to states this year. I am already impressed with how much the new wrestlers have learned and think this season will go well and be a lot of fun.”

The season hasn’t begun just yet, but the excitement builds as the team kicks off the fun on December 7, against Grandville followed by a dual meet with Forest Hills Eastern on December 10.