With the first whistle of the season fast approaching, the wrestling room that has sat relatively dormant in the offseason has awoken with practices and camaraderie. The mats are alive with disciplined movement, coach Brad Anderson’s talks, and the unmistakable energy of a program determined to better its standard. This year’s team, ready with returning wrestlers, new faces, and a powerful sense of tradition, enters the season with excitement and a no-nonsense tough mindset.
From the start of preseason training, coaches have emphasized the mental approach needed to survive the grind of a wrestling season. Athletes like Collin Grupe and Isaac Stephan have embraced that challenge, adopting a mindset defined by consistency, toughness, and belief in the process. The team has made it clear that physical preparation matters, but the real foundation is mental toughness.
“The mindset is to have a lot of grit every day, and to be constantly being tough and determined,” Grupe said.
“The mindset this year is that as a team we are going to work as hard as we can, and to make this the best year for wrestling,” Stephan stated.
Much of that mentality has been shaped by a strong developing young underclassmen into strong wrestlers. These young wrestlers, like Ben Catsillo, have been in the program for years. Through youth and middle school, sticking with the program, and rose through the ranks of the team. Ready to make their mark at the varsity level and hopefully into the years to come in their wrestling careers.
“All of us younger wrestlers have worked hard on and off the mats, and have been helping the team to secure points for the wins,” Castillo said.
Beyond the returning experience, the program’s depth gives it an edge. Talented wrestlers who spent the offseason competing in clubs and summer tournaments are now ready to challenge for varsity spots. Coaches have taken notice of their speed, creativity, and hunger to improve. As the roster fills out across weight classes, internal competition has become a major driver of growth. Every athlete understands that earning a varsity role requires consistency at practice and composure under pressure.
The team will be tested early and often, thanks to a demanding schedule loaded with top-ranked opponents. Meets that stand out not only for their difficulty but for the storylines they bring, rivalries like Lowell, postseason previews, and opportunities to prove themselves on bigger stages. These meetings are more than calendar dates; they are turning points where the team will reveal if they will be the hammer or the nail.
“There are a lot of key meets, but the most important one will be against our rival, Lowell,” Castillo said.
While talent and preparation are essential, the program’s backbone is its tradition—a legacy built by years of hard work, alumni support, and a culture of accountability. The wrestlers are reminded daily that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Banners on the walls and state-qualifier photos serve as constant motivation. For current team members, carrying that tradition forward is an honor they take seriously.
“ The wrestlers’ hill run, and the holiday practices, which I feel separate us from other teams,” Grupe stated.
“Some key things are the wrestler’s hill, and team dinners will be important,” Stephan said.
What makes this year’s group especially compelling is the chemistry that binds all these elements together. Wrestling may be an individual sport on the mat, but it is absolutely a team sport from Monday through Friday. There is a shared respect in the room, a belief that improvement comes from pushing each other harder than anyone else will. Athletes hold each other accountable in conditioning, celebrate each other’s improvement, and rally around teammates who face setbacks. This internal unity might prove to be the team’s greatest competitive advantage.
As the opening meet draws closer, excitement is building not only on the team but the school as well. Fans who fill the stands each winter know the intensity of wrestling, and they’re excited to watch a team that blends experience, emerging talent, and strong leadership. If the early tone is any indication, this season has the potential to be one that leaves a lasting mark, one where traditions play a key role, expectations are challenged, and the groundwork is laid for something even bigger within the program itself.
