Hillcrest will have low numbers, but head coach Kris Wood will be looking for the wrestlers he puts in the varsity lineup to leave a good account of themselves each time on the mat.
“I would hope that we get the name out there that it is not going to be an easy match. I am not thinking we are going to win many duals because of numbers, but (I want opposing wrestlers) to not look forward to (wrestling us) and know that it is going to be a brawl,” Wood said.
Brothers Daytona and Nathaniel Berg will be two key wrestlers for Hillcrest. Daytona had a 12-win freshman season. Nathaniel will be looking to have success on the varsity level as a freshman this year.
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“They are definitely two of my more committed athletes. They will get there. They aren’t world beaters yet, but they have the passion for the sport,” Wood said.
Daytona improved throughout his freshman season peaking at the district tournament.
“He (Daytona) wrestled a lot better later in the year and got a lot more confidence,” Wood said. “He wrestled really well at district. I think it was his best tournament.”
Daytona will slot in around 138 or 145 pounds while Nathaniel will be 152 to 160 pounds.
Look for big strides from Quinci Attyberry in his senior year. The three-sport standout posted a 20-win season last year.
“He just needs to learn more about wrestling. He is a three-sport athlete. I honestly think his best sport is wrestling. I am hoping to see a whole new level of commitment for his senior year,” Wood said.
Hillcrest opens the season on Nov. 27 at Glendale for a triangular.
