BOYS TEAM
Jayce Estes won state at 113 pounds as a sophomore last season and returns at 113 or 120 this season. He made the big jump after not medaling as a freshman.
“Jayce had to change his thought process in order to start competing and preparing at the level he was capable of being at,” Warsaw head coach Justin Wisdom said. “Jayce knows he will have to continue that because he understands that getting to the top is difficult but staying there is even harder.”
Drake Murrell placed fourth at 157 pounds last season. He will wrestle at 157 or 165 this season.
“We want Drake to continue to be the leader that he has become,” Wisdom said. “What Drake brings to the team is more important than any of his accomplishments. Obviously, we look for Drake to compete for another state medal and climb up the podium while enjoying his senior campaign.”
Josh Harvath placed fifth at 175 pounds as a sophomore. He will wrestle 175 or 190 this season.
“Josh is physically mature, which helps when competing against upperclassmen,” Wisdom said. “Josh’s confidence and belief in himself helped him get over the hump last season. Josh understands he is an upperclassman now and his mindset and presence for his teammates must continue to improve.”
Sean Reinertsen (junior, 126/132), Sonny Garrett (senior, 144/150), D’Angelo Ramirez (junior, 150/157), Uriah Phillips (junior, 165/175) and Jayce Depriest (senior, 190/215) also return.
The freshman class will also make an impact on varsity.
“Our incoming freshman class is an exciting one for us. This is the first group of kids coming into High School that the new coaching staff started to work with as seventh graders. There will be some kids in that freshman group that have an impact in the varsity line up,” Wisdom said. “Our incoming freshman won back-to-back conference championships in junior high and are aware of what it takes to be successful on the mat. If they can make the transition to high school and keep building on that success, then the future looks good for the Wildcats.”
Warsaw will host a holiday dual on Dec. 12 and an assembly dual on Jan. 9 against El Dorado Springs.
“Our roster will be full of athletic, disciplined, tough kids. These kids are in their third year with us now and the way they think, carry themselves and work will be a great strength for the team,” Wisdom said. “(We want) continued pursuit of excellence and finding consistency. The kids have done what we have asked of them in order to get the culture going in the right direction. It is now time to start being consistent and accepting nothing less.”
GIRLS TEAM
State qualifier Naomi Yoder returns for her junior season. She qualified for state at 115 pounds last season and will be at 125 or 130 this season.
“Naomi needs to continue building confidence and believe in herself. Naomi took it upon herself to attend some camps during the summer and off-season which is only going to boost her performance,” Wisdom said. “Naomi is very coachable, between that and her toughness Naomi has been able to make great strides in her short year and a half wrestling career.”
Izabella Schierholz (sophomore, 110/115), Alysia Yoder (senior, 115/120) and Brooklyn Jackman (senior, 235) also return to the varsity lineup.
“All four girls returning did a great job over the off-season,” Wisdom said. “They have all made great improvements in their mindset and wrestling technique.”
Elizabeth Phillips (sophomore, 110/115), Analicia Guevara (sophomore, 135/140), Emmersyn Miskell (freshman, 120/125) and Leigh Coons (freshman, 135/140) will be newcomers.
“Emmersyn Miskell has potential and has had good success the past two years through junior high and Youth Wrestling,” Wisdom said. “We are hoping she finds a good home within the girls lineup so she can continue to find success in high school.”
Most of the roster is similar in size which will lead to competitive practices.
“All of our girls have someone close to their weight so that will benefit them in the practice room,” Wisdom said. “Having good practice partners will enhance their opportunity for improvement throughout the season. Brooklyn Jackman is the only one out there on her own a little, but she is a senior this year and we look for her to continue where she left off last season where she fell one win away from qualifying for the state tourney.”
