Wrestlers have already started preparing for their season which began this week at their first practice on Monday, Oct. 29.

“I think we’re going to have a really good season this year,” said Assistant Varsity Coach Chris Brown. “I expect us to win a lot more duels and have a lot more guys win medals in tournaments.”

Little doubt is in the air around the wrestling room as wrestlers have already been preparing since the off-season.

“The coaches are tough, very tough, strict practices, [there is] no playing around,” said Varsity wrestler Shawn Wielms, who had a record of 28-17 last season.

Other wrestlers agree.

“I’ve been running pretty frequently, I work out with the team four days a week and I work out on weekends, and I wrestle twice a week to stay on top of my game,” said returning Varsity wrestler Sean Small.

Last season North four Varsity wrestlers earned the right to go to state: Brendan Hatchel, who doesn’t go to FHN anymore but wrestled 106, and Sam Ritchie, 113 and Tyler Smith. Jeremiah Reed, who earned a spot in the 152 weight class, was unable to compete due to injury.

“I expect to go to state again,” Ritchie said. “ I plan on placing top six and earning my first high school medal.”

Returning state medalist, Tyler Smith, who placed in sixth last year in state, is pretty confident about the season.

“I’ll make it to state this year and hopefully I’ll win it because that’s my goal,” Smith said.

The first meet is about a month away on Nov. 28 and it’ll be at home.

“I’m fairly excited because the team is looking very strong up and down the line up and I think we got a shot in placing as a team in state this year,” Small said.