Raider wrestling will head into another winter season with co-head coaches John Ford and Eric Ehlen back at the helm of the storied program with Marcus Daughton and Kevin Trullinger back as assistant coaches.
The team fills seven weights this year with freshmen Brock Shaha at 106, Tucker Larson at 195 and Jaydon Levy at 132, junior Jaydon Knight at 170, sophomore Preston Fleharty at 145 and seniors Braydon Swietlik at 220 and Keaton White at 182.
Last season the Raiders placed seventh in the conference and return two-time state qualifier Jaydon Knight along with letterwinners Keaton White, Preston Fleharty and Braydon Swietlik.
The Raiders lost state qualifiers Bryce Shaha and Trae Ehlen to graduation as well as Jarrett Webb who scored good points for the Raiders late in the season.
“The numbers game will be our biggest issue,” said coach Ford. “We will do better in tournaments than duals, in my opinion. Our freshman will get tested right away so with some success early we could surprise some people.”
A notable absence from the team this year is Drew Ehlen, who has decided to try his hand at basketball.
“We have some good expierience to go with our younger kids,” said coach Ford. “Brock Shaha will definitely turn some heads this year and everyone knows about Jaydon Knight now so he will have a big target on his back.”
The Raiders open their season December 2 in East Mills at 5 p.m.
