Washington (Iowa) wrestlers setting bar high

WASHINGTON, Iowa - The Washington wrestling team is ready to begin its new season, looking to continue its streak of conference championships.

Even though the team is relatively young, it has the determination and drive to demolition the opposition and fight its way to a third straight conference championship - and possibly much more at the state level.

Last season, the Demons sent four wrestlers to the state tournament. While Brad Skubal, last year's runner-up at 195 pounds, has graduated, the other three qualifiers return. Juniors Kyle Anderson, Andrew Waite and Trey Van Weelden headline the returning wrestlers and will look to return to Des Moines, along with several other teammates.

The 2015-16 team will consist of around 25 athletes. They began practice on Nov. 16 and practice every night after school. The wrestlers can be seen in action throughout the week and occasionally on Saturdays in several tournaments.

'I love being around the kids,” said assistant coach Derick Ball. 'I love (seeing kids) put in great effort and seeing results because of it.”

Ball even made a personal prediction. He believes the team can push between six to eight wrestlers to the state meet in February.

'My favorite part is the competition because it's no one else doing the work, just you,” said Kyle Anderson, a lifelong wrestler who has a real love for the sport.

He also predicted the team would do very well this year because of the amount of talent on the roster.

Anderson is a two-time state qualifier and is hoping to make it a third straight season in the Well. He knows he needs to improve to make that a reality.

'Wrestlers everywhere need to constantly work on good technique and pushing one's self,” he said. 'We can accomplish all of this by putting in extra time in the wrestling room and going to open mat.”

In preparation for the upcoming season, several wrestlers attended a summer wrestling camp. Washington won the competition against 46 other teams.

The Demons open tonight at HLV High School.