As fall sports have come to an end, winter sports are kicking off and gearing up for the season. Head coach for the Owls wrestling team this season is Travis Daerr, assisted by Travis Nickelson. This will be Daerr’s second time coaching as he was previously the head coach at GPHS from 2000-2008. He’s helped with coaching kids clubs and was an assistant coach here as well since that time. 

The team currently has nine wrestlers that Daerr is looking forward to coaching. Daerr said, “I’m excited to see the development of the new young wrestlers through the season as well as watch the older guys become more competitive in their respective weight classes as the season progresses.” 

Coming off of winning 1 out of their 3 duals, and not being top three in any of their tournaments last year, Daerr’s team goals are to win their duals, place in the top 3 in 3 tournaments, and fill all 14 weight classes. He’s preparing them for these tournaments and duals by teaching basic fundamentals and techniques along with getting into wrestling shape. Daerr added, “We’ll continue to progress with conditioning and learning moves as the season goes on and hope all the boys will be at their peak conditioning by regionals and state.” 

Improvements for this year’s season include recognizing what each individual needs and doing the best they can to help that wrestler both on and off the mat. They are looking to see great accomplishments within the season, especially with three seniors on the team. Spencer Kelley, Wyatt Nickelson, and Gage Lee all are big factors this year as they are already providing leadership and encouragement during practice. 

One senior in particular is expected to be a consistent placer and a big threat on the mats. Gage Lee is a returning 2 time state qualifier and this will be his 9th year wrestling. Lee said, “I’m excited to see how many of my teammates will make it to state this year.” His goals include having no more than three losses and placing at state. Lee plans to obtain these goals by perfecting his wrestling IQ and improving his conditioning. He’d like younger wrestlers to know it’s okay to not know how to do everything a month into wrestling, but to stick through it. Lee said, “A lot of guys drop out because they can’t figure it out, trust me you will, I didn’t figure it out till 10th grade.” 

The wrestling team will open their season at El Dorado on Saturday, December 2.