The boys wrestling team looks forward to a solid season with the return of its strongest wrestlers. Although one of the team’s top returners, junior Jake Sutton, is unable to compete during the first half of the season due to  injury, seniors DJ Gagner and Wesley Deaver, and freshman Hunter Sutton, are expected to carry the team to victory. In their home opener against Magruder Dec. 14, the boys defeated Magruder, as both Sutton and Gagner pinned their opponents to give the team the win.

“We are looking forward to a good season with some very strong individuals,” coach Don Higgins said.

The boys competed in their first tournament of the season, the “Mad Mats” tournament, and came out with an impressive ninth place finish. Sutton led the way with a first place win in the 119 weight class. Deaver found a third place win in the 112 weight class, and freshman Adam Keita came out with a fifth place win in the 140 weight class.

“We’re going to be pretty good this year, but we definitely have to watch out for Whitman because they will for sure be our strongest competitor,” Gagner said.

The Bulldogs will find their most competition against local rival Whitman. Gagner and Deaver will have to carry quite a load with the early season absence of Sutton, one of the fiercest competitors the previous season who tore his meniscus and ACL. However, their load will be lightened with the arrival of the younger Sutton, his brother.

“We have a great freshmen class this year and Hunter is our top freshman,” Higgins said. “We are building up for the future.”

The team wrestled in a dual tournament at Richard Montgomery Dec. 17.