The Ritenour wrestling team began their 2025-2026 season with only nine returning wrestlers, and in an attempt to get more involved, wrestlers have reached out to friends and underclassmen about the sport.
“I have encouraged a couple people. A couple people have joined, right now they’re doing well,” sophomore Angel Aju said.
Starting in November the Huskies hit the mats with the intent to do better not only for themselves, but also for the team.
“This year we have a lot of potential. I feel like the girls we have on this team now, some of them are new, but they are very quickly learning most of the stuff. And even though they might not have a lot of wins, we are still a team and we can work and be better,” sophomore Aqsa Iqbal said.
The team’s youngest returner Aju has not let his age minimize his energy when interacting with athletes on both the male and female side. Hyping up his teammates comes naturally for him.
“I have more experience than them from different teams and different sports, and I just say it’s something fun for me to cheer on my teammates. I am hoping that they win with my encouragement,” Aju said.
As the door stays open to rookies, returners have begun to reflect on what makes the sport special to them and why they keep going back.
Returners not only are ready for this season but they have come prepared with techniques in mind to implement. Snap downs, High C’s, Single legs and tilts were all moves mentioned that athletes would like to use this season.
“The people in the sport, my friends, everybody involved makes for a very fun time. I enjoy doing what I do. I always want to go out and have fun,” junior James Hagler Young said.
For returning state qualifier Hagler Young, going back in the room feels different this year. Being a junior with a season and a half left, he keeps in mind the basics and wants to leave a name for himself.
“I always keep in mind good position because it is vital for being a good wrestler. So I’m always thinking good position. And then just having purpose in everything I do and working hard.” Hagler Young said. “I feel good. It is nice to have some reputation behind my name. It just makes me want to work even harder to be a placer this year.”
While many new wrestlers are still getting used to their teammates, the returning members are enjoying their final months with a four year wrestler. Zayne Groetecke, the only senior of the team, wants to remind everyone who steps on the mat that it is not always about wins and losses, but about personal growth and embracing the experience.
“Do not think about your matches. Go out and have fun. The more you stress about it, the more you’ll put into your head. Just go out. Just do what you gotta do,” Groetecke said.
