Wolves boys and girls get ready to hit the mat

Green River's Head Wrestling Coach Josh Wisniewski indicates he is "very excited to get the 2023/24 wrestling season started" as the team is "returning a great group of young men and women."

Wisniewski notes that "the wrestlers have been working hard during open mat to get their minds and bodies ready for the season." The goal for this year, "just like every season, is for the team to get better every day," the coach added.

The Wolves wrestlers are expected to get better in the classroom, in the community, and on the mat. The coach's philosophy is that you have to be a great person before you can be a great wrestler.

He also believes that "we want to be wrestling our very best at the end of the season to put us into position for a team Regional and State Championship."

The Wolves will be returning two State Champions for the boys: Senior Kale Knezovich and Junior Lucas Todd. Knezeovich is going for his fourth individual state championship this season, while Todd will be looking to build on a strong sophomore season.

Green River also has seven other state placers. Senior Axel Mackinon placed second, Senior Nick Weipert third, Junior James Herwaldt third, Junior Ashton Lucero third, Senior Spencer Wright fifth, Sophomore Maddux Hintz sixth, and Junior Lily Harris sixth. All are "hungry," according to Wisniewski, and "looking to improve on their last year's placings."

In addition to those that placed at State, the team has a number of returning wrestlers who were on the doorstep of placing last year and are looking to make a jump and get on the podium this season, according to their coach.

In further analyzing the team's prospects for this season, Wisniewski states that they will have a good group of sophomores, juniors, and seniors on the team that will provide solid leadership and provide a competitive spirit throughout the season. In addition, they are looking forward to seeing the freshmen come in and learn how to be GRHS wrestlers and compete.

Coach Wisniewski, in summarizing his thoughts on the 2023/24 season, concludes that "we are very fortunate as a coaching staff to be working with these great student athletes in Green River and can't wait to get started."

The wrestlers' first official practice starts November 20 with the first meet being the "Star Valley Invitational" on Thursday, December 7 at Star Valley High School in Afton. The regular season goes through February 8. Regionals this year will be in Riverton on February 16 and 17, followed by the State Championships in Casper on February 22, 23 and 24. Go Wolves!