Winter brings not only freezing weather but also the intense excitement of high school wrestling. Three individuals who are involved in the wrestling scene — a dedicated wrestler, a determined teammate and a seasoned coach — discuss the challenges, strategies and camaraderie that makes this sport thrive.

Wesley Gill, 11

“My goal is to place at State, and I hope that my teammates make it to State,” Gill said.

Determined to challenge his teammates in practice to ensure they are focused, this ambitious goal reflects a collective aspiration for improvement and success. Gill encourages his teammates, both on and off the mat, as he believes this is integral to achieving those objectives.

“Having teammates in wrestling has made my high school experience so much better,” he said.

Tyler Williamson, head coach

The coach who orchestrates the team’s success emphasized the delicate balance of coaching and building strong, cohesive teams.

“There’s no pressure — the hay’s already in the barn,” Williamson said.

He said he places responsibility on athletes to execute what they’ve trained for.

“They have to be good kids on and off the mat,” he said. “They’re doing the right stuff in school: taking care of their grades, being respectful to teachers, helping out in their community.”

He stressed the importance of coming together as a team.

“Identify your team leaders and lean into their strengths,” he said. “You have to find a way to turn those individuals into a cohesive unit.”

Karizma Nola, 12

His focus on improving both on and off the mat, coupled with a strong emphasis on cardio, underscores the dedication required for peak performance in winter sports.

Challenges arise not only in physical demands but also in adapting to the cold and dry climate. Wrestling requires top-notch respiratory health, making every breath a struggle in the chilly winter air.

“I did a lot of training and different kinds of drilling to get better on my feet,” he said. “That made me better.”