The wrestling team had remained undefeated until two recent losses in the 2025-26 season.
According to head coach Joel Gilbert, the team’s record is 12-2 in his 19th season of coaching. Last year the team had many successes with a 15-4 record. This year the coaches are expecting to have similar results.
“We had a lot of returning wrestlers from last year, so we had pretty high expectations,” Gilbert said. “We did pretty good last year; we won a district championship in the individual tournament. We expected to have a good season for the most part.”
However, this season there have been some setbacks compared to last year.
“The team has had some wrestlers get injured, so it’s been interesting to be able to put some of the other guys in the lineup,” Gilbert said. “We’ve had to shuffle some people around, but so far we’ve been able to make it work.”
“It is very fun and rewarding, especially due to the struggles the program has experienced in years past,” junior Gavin Ciampoli said.
To overcome these challenges, Gilbert has been working to develop team morale and create stronger bonds between the wrestlers.
“Our focus is on needs,” Gilbert said. “We’re just trying to correct those mistakes and just try to get better everyday. That is our ultimate goal. A lot of the guys will stand beside the mat and yell out things to support their fellow teammates. There’s a lot of support from their teammates and I think it really creates a good bond between them.”
Ciampoli believes the team strength is an advantage, as the wrestlers work together.
“We have a very solid team and work very hard,” Ciampoli said. “Our team has a chance to do big things, and definitely deserves to do so.”
Weaver believes working on both team and individual strengths are important as he takes on the rest of the season.
“This season has been different, mostly because I’m committed to a different college this year and my work ethic has definitely changed as well as my mentality going into this season,” senior Braiden Weaver said.
As the team heads into the rest of the season with a goal of improvement every day, Gilbert hopes for individual improvement.
“Our goal is to get better,” Gilbert said. “We may not, I don’t know, it all depends on one match here, one match there. I think, ultimately, our team is just looking to become better wrestlers each and every time we step onto the mat.”
