Numbers down, attitude up for Warrior wrestlers
Sports reporter
Marion High School wrestling coach Chad Adkins wishes he had more than 14 wrestlers on the team. That means even when completely healthy the Warriors still fall short of filling the 16 weight classes.
But that doesn't discourage Adkins.
"This is one of the hardest working groups I've had," he said.
That group includes three state-qualifiers from a year ago, along with three new freshman.
All three state-qualifiers are seniors. Drew Looper and Chris Freeby were first-timers, while Chelsea Arnhold vies for her fourth straight trip this year.
While Looper should be out with an injury until after Christmas, Freeby and Arnhold will be ready to go.
The Warriors also have sophomore Riley Ross, who most likely will wrestle in the 103 or 112 pound weight class, who finished 27-6 one year ago.
Also returning are juniors Casey Nelson (15 victories) and Adam Depler (nine victories). Two sophomores, Ben Leppke (15 victories) and John Barr (14 victories) will wrestle at 130 pounds and 125 respectively.
The three freshmen, Justin Jacobsen, Hank Collett, and Charlie Holub, will need to contribute early in their careers for MHS to be successful.
With the help of a newly formed junior wrestling club, and more wrestlers at the middle school level, freshmen are coming in with experience under their belts.
It hasn't always been that way in the past, and Adkins looks at that as a major upside.
"Our numbers our down, we're a lot younger, and we don't have the experience [at the high school level]," Adkins said. "But the young kids are coming in with more experience."
An average season record 8-9 and 4-4 in the league isn't what the Warriors have in mind this season.
It's always easier said than done however. Marion lost its best wrestler, Steven Boone, to graduation and will have to find someone to step up and take his place.
It could be Arnhold, who finished with 24 victories a year ago, and Adkins is looking for big things from Depler at the 171 pound weight class.
If MHS falls short of any goal it set out, it won't be from lack of trying.
"They've been really positive," Adkins said. "They're ready to go. I think they wish we had something this Thursday."
The Warriors open with a JV tournament Saturday at Emporia before starting the varsity season Dec. 9 with a double duel at home.
