The Bears wrestling team is on an upward trend. Ending last season with seven wrestlers qualifying for State and one of them, current senior, Ladamien Sturdivant, becoming the State Runner up, the boys have done nothing but continue on with the drive to do even better this year.

Of the seven who wrestled at State, four have returned to the team this year: seniors Tavion Samuels and Sturdivant and juniors Noor Salat and Abdi Mohamed.

So far they have had a positive start to their season with a dual record of 7-2.
The team beat Platteview (57-24) and Raslton (34-32) at the Ralston Triangular on Tuesday.

They also have had success at tournaments, placing fifth at the Crete Tournament on Dec. 8 and second at the Friday Night Fracas on Nov. 30.

Currently, there are two undefeated wrestlers. In the 220-weight class division, junior Jaylon Walker is 13-0. Similarly, senior Ladamien Sturdivant is 10-0 in his 126-weight class.

Head coach Jason Susnjar is proud of the work the boys have been putting in and their results.

“We are a team of grinders,” Susnjar said

Most of their success there is due to Susjnar pushing the wrestling team and having prepared rigorously in the offseason with tiring workouts, as well as hitting the weight room often and focusing on cardio.

“Having a tough practice is key,” Susnjar said.

When they don’t have matches, they boys work in the wrestling room one on one running drills to get better on On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the team. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are dedicated to working on strength in the weight room.

One of the goals of the season is continuous improvement. One area they are hoping to grow in is the number of wrestlers who qualify for state.

“With the team we have, I think it’s a very real possibility [to have qualifiers for state],” Susnjar said.

Last year’s seven qualifiers was the highest number of qualified wrestlers for the school since 2008.

The next varsity wrestling meet is an away tournament tonight at Ralston High at 4:30 p.m.