The madison dodger wrestling team is back in the gym this season, coming off a 12-11 record working harder than ever. The Dodgers look to revamp their team this year practicing harder and utilizing new wrestlers who now step into more of a leadership role. The team this year also looks to use their size to their advantage as the amount of wrestlers the team has at their disposal has greatly increased compared to last year.
“Were locked in this year” senior Jeremy Ortiz responds when asked about the prediction of this year’s team. Coming off a transition year last season Ortiz says “ we learned from our mistakes last year and use them to our advantage.” The team prepares for tough matches like mountain lakes and Hanover park who they look to have big wins against this year to gain the momentum they need to be successful. Madison opens up on december 18 agaisnt whippany park looking to start off strong and start the win streak.
Before every match, the team meets at the highschool early and holds a captains practice to dial in mentally and prepare everything they practiced that week . The team carries many pre- match rituals like the locker room pregame speech from seniors or the intimidating huddle up on the mat during warm up. The team’s close relationship in and out of school is something that the Dodgers pride themselves on, the whole team is friends and work together in and out of practice to make everyone better. “Alliances conform in such impactful competitions” senior Andrew Carreno quotes when asked how he plans to lead the team as captain. Andrew says “ I consider my team a family” He looks to carry on and honor the same madison traditions and lead the team to be the best they can be.
