Coach Josh Prokosch feels that the Blaine High School wrestling squad is headed for brighter days.

After being eliminated by Coon Rapids in the first round of the section playoffs last year, the Bengals look to build on their program.

“Last season ended with us losing as a team,” said Prokosch.   “We were the sixth seed in sections and had five individual wrestlers place in sections.”

Prokosch says his wrestlers who return will make a big impact this season.  “Having returning wrestlers build on their techniques is huge for us.  This year we’ll have more wrestlers from each weight class which is going to help us be competitive.”

The team thinks of itself as an underdog heading into the season.  But that doesn’t stop the guys from believing that they can go far.  Prokosch tells the fans to expect a lot of excitement if they’re planning to attend the matches. “Expect us to shock the section a little bit,” he said.

Caleb Butler(11), Malik Stewart(12), and Joe Carlson(12) were All-Conference last season, Stewart winning the honor as just an eighth grader.  Butler was a section champion.

The team’s next match is at Coon Rapids against Coon Rapids on November 29th at 7 p.m. in the fieldhouse.