Ten wrestlers are competing in the NAIA Central Regional Championships in Oskaloosa, Iowa Saturday.
“With a young group, I’m curious to see how they’ll perform against more experienced competition that they’ll see at regionals and nationals,” head coach Jimmy May said.
May is taking eight wrestlers who already qualified for the national championships, as well as two wrestlers who are still hoping to qualify. Two wrestlers, who qualified for the national championships, won’t compete due to injury, but will also attend.
Freshmen Jake Price and Brett Delich will qualify for the national championships if they are able to finish within the top four places in their weight classes.
May has still been having intense practices, even though they are shorter in length in order to give the wrestlers some rest and to prevent injuries.
“Our theme all year has been to stay mentally fresh,” May said. “We’ve been practicing since September, so it’s been about 22 weeks, and that takes a toll on your body.”