As Elmira High School wrestlers hit the mats again, the team is team is led by five returning seniors, including state champion Brett Highburger and state tournament placer Colton Barklow.
“I think our goal for this year is to hold our own in our league and keep working hard and improving as a team,” Highburger said.
After losing five seniors last year, the Falcons are entering a rebuilding year.
Head coach Justin Peeler said that although the team lost “a handful of solid senior wrestlers,” there are several solid wrestlers who are returning.
“We will have a bunch of new wrestlers this year, and those older wrestlers will need to help lead the younger ones,” Peeler told Falcon News. “I think we still have some good talent and should do just fine.”
The Falcons are working to find a new team rhythm this season.
“One goal is to continue to push the older kids. They had a lot of success last year, and we want that to continue,” Peeler said. “For the younger kids, I want them to get as much experience as possible and try to get them to the state tournament.”
The Falcons hosted an intra-squad meet Wednesday. The team will travel to Cascade on Saturday for the Perry Burlison Wrestling Classic.
