By Evan Ortiz, Editor

The wrestling season at Kaneland came and went during the winter months. Months full of sweat, hard work and determination ultimately led to a quite successful season, both individually and as a team.

The Kaneland Knights entered the season in the 2A class with some glaring holes in the lineups at various weight classes so several were required to step up and meet new weight class requirements. Kaneland still managed to pull things together towards the end of the season, catapulting morale for all wrestlers.

“The conference meet proved to be a big turning point for us as a unit, we really came together at all the right times and were able to string together a good run,” senior Dan Goress said.

With new coaches coming in at different levels of the program, practices became a great source for competition for every weight classes, with new levels of energy and proficiency being reached. Coaches from both junior varsity and varsity participated with the whole team and individual wrestlers alike.

“I worked extensively with coaches Jeremy Kenny and Michael Thorgensen throughout the season, and the variation of their teachings was extremely helpful,” senior Zach Theis said.

State, itself, proved to be successful for several members of the Knights varsity squad. Several members of the team made their trip down to state, including Theis, who went on to place fifth in his weight class, Goress, who won the State title, and Esai Ponce, who made it to the preliminary rounds.

The season in reflection proved what Kaneland coaches always preach, hard work and determination do pay off.