ANDREA HALSEY, Reporter
The Kaneland Knights wrestling team jumped into their season with huge goals and lots of confidence they are now getting closer and closer to state. Improvements have been shown in every single wrestler so far in the season. “The seniors on this team have all stood out. Esai Ponce and Dan Goress are having a great season but every one of our seniors are doing great, proud of them all,” assistant coach Michael Thorgesen said.
Aside from all of them wanting to go to state, there have been some injuries so far in the season, and senior Connor Williams was affected by his injury the most. “I was disappointed that I missed two weeks but it motivated me to come back with more confidence, goals, and the ability to beat other high ranked wrestlers,” Williams said. The Knights have had a strong season this year wining the Margaret Flott Memorial Tournament and finishing fourth in the Northern Big 12 Conference meet.
“The season is winding down and at most only are guaranteed one more tournament,” he said. The coaches are hoping to place in the top 3 at regionals and advance multiple wrestlers down state.
At Regionals in Sycamore, seven individuals advanced to the Sectional in Rochelle. Seniors Stephen Gust (113) 28-8, Connor Williams (120) 26-7, Easi Ponce (132) 30-4, Sonny Horn (138) 28-10, Dan Goress (145) 35-3, Nick Sharp (220) 28-12, Zach Theis (285) 29-6.Ponce, Horn, Goress and Theis won their individual weight classes to take home the regional title. Overall as a team the Knights came in second to Sycamore who finished eight in the state as a team last year.
The Knights wrestling team went through some tough challenges this season.
“I have learned I can compete with other wrestlers, and I have gained a lot of confidence in myself that I am just as good as every other wrestler which gave me the strength and courage to do better this season,” Williams said.
The JV and Freshman/Sophomore wrestling team is doing great as well. Improvements have been made a lot with these teams I am very proud,” Thorgesen said.
Overall this season has gone fairly well for the Knights wrestlers. The team believes they will end the season with accomplished goals and higher standards for themselves for next years wrestling season. For the seniors, they will end this wrestling season with great memories.