As the Kaneland boys and girls wrestling teams prepare for their upcoming season, they are focusing on staying healthy, building their strength and keeping a positive atmosphere.

Former assistant boys wrestling coach Brennan Keifer, a 2019 Kaneland alumni and former wrestler, will replace Kenneth Paoli as the new head boys wrestling coach. He emphasizes preseason preparations, like working out, eating healthy and maintaining a good sleep schedule, to ensure the athletes are ready for the 13-week winter season. 

“A lot of kids did a lot of off-season stuff,” Keifer said. “We’re looking good. We’re looking healthy.”

After qualifying two girls to State last year, including State champion Angelina Gochis, the girls team hopes to qualify more athletes and place as a team.

“Our girls team should compete near the top of Illinois girls teams,” head girls wrestling coach Josh West said. “If everyone stays healthy and things come together the way I envision them, I see us bringing home some hardware.”

In addition to finding success at State, the coaches and athletes are placing an emphasis on maintaining a fun and supportive environment in the wrestling program.

“Last year, we were a really tight-knit team, and I think [a goal] is to keep that and still have that playful energy,” senior Brooklyn Sheaffer said.

Keifer also hopes to keep the teams feeling like a family.

“We’re going to kind of keep the same dynamic of a team as last year,” Keifer said. “Just keep it one big happy family.”

As for losing Paoli, Keifer recognizes the loss, but he is optimistic about the opportunity to continue coaching the athletes.

“We’re definitely going to miss him this season,” Keifer said. “He brought smiles into the room, which I hope to do too.”