JV wrestlers win county championship behind talented squad

By: Carlin Costell

The wrestling program at Glenelg trains its athletes at a highly competitive level. The result? The varsity team has won the county championships five out of the last six years.

But a strong varsity team is usually built on the foundational success of its JV program, and this year’s team was no exception, which won the JV county wrestling championship.

“We had our biggest JV squad this year,” said head coach Matthew Bichner. “In comparison, I felt this JV team was the most dominant and competitive we have had since I have been at Glenelg.” 

That dominance saw eight wrestlers win individual county titles, including: junior Reuben Dartey (120), freshman Isaac Choi (126), junior Sam Schott (145), senior Ian Schalik (152), junior Ethan Sexton (170), freshman Grayson He (182), sophomore Connor Reeves (220) and junior Travis Goodwin (285).

“I am really excited for the next few seasons since most of these JV wrestlers are underclassmen,” Bichner said. “We are really excited about all of the JV wrestlers, but it's exciting to see a lot of freshmen coming in and picking things up.”

Two of those freshmen who have made a positive impact, according to Birchner, are He and Gavin Harder, who each has aspirations of winning - individually, and as part of the team. 

He said he hopes to become a Varsity county champion and place at states. 

“I am extremely confident in our wrestling team’s skill and ability to win titles for years to come,” He said. 

As for Harder, he reflected that “In years to come my eyes are set on a varsity spot and possibly a state title. I think that our teams have a great shot at winning both counties and states this year and I would love to see it happen.”