Experience makes WP wrestling stronger

    Wauneta-Palisade wrestlers are chomping at the bit to get their season started.
    WP Coach Danny Schluckebier said he thinks everyone is excited and ready to work hard to win matches.
    Seniors and returning letterwinners Cole Hamilton and Hunter Miner give the Broncos a solid group to build around, as does sophomore Conner Bryner who advanced to the third round of last year’s state wrestling meet.
    Joining the trio are senior Laila Aufdengarten, juniors Ethan Carl and Derik Kennicutt, sophomore Trey McCrumb and freshmen Justin Warembourg and Cole Chism.
    “We have a lot of experience collectively on the team and make each other work harder at practice and meets,” Schluckebier said.
    From the seniors to the team managers, Schluckebier said his group is pushing to stay motivated and have fun.
    “We have some really great kids and some really great students,” he added.
    WP’s season begins Thursday at the Maxwell Dual Tournament. Friday the Broncos will be at the Hi-Line Invite at Elwood.
    Schluckebier said WP’s Dec. 18 meet at Sutherland stands out on the schedule as the Broncos’ first true test of district competition before Christmas.
    Staying healthy will be important through the season. Schluckebier said his team has been working diligently to keep the mats clean and keep skin diseases away and hopefully avoid any COVID issues.
    Schluckebier is joined on the sideline by Shad Wiese.
    WP will be in the D-4 district Feb. 11-12 at Bridgeport with Banner County, Bayard, Bridgeport, Crawford, Dundy County Stratton, Garden County, Hay Springs, Hemingford, Hitchcock County, Hyannis, Kimball, Leyton, Medicine Valley, Minatare, Morrill, Mullen, North Platte St. Patrick’s, Paxton, Perkins County, Sioux County and Sutherland.