Thirteen report for WP wrestling

The Wauneta-Palisade wrestling squad continues to grow by leaps and bounds. This season’s team has 13 athletes.
Coaches Danny Schluckebier and Shad Wiese are adapting to the larger team
While practices have been going well, the building they use as a wrestling room is a little cramped.
“We like to practice when we can at the gym in Palisade, more room to run and we can spread out on the larger, older, harder mats there,” Schluckebier said.
Juniors Hunter Miner, Cody Holmes and Cole Hamilton return as letterwinners. Miner was one win away from a trip to the state meet last season.
“Hunter has stepped up again this year and motivated and led the team,” Schluckebier said.
“Along with Cody, they both are great leaders on the mat and keep our team pointed in the right direction,” he said
The younger wrestlers are fitting well, he added, with plenty of experience in junior high and pee wee wrestling.
“They all have great motivation and are excited to wrestle this year. They all are always excited and willing to wrestle,” Schluckebier added.
Managing kids in the same weight group is also a challenge this season. With 10 varsity spots open, coaches are working to find the right weights to get kids the most opportunities.
Several meets have been rearranged as this season will have a subdistrict meet before districts. RPAC is important as it gives everyone an idea of who athletes wrestle and who to look forward to, Schluckebier said.
Schluckebier credited senior manager Lillie Miner as the team’s most important person as she goes above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis.
Overall, the Broncos just want to wrestle as much as possible and have athletes on the mat in Omaha. “Working hard and respecting everyone while fearing nothing” is the team motto.
“We have some great, great wrestlers and extraordinary kids. They all deserve a chance to be great and we try to give then that opportunity as often as we can,” Schluckebier said.