As the 2015-2016 New Berlin Varsity Wrestling season starts, athletes are getting prepared for a physically and mentally challenging season. Coach Patrick Detmer says that he is looking forward to the season and seeing the one year older and more experienced team, out on the mats. But first, all wrestlers must practice and train before heading out to compete.

Wrestlers go through vigorous training to get ready to compete. Specifically, they have to constantly watch their weight. They have to maintain this so that they match their weight group. Some have to lose or gain weight to match their group’s requirements. When they go to meets they could be wrestling guys that are either heavier or lighter than them, leading to an unfair advantage on either end if their weight is not properly managed.

This year’s expectations are high for wrestlers. Coach Detmer spotlights one athlete in particular, “Specifically from West we’ve got Cam Jakubowski who’s a senior [at West]. He’ll be competing at either 145 pounds or 152 pounds. We look for his leadership and to pull us through the season and compete at a high level and push to get him to the state tournament.”

New Berlin Varsity wrestlers have already been successful in the start of their season. First meet defeating South Milwaukee 39-27 with Joe Scaffidi (IKE), Tony Scaffidi (IKE), Jaron Radish (IKE), Jake Belongia (IKE), Zach Hansen (IKE), Devin Pawlowski (IKE), Mike Baumann (IKE) and Jakubowski getting victories.

At their second competition, the Wisconsin Lutheran Invitational, the grapplers took home second place. Wrestler Tony Scaffidi took second at 120 pounds; Mike White placed second at 145 pounds, Joe Scaffidi won for the 160 pounds championship; Jake Belongia won for the 170 pounds championship and Jaron Radish won the invitational at 182 pounds.

Along with  wins comes some losses. Against Pewaukee, New Berlin lost 21-52. The determination of the wrestlers came through, however, at the New Berlin Duals. Round one of New Berlin Duals, New Berlin defeated Delavan-Darien 54-24. Round two, New Berlin defeated Homestead 51-30. In  round three, they defeated Westosha Central 68-6. Round four, they defeated Racine Case 58-21. They ended the night being undefeated along with Catholic Memorial and both will be facing off for the NB Duals Championship.

For now, the New Berlin Duals has proved to be their most successful competition so far. The team will be going onto the championship in February and are hoping to take home a win.