A little more than a week into preseason work, the Arlington High School wrestling teams made their public debuts Nov. 21 during an intrasquad scrimmage.
As warmups took place, the single mat at center-court in the Eagles' gymnasium appeared more full than it has in recent years.
“Numbers-wise, we're up both on the boys and girls side, which is good to see,” coach Doug Hart said. “A lot of fresh faces. We're young on both the boys and girls teams.”
AHS has nine total returning letter winners, though, including six boys. Kolton Gilmore, Trey Hill, Jake Flesner, Ben Flesner, Tanner Kyllo and Tate Johannes are all back.
“Kolton Gilmore has been around it forever,” Hart said.
The same can be said for Hill, the most accomplished returning Eagle. The multiple-time state qualifier picked up his first Class C state win at 113 pounds last season.
“Lead by example — that's what Trey does,” Hart said. “He comes in and he does the work, and I hope our younger kids see that.”
The senior edged out Braxton Soll during Nov. 21's scrimmage, 4-3, while Cameron Hancock, Owen Meehan, Johannes, Gilmore and Karson Foust also picked up victories on the mat.
Jake Flesner and Kyllo didn't wrestle during the event, but they did compete in Omaha during the NSAA championships last February alongside Hill.
The Arlington girls, meanwhile, fell short of claiming a state qualification during their debut season last winter. Carly Segebart, Kelise Krivohlavek and Jaydin Allen are back after combining for five district victories, however.
Teagan Taylor and Caitlyn Camp rejoin the wrestling team, too, after competing on the inaugural squad last school year.
“They can lead the young ones in and introduce them into our team culture and what we're trying to build,” Hart said.
Among the crop of newcomers are Brooklyn Ruskamp, McKenna Creswell and Dianna Flores. All three won scrimmage matches during the Eagles' Nov. 21 event.
Altogether, though, Hart said Arlington's focus is on improvement this season.
“As we met as teams in the preseason, we discussed team goals and team culture,” he explained. “Both programs and both teams emphasized self-improvement, positively, getting better every day — building each other up.”
Both the AHS boys and girls officially open the winter campaign with a tournament 12:30 p.m. Friday at Columbus Lakeview. They then compete in a Ralston triangular on Dec. 7 before a Dec. 9 road trip to North Bend Central.
Finally, on Dec. 12, the Eagles host a pair of 6 p.m. duals with the Elkhorn Antlers.
“As the season goes on, through matches, I just hope to see improvement,” Hart said. “Trying new things and working on things that they need to work on.”
