Despite some bad luck at States, which officially marked the end of the 2012-2013 high school wrestling season in Ohio, the Vikings performed  successfully this season.

Dan Jones’15 qualified to compete at States; however, he, unfortunately,  suffered a shoulder injury during his first match, preventing him from continuing on in the competition.

Throughout the season, Coach Paul Bukky and the wrestling team worked on developing technique and mental strength during competition. Bukky’s belief that wrestling is “98% mental” had a strong influence on his coaching strategies this season. 

Before the season started, Bukky said, for him, a successful season would be one in which each member of the team achieved his best. Given the impressive results of this season, surely Bukky must be satisfied.

Some highlights of the season include graduating captain, Johnston Allinder’s win at his Senior Night Meet, both Jeremy Schroeder’14 and Dan Jones’15 in their competition at the District Tournament, victory at a tri-meet against Watterson and Whetstone, and the numerous other personal successes of each team member throughout the season.

With a young group of wrestlers and future participants joining the scene, the Vikings hope to take it to the mats stronger and even more mentally tough next year.

Written by Kyle O’Hara’14