The Raiders' wrestling journey is going strong as athletes get set for the second half of their season hoping to finish at state! Coach Pete Swenson says, "I am happy with the progress the team has made so far this season. We have been competitive in every tournament and dual meet so far. Most importantly, everyone is healthy."

Healthy competitors have offered the Raiders a unique chance to compete and fill every weight division for a balanced team going forward. Filling every weight class is something that has not happened for a while on this team, and is one more thing Coach Swenson is happy about as he faces future competition head on and plans for future meets. Knowing one has teammates to compete at every weight level provides a lot of opportunities for wrestlers who are hungry to advance during the season.

Though Swenson admits he has a young team (with only one senior member this year), he also acknowledges his team has a lot of past experience under their belt which helps the Raiders' chances overall. Experience in this sport is crucial, as nerves tend to build as the season progresses and athletes prepare for tougher tournaments. Wrestlers that have built their mental stamina through the rigor of many trials tend to fare better and are able to skillfully meet the challenges they face on the mat.

This is a sport where competitors can only rely on themselves once they find themselves in the "referee's position" and so it requires not only athletic strength, but a mental toughness to succeed and get that pin. This year Belleville is hosting the first ever Super Regional, where the top four place winners move to Sectionals. This is new to Division II schools this season. Coach Swenson is looking forward to this new opportunity for his team and seeing how far his wrestlers can go!

Experience isn't the only thing the Raiders have going in their favor as they look forward to the rest of their 2023 wrestling season. Their coach is proud of their camaraderie and how they help each other succeed. They support and cheer on each other during dual meets and tournaments. In practice, they push each other to improve.

As the Raiders enter the second half of their season as Conference Champs, they have a lot to look forward to and a lot to be proud of as they approach some big dual meets and tournaments! Swenson has learned as he works with his team that they know how to better themselves and accept his coaching, "They are really good at communicating with each other. Also, they are excellent at taking suggestions from the coaches. Their conference win is truly an example of team effort at its best!"

The team is also embracing the addition of young women to its ranks this year. Coach Swenson is excited for the future of girls wrestling as he acknowledges a positive outlook for females in the sport. As for the possibility of a girls wrestling co-op, Swenson's answer is positive, acknowledging that the future looks – "Bright! This year we have five girls in middle and high school, with two girls on the high school team. Being able to promote and expand our girl's program will be an exciting process," says Swenson.

Wrestling is a great sport as it builds self-confidence, determination, and inner strength in those that choose to make it their sport. The outcome of facing off against opponents again and again on the mat offers a chance to build life-long skill sets that can be applied in many capacities from the workplace, relationships, and self-knowledge in getting ahead no matter what the challenge. In the meantime, the Raiders' future looks good as they embark on the next leg of their journey this season, and the view from the mat is a positive one from all weight classes!