Wrestling in class 4A has been a battle all season. Leading up to the state championship tournament in Casper, Feb. 28-29 the teams are preparing for a strong weekend of competition.

I got the chance to interview the head wrestling coach of Green River. Josh Wisniewski is the coach for the Green River Wolves and has been since 2017. Wisniewski was confident in his squad as he has been all season as he has high hopes for his team to give it their all.

Green River has a prominent wrestling program as the school has 17 state titles. That is the second-most among any class in Wyoming.

“Green River is a wrestling community these kids have been wrestling for a long time,” Wisniewski said.

Preparation is different for every team. I asked the coach about what he does to prepare his wrestlers for competition.

“We really try to get the kids focused on their preparation and mental and give them a chance to be successful in their futures”. Wisniewski said.

The coach also spoke highly of three of the senior wrestlers on his team and spoke about their leadership roles on the team. Payton Tucker was described as a leader who helps mentor the younger wrestlers out. Jacob Weipert who is one of our quiet leaders who lead by example and is a hard worker. Kade Knezovich who also just helps out his fellow wrestlers every day. That was just a small portion of the senior wrestlers that the coach spoke highly about as he was very appreciative of all the student leadership he has on his team.

“We’ve had our highs and lows this season, but I believe it would be very sweet to take home the state title. For the kids, the coaches, and the community”.

I also had the opportunity to speak to the coach of Cheyenne East. Thad Trujillo is the head wrestling coach for the Thunderbirds.

Trujillo really stated how special this year’s squad was. He spoke very highly of his team about how they show up and work every day and fight for each other.

The Thunderbirds traveled out of state to multiple wrestling meets this season. I asked the coach what he thought about competing out of state and he said this.

“It gave our wrestlers a chance to see different competition each week,” Trujillo said.

The Thunderbirds are looking to add just their third title in school history, since winning it in 2018.

The coach felt very strong about his wrestlers ability and leadership this season. He spoke about within the program that however the impact you have around teammates can have an impact on the people around you.

The state wrestling tournament will take place in Casper on Feb. 28-29.

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