Outlook optimistic for WHS matmen

If the 2022-23 season was a numbers game, the Waseca High School wrestling team would be winning it.

The Bluejays have: 31 wrestlers out for the sport; 10 returning letterwinners; 10 returning starters; eight seniors.

Fifth-year head coach Jake Janike hope it adds up to success. It sounds like he's counting on improvement.

"We finished the 2021-22 season with a tough dual-meet record," said Janike. "Most matches we wrestled with at least four open weights."

While the Jays didn't have any state entrants last year, several wrestlers return with impressive records, led by senior Oliver O'Brien at 30-6 last season, senior Christian Rodriguez 23-8 and senior Jenaro Delgado Jr. 19-16. The Jays' fourth captain, Payton Garza, was 29-10.

Sophomore John Feeley finished 24-10 last year, freshman Matthew Veroeven 19-14. Sophomore Ben Hagen was a state entrant for NRHEG.

"Their records show the dedication they have and how they are constantly trying to improve," said Janike.

The rest of the varsity roster includes seniors Payten Haack, Korbin Schumacher, Eduardo Trejo and Elijah Biehn, juniors Carter Ellis and Joey Cruz, sophomores Tanner White and Liam Hagre, freshmen Lucas Selthun Jaden Schaffer, Jacob Root and Shane Barnett, eighth-grader Jack Kuhns and seventh-graders Ton Bethke, Landon Madsen, Kellen Klinger, Payton Sommers, Sam Selthun, Oliver Staloch, Archer O'Brien and Lucas Lehmkuhl.

"All of our returning wrestlers have already had a little varsity experience," said Janike. "We do have some athletes that are new to us or returning after being done for a period of time that will heop our lineup."

Regardless of the potential forfeits, Janike looks forward to an excellent season.

"I think our outlook is great," he said. "Our motto is, "Do the Work.' We currently have a couple athletes injured. We need all our returning athletes and new athletes to help step up and push their peers. However, I know already that we may have a few open weights on our roster. Everyone is aware, though, that we must wrestle at 110 percent, pushing to become the best and make the most of our season."

Competition in the Big South Conference is very good, according to Janike.

Janike, in his 11th season overall of coaching, is assisted by his brother, former state champion Ben Janike, along with Curt Yess and Blaine Nelson.

 

2022-23 Waseca Wrestling

 

Dec. 1 Quad at Medford 5:00

Dec. 8 New Ulm 7:00

Dec. 10 at Jackson CC Inv. 9:30 am

Dec. 15 at St. Peter 7:00

Dec. 22 Quad at Mankato East 5:00

Jan. 7 at Norwood-YA Inv. 9 am

Jan. 12 Triangular in Waseca 5:00

Jan. 14 Big South at Pipestone 10 am

Jan. 19 at Blooming Prairie 5:00

Jan. 21 at Hutchinson Inv. 10 am

Jan. 24 at Martin County West 5:00

Jan. 27 at Kasson-Mantorville 5:00

Feb. 2 at Blue Earth Area 7:00

Feb. 4 at Cannon Falls Inv. 9 am

Feb. 9 Triangular in Waseca 5:00

Feb. 16-25 Section tournament TBA