The benefits that come with the largest Ray-Pec wrestling team to go through the high school seem to be unmatched. Whether they are sharing their experience with incoming teammates or honing the skills of experienced members, pulling the team into line or hanging out at Buffalo Wild Wings after a big meet, the senior presence on the wrestling team has brought this team forward into one of the team’s best seasons.

One of the team’s leading competitors, senior Jacob Paddock, feels that this season has gone better due to the seniors’ collaboration on and off the mat.

“All of us help out in our own way, and I feel we have better team chemistry because of that,” said Paddock.

The senior presence not only helps the team on the mat, but also helps further the interest in the sport for younger members on the team.

“It’s made wrestling a lot more fun, and it has been carrying the team through the season.” said sophomore Josh Putthoff.

The senior portion on this team is the largest to come through Ray-Pec. And many of the qualities that are shown through these leaders do not go unnoticed.

“We have some quality leaders as far as actions and work ethic. The underclassman look up to them, they know they can go to them,” said Coach Brett Barbarick.

The seniors have also taken it upon themselves to make the team run like a well oiled machine, letting the coaches focus on preparing them for the next meet.

“They get on to kids when they miss practice, and they take care of a lot of the ‘in house’ things,” said Barbarick.

With hard work and dedication, the group of seniors has helped push the wrestling team to one of their best seasons. They hope to take this momentum and finish the year out strong.