The Washington Demon wrestling team is gearing up for the start of the upcoming season next week.Head wrestling coach Brent Van Weelden heads into the 2014-15 wrestling season with three wrestlers back who made it to the state tournament a season ago. Sophomore’s Andrew Waite (106) and Kyle Anderson (113) qualified for state in the lower weight classes, while senior Brad Skubal (182) made it to Des Moines in middle weight class.  Van Weelden says he is looking to Skubal to be a leader on this year’s squad.

“He’ll probably wrestle 195 or 220 pounds for us somewhere at the end of the lineup.” Van Weelden said, “It’s good to have a solid state medalist at the end and he is always a fun, hardworking kid.”

Skubal finished the season seventh in last year’s state tournament, while Waite and Anderson finished 8th in their weight class. With Skubal vying for a spot in 195 or 220 pound weight class, Van Weelden expects Waite and Anderson to fill the 113-120 pound weight classes this fall.

Other names to watch out for throughout the season with Demon seniors Alex Gonzalez and Kyle Collier, who both wrestled at the varsity level a season ago. Van Weelden also expects juniors Michael Ellingson and Bryce Rickey to contribute to the lineup as well.

Practice for the Demon wrestling team begins on Monday, with the first dual happening Tuesday December 2 at Benton Community Schools. Washington is set to face Benton, HLV, and Iowa Valley Community in the meet.

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