Taking care of business on the mat and in the classroom is the focus of the WACO Warriors wrestling team (2-2). They are entering the second half of competition this week. WACO wrestling coach Seth Pugh says he’s had his squad in the wrestling room since the Tuesday after Christmas preparing for the postseason run. Pugh says they used the time to drill technique and improve conditioning. He added the team also revisited their goals, and says they want to work hard in practice, wrestle through different situations, and take care of their school work.

Three WACO wrestlers enter the second half of the season with 10 or more wins under their belts. Michael Arbogast (160) and Tim Ackles (170) tallied 10 wins before the holiday break, while Cody Crawford (285) won 11 matches. The Predicament rated Crawford as the No. 6 wrestler in Class 1A at 285 pounds, while IAwrestler grade him their No. 7 grappler. He was announced as KCII’s Hedge Above Lawncare Athlete of the Week on December 14 after he pinned his way to first place in the Tri-County Wrestling Invitational.

The WACO Warriors wrestling team continues their season tomorrow, hosting the Lone Tree Lions and the New London Tigers (8-2) in a Southeast Iowa Super Conference triangular. The first grapple will commence at 6 p.m. at WACO High School.