Winter sports season heats up this week with basketball at Axtell Friday and Wrestling at Mission Valley Saturday. The Charger spoke to players from each sport for a preview of the season.
Junior Eli Mumpower
Describe this year’s team.
Seven members. We’re fairly new. Only a couple people have experience. I think we have a lot of potential.
What are the team’s goals?
We want to send a few people to state. It wasn’t fun staying home last season.
What do individuals need to do to find success this year?
I need to avoid stupid mistakes. Derek Wallin should be good. He just needs to be smart. Jackson Havenstein was hurt last year, so we haven’t really seen him compete. We hope he can gain some technique and win some matches.
Why is wrestling important to you?
It’s a good full-body workout. I like that it’s more of an individual sport — there’s no one to blame but yourself.
What meets do you most look forward to?
Silver Lake and Clay Center are important, and of course league and regionals.
You’re a 3-sport athlete. How do other sports help you in wrestling and how does wrestling help you in other sports.
XC keeps me in good shape so I can go a full match. Wresting keeps my whole body in shape for baseball.
The Charger 
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