On Dec. 3, the team wrestled against Woodstock North and were able to win their first meet of the season. Blake Wilshire, Anthony Johnson and Alex Moran won their matches.

All 75 of the athletes that wrestle for Grayslake North share one mantra.

“Win for yourself and win for the team,” said varsity coach Collin McKillip.

This year, the wrestling team opened up the season by moving up to the 3A division and welcoming new athletes to the varsity team: freshman Adam Blonski, sophomores Angel Flores and Michael Johnson and junior Anthony Johnson.

The team is just starting the season, and although they are not at their peak, they are working hard each and every day.

“The guys know that that they aren’t where they need to be yet, and they are working hard to get there,” McKillip said.

The team practices for three hours a day after school and lifts in the weight room three times a week. The varsity team focuses on technique and match play to strengthen their team as much as possible.

“We’re just trying to do as much as we can to get better,” said varsity wrestler Anthony Johnson.

After losing a state qualifier, the team is trying to rebuild with three of the state qualifiers from last year.

“We still have Jake Wright, Joe Arroyo and Alex Moran, who we hope to have compete at State again” said senior Fernando Morales.