The Revere wrestling team is preparing another season in hopes of sending more wrestlers to the state competition and to have more supporters attend matches.

According to Senior Jack Smith, the wrestling team showed success in the past with wrestlers like senior Zeck Lehman who won third place in the State Championship last year, and the team looks to achieve more success at States this season. Coach Dan Mosher explained his goals for the season.

“We expect 7-8 district qualifiers, a few state qualifiers and state placement from Lehman.  These should all be achieved if everyone is able to stay healthy and injury free,” Mosher said.

Despite past State placements, the wrestling team has a small student section during its matches. Senior Dustin Shaffer explained his thoughts on this.

“It would be nice to have a large student section . . . . It would definitely be nice to have some people at States supporting us,” Shaffer said.

Mosher explained how he would like to have a larger student section.

“We receive a fair amount of support from students and teachers; however, sometimes I think a lack of understanding the sport and its rules keep some people from being more supportive.  Our matches are not nearly as well attended as football or basketball games,” Mosher said.

A wrestling match involves two wrestlers in the same weight class. The match consists of two three-minute periods. Lehman expanded on wrestling matches.

“The first period [the wrestlers] always starts on their feet, and the objective is to get them down on their back. You start the second period and [the referee] give you choices: top, bottom, neutral, or defer. Then in the third period, the opposite wrestler will get [the same choice to get either top, bottom, or neutral],” Lehman said.

Because the score of the individual wrestler impacts the overall score of the team through a greater margin of victory, teamwork plays a role in the wrestling team. Mosher explained the teamwork involved.

“Wrestling is an individual sport, but there is also a team element with dual meets and team tournament points.  Wrestlers must work together in practice to better each other and encourage one another,” Mosher said.

In addition to teamwork, leadership plays a role in wrestling. There are three team captains: Lehman, Smith and Shaffer. Smith explained the job of a team captain.

“We’re kind of like another eye . . . for the coach. We are considered part of the coach and staff. We help out with the team, we show them moves and get them motivated during conditioning,” Smith said.

The captains also do work off of the mat. Lehman talked about what he does as a team captain.

“I try to lead by example, teach the less experienced wrestlers what they’re doing wrong and trying to help them with positive reinforcement, tell them what they are doing correct. Go to the youth practices trying to make my presence known and spread awareness of wrestling and keep it well in the community,” Lehman said.

Another factor about wrestling is the relationships with teammates and the lessons learned while wrestling. Mosher explained his relationship with his team outside of the classroom.

“I want to help teach young men the same life lessons that I learned myself from the sport… hard work, dedication, discipline, mental toughness, sacrifice and leadership. I get to know my wrestlers on a much better level than I do in the classroom as a teacher. I feel like I have a greater chance to influence and impact my wrestlers’ lives,” Mosher said.

Because not many people fully understand the sport, there are not many who attend the matches to support wrestlers. Shaffer explained why more people should attend matches.

“People should definitely be watching out for the wrestling team because we should have some individuals who will go far,” Shaffer said.

The wrestling team will have three home matches this season, and the team encourages all to attend. The next match is December 20 at Canfield.