Free State High’s wrestling team only brings back one wrestler who placed at the Class 6A state tournament last season. But there are high hopes that number will increase this season.


Junior Sam Skwarlo, who finished 4th at state at 170 pounds last year, is the leader of the team, though he’s still recovering from Lisfranc fracture in his left foot, an injury he suffered in Free State’s first football game this fall. He’s hoping to get good news from doctors in the middle of December to return to the mat, and opens the season ranked No. 4 at 170 pounds.


The Firebirds will also have freshman Tate Steele, who won a USA Wrestling Preseason National Title at 106 pounds for 9th and 10th graders a few weeks ago in Iowa. He’s entering the season as the top-ranked 6A wrestler by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association at 106 pounds.


After using a young lineup last year, there’s a lot of experienced wrestlers who could make a big jump in success this season. It’ll be interesting to see how many of them can make big strides throughout the year. There’s also plenty of newcomers, and any of them could surprise.


I shot video of them during a practice on Tuesday in their crowded wrestling room, as they worked on staying low and faking dives. The video can be seen below:


http://www2.ljworld.com/videos/2014/nov/28/36014/
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If you’ve missed any previous winter sports blog posts, including videos of their practices, you can find them below:


Lawrence High girls basketball: http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/dividing_line/2014/nov/26/a-new-era-for-lawrence-high-girls-basket/


Free State boys swimming: http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/dividing_line/2014/nov/27/free-state-boys-swimming/
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As always, feel free to comment, email me, or find me on Twitter @nightengalejr.