The Saint Paul’s Wrestling Wolves strive to improve upon last year’s state placement of fifth in the state.

They want more state champions this year, with only one last year and a few state placers.

This year, like many other years, they break the huddle with their chant “2024 State Champs.”

The varsity team has been practicing since before school started to get better and beat their competition. Some team members even come in early for morning technique sessions called “The Breakfast Clubs.” Those who participate come in from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and work on techniques and skills that they want to learn.

The varsity team consists of a few new starters but many returning seniors. When asked about the senior leaders, Coach Pinero said, “Our most credentialed individuals going into the season are senior Conlan Enk, a two-time state finalist, and junior Jackson Peak, who finished fourth last season.”

Many of the Wolves also stay after practice so that they can work even further. They wrestle their coaches so that they can learn and get better while feeling the pressure of a match. They have many great coaches with years of experience.

Their head coach is Matt Pinero, who has coached many state champions and placers throughout his ten years working with the Wolves.

This year, he is very adamant that the team will win state. After having been asked about his thoughts for this year’s season, coach Pinero stated:

“I’m very excited about the potential of our team this season. Nearly our entire starting lineup from last year returns, and those that were not starters will be contenders to place right away. Last year, most of our lineup finished a match or two away from placing in the top 6 at the State Championships. If they can win those matches this year, we’ll be in the championship mix at the end of the season, which is always our goal.”

The assistant coaches also have many excellent qualifications as well.

There is coach Ricky Zimmer, who is entering his sixth season with the Wolves and has coached wrestling at other schools for a much longer time.

Another of the assistant coaches is coach Ivan Muller. He is entering his third year as a coach of the Wolves and was a teammate of coach Pinero’s at Archbishop Rummel High School, where he was a two-time state champion. He helps to coach the upper weights.

The next assistant coach is coach Grant Hughes. He is a former Wrestling Wolf who was a multi-time placer with the Wolves and a State finalist in 2018, entering his third year coaching the Wolves.

Coach Billy Harrison is also a former Wrestling Wolf entering his sixth season as a coach for the Wolves. He was also a multi-time state placer and was able to wrestle collegiately.

Finally, the newest edition to the Wrestling Wolves coaching staff is coach Oliver Sibley. He is a former Wolf who had a promising career as a Wrestling Wolf but had to stop due to an injury.

Surprisingly, the Wrestling Wolves don’t have team captains. Instead, the seniors and other team members all lead together.

When asked about team captains, coach Pinero said, “We don’t really do team captains as I believe everybody has the ability to lead, regardless of age or credentials. I could give you a list of individuals who lead by example each and every day, but it would consist of most of our lineup.”

Overall, with the strong returning members and promising coaching staff, the Saint Paul’s Wrestling Wolves look to have a promising chance at winning another state title this year.

A picture of the Saint Paul’s Wrestling Wolves schedule can be found below.