The Wesleyan wrestling team, led by head coach Dennis Stromie, looks to fulfill their goal of filling out all their weight classes with successful wrestlers this season. Last season was a success with a number of individuals placing in the state tournament.
Stromie was a state champion wrestler in 1976. When asked about how his experiences in high school affect his coaching style, Stromie said, “My high school coach had a great impact on me. I had a great coach that was positive with us, and had great knowledge of the sport and what he taught. He was one of those coaches you would die for. There was dad, and then there was coach.” Stromie strives to coach and use the techniques like his coach today.
The wrestling team wants to fill all the weight classes competitively, and qualify for the dual meet championship. To achieve this, they must finish top two in their region. There are also a number of individuals who have a chance to place in the state individual championship such as William Delk, George Bielan, Haydon Koch, Chase Kelly and Patrick Ryan.
There has been a significant increase in participation. Stromie said, “This is my 5th year here, and my first year we had single digit wrestlers in high school. Now we have over 30 high school guys and 40 middle school guys. We can now fill out all the weight classes that will help us in the dual meets this year.”
The Mat Wolves follow a practice routine that begins with drills and stretching, then specific technique lessons, and ends with live wrestling and conditioning periods. These practices will help them look for success.
When asked about how he maintains his weight for his weight class, senior Chase Kelly said “My best dietary method for maintaining my weight is an egg and cheese for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and fish for dinner. While it is very hard to cut out snacks, that is also a vital part of my weight maintenance.” Kelly and the rest of the team will watch their diets, and will look to place in the state tournament this season.
