’Tis the season for winter sports, which means the the basketball courts aren’t the only playing surfaces heating up. If you listen closely, you can hear the sounds of wrestlers hitting the mats all across the Mississippi Valley.

You don’t have to strain yourself in Tomah — the Timberwolves’ cry is loud after four consecutive MVC dual meet championships. Their lineup still includes three state qualifiers in seniors Kevin Betthauser, Ian Duncan and John Van Gundy.
But the rumble doesn’t stop there. Central will bring a young but fiesty team to the circle while Logan returns a handful of experienced wrestlers including state qualifier Billy Lorenz. Lyle Blum embarks on his second year with the Onalaska, while new coaches Jake Larsen at Sparta and Deke Stanek at Aquinas will enter their first year leading MVC teams.

As the season unfolds, look for the individual successes of conference veterans and newcomers alike, as these strong team identities continue to develop.

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