By Keeleigh Thayn/Gator Galaxy Staff

The Gator wrestling team continues to improve during the 2013-2014 season. As the varsity team approaches state, wrestlers at all levels are putting in tons of effort to help the program. “I’m proud of how far the underclassmen have come this season,” said senior Kolton Larsen (12), varsity wrestling captain.

“All of our wrestlers are working hard as the season comes to an end.”

The team spends nearly two hours after school practicing and improving their moves on the mat. JV wrestler Tyler Tongish (11) said, “I’m looking to improve my hip heist,” one of the many advanced moves he uses during his matches.

At the Gator Invitational on Jan. 10, North Star’s largest home meet, the team placed 4th out of the 10 teams that attended. “This season has been really good for me,” said senior wrestler Hakar Mustafa. He, along with seven other returning varsity team members, are constantly keeping their eyes on the prize, with the state tournament starting on Feb. 20, in Omaha. Everyone is hoping to place at the District meet on February 14th and 15th, so they can achieve their goal of state.

“I’m hoping I can do well at districts and go to state again this year” said Larson, who went to state at the 145 pound level last year. With just a few weeks left in their season, the team is going full throttle doing anything and everything possible to increase the chances of entering the state tournament.