By Ethan Wobken/Gator Galaxy Staff

The North Star wrestling team is looking to have a rebuilding year after losing 10 seniors last spring.

The team will be led by only two seniors, Jaime Pedraza and Enrique Jacinto. This will be Jacinto’s one and only year at North Star. He transferred from Gilmer High School in Georgia over the summer.

“Nebraska is a lot different from Georgia, and I am looking forward to see how I match up to everyone here,” Jacinto said.

Jacinto brings a lot of experience to the program, after wrestling for five years. He was on the varsity team for four years in Georgia, and he made it to state his 8th grade, sophomore, and junior years.

“I’m really looking forward to see how Enrique does this year. He’s coming in with a lot of experience and has the potential to be a state medalist,” said head wrestling coach Jake Froscheiser.

There are a lot of new faces in the program this year too.  There are 16 freshman out for wrestling, which is the second highest recruiting class North Star has had since 2003. There are also a lot of returning players on the team this year. “We have a pretty big team this year and a really strong junior class,” Coach Froscheiser said.

The team will be missing junior Kaden Barnes, who was on the varsity wrestling team last year. He injured his arm during summer baseball and will have to have surgery. He went 15-12 and was a big part of the varsity team.

“It sucks being out and not being able to wrestle this year, but I hope to get back and be ready to go by next season for my senior year,”  Barnes said. “With all the young talent and experience from the older guys, they should have a good season.”