By David Paulsen
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Last year, for the first time in school history, the Burlington High School wrestling team went to the WIAA State Tournament. In addition, the Demons had seven individual wrestlers compete at WIAA Individual State.
This year, with a very young squad, the task will probably be tougher, yet head coach Jade Gribble said the goal is to return to state. The Demons would also like to win their fourth straight Southern Lakes Conference crown.
The Demons have only five seniors on this year’s team, with 18 of the 43 athletes out for the squad freshmen, and 12 sophomores. The remaining eight are juniors.
“We have eight returning letterwinners, although many of them were not full-time starters last year,” Gribble noted.
“We have a smaller group of seniors this year, but Brody Fitzpatrick, Max Shenkenberg and Cody Elsbury have stepped up as leaders, and Kyle Crayton and Koty Agnes are awaiting their opportunity to lead.”
The team’s weakness this season will be the lack of experience at some of the weight classes.
The Demon boys have a few more heavyweights (five) this year than they normally have. All but one weight class has at least two grapplers. Crayton is the only Demon listed at 170.
Gribble said Lake Geneva Badger and Elkhorn will be among the SLC leaders this season. Badger is ranked No. 8 in the pre-season state rankings and Elkhorn is honorable mention. Burlington is ranked No. 9.
Gribble said that his philosophy for the Demon wrestlers is always to be aggressive.
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