Hartselle High School’s wrestling team remains young in terms of varsity experience with only two seniors on the roster but expects to be stronger than last season with wrestlers competing in all weight classes.

“We qualified six for the state tournament last year and have two of those wrestlers back,” said head coach Matt Watson. “Plus, we have 32 wrestlers on our JV and varsity roster. That means we’ll be able to compete in every weight class this year.”

Returning from state competition a year ago are junior Michael Prince and freshman Logan Smith. Prince wrestles at 145 pounds and Smith, a fourth place finisher in 2013, at 126 pounds.

Wesley Duncan, Ashton Quattlebaum and David Dunford, who missed part of last season with an ankle injury, are being counted on to provide strength and leadership for the team.

“Our kids have worked hard during the off-season and at summer camp,” Watson pointed out. “Having the use of the former football weight room has helped a lot. They’re excited that we now have a training facility that we can call our own.

“We’re thankful for the excellent support we’ve received from principal Jeff Hyche and athletic director Johnny Berry over the past year,” he stated.

“Our goal is to always want to improve,” Watson said. “This year we want to qualify at least eight wrestlers for the state tournament and finish as high as fifth in the state.”

John Mark Waynick is faculty representative for the team and Brad Bray and Danny Schutt are assisting Watson as volunteer coaches.