Ridgewood High School wrestlers are eager to get started with the 2015-2016 wrestling season. The team has already had one breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s on Sunday, November 8, and the annual cookie dough fundraiser is right around the corner. The preseason formally kicks off on November 21, when the team will begin intensive training prior to their first meet in December. A typical day of practice includes lots of running, drilling, and lifting. Most members of the team will also begin cutting weight for their specific weight class.
Due to the loss of seven varsity wrestlers who graduated in June of last year, there are multiple open weight classes. Freshman Jimmy Probert will be wrestling at 120 pounds and Junior Jack Simpson will be wrestling at 285 pounds. These two wrestlers have worked extremely hard and many are looking forward to spectate their improvements throughout the season. Kyle Inlander, Matt Binstock, and Jack Simpson are the three co-captains this year who have exemplified leadership qualities and outstanding dedication to the team. Binstock, Inlander, Simpson, and senior Julian Bangash are all expected to contribute as vital members to this year’s team.
Overall, the Ridgewood High School wrestling team plans to win the District 6 Championship, which they accomplished last year. They also hope to win a match at state sectionals. Their toughest competitors will be met at Counties, North Bergen, Bridgewater-Raritan, Hackensack, Old Tappan, and nationally-ranked Bergen Catholic.
Kyle Inlander, a four-year varsity 182 pounder and two-year captain, plans on becoming an undefeated State Champion. He stated, “I put in the work my whole life. Now it is time to cash in.” To become the optimal weight and build for this season, he explains that he has been “eating like less of a savage, basically. I’ve never been one to cut weight but basically I just try to eat healthy and workout hard before competition.” Kyle will be wrestling at Bucknell University next year as a Division 1 athlete, so this year will be an important stepping-stone for him into the following season.
Ridgewood wrestlers are prepared to put in hard work in order to obtain success this year. Each year, this group of athletes seeks to succeed their prior achievements and reach new potentials. Ridgewood students look forward to supporting them throughout this journey.
Jamie Inlander
staff writer