As the wrestling season kicks into gear, head coach Nick Arnone is looking forward to the group of incoming wrestlers preparing for another season and striving to achieve more than they did last season. The team currently has a relatively large 46-man roster.

 “Every weight class will be filled, but we are a little thinner in the lighter divisions,” Arnone said.  The standout wrestlers this season are seniors Connor Flickinger (165 lbs. weight class), Cade Muñoz (113 lbs.), and JJ Andrews (132 lbs.).

“Connor Flickinger was a county champion last year, and pending health he plans to make a run to be the all-time wins leader at Sherwood,” said Arnone. “As far as Cade and JJ go, they both plan to make a run for a state medal with JJ being a state qualifier last season.”

“My goal is to make it to the states and leave with a medal,” said Flickinger.

A team goal for the Warriors is to achieve double-digit wins out of their 14 duels this season. A few teams came to mind when Arnone was asked about Sherwood’s biggest competition. “B-CC, a returning state finalist who always has an extremely competitive roster; Blake, a rival right down the road; and Glenelg who is not a MCPS school but is always a top team in the state.”

Arnone believes his wrestlers are well prepared for the season. “Lots of time was spent in the offseason with returning wrestlers and offseason tournaments.” said Arnone, ”We have done a lot for our guys to be ready.”

 The team traveled to Wootton for their first duel of the season, and left with a lopsided victory. The total team score was 75-3, with 9 victories by way of pin, including ones by freshman Aaron Zehner, and junior Landon Clore. The team aims to keep the momentum going at their home opener on Dec 16 when they take on Quince Orchard.