With no postseason, DeKalb wrestling focused on internal goals

DeKALB - In a normal season, the DeKalb wrestling team would have its sights set high on a strong finish in the team tournament and a slew of individual finishers.

Of course, a normal season wouldn’t be starting in almost May either. Instead, the Barbs are focused on the positives.

“I get to be out here with the guys, which is great,” said senior Ben Aranda. “I’ve been wrestling with these guys since I was six or seven. I’ve played other sports, but the bond in wrestling is unlike anything. It’s great to just have one more season with them.”

Aranda said some of his goals are more long-term - he’s competing at Cleveland State next year and said he hope to be an NCAA champion. This year, he hopes to win some national titles at the USA Wrestling championships in Fargo this summer.

“Obviously without a state tournament it’s kind of tournament,” Hiatt said. “We’re still focused on getting better every practice, just like every other year. You couldn’t tell from watching them wrestle there’s not a state tournament.”

plus national tournament. focus on fun

mcgee qual year before

tanked second this year

“Even though this season is a lot different from anything else, we have a lot of talent and a lot of kids working really hard,” Hiatt said.

“It’s hard when you think about it,” Hiatt said. “Oh man, this could have been our year or whatever. But we keep kids positive and working on getting better, I suppose.”

“Everybody in the room is looking great so far,” McGee said. “It’s just a matter of getting back into the swing of things. We’re just working as hard as we can and coming into this season fighting.”

work hard is goal

“It’s unfortunate my senior season is kind of like this,” McGee said. “But I’m grateful I going to get a season and just do the best I can.”

“THe opportunity to wrstle is all we relly ever wanted,” McGee said. “So to be able to get a season, it’s just tremendous to have one. All of our guys can do tremendous things.”