The West Fork boys wrestling team doubled participation from four wrestlers out in 23’-24’ to eight wrestlers on the team in 24’-25’ with the addition of first year Head Coach Keaton Wilson.
Wilson on establishing mentality and continuing to increase numbers on the team.
“Being a former competitor in the sport, I know how tough the sport is and mentally tough the sport is. Getting our guys to have the same mindset, that’s kind of what I want to do from day one. The sooner we get our mentality right, the better off we’ll be as a team,” says Wilson. “It was exciting, but I would like to have about 15-16 in the room for sure next year. That’s my goal. I made that clear to the guys that, that’s what I wanted in that room next year. Then we can fill more spots and get better as a team overall, with more practice partners and stuff.”
The Warhawks had two seniors out for this year’s team including Jasper Jones and Jarren Hitzhusen. Jones led the team with a 21-17 record this season and was one win away from wrestling back for a state tournament berth, placing third at 1A districts. Hitzhusen only got to wrestle one match this season before being sidelined by injury. He stepped up to support his teammates by handling the filming of matches throughout the year.
Wilson on the seasons of Jones and Hitzhusen and the support they provided in year one.
“If Jasper and I would have had two years together instead of just one, next year he’d be not only qualifying for state, but probably placing. He’s a natural athlete. Props to him for listening every day and showing up every day, listening to me. He had some tough weight cuts too, he did it all on his own and did it the proper way. I’m really proud of him. We also had Jarren, he was a senior but he hurt his knee at the beginning of the year and didn’t wrestle again the rest of year. Couldn’t have done it without them. I really couldn’t have. They did anything and everything I asked them to.”
The Warhawks are projected to return six wrestlers including Brooks Jones at 138, Andrew Baker at 165 and Jensen Robbins at 215 who gained valuable varsity mat time by wrestling in over 34 matches this season.
