Mission-Charlo ready for battle

ST. IGNATIUS - In order to be successful in wrestling, the team

needs to see competition in practice and the Mission-Charlo squad

has plenty of that.

ST. IGNATIUS - In order to be successful in wrestling, the team needs to see competition in practice and the Mission-Charlo squad has plenty of that.

"I am very excited about this years team," head coach Lyle Cronk said. "They are very focused and hard workers. The level of competition in our room is the best I've seen in years. This competition is a key component to raising our level of wrestling."

Mission-Charlo placed third in divisionals last year and was just a few points short of first and second place.

"We had a very successful duel meet season and went undefeated against conference opponents in duel meets including three very exciting victories over Divisional Champions Thompson Falls," Cronk said.

Returning will be junior Scotty Gilleard, who placed fourth last year in the state tournament.

"He is a two time state placer who continues to improve. I have every expectation that he will continue on that course," Cronk said.

Senior Joel Lewis has also brought an important presence to the team.

"Joel has a desire and the work ethic that is rare, he also has developed a love of wrestling that further fuels his desire," Cronk said. "His leadership ability is a tremendous asset to our team."

Dillon Edwards is also up and coming, winning two matches in the divisional tournament against opponents that he had never beaten before. He'll look to improve along with Russell Schultz, Chad Anderson, Barret Sargent, Casey Nitschke and James Wightman.

"Our goal is to improve, we don't want to make a run at the divisional championship this year. We want to win a divisional championship," Cronk said. "Last year our goal was to make a run at the divisional championship and we succeeded, yet we were not too satisfied with the results. It would have felt much better to win."

Mission's conference shouldn't have a shortage of talented wrestlers either.

"The rest of the conference looks great and I am excited to see how we match up with them," Cronk said. "It is always an exciting challenge to improve each week and overcome our opponents. As always there will be plenty of opportunity to improve."