Norse energy elevates competition level

As the weather cools, things are heating up for the Luther College wrestling team. While this year’s squad is fairly young, Head Coach Dave Mitchell has a positive outlook for the season.

“Right now, I would not see us as being considered one of the top programs in the nation, which is what we have been used to,” Mitchell said. “We’re not where we want to be, but I like the group, we’re heading where we want to be.”

Among the positive expectations for the Norse wrestlers are strong enthusiasm and camaraderie among the team members. Mitchell placed a special emphasis on the energy of his athletes.

“We have a lot of work to do and a lot of growth to go through,” Mitchell said. “The team is willing to work and battle away. We have some great team chemistry and so much energy among the guys.”

Throughout preseason training, the team has focused on improving conditioning, technique and competitiveness. Aside from a few small outbreaks of skin conditions, the team has been healthy. Mitchell reports that these conditions have cleared up and his team is healthy and ready to work.

“It is difficult training for such a long season, especially through the holidays, but we are used to it at this level,” Jayson Swanson (‘11) said. “It is a long season, especially mentally, and can wear on you, but it helps to have other people around you on the team doing the same thing.”

Nic Barclay (‘10) and Allyn Plattner (‘10), the only two senior members of the Luther wrestling squad, will not begin competition until January, with only one remaining semester of eligibility. Both returning national qualifiers are crucial for the team’s depth. Other returning national qualifiers are 2009 All-American Jason Pyle (‘11) and Swanson, a 2009 Scholar All-American. These four wrestlers, along with Kevin Bokoski (‘11) have been selected as team captains for their leadership and experience.

Even though wrestling competitions are comprised of individual matches, Swanson says the Norse are focused largely on the team aspect.

“It is an individual sport, but there is a strong team atmosphere,” Swanson said. “We are a family on and off the mat.”

As for team goals for the season, Swanson continued, “We would like to send as many guys to the national tournament as possible, and hopefully have some All-Americans.”

As of Nov. 24, the Norse wrestlers have posted a 2-1 dual meet record after wins against Knox College and UW-Eau Claire. Luther lost a tight competition to Ellsworth Community College (Iowa) in a 20-21 final score Nov. 17. The Norse have also competed in tournaments at Knox College (Ill.) the University of Nebraska, Augsburg College (Minn.) and the annual alumni meet. No team scores were recorded at these competitions.

These early competitions are preparation for the main competition season, which runs from January to early March. According to Mitchell, they allow the coaches and athletes to feel out strengths and weaknesses.

“After each competition we come back with notes of what to work on to prepare and improve for the next week,” Mitchell said.

After taking time off from competition for Thanksgiving break, the Norse wrestlers will be back in action Sunday, Dec. 6 at the University of Northern Iowa Open.