Hawk wrestling is back in full swing. 

Last week, Thursday, West Delaware lost their season-opening dual to Waverly-Shellrock, 49-28. Both teams entered the dual ranked highest in their respective classes (West Delaware 2A, Waverly-Shellrock 3A). 

Coach Jeff Voss looked at the match as a time to grow. “I don’t look at it as a disappointment,” Voss said. “We got the opportunity to wrestle a really good team, and when we get the opportunity to wrestle really good teams, we get to see what we need to build upon.” 

In this dual, the Hawks added six new faces to the varsity line-up: Jack Buesing (113), Jax Miller (126), Brent Yonkovic (145), Garrison Gillihan (152), Cash Hauser (195), and Cameron Guether (285). 

Will Ward (182) had a statement win as he decked his opponent in 52 seconds flat. “In the first dual against Waverly, it is kinda nerve-racking with hundreds of people watching you,” Ward said. “I had to get out there and get out there quick, take care of business, and get the nerves out.” 

After the dual, the Hawks then transitioned to the Bob Murphy Invitational on Saturday. They placed 24 wrestlers in the varsity tournament. They ran away with a total team score of 294 points. The next closest team score was 175.5 by Central DeWitt.

They enjoyed a victory after a teaching moment so it’s on to the next meet for Coach Voss and the West Delaware Hawks. They travel to Mount Vernon for a double dual versus Mount Vernon and Solon on Thursday, a tournament at South Winneshiek on Saturday, and the annual West Delaware freshman tournament next Monday.