The varsity wrestling team has been working hard and getting better all off-season in preparation for the season.

Some of their training included practicing before school at 5:30 a.m. twice a week, practicing after school, lifting twice a week, and going to clubs.

The Hawks return all their wrestlers from last year, which includes nine WPIAL qualifiers (Mason Kernan, Ethan Higgins, Aiden Bench, Aden Stout, Landon Hartman, Jaden Palombine, Hunter Goelz, Seth Miller, and Maksim Miller).

The Hawks also get key wrestlers (Ryan Walsh and Cordan McDonnel) back from injuries.

Additionally, they add some experienced freshmen wrestlers in the middle weights and light weights (Pierce Reinhart, Caleb Crawford, Colton Fisher, and Ian Bucheli).

When asked what it means to be a leader to this talented Hawk team, Landon Hartman said: “It’s important to try to be a leader on and off the mat. These kids look up to the older guys on the team and put in the work just like us. To give us the best chance to succeed, we have to show them how to succeed on the mat through hard work and how to be even better people off the mat.”

The team recently hosted an intra-squad Black & Orange Dual that featured wrestlers at each weight class vying for the starting spot in the lineup.

The Hawks will put their training and talents to the test this season with a challenging schedule.

Some of the tournaments include King of the Mountain and Powerade, two of the nation’s toughest tournaments.

They are in a section with tough teams like Canon Mac, Peters, and Mt. Lebanon.

After qualifying for the WPIAL tournament last year, the team hopes to make a deeper run in the playoffs and possibly qualify for states.

The Hawks are ready and will kick off their season Dec. 9 at Greenville Duals.