The Washington and Lee Wrestling team has been working hard and is ready to start the season off strong.

“The team is looking greatly improved from last season,” Head Coach Nathan Shearer said. “We have a strong group of men that are willing to put in the work necessary to reach their individual goals.”

Each wrestler has been focusing on their individual needs, according to junior captain Ron Tassoni.

“Some guys are focusing on fine-tuning their technique, while others are focusing on strength and conditioning,” he said.

From a coaching standpoint, Shearer emphasized that he wants his wrestlers to be intense and competitive for the entire seven minute duration of each match.

“Regardless of what is happening in the match, the attitude and effort that we put into the seven minutes of wrestling will take us to a good place,” he said.

For Tassoni, every match must be treated as equally important, regardless of the opponent.

“I am hoping we treat every match like it is a big match and never take a break no matter who we wrestle,” he said. “When we wrestle the big conference matches, we will already know what it is like to wrestle at 100%.”

The team has eight first-years whom Tassoni said are ready to compete for the Generals. They are optimistic going into the season, and are prepared to put in the effort necessary for success.

“Everyone is very enthusiastic and we want to do whatever it takes to win and be recognized as a force on the mat,” Tassoni said.

The Generals’ next home contest will be on Nov. 22 against King’s College and Ferrum College.