The Yuma High School boys wrestling team finally has its full complement in the practice room.
Head coach Kyle Newton said there are 16 on the team, now that all the players from the Yuma football team that reached the 1A quarterfinals, as well as a handful from the Otis team that reached the 6-man semifinals, are on the mat.
“We just have to get in shape,” Newton said. “We spend the first month getting everyone back into (wrestling) shape, but they’re enjoying it.”
However, there will be likely less than 10 available when Yuma opens its season Friday with a dual at Fort Morgan, followed competing in a dual tournament at Greeley West on Saturday. Newton said it is due to illness, injuries and some other availability issues.
“I think we’re going to be really short on kids this week,” he said.
Starting out, Blake Stiver will be at 113, Dallas Brunk at 132 or 138, Trey Stegman most likely at 150, Tyson Hansen 157, Daden Beauprez 165, Zeke Martinez and Deacon Brown at 175, and Peyton Wells at 215. The rest of the roster will take shape as the wrestlers round into form.
A full list of those on the team was not available at press time.
Changes have been made to the weight classes beginning this season, starting at the middle weights, such as 157, 165 and 175.
Newton said he expects the wrestlers eventually will get into their proper weights in time to make a run in the postseason.
“Usually at the end of the season, they’re all in good shape and get to the natural body weight where they belong,” he said.
Yuma’s first home appearance will be December 15 when it hosts Sterling for a dual.
