Lauren Estes-Velez, Hartselle Enquirer

Hartselle head wrestling coach Dennis Smith said his team’s season will begin Dec. 1 with the Huntsville Invitational.

“We will take 14 people to compete, and we’re excited to start the season,” Smith said.

The young varsity team only includes two seniors, so many young players are stepping up in leadership roles.

“You have to lead by example here,” team member Seth Patrick said. “Wrestling doesn’t have high numbers on a team, so you get to know everyone and how they wrestle. It’s a good opportunity to lead and encourage one another.”

For freshman Daniel Bolio, his goal is to make it to the state tournament.

“I would love to place if possible – and of course, for the team to win state,” Bolio said. “I love practices because we get our reps in and prepare for meets, but with meets you face entirely new opponents and get challenged, so it’s always something I look forward to.”