As the offseason for the Knoxville Wrestling Squad progresses, the Panthers hope it is a more normal offseason. Coach Doug Hatch tells KNIA/KRLS Sports, last offseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic, little to no team bonding was done like working out in the wrestling room at the high school, going on trips to wrestling camps and several of the wrestlers were unable to do any offseason tournaments.
Hatch:
“Coming in twice a week, doing some extra open room training, and going to camps and offseason team bonding, plus there was little to no Greco Roman tournaments, so hopefully all that can happen for it to pay off.”
When the Knoxville Wrestling Squad hit the mats for the season next year, the Panthers will be a year older and a lot more experienced. No seniors were on the squad this season so if everyone goes out next year, there will be 100% return for Coach Doug Hatch. He is hopeful that the sophomores and freshmen this year, while gaining that offseason of work and be ready to attack the season in 2021.
Hatch:
“Look toward this next year when we’ll be a really competitive team with all of the kids in the lineup. We’re really looking forward to next year and the year after as being a really competitive team here in Iowa.”
The Knoxville Wrestling Squad had its final tune up before Sectionals on Tuesday as the Panthers vitiated Carlisle. The Panthers fell to the Wildcats 39-36 with Andon Trout, Luke Spaur, and Wayne Johnston getting wins by pin. The Panthers will be in action next on Saturday hosting a class 2A sectional.