Lovell grapplers kick off new season with leaders returning

The Lovell High School wrestling team has been putting in the work preparing for another competitive season. With a mix of returning wrestlers and new athletes, the Bulldogs are focused on improving each day and being ready to compete.

The team includes wrestlers from every grade level. Freshmen include Alex Addison, Emiliano Silva, Brayden Harris, Chris Carabay, Christian Garcia, Evan Rusch, Isaac Blau, Oscar Garcia, Zander Stahl, Zavier Heater, Emalie Gonzalez and Vada Schmidt. The sophomore class features Hunter Krei, Jaxen Baxendale, Taevyn Gruell, Monte Blank, Tristen Cooper, Tim Snell, Kajyn Cliame, Kaylynn Mickelson and Harley Tillett. Juniors on the roster are Hudsen Mickelson, Porter Blau and Travis Asay, while seniors this season are Mason Christenson, Zayden Stahl, Tyler Wilkerson and Owen Hill. Team managers are Haven Hecker, Tailyn Walbeck and Elena Aagard.

One of the leaders of the team is senior Christenson, who placed at State last season. Head coach Ty Hecker said, “Our top wrestler is Mason Christenson. With his success last year, he is chasing another state title this year with a good chance to do just that.” Several other wrestlers are returning after qualifying for the state tournament last season, including  Hill, Zayden Stahl, Mickelson and Wilkerson.

Hecker also noted two wrestlers who have stood out so far this season. “Travis Asay and Hunter Krei have been doing all the right things so far, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they pick up a lot of good wins this year,” Hecker said.

On the girls side, Kaylynn Mickelson and Harley Tillett are returning after making big improvements from last season. Hecker highlighted freshman Vada Schmidt.

“Vada is a tough wrestler who has a bright future in the sport,” he said. First-year wrestler Emalie Gonzalez has also impressed early on. “She’s a first-year wrestler but shows a ton of heart,” Hecker said.

Leadership will be important for the Bulldogs this season.

“Team captains are Mason Christenson, Owen Hill, Zayden Stahl and Travis Asay,” Hecker said. “Girls captains are Kaylynn Mickelson and Harley Tillett.”

Looking ahead, Hecker expects plenty of challenges for the team but believes they can face them prepared.

“This year is going to be tough with all the competition, but we will have long, hard practices focusing on technique, tons of drilling and trying to master hand fighting,” he said.

With strong leaders, lots of practice and a willingness to work, the Bulldogs are ready to take on the season. They will compete at the Powell Invitational beginning on Friday at 11 a.m. and continuing Saturday at 9 a.m.