By Connor Ryan and Dylan Gaillard – Staff Reporters

The Jonathan Law wrestling team is looking forward to their upcoming winter season.

Law’s first match is at home against New Haven. This year’s coaches are Mr. Ruzbarsky and Matt Schoonmaker. 

“This season we have eight wrestlers returning that have done a good amount of off-season work,” Assistant Coach Mark Ruzbarsky said. “We are looking to have a 50% winning record as a team and some of our individuals have some very high goals personally as well.”

This year’s captain is senior Brayden Hancock. Hancock is looking to improve and lead the lawmen to a successful season.

“To prepare for the season, most returners have participated in offseason wrestling usually with a club such as Southside or Tugman,” Hancock said. “In addition, we’ve organized offseason team lifts to get in shape and get stronger for the season.” 

Schoonmaker expects to have multiple key players. He also hopes that they can improve record-wise.

“We are expecting to be above .500 this season, qualify four wrestlers to the State Opens this season and have at least one female State Champion,” Schoonmaker said. “Also, we are expecting five female State place winners at the women’s State Tournament and to finish Top three with two New England qualifiers and one New England Place winner.” 

The Lawmen are participating in many tournaments this winter. 

“This year we are bringing back our JK invitational tournament in February which we host,” Ruzbarsky said. “Also, we are very excited to have seven female wrestlers on the team and are very excited for the three girls tournaments we are attending. Lastly, the end of the season is always fun with our culminating girls and boys CIAC state tournaments.” 

Members of the team consider Law wrestling to be a second family.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my team and supporting them,” sophomore Selena Batres said. “Also, I want to watch them succeed in their matches.” 

The Lawmen lost six seniors from last year’s team, so their main goal will be to fill these spots before their first match.

“The team has gotten multiple new wrestlers to replace seniors that left,” sophomore Henry Smith said. “They have learned a lot preparing for our first meet. Jaden Oyola will make a big difference at heavyweight.”