Bulldog wrestlers hit the mat this Friday

With the foundation in place for the

rebuilding Bulldog wrestling team, the goal this season is to be

competitive on the mat.

Eighteen grapplers will fill out nearly

all of the weight classes, sans the two lightest weights.

“I’d love to say we’ll be competitive,”

Whitefish coach Ryan Boyle said. “Everybody is working hard. The

skills in the [training] room are way better than last year. We’re

building on last year and making sure they are in shape and

mentally strong enough for the higher level.”

Seniors Jacob Forrest and Robby Neff

are aiming for competitive seasons. Forrest will wrestle in the

271-289 pound range and Neff will be around the 260-pound

class.

“They are two great guys to lead the

team,” Boyle said.

Junior Wolf Zinke is fresh off football

season and looks to be one of the top heavyweights in the

conference.

“I’m really looking forward to Wolf’s

season,” Boyle said. “He should be right there at the top.”

Seven freshman on the squad will look

to make some noise, too.

“We have a couple guys that could just

surprise everybody,” Boyle said. “Some of those freshman have the

potential to do really well.”

The team is currently working on

techniques and endurance in preparation for their season opener

Dec. 2 at Columbia Falls. The Wildcats have fielded a full

roster.

Boyle would like to see the Bulldogs

hold their own against the rival Cats.

“I’m hoping to have some six-minute

matches,” he said. “We might get a match here or there, but I just

want us to be competitive.”

The match at Columbia Falls is slated

for 6:30 p.m.