JHS wrestling preview

With most fall sports being close to done, winter sports now start to take precedent.

David Howell leads the Jefferson High School wrestling team. His assistant coaches are Greg Hoff and Johnny Weight. Weight is a former wrestler for Cascade and been a good coach thus far.

"I've been very pleased," Howell said. "He is a good coach and has helped a lot so far."

The Lions will have six seniors leading the team. They are Carlos Torres, Trevor Jaeger, Alfredo Jiminez, Alex Mendiola, Brent Wolfer, and Javon Pavon. The Lions have a total of 21 wrestlers out with most being freshmen and sophomores.

"Our number will most likely drop due to wrestling being so tough," Howell stated. "A handful of these kids aren't worth a crap and they'll quit." He expects that his number will be more around 15-16.

Howell feels that Torres, Jaeger and Pavon should have good seasons due to it being their senior year and having the wrestling experience.

"I hope to get to state again," Torres said. "I was there last year so I want to get there again."

"I love to wrestle," Pavon said. "I hope to get to state this year and do something good."

Howell also feels that some of his freshmen should have a good year because of their experience with wrestling at the Jefferson Middle School.

"As long as we come together as a team and work hard everyday at practice, we should do well in our league."

Jefferson is in Special District 2 with 17 other teams.

"The league is pretty wide open," Howell said. "I think it's going to be us, Dayton, Willamina, Sheridan and Harrisburg that will fighting for the league title."

The Lions have been holding open mat for the past month and have had good showings. The Lions have already suffered a blow though with returning sophomore Tanner Falls going down with a broke leg.

"He was working so hard, we're going to miss him," Howell said with a sigh.

With the first meet being December 4, Howell hopes that they'll be ready.

"In a week, I'll either be really happy or really mad."