Following a successful season where multiple wrestlers placed at CCS, coach Jonathan Kessler said his large team has high expectations for this season.

“Right now, we have 30 boys and 10 girls, which is the most we’ve had in a while,” Kessler said.

Kessler said that while the team hopes to perform well, he recognizes most wrestlers are motivated by personal goals.

Senior and co-captain Joshua Wilde said he has his sights on states.

“Personally, I want to get to states, and I want to do good in states,” Wilde said. “That’s been my goal for the last four years.”

Senior and co-captain Hailey Oshita said she has similar aspirations.

“(My goal is) CCS and then to go to States and hopefully do well,” Oshita said.

For seniors like Wilde, wrestling has affected him in ways beyond the competition. Wilde said that for him, wrestling has ignited his personal growth.

“I think because of wrestling and because of how difficult it was, I’ve changed a lot more than I would have than with any other sport at Paly,” Wilde said.

Oshita also said wrestling has taught her many valuable life lessons and skills.

“It teaches you a lot about working hard and making a goal and working to achieve your goal,” Oshita said.

Kessler agreed and said he also thinks wrestling helps prepare athletes for success beyond the sport.

He said, “The best part is that you learn so much through the sport, and it’s not just how to get your hand raises. It’s how to go through life.”