The 2020-2021 Worland Warrior Wrestling team will face a schedule that few would consider fair. Don’t tell that to Warrior Head Wrestling Coach Josh Garcia. “Our schedule is super intense the way we set it up we’re going to see a lot of 4A schools.” Coach Garcia would go on to say. “We went out there and were definitely trying to find the best schools in Wyoming.” The Warriors are set for matches against all three of the 2019-2020 season State Champions. January 9th the Warriors will wrestle both 2A State Champion Moorecroft and 3A State Champion Star Valley. On February 13th Worland will face 4A State Champion Kelly Walsh and their three individual State Champions. Green River, who moved from 4A to 3A, and their four State Champions are on the Warrior schedule as well. Thunder Basin, Campbell County, and Sheridan are the other 4A schools Worland will face. “If we want to be the best, we got to find the best. We got to be able to beat the best.” Coach Garcia would go on to add “We got a good group right here, and so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The program had 41 young men sign up for wrestling to help fill out the 14 weight classes. Anthony Martinez who finished All-State and State Runner-Up last season goes into the season as one of the favorites in the 106 pound weight class. I asked Coach Garcia about weather or not Martinez would be able to stay at that weight. “Anthony says he wants to go there, he wants to try and make that weight class.” Garcia would continue. ” I’m not one of those coaches that try and tell those kids where to go.” The success of the team depends on the kids knowing what they can or can’t do. “In the past years has worked out well for us.” were Coach Josh Garcia’s thoughts.
The Worland Warrior football team supplies four wrestlers in Aaron Carver, Josh Rose, Christian Peterson, and 2019-2020 season third place finish in the 170 pound weight class Lane McBee. “We want our kids doing something that are helping other folks programs.” Garcia said. “When they come to use their ready to rock and roll, their in shape.” added Coach.
Luke Goncalves starts his Senior year as a two time State Champion. The pursuit of becoming only the seventh wrestler in Worland history to reach the three time State Champion goal. Talking with Coach Garcia about Luke he would say. “Wrestling is such a huge mental game.” continuing “Our biggest goal is to just stay healthy. Do what the school’s asking us to do and wear masks, always trying to stay clean, wash our hands.” Covid-19 has made an impact on every sport none more then wrestling. WHSAA is where all the new mandates can be found on this seasons wrestling rules. “Keeping Luke healthy is going to play a key role in how our season goes.”
Worland will have five place finisher from last season returning in 2020-2021. Sophmore Ross Goncalves, and Junior Kyle Anderson also placed last season. Coach Josh Garcia also has expectations for Kein Anderson, and Kobe Swain. The entire team as expectations. The history of Worland Wrestling does not fall on deaf ears with the 2020-2021 team. They know the expectations, they understand to Standard of Excellence that is Worland Warrior wrestling. This is a team that can be one for the ages. Follow the season with us.
