Fred Liggett
Avila Wrestling officially held their first practice for the upcoming 2023-24 season. There are 26 members on the team for the 2023-24 season.Avila began workouts back on Tuesday, Sept 5th in preparation for what they hope will be a memorable year. Head Coach Eric Mateo commented ” Been on the mat for four weeks, a stepping stone to where we want to be”. Following the teams first practice that lasted two hours Mateo feels “the energy was there”. Mateo likes the team who he feels will “Give max effort everyday”.
A number of newcomers are expected to make an impact this season at AU. They include Freshman Henry McGivern from Washburn Rural HS in Topeka, KS. McGivern will wrestle in the 125 weight class. Another freshman competing at 125 lbs is Eric Franklin who comes from nearby Center HS in South Kansas City.
Transfers will also have a chance to make a difference on the mat for Avila this year. Jacob Ramirez who wrestles at 141 or 149 comes from Indian Hills CC in Iowa. Gavin Howes comes to KC from Colorado-Pueblo and will wrestle as a Heavyweight. A name to keep an eye on down the road is Alexsei Wojtkiewicz. Alexei may redshirt and hails from Blue Springs, Mo.
Now that the Eagles are officially working out for the season the teams first competition isn’t far away. Avila will open up at home against the William Woods Owls on Saturday, Oct. 28th. Events at the Mabee Fieldhouse on the Avila campus get underway at 7pm.
