Defeating the Jefferson High School Democrats at home on Wednesday Jan. 11, the Wilson Trojans wrestling team proved their place among the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL). Putting them in position for the city championship, continuing the winning streak that has been upheld in recent years, they are fulfilling expectations and getting closer to their goal of winning the state title.

            Despite losing key seniors this last year, the Trojans’ have been successful due to the close friendships created between the teammates. During each meet, the wrestlers line the edges of the mat, encouraging and cheering on each teammate in their match. Although it is an individual sport, the team as a whole supports each wrestler.

            At the first meet afterwinter break, the young team felt the pressure to show their strength and gain much needed experience. The match was hyped up, as Jefferson was one of the only teams to cause trouble not only on the mat, but off for Wilson last season. Several Jefferson wrestlers got in heated arguments with Wilson seniors, setting up a rivalry for this year's team to defend their side.

            Unfortunately, for the majority of the wrestlers there was a lack of opponents in the first weight class as a result of Jefferson’s small team size. Wilson as a team won the meet in a landslide due to the forfeits. Though the early match-ups were a struggle with several young losses, the wrestlers hit their stride during their later challenges of the night. Out of those matches wrestled, few were won, only one of which was an upperclassman.

            Junior Brian Huebner, a varsity starter since his freshman year, defeated his opponent while struggling with a recent shoulder injury. The exhaustion showed as Huebner attempted to pin his challenger with much difficulty but after a close competition, he walked away with a victory.

            “Wrestling with my injury was tough but my teammates were there for me on the side of the mat, pushing me to keep going and not give up,” Huebner said. “By defeating Jefferson, it brought us closer to qualifying for state.”

            Sophomore standout Austin Wallace-Lister went back and forth with his opponent, putting his athleticism and experience on display with several exciting escapes and reversals. In the end, Lister left with another win under his belt, making a name for himself as one of the top ranked wrestlers on Wilson varsity.

            The next match was against Century at their home. After dominating Jefferson only one night before, the wrestlers were exhausted and fell to the Century Jaguars by a considerable amount. The team had bright individual performances during the meet, but couldn't quite assemble those executions into a victory.

            With six upcoming meets until the district title is announced, the Trojans have a tough schedule and less than a month of their season left. Senior Brian Wojahn and Lister recently received the Outstanding Wrestling Award at the PIL tournament for both the light and heavy weight classes. Overall the team placed second at the event, advancing towards the top of the PIL.

As eight wrestlers move into the spot light after placing in the top five for their respective weight classes, seniors Wojahn, Danny Bilaniv, Robby Wilson, and Bubba Villarreal, along with juniors Huebner and Jordan Rober, and sophomores Lister and Bobby Powers, are key athletes to look out for during the rest of the season. The unity and friendships within the team have formed a tight bond and continue to carry them through their meets with determination and hard work.