By Abby Davidson

After the successful 2015 season, in which Mount Vernon sent seven wrestlers to state ranging from the weight class of 126 to 285, Mount Vernon looked to start their 2016-17 season with a bang. Out of the state wrestlers last year, four are returning this season: Jack Cochrane, Tony Garcia, Justin Light, and Tristan Wirfs.

Senior Justin Light said, “It just makes you want to go back, try harder, and be better this year.”

The wrestlers kicked off their first varsity home double dual Nov. 29, by facing the Cedar Rapids Washington Warriors and the Marion Indians. In the first matches of the night, the Indians defeated the Warriors, 57-21. That didn’t seem to phase the Mount Vernon boys at all. Living up to the expectations from last year Mount Vernon varsity went on to win against the Warriors, 63-14.

Following their win against the Warriors, Mount Vernon faced the Indians. Marion had already won one match, but that would be the only one they would win that night. As for Mount Vernon, they continued on with their winning night. Mount Vernon won 51-21, a smaller margin than the match before but a win at that.