The Wrestling Tigers just began their long, grueling season. They are looking to improve upon a successful 2015 season, after sending three of their top wrestlers to the state tournament.

Alum Nick Wolf, now wrestling at Coe College, ended his final high school wrestling season with 38 wins and 7 losses. Wolf, came up just short of being one of the final 8 contenders of the state championship.

“I was very proud of my team last season,” said Nick Wolf. I don’t think we could have worked any harder with how far we made it. I believe Plainfield North has prepared me to continue my love for wrestling at Coe College.”

Wolf made a huge impact for the team last season, leading the Tigers and dominating the 225 – 275lb weight bracket.

Junior Luke Smiley and Senior Marcus Povlick also played a big role on the wrestling team. Last season, both wrestlers made it past the last 16 contenders with Povlick making it to the final 8 in the state tournament, the farthest anyone has ever advanced at North.

“We had several individuals make a big impact last season,” said Head Coach Jeff Kastel.

Povlick, Senior Tyler Myers, Smiley, and Sophonore Matt Hennessey all had tremendous seasons last year. They were part of a core group that I could always expect a win from. Those same individuals, plus Junior Leo Santos, will all make a big impact on the mat this season. They all put in a lot of hard work in the off-season and are ready to take on new roles as leaders on the mat and off the mat,”

Povlick finished last season with a record of 38 – 7 with Smiley just trailing at 27 – 7. Povlick was also ranked 3rd in the state last year.

The Tigers begin each season with an annual Thanksgiving Wrestling tournament. This is a quad tournament with four teams participating. This wrestling gets teams in season mode and ready for the mat.

“We’re going to have a good overall team record this season, we have a lot more people on the team this year with a lot of talent,” said  Povlick

The Tigers are coached by science teacher Kastel and physical education teacher Robert Mattingly. Kastel oversees the varsity wrestlers, while Mattingly coaches the freshmen and sophomore team. Last season, the team fell just below .500 but certain wrestlers shined for the team. The Tigers are looking to have their best season in school history.

“The team will be better than last years,” said Junior Timmy Donnahue. “We have a lot of returning guys and almost a full lineup. I think the coaches have high expectations for us this year, and they really want to see us succeed as wrestlers and as people.”