New Winder-Barrow High School wrestling coach Jason Austin believes there is potential for the Mat Bulldoggs this season.
Austin, who takes over for former coach Chad Horne, has been working with approximately 30 wrestlers. Practice began back on Oct. 31 and Austin joined soon after once his football coaching duties were complete for the season.
A former Mat Bulldogg himself, Austin has clear goals for the program.
“The first thing I want our wrestlers to do is compete, regardless of the opponent,” Austin said. “I want to get them to where they do well every match. If we do that, everything will take care of itself.”
The new WBHS wrestling coach said he has not set specific team or season goals.
“We have only two seniors so we are young in a lot of spots,” Austin said. “We have several first and second year wrestlers. I hope by the time we reach the area duals in January that we will have progressed. You want to be kicking on all cylinders at that point.”
Tristan Yaptango returns after finishing as an area champion at 103 pounds and taking third place at state. Austin will look to Yaptango to provide leadership. The standout wrestler has also been selected for an upcoming competition in Australia.
One boost for the program has been the addition of Kevin Senior as a lay coach, Austin said. Senior was a state champion for WBHS in 1997 and a state-runner up wrestler in 1996.
“He knows what it takes to be successful,” Austin said. “He has great knowledge of wrestling technique. I believe having him with us is a big step for our program.”
Blake Keith also returns to work with the Mat Bulldoggs, after assisting Horne for several seasons.
