When people hear about wrestling, many people think of the intense training that the wrestlers go through. They think about people throwing up and the tremendous amount of weight that the Song brothers lost. Why would anyone want to go through what seems like hell? “The matches are hard and you always have to be on top and never make mistakes, but once you win, it gives you the greatest feeling.” Senior Calvin Song said. Last year, Ames High Wrestling had one of its best seasons in recent history. They finished 10th at state. They also had four state qualifiers, Jake Agnitsch, Luke and Ben Swalla, and junior Nathan Twito. “We are going to work extremely hard to get to state this year” Twito said. Three of those four state qualifiers graduated, but Twito is back for another season. “Our conference is very tough in wrestling. We want to be contending for titles, so we need to keep improving to beat Valley, Mason City, and Fort Dodge,” Ames High Wrestling coach and three time wrestling state champion Drew Kelly said. Although Ames has lost three state qualifiers, things still look good. This year Ames High wrestling has a very young team with lots of talent in all weight classes. “Every year we are looking for guys to step up, and this year is no different. I think we have a number of guys who have the desire to be the best.” Kelly said. This year, Ames’ main goal is to achieve conference, district, and state titles. “We plan on out working everyone in the state and growing as a team throughout the season. The guys in the room have bought in to what we are trying do do, and they have the determination it takes to get to the next level,” Kelly said. With new and young people wrestling in a variety of weight classes, Ames High Wrestling is hoping to be more successful than ever. Wrestling season has begun and you can know that everyone on the team is working their hearts out. Their first home meet is on December third.