Niles North wrestling boys are ready to take on their season after their first meet.

Their conference opener was a success; they defeated Highland Park High School by 48-16. So far, the team has had many wins as well as some losses like their competition on Saturday where they wrestled 5 other teams:  Clemente, Morton, Ottawa, Lakes Central, and Elm Wood Park. They were able to defeat 2 of the times but unfortunately, let 2 of the meets slip away.

“The team has been practicing hard, we’re hungry and all we want is to win,” senior co-captain Daniel Litovchenko said. They have been intensifying their techniques and workouts with the aid of their coaches. The varsity coaches this season are head coach Chris Albandia and assistant coach Robert Chihoski. The junior varsity coaches are Brad Alper and Ryan Lindberg.

This year, the team has 7 returning wrestlers and 7 new guys on varsity. As for the captains, they are seniors Litovchenko, Shawn Lavi, Hermez Abraham and Jon Pazmino.

“As a team we would like to be over 500 and near the top in conference,” Lavi said. Many of the returners like Litvochenko hope, “to end the season with 20 wins, get all conference, and qualify for sectionals.”

Come support your Vikings wrestling team on their next home meet on Thursday against Deerfield.

Go Vikings!