The Niles North Boys Wrestling team hit the mat off their 2025 season with anticipation and determination. The team trained endlessly during the off-season, pushing themselves in the weight room and on the mat, knowing their hard work has come a long way. 

On Dec. 19, Niles North defeated rivals Niles West for the third year in a row, marking a significant milestone in North’s Boys Wrestling team’s career. 

Not only did the team beat West but they also defeated Highland Park, Evanston Township, and Chicago Curie in many of their quad meets. 

The team puts forth effort at practices to ensure it pays off at meets. They dedicate countless hours to improving their technique, building strength, and fostering teamwork. 

“I think that overall we’re a very good team,” junior Tim Walsh said. “Usually, in the room, we are all working hard for three hours till we go home around 6:30. When it comes around to tournaments we’re also going to go ahead and win those too.”

Athletes continue to support each other, always pushing one another to get better both in practice and during meets. With a mixed experience between seniors and eager younger wrestlers, the team is ready to keep growing and earning wins this season. 

“Something I really like is the breakdowns at the end of practice,” freshman Mustafa Imran said. “Everyone comes together and the coach says ‘someone give me a breakdown’ then [a player] says [a chant] like ‘Vikings on 3, family on 6… 1, 2, 3,’ then everyone yells ‘vikings’ super loud and it ties us more into a community.”

Coach RJ Young has been a key figure in the team’s success. His leadership and motivational style creates an environment where hard work and teamwork are emphasized.

“Coach RJ is a really great coach and I’m so grateful that he and all of the other new coaches chose to coach North this year,” junior Lucas Jimenez said. “Coach RJ always pushes us to our limits in practice, whether that be physical or mental, and he always brings enthusiasm and spirit along with it. I love how he’s a coach with a lot of experience as well, as in most, if not all of our practices he demonstrates the move on another coach to teach the whole team. Because of him, I feel like I have improved so much, and I am so thankful. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with him as the head coach.”

On Jan. 17, senior night took place, leaving a memorable mark for the team. The senior class was celebrated, recognizing their hard work and dedication in wrestling for the past years.

“Senior night was amazing because it was so hyped up,” freshman Devin Murphy said. “It was like you could hear the entire wrestling gym screaming from the other side of the building.”

North’s Boys Wrestling team has shown great promise to the season, with key victories and a strong sense of unity. Athletes continue to push each other to improve, both in practice and on the mat. As they continue their journey, the team has full confidence in their ability to succeed.