The wrestling team season will be starting with regular practices on  Nov.1. 

The team’s goals for this season are having everyone on the varsity team go to the regional tournament, and as a team to win at least two regular season dual meets and increase the numbers on the team and encourage those on the team to build a wrestling tradition. 

The number of girls joining the team has been going up each season.  Coach Maldonado welcomes them to the co-ed wrestling team. 

Girls wrestling has been exploding the last couple of years. “This summer Olympics had a female gold medalist, a bronze medalist , and two silver medalists. Plus Iowa just added girls wrestling to their sports program. Iowa is a D1 college for wrestlers.” Said Coach Maldonado 

When it comes to Girls competing, they have a separate tournament. “This helps make it more fair so girls don’t have to always wrestle boys who might be a lot stronger. I encourage girls to wrestle so that in a couple years we might be able to have a separate team for girls that travel to girls tournaments and can represent Noll and be one of the only all Girls teams in Indiana.”  Said Coach Maldonado 

Noll’s only female state qualifier graduated last year but is coming back this year to help out as a coach for the wrestling team.  Natalie Ramirez will be helping out with drills, conditioning and extra wrestling practice partners.

 “I want to come back and help because Coach Maldonado never gave up on me so I’m not giving up on the team,” Ramirez said.

Coach Maldonado encourages those interested in a winter sport to try wrestling.

“Wrestling is a great sport that develops confidence, discipline, and a great work ethnic,” he said. “It will also get you in the best shape ever. Our team has been growing over the last couple of years and I would like to keep it growing. I would love to build a dynasty here. In the next few years our school could win Sectionals as a team if we keep growing. It would be great to bring home a trophy. We haven’t had one since 2002. I believe we can do it… we will work hard but have fun in the process. I plan on having a couple team bonding activities this season too.”