The Varstiy Wrestling team took on Oak Park Jan. 30 on the road and defeating them 42-33. The Indians are now 8-2 in dual play.

Assistant Coach Derick Barker thought the team performed well, and had a great warm-up.

“I think it went pretty well tonight,” Coach Barker said. “We had one of our best warm-ups yet this season.”

The Indians had wins from sophomore Jesse Newton (126), junior AJ Sanchez (132), junior Roman Tinoco (138), junior Josh Newton (152), senior Chris Young (195) and sophomore Ikani Tuiono (285). Joshua Newton,was satisfied with his performance at the match.

“I feel pretty great about my performance,” Josh Newton said. “I am ready to get back out there and wrestle him at Districts. For motivation I think about my hand being raised, and the crowd cheering.”

Fort Osage’s only female wrestler, Tess Kinne (120) has many tactics for preparing for her matches.

“I focus on myself, and have a ‘pull-the-trigger’ mindset,” Kinne said. “I use pacing as a way to mentally prepare for my match.”

Coach Barker has a few things in mind for improvement at practice.

“Being technically sound is our main focus this time of year,” He said. “They need to learn from their mistakes and try not to do it again.”

The team is already preparing for their next match at home Feb. 1 with rival Staley High school. The match will be broadcast live on KFOI Sports on the NFHS Network at https://shar.es/1NEJfp.