The wrestling season is in full swing and the team has made progress under the new coach, Dan Didier.

An experienced wrestler with nine years coaching at Parkway Central under his belt, Didier came to West at the beginning of the season and has made improvements to the program.

“We’ve stepped up since last year, now we’ve got a bigger, more solid team,” captain Kyle Campell said.

Didier focuses on perfecting a short range of offensive and defensive moves. In the weight room, Didier has the team lifting daily with an Olympic program.

“I want the team to focus on building their base and improving what they can do,” Didier said.

The team has been practicing since late October and Didier is impressed with the progress they’ve made.

“We went from a group of individuals to a team that works together and pushes each other to achieve,” Didier said.

On Dec. 8, at the Farmington Tournament, the team defeated DeSmet and won several matches over multiple weight classes.

“I’m really impressed with how we did and the gumption the team showed,” Campell said.

The coach and team have set goals for themselves, their biggest goal is to send one or more wrestlers to the State Meet.

“I want to send at least one of our guys to state this year and every one on the team I’ve seen has the potential to make it,” Didier said.