Ryan Prom returns as the Big Lake Hornet wrestling coach with high hopes for a successful 2021-22 season. Justin Nelson has also returned as an assistant as well as Andrew Sandford and Matt Nelson.

The wrestling season kicked off Nov. 22 at home and Prom will cycle through the 25-30 athletes he has on his roster to field the best team each week. Prom and his coaches have a plethora of strong talent on the squad including Christian Noble (2x state champion), Nolan Reiter  (2x state placewinner), Cash Sixberry (state placewinner) and Luke Schumacher (state placewinner).

“We will be in one of the toughest sections in the state,” said Prom. “There could be as many as six teams rated at any time during the season.” 

The teams in their section include: Becker, Dassel Cokato Litchfield, Foley, Princeton, Annandale, Maple Lake and Big Lake, who will all compete for the section and state titles.

Big Lake has 15 wrestlers returning with varsity experience. 

“The experience of these wrestlers will be a strength,” said Prom. “Our depth should also be a strength.”

Some athletes for some sports dedicate their entire school year focused on practicing and conditioning their bodies for the one sport they excel in. Some are pure athletes and love to compete at a sport they enjoy or have advantages.

“I like my wrestlers to be involved in other sports,” said Prom. “This helps with conditioning and other important factors that a wrestler will need when they step on the mat.”