Mission-Charlo wrestling coach Lyle Cronk doesn’t tone down the intensity of practices when his Bulldogs prepare for the final two weeks of the wrestling season. He amplifies it.

“As we get into these Divisional rounds, the level of competition and intensity increases and we have to bring ourselves up to that level or we are going to get throttled,” Bulldogs’ Coach Lyle Cronk said. “That is why we actually crank up the intensity level. I am doing less teaching at this point. We are a little more focused on the individual technique for each wrestler and we tailor our coaching for the Divisional. Our practices are more intense and focused.”

The Bulldogs will enter the Class B-C Divisional wrestling tournament at Superior High School with a lot of momentum, according to Cronk.

“Divisional and State are the highest highs and the lowest lows and the atmosphere is emotionally taxing,” Cronk said. “We try to focus each kid at this point. They know their No. 1 rival and who they have to beat in order to step up on the pedestal. I try to motivate them. We have every time we run sprints try to remind them of who they are doing this for. The rest of the motivation comes from them. They have to believe in themselves and what they are going after.”

This year, no Bulldogs will enter the B-C Divisional Tournament as the top-seeded wrestling team but that hasn’t deterred Cronk or his team from finishing the season strong.

“Our kids are all wrestling great and they are all hungry,” Cronk said. “They all have potential to place in the top 3. I think some of them are ready to knock some people off and that is what I am looking forward to.”

Gus Bosley, who is one of the premier wrestlers at the 182-pound division, will compete in a loaded division that includes defending Class B-C champion Garrett Graves, Arlee’s George Shick and Florence’s Spencer Jones.

“I think we are getting there right now and everyone is wrestling pretty hard and coming together as a team,” Cronk said. “Everyone is looking forward to Divisional.”