OTHELLO — After back-to-back seasons placing third in the 2A Boys Mat Classic, the Othello Huskies bring in a team of 75 wrestlers into the 2023-24 season, aiming for yet another high finish at the state tournament.

“Every year we’re training to produce the best team we can, with the state title being the ultimate goal,” Othello coach Rudy Ochoa II said. “If we just stay the course on what we’ve been doing and keep a single growth mindset that we get better each day, then hopefully the results will take care of themselves.”

Othello had seven wrestlers place at the 2023 Mat Classic in Tacoma, including the now-graduated Terrill Freeman who won a state title in the 2A 195-pound bracket. Among the returning wrestlers are senior Isaac Campos, sophomore Mason Russell, senior Anthony Abundiz and junior Mason Perez, who have all stood on the state podium over the past two seasons.

That experience goes a long way in the practice room, especially for Othello’s freshmen class of 24 wrestlers.

“It definitely helps in the practice room,” Ochoa said. “Keeping that culture that’s dialed in and wanting to learn … They definitely bring in a lot of leadership, they help the others with whatever — they are good examples and good at helping each other to learn technique, give feedback.”

Ochoa said Othello typically has about 60-70 wrestlers turn out per season, so this year’s team is a bit bigger than usual.

“I think they’re just excited, they want to try it out,” Ochoa said. “It seems like everyone wants to try it and be a part of this team, which is a good thing.”

A large freshmen class presents its own challenges, but Ochoa credited his fellow coaches on the staff for creating a system to get the new Huskies up to speed.

“It’s definitely a little more challenging when you have a good chunk that’s coming back with a lot of experience, then you have a bigger chunk that’s coming with not as much experience,” Ochoa said. “The good thing about our program is we have an awesome coaching staff that we delegate roles and try to make it so nobody gets left behind.”

Othello scored 126 points at last year’s Mat Classic, with the biggest contributor in scoring being each wrestler winning at least one match. With nine state veterans returning, that experience could go a long way.

“We had everybody actually win a match last year at state,” Ochoa said. “They got a taste at victory; whether they got on the podium or not, I don’t think that necessarily defines the success of last year, but certainly the ones that did make the podium, hopefully, they have the hunger to get back up there and bring their teammates with them.”

Ochoa said this year’s team has demonstrated dedication when in the wrestling room so far this season.
“They show up in the room on time and the atmosphere feels like one that really wants to learn,” Ochoa said. “It’s fun to coach a group like this.”

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.

Othello Boys Wrestling Schedule

Dec. 2 — @ Deer Park tournament — 8 a.m.

Dec. 7 — @ Selah — 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 — Leonard Schutte Roundup — 10 a.m.

Dec. 13 — vs. Connell — 7 p.m.

Jan. 3 — @ Ellensburg — 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 — @ East Valley (Yakima) — 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 — @ Wapato — 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 — @ Ray Westberg Invitational — 9 a.m.

Jan. 18 — vs. Prosser, West Valley (Spokane) — 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 — @ Quincy Mat Animal Boys Wrestling Tournament — 9 a.m.

Jan. 23 — @ Grandview — 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 — vs. Ephrata — 7 p.m.

    Othello senior Isaac Campos, left, took second in the 2A 113-pound bracket at the Mat Classic.
  

    Othello sophomore Mason Russell, right, looks for an escape. Russell placed third in the 2A 120-pound bracket.
  

    Othello coaches celebrate after graduate Terrill Freeman won a state title last year. Head Coach Rudy Ochoa II, center, credited his fellow coaches on the staff for helping prepare the Huskie wrestlers for this upcoming season.