After finishing in third place in the Three Rivers Conference last year, the boys’ wrestling team is excited to improve and get back onto the mat. With only two seniors graduating, most of the team is returning, and excited for another season. The boys have been training, conditioning, and focusing during the offseason to work towards becoming better. Wrestling is an important part of Lewis Cass, and the boys always bring amazing energy. Last year’s finish had everyone on their toes and eager to see if they could win this year. The team is going to focus and lock in even more since they know their potential.
The team was close to winning the TRC last season. Nate Burrous, head coach, said he predicts their season will be great in the TRC this season and is expected to place. Practices have just begun to prepare for this upcoming season. Coach Burrous is working closely with the team to improve their skills and build their toughness. Coach works on being consistent and putting much effort into every practice and meet. Coach Burrous has been the head wrestling coach for 30 years and is prepared to get the team in shape. He knows what it takes and how to develop his wrestlers because of all his experience. Coach Burrous was asked about his favorite memory of this senior class, and he responded, “Colton Copeland throwing his opponent in a left-handed headlock to move into regionals.” Copeland agreed with him and was very proud of himself as well.
The expected standouts for this season are senior, Colton Copeland, and junior, Eli Grist. Both are going to be leading the team this winter, as they were last year’s regional qualifiers. Colton Copeland has been a wrestler for six years and is ready to finish his final season out strongly. Colton was asked about his motivation throughout his years of wrestling. Colton responded, “Improving throughout high school, my teammates, and my coach.” Colton leans on Coach Burrous for advice and support during practices and matches. Colton has committed his time and effort to wrestling since middle school and is set to win.
Eli Grist is just a junior, but has shown himself to be one of the most dedicated and competitive teammates on the wrestling team. He has valuable skills and knowledge about wrestling from his past season and knows what it takes to be a leader. Grist made it to regionals for the IHSAA wrestling tournament his sophomore season. He has been working hard and pushing himself to be the best version of himself. Eli is a great leader on and off the mat and a role model for the younger guys on the team, and he inspires them to stay determined. Grist keeps a positive attitude and sets a high standard for himself and his teammates.
Wrestling is an individual sport at the end of the day, but the Lewis Cass wrestling team works together and pushes each other to be better and never give up. Having a connection with teammates when practicing and spending time with them is very important. The boys all show team spirit and commitment to each other. It shows how they work together to celebrate and lift each other up. Wrestlers display leadership and respect, not just during practice or matches, but in their personal lives and to their teammates around them. Classmates and families are eager to see them compete this season at home or away matches, and fans show their support and cheer on our team.
Having a tremendous, experienced head coach who also pushes the team to be better and supports them makes a huge difference in how they wrestle. Coach Burrous has worked diligently to create a strong team and build bonds that will carry over into their personal lives. He believes in all of his wrestlers and hopes they will not only grow in their wrestling skills, but also grow as young men. Whether the boys win or lose, Coach Burrous will be proud of the hard work and dedication his wrestlers put into their practices and matches this winter. Our Lewis Cass wrestling team is eager and motivated for another great season. With teamwork, confidence, and Coach Burrous’s guidance, this team will have a chance to come out on top and hopefully bring home the win in the TRC. Good luck this season to our 2025-26 wrestlers in their season!
