Rams take the Mat
The crisp, cold air is here, which can only mean one thing. It’s time for the 2023-2024 wrestling season. The stage is set at the Herb Sims Center for the home opener of the Bluefield University men’s wrestling team as they get set to take on the University of Pikeville at 7 p.m., Friday, December 1.
Coach Jason Waelti, in his seventh season with the Rams, is pumped for the 2023-2024 campaign. He said his wrestlers have something to prove.
“They’ve got chips on their shoulders,” Coach Waelti said. “I can’t just talk about a handful of them; every single one of them can come out on the mat and really put out a good product.”
One wrestler, in particular, Coach Waelti named is newcomer Bo Ice, a freshman from Staunton River High School who has already made results at the college level, placing fourth overall at the Cougar Open hosted by Averett University on November 12.
“Bo Ice has a name for wrestling and is very established in Virginia,” Coach Waelti said.
Mason Via from Rural Retreat, Virginia, is another freshman Coach Waelti highlighted.
“He doesn’t look like what you think is gonna come out there and and kill you,” Coach Waelti said,“ and he’s gonna come out there and kill guys just ’cause they don’t see it coming.”
Waelti also mentioned other newcomers, such as Marcelo Gonzalez, Landon Wright, Ethyn Kimberlin, Delvin “D.J.” Taylor, and Conner Hanberg.
“Now I got names out there that I haven’t said,” Coach Waelti added. “They’re all dangerous.”
Veteran wrestler Zack Silver, a fifth-year returning team captain will bring experience to the team. He said he’s excited about the potential of this year’s group.
“I think we have a lot of talent and potential,” Silver said. “I had no intentions of wrestling this year at all, but Coach Waelti offered me to wrestle the first semester while I was finishing my degree.”
Silver added that was especially excited about the 2023-2024 BU season when he learned that two of his former high school teammates had been recruited to wrestle for the Rams: Kimberlin and Dontae Miller.
“That was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” Silver said. “I’ve come into this season with the intentions of being a friend and a leader for my teammates, and that is what I am so thankful for.”
The Rams already have three road matches under their belt as they get set for the home opener on December 1.
“A lot of these young guys have been working every day, and they have picked up some wins because of it,” Silver said. “I’m excited to see them improve as the season progresses.”