Numbers are up, fueling optimism at Big Foot
By Dan Truttschel
Sports Correspondent
Numbers are up from a year ago in the Big Foot-Williams Bay wrestling program as the 2013-2014 season gets under way.
And with those increased numbers comes added optimism.
Big Foot enters the new year with about 18 wrestlers on its roster, which has given head coach Craig Utesch and his staff hope of big things ahead.
“Things have gone well the first couple weeks,” he said. “We were pleasantly surprised by the numbers. We have more than we had last year. We have a real good bunch of kids. They’re working real hard.
“We have a lot of fresh bodies. They have a lot to learn. They need to get experience, but once they get that, I think they will take off and go with it. They’re hard working and seem to be grasping everything we’re teaching them.”
Utesch said the roster has what he would describe as a “good mix” of seniors with experience and a number of newcomers, including five freshmen.
Those with experience will be counted on to help those without, he said.
“We have a lot of decent athletes this year with good, natural ability and good balance,” Utesch said. “I think if they grasp it, they could do a very nice job.”
Among those expected to lead are Austin Duhigg (132 pounds) and Will Utesch (220), Craig Utesch said.
“Hopefully, they’ll lead by example,” Utesch said. “Austin is coming off an injury from last year, but seems to be coming along really well. Will is doing well just trying to drop his football weight.”
The elder Utesch said he enjoys coaching his son – not that there aren’t days when keeping his roles as father and coach separate are a bit challenging.
But that’s when he leans on his assistant coaches to take over.
“Some days, it’s interesting, some days, it’s pretty good,” Utesch said. “I try to let the assistant coaches deal with him, coaching and showing him things. You know how young kids are. Dad doesn’t know a lot most of the time.
“He does listen to me, and he does a good job. We’re a lot alike. We butt heads once in awhile. You just have to back away and let things work themselves out. But it’s fun to coach him.”
Other wrestlers who could make an impact include Quin Dixon (195), Collin Frederick (285) and Travis Berryman (106), along with a number of newcomers.
RVC prospects
Looking at the South Division of the Rock Valley Conference, Utesch said he expects Brodhead to be among the teams to watch, along with Beloit Turner. As for the Chiefs, Utesch said he hopes to finish in the middle of the pack or above by year’s end.
“Brodhead has a lot of juniors and pretty good depth,” Utesch said. “The kids that they have are pretty good wrestlers. I would look for them to be right there again.”
Big Foot hosted Brodhead in its season opener Tuesday night. The Chiefs will compete Saturday at the six-team Edgerton Tournament at 9 a.m.
Utesch is ready to get things going.
“Time will tell (how we’re going to do),” he said. “The kids are doing well in the room. I’m optimistic that we can go forward, learn and improve throughout the year. That’s what I’m looking at if everyone stays healthy and stays out.”
