FCHS wrestling capped off its regular season on Feb. 5, with the Flucos securing the district championship with overwhelming wins over Monticello and Western Albemarle. Twelve out of 14 wrestlers will be advancing to Regionals in Harrisonburg on Feb. 14.

Over the season, improvements to the team and coaching have had significant impacts on the program. Under long-time coach Craig Conner, the team has continued to grow, accumulating three new coaches and six new athletes. The team of 34 athletes is 10-11 in dual matches, a competitive record for one of the hardest regions in the state.

“There’s been a lot of improvement in team morale and dedication on the team,” said senior and Team Captain John Gretz. “I would say the season is going great.”

“The addition of wrestlers helps grow the sport and the team, and gives more diversity and strength to the program,” said Assistant Coach Matt Cleary.

“The number of interested athletes is great, but the space to have them all practice safely is suspect,” said Conner, who noted the problems with fitting everyone in the wrestling room. “But we make it work with rotations and group work,” he said.

The team has garnered a reputation as a solid roster this year, with Cleary noting that there has been steady improvement.

“There has been lots of growth this season, especially from our seniors. They seem to be paving a way for the younger athletes and setting high expectations.” he said.

The team is now preparing for the postseason. Cleary said that the biggest obstacle for the final stretch of the year is for the wrestlers to stay healthy and on the mat.

“When it comes to this sport, bodies tend to fall apart. We just have to focus on doing all the right things to get healthy. Stretching and staying conditioned will help us over that hump,” he said, referring to the physical wear and tear wrestling brings on the body from consistent days of hard training. Injuries varying from nose bleeds to torn muscles can take a toll on the wrestlers’ bodies, making staying healthy an essential factor to success.

With mostly the entire team advancing to Regionals, morale and determination on the team is at its peak.

“I’m excited to see who ‘gets the challenge’ done and who has the heart and the skills to move on. Helping young people with that is worth all the time and effort,” said Conner.

TV Production teacher David Small created a Fluco Wrestling Highlights showcasing the FCHS wrestling team. The video was aired on In the Know just before the school went into closure from Jan. 26-Feb. 3 due to a snowstorm and unprecedented low temperatures. The storm led to the team’s senior night being postponed from Jan. 28 to Feb. 5.