Coach: Josh Mitchell

What’s new: Mount Si alumnus Josh Mitchell returns to the school as the wrestling program’s new head coach. After graduating from Oregon State in the spring, Mitchell moved back to the Valley and got the job after previous coach, Tony Schlotfeldt, stepped down.

“Tony coached me for three of my four years here at the high school. David Moses is one of my assistant coaches, really trained me a lot when I was in wrestling,” Mitchell said.

As a new coach, Mitchell said his coaching style focuses on not only bettering skills in wrestling but, focusing on academic success as well.

“My style of coaching, I try to be full of energy. For some of them this is an escape, I want this to be a place they look forward to every day. Competition is a huge thing,” he said. “I want to keep us healthy all year. Also away from the sport, I want them to grow as young men and women. Having good grades is a big focus of mine.”

Team captain Mason Marenko said the team has responded to the the new coach well. Marenko knew Mitchell prior to his hiring as head coach so it was easy for him to adjust to the new coach. He is excited for this new season.

Looking ahead: Mitchell’s goal for his first year is to win the conference and send as many wrestlers to state as possible.

“Our goal is to win KingCo and send all our seniors to state and hopefully a lot of underclassmen too,” he said. “The team goal is to win league. We want to fill out as many weight classes to get ready for the month of January. February is post season and I want to make sure they, especially the seniors, are ready. That’s a big focus, making sure they are going to state.”

Marenko, now a senior, is looking forward to the high-level competitions and wants to outdo his performance at state last year.

“I’m looking forward to some of the tougher tournaments this year and competing at a high level,” he said. “Me and Andrew Harris both took sixth at State.”

Captain: Mason Marenko, senior.

Don’t miss: Mount Si won’t be wrestling at home until Jan. 19 in their match against Woodinville.

Mount Si Wrestling Schedule

Thu, Dec 8, 7 p.m., vs. Eastlake at Eastlake High School

Sat, Dec 10, TBD, Spud Walley at Sedro Woolley High School

Thu, Jan 5, 7:30 p.m., vs. Bothell at Bothell High School

Thu, Jan 5, 7:30 p.m., vs. Inglemoor at Bothell High School

Thu, Jan 19, 7 p.m., vs. Woodinville at Home

Tue, Jan 24, 7:30 p.m., vs. Skyline at Home

Thu, Jan 26, 6 p.m., vs. Issaquah at Skyline High School

Thu, Jan 26, 7:30 p.m., vs. Newport at Skyline High School

Sat, Feb 4, TBD, Kingco Wrestling Tournament at Juanita High School