The previous wrestling season, the Mustangs went 20-5 while also capturing the Skyland conference mountain division championship.

This upcoming season, the Mustangs return all four of last year’s region qualifiers: Brandon Flores (132) who had the best freshman season in MHS history posting 27 wins, Shane Lallkissoon (145) who posted 33 wins this past season, Jack Lombardino (152) who posted 24 wins this past season while also earning most improved wrestler, and Alex Abarca (182) who posted 34 wins this past season, placed 5th in the region tournament, and earned last year’s MVP award.

Even after such a successful season, the Mustangs are not satisfied; still in chase of the ever so elusive sectional title for the first time since 1994. Here’s what team captain, Jack Lombardino had to say about the hunt to win a sectional championship this year: “ It’s known we will win the conference every year, as a leader I’m not content with just that, so sectionals is the next big thing to put Manville on the map”

The past two years, the Mustangs fell in the sectional semi-finals, preventing them from a chance to compete for a sectional championship. Last season’s starting 132 pounder, Brandon Flores said regarding this upcoming season, “ I feel that there is some unfinished business and I’m personally coming into this season with a chip on my shoulder.”

But in season success requires offseason work. The Mustangs had one of the most successful summers in terms of wrestling, weightlifting, and competing. Staying in shape and training in the off season is critical to the Mustangs’ success. The summer gave a chance for the upperclassmen to meet and teach some of the new freshmen. “The younger kids are a lot more disciplined and we have a ton of experience with our upperclassmen. This team will do big things this year,” Lombardino said about this years upcoming team after training with them this summer.

The Mustangs seek to claim a crown they haven’t had since 1994. This year they have a great shot at doing so, returning all 4 of last year’s region qualifiers, coming off a very successful 20-5 season, expecting some talented freshman, and experienced upperclassman, this all creating the perfect storm for a shot at the sectional title.