Getting players ready for the season isn’t new for Normal West boys wrestling coach, David Lehr.
He is entering his 10th year of coaching, and this year he has a talented team led by two seniors, Chaius Herbst and Mason Wood.
Lehr focuses on developing athletes not just physically, but also personally, to get them to mature, handle setbacks, and maintain consistent effort.
“It’s been a work in progress that I’ve been the head coach. This is my third year of developing the culture of hard work and trusting in the process,” Lehr stated.
He believes in developing athletes with a growth mindset, helping them learn from challenges and continuously improve.
Tonight marks the Wildcats first meet of the year as the they will celebrate senior night, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Lehr is excited to celebrate the two seniors who are at two different experience levels.
Wood has wrestled for all four years, improving a lot over the years with the help of his coach.
When asked about Wood’s progress, Coach Lehr said, “I’ve been coaching Mason for a few years; he’s really put in the work, and I’m excited to see how he does this year.”
Wood has been wrestling since seventh grade.
“It’s definitely gonna be different because I’m the only senior that’s wrestled for all four years, so it’s kind of more personal for me,” Wood reflected.
He wants to demonstrate that personal growth and effort are more important than one’s starting point.
“I want to place at state this year because not many people at West have done it, and someone I look up to, Evan [Willock], did it twice, and I want to do that,” Wood affirmed.
Last year, Wood was one match away from qualifying for the state tournament, and though he does not remember his overall record, he was very successful throughout the season.
“I hope to leave behind the legacy of hard work. Show everyone that it doesn’t really matter where you start, but how you finish.” Wood stated.
Chaius Herbst is in his first year of wrestling. Tuesday is his first meet.
“He’s strong; he’s smart; he’s learning quickly, but he’s definitely put himself in a tough spot starting wrestling as he is,” Coach Lehr added.
Coach Lehr acknowledges the significant challenge Herbst faces, knowing that many wrestlers start as young as five years old, which gives them a head start.
Despite this, Coach Lehr acknowledges Herbst’s potential and thinks he is going to learn and do well due to his intelligence and work ethic.
When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Herbst stated, “With this being my first year of wrestling, I hope to make varsity and win a few matches.”
Suppor these senior boys as well as their teammates tonight, Tuesday, November 25th, at 5:00 pm.
