After a successful pitch to the Moniteau County R-1 School District Board of Education earlier this year, the newest addition to the Pintos athletic lineup is set to make its debut.
The California Pintos wrestling team’s first season begins this month. Head coach Travis Payne said from the team’s camp earlier this year, he saw a lot of enthusiasm for the sport.
“The kids have taken to it and are excited to get started,” Payne said.
With it being the first season for the Pintos, the team is working to get better every day.
“There is a lot to teach in wrestling this year and we will have to continue to work new techniques and put in new moves throughout the year,” Payne said.
Payne said he would like to see growth from the wrestlers as the season goes on.
“We are looking for growth mentally, technically and physically,” Payne said. “We have to focus on getting better every day as we grow as a program.”
During the program’s first season, Payne said that determination and commitment are going to be some of the major lessons that the athletes will learn.
“These kids have to work harder than they ever had before through a tough season,” Payne said. “This takes hard work and determination while being committed to finishing the season.”
Even with it being the first season, Payne said the team has goals of finding success at districts.
“We will set our goals on being successful at districts and qualifying for state,” Payne said.
Heading into the season, Payne said there is a lot of excitement going around.
“The kids have had great energy at the first two practices,” Payne said. “They are excited to be part of a new sport and are eager to learn the techniques that they will use to be successful.”
California Pintos wrestling schedule
Nov. 20 - 6 p.m., at Missouri Military Academy
Dec. 1 - 6 p.m., at Tipton
Dec. 5 - TBA, at Missouri Military Academy Tournament
Dec. 10 - 5:30 p.m., vs. Warsaw, Concordia Lutheran
Dec. 12 - TBA, at Versailles Tournament
Dec. 18-19 - TBA, at The Battle at the Katy Trail-Wrestling Tournament
Jan. 6 - 5:30 p.m., at Fatima
Jan. 9 - TBA, at Marshall Tournament
Jan. 12 - TBA, vs. Blair Oaks, Eldon, Osage
Jan. 13 - 6 p.m., at Tipton
Jan. 16 - TBA, at Warsaw Tournament
Jan. 19 - TBA, vs. Boonville, Southern Boone
Jan. 21 - TBA, at North Callaway Tri
Jan. 26 - 5:30 p.m, vs. Hallsville, Versailles
Jan. 30 - TBA, at Warrenton Tournament