By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - When Tim Fader began his tenure as head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team a year ago, roster numbers were low. After a full season and off-season under his helm, the Blugolds have a number of new faces in their wrestling room, but expectations remain as high as they did the day he was hired.
"Number one priority for this coaching staff was to increase numbers, build our roster, and get a more competitive [wrestling] room," said Fader. "We brought in 35-plus wrestlers to begin the year, and we've had a really great preseason."
Ready to lead this young team is a young Blugolds coaching staff, as the team begins their season on Saturday, November 5.
Highlights on the schedule include home matches on November 9 against St. Olaf, December 8 against UW-Whitewater, and February 2 versus UW-Platteville. The Blugolds will also host the Don Parker Open on February 4. Additionally, the team will defend the Chancellor's Cup that they won in the inaugural battle a season ago at UW-Oshkosh and take another mid-season trip to compete in Pennsylvania.
Though the Blugolds lost their winningest wrestler in Nathaniel Behnke to graduation, this team still has a veteran presence in their lineup, bookended by their two most successful returning wrestlers in Zackary Sirny (Sr.-Wild Rose, WI) and Justin Karkula (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/West).
Both Sirny and Karkula finished a spot away from qualifying for last year's national tournament; that not only drives them this season to reach their goals, but it has also motivated the new crop of wrestlers.
"It's important for a young team to see older guys that have succeeded," said Fader. "Sure, they were disappointed to not get to the national tournament, but that disappointment can lead to great things, and these two have come back with a renewed focus to achieve their goals."
Sirny Preview Video | Karkula Preview Video
Fader concluded with, "I'm really excited and impressed with how this group learns and responds, as they are an athletic and intelligent group. Our mantra this year is 'To Standard', and we want to do everything to the best of our ability, with the best attitude and effort possible. This group has jumped right in on that and hasn't flinched."
The season will finish not too far from Eau Claire this year, as the NCAA Championships will take place on March 10-11 at UW-La Crosse.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
