As the Linfield Wildcats gear up for the 2024-25 wrestling season, they do so with a renewed sense of excitement and potential. The team, entering its third year since the program's revival, is ready to take a prominent place among NCAA wrestling programs and build on the foundational work laid by head coach Frank Johnson and new assistant coach Alex Glaudé. With both men's and women's teams set to compete, the atmosphere on campus is electric as the program aims at taking another step forward in its progression.
 
PROGRAM BUY-IN
Johnson is loving the dedication and effort he's seeing from this year's athletes.
 
"The kids have really bought in," said the veteran head coach. "They're working hard. It's nice to see kids push themselves without having to be pushed."
 
The demonstrated level of buy-in is essential for a nascent program that is on the cusp of establishing a consistent culture of winning and discipline. Further, it creates a foundation where athletes feel accountable not only to themselves but also to their teammates, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
 
WHO TO WATCH FOR
Alice Rickett returns to the mat for Linfield and aims to duplicate the success she enjoyed last season when the sophomore went 14-4, including 10 straight victories. She went to record dominant efforts a the regional championships before withdrawing from the national championship to pursue an opportunity in Guatemala as part of her nursing major.
 
"Alice has fully bought in," said Johnson about Rickett. "We have high hopes for her as she trains both off-site and here at Linfield."
 
Fellow standout Emily Sullenger is competing at the 123-pound class this winter after finishing 7-6 last year. Sullenger ended her sophomore campaign on a 5-2 run after early struggles to start the season.
 
Sophie Cornwall comes into the season as Linfield's lone senior and is expected to be a driving motivator for her fellow Wildcats.
 
New to the program this winter are Paige Chafin, Tori Debold, Sophia Dunckel, Jaydn Islas and Abcde Murphy, who collectively make up an impressive incoming freshman class on the women's side. Each expects to to build successful careers at Linfield while reaching their full potential as student-athletes.
 
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2024-25 season could well turn out to be a landmark year for Linfield wrestling. With a talented and motivated roster on both sides of the ledger and a dedicated coaching staff, the Wildcats are ready to make their mark in the NCAA ranks. The emphasis on character, hard work, and community engagement should serve as the bedrock for a program that is not just focused on winning but on creating a lasting legacy.
 
"We want McMinnville to be the best place in the country to wrestle," proclaimed Johnson. "I think we're on our way there. I feel like we're just getting started."
 
The first meet for both squads is Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Simpson Duals in Redding, California.