As we noted earlier this week, despite the season being over for only six days, ADM head wrestling coach Justin Schmauss is already looking ahead to next year.

The Tigers lose just three senior starters from their lineup, and with a great returning foundation to build on, Schmauss believes his team has the potential to be great.

“It’s unbelievable to know what we have three returning place-winners, and there are a few other guys from this year that were just short of the tournament.  Seeing our guys do well at (state), that’s going to feed to them too, and I think it will transition into a lot of motivation for our guys–they’re going to want a piece of that action.  So our team I have a feeling is going to be real tough next year.”

But what specifically does Coach Schmauss want to see trickle down from state qualifiers Zach Johnston, Trevor Harsh and Nathan Heath?  It all starts with attitude.

“That no fear mentality, and then just work ethic and commitment they put in.  I know those guys, they worked through the summer, lifted weights and got into other practices.  I would just like to see (those three) drag a few more guys along with them, and say, ‘alright, this is what I did… if you want to come with me next year, this is what you’ve got to do’.”