As the number of days in January start to dwindle, high school winter sports coaches all across Iowa are starting to think about next month’s postseason tournaments. Unfortunately, wrestling coaches in the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area are beginning to see Mother Nature impact their regular-season events schedule.

West Central Valley is among the area wrestling squads impacted by the recent winter storms. The Wildcats had yesterday’s dual tournament at Mount Ayr postponed to next week, and their appearance at last Saturday’s Rich Gray Classic at Interstate 35 High School got canceled due to weather. West Central Valley first-year head coach Ben Strandberg spoke about the impacts the recent postponements could have on his team on Monday’s Wahl McAtee Tire and Service Center Guthrie County PM Sports Page. “I think as long as we’re able to keep continuing to get (some) competition at least weekly I think you’re alright,” Strandberg said, “You just hope they don’t come and wipe out an entire week (of events). This time of year, you definitely want to be competing and have a (match) in front of you.”

Strandberg adds long lulls in the season between competitions can lead to wrestlers relaxing too much in preparation for their next match. Weather permitting, the West Central Valley varsity wrestling team resumes their season this Saturday in the annual Charger Invitational tournament. First matches start around 10 a.m. from AC/GC High School in Guthrie Center.