Mehlville Wrestling has many talented seniors who are here for the final season in their high school careers.

Senior Izzy Castillo prepared for this memorable season in the off season.

“I went to all our free style practices in the off season just working on my skill and connecting with coaches and teammates,” Castillo said.

In the off season, wrestlers have freestyle practices to practice their craft and connect to teammates and coaches.

For some seniors, while this might be the last year of high school, they also plan to wrestle at the collegiate level.

“I have an offer from Missouri Baptist and an offer from Missouri Valley so right now I am currently trying to decide which college I want to go to,” senior Jason Rayborn said.

Rayborn has combined hard work and talent to prepare for his final season and the next level.

That hard work combined with senior status can paint one as a leader or mentor to younger teammates. This is the case for senior Bella Ordaz.

“Yes, I am not only a senior but also a captain of the girls wrestling team and it definitely shows that I have been here four years and that the younger wrestlers can do it. I love how I can show younger teammates that they can have fun with it,” Ordaz said.

Senior Alen Hasanovic shares his excitement for upcoming competitions.

“I am looking forward to hopefully going up against Oakville again in districts since there is a rivalry between our schools,” Hasonovic said.

Mehlville wrestling could face off against Oakville on Feb. 14 and Feb. 25. The seniors encourage fans and students to be in attendance to watch them compete for a spot in state.