Although the South Putnam High School wrestling team was young and inexperienced last season, this year should prove different

Although the South Putnam High School wrestling team was young and inexperienced last season, this year should prove different.

The Eagles have three experienced seniors returning this year, along a couple of juniors and a large group of sophomores to lead the team this year, including several lettermen from last year.

One of the returning seniors is Bo Jackson, who is a three-time letterman, who according to Miller is the Eagles best wrestler for many reasons.

"Bo is our best guy. He does what we tell him to and he is a good influence on the rest of the team," Miller said. "If we tell the team to run 10 laps he will run 12 with the last two being with the slowest guy on the team, encouraging him to keep going."

Along with Jackson, Andrew Genotte and Thomas Crafton, who both lettered one year, are returning to the squad this year. Crafton has been with the team before, but was out last year due to injuries.

With all the talent that he has coming back, Miller had to change things up a little to get the team prepared for this season.

"Our biggest key this year will be getting everybody in the weight class they need to be in and get everybody on the mat that needs to be there," Miller said. "When we are in the right weight classes, we will be able to compete at the right level."

Along with getting everybody in the right weight class this year, Miller plans on practicing and conditioning the team a little harder this year.

"We will be running more this year and lifting harder, so that we are in better shape," Miller said. "What we are doing in our November practices won't be the same that we are doing in January ones, because in January, we will be better shape and will be able to practice harder."

With the new practice schedule in order for this season, Miller will be expecting some help from the other seniors on the team as well.

"The biggest thing that I expect from the other seniors besides Bo is for them to set a good example for the younger members of the team and they're doing it. They've been doing a good job and have had a positive influence on the team, Miller said.

For now, the Eagles have every weight class filled except one, and Miller said that he hopes to have it fulfilled by Christmas.

The Eagles have 12 people back, with the majority of them being season sophomores from last year's large freshmen class, and will start there season on Saturday when travel to Brownsburg for an invitational at 9 a.m.