Crusaders ready to get season started tonight

Blake Wenzel of Helias in the Class 3, 135 lb. weight class during the first round of the 2010 MSHSAA Wrestling Championship.
Blake Wenzel of Helias in the Class 3, 135 lb. weight class during the first round of the 2010 MSHSAA Wrestling Championship.

The wait is finally over for the Helias Crusaders.

"We need to see some mat time, we've been beating the heck out of each other in practice, it's time to see some other faces," Helias wrestling coach Travis Reinsch said as the Crusaders prepared for tonight's opening double-dual against Fort Zumwalt East and Warrensburg at Rackers Fieldhouse.

"It can be good to start the season a little later because it gives the kids more time to get down to their weight. But we've spent like a whole month just practicing and we're ready to see somebody else."

The Crusaders will start the season with six seniors in the lineup, including returning state qualifiers Clayton Roark, Josh Scheuler and Blake Wenzel. Add in Ty Loethen, a senior who was ranked No. 1 at 145 pounds all of last season before breaking his hand at districts, and the Crusaders have the potential to make some noise this season.