The wrestling program at Ballard High School has a bright future thanks to a roster loaded with sophomores and freshmen who are planting the seed for success in coming seasons.

It has taken hard work and leadership of Head Coach Glen Bell to build the program the last three years.

Last Tuesday, the Beavers had an opening in their schedule and decided not to sit around. Bell invited Nathan Hale High School to Ballard for an exhibition match.

This follows Bells philosophy of getting his wrestlers as much time on the mat as possible so they can learn and grow in the sport.

"We are trying to get them a lot of matches against good kids, " said Bell, after the Beavers fought the Raiders to a 36-36 tie.

In fact, Bell has been matching some of his wrestlers against heavier opponents. "We bump them up a weight class just to get that challenge to get in there. For a new guy, the record is important, but it's more important to get the experience," said Bell.

Five wrestlers are contending for varsity post season tournaments. They include Jeff Whitney, Colin Dunphy, Jacob Fabian, Jose Ochoa and Jorey Taylor.

"We are doing excellent. This year we are doing good. But next year and the year after that, we will be one hundred times better," said Whitney, a senior co-captain.

Whitney is excited to see the younger wrestlers making progress and will return as a fan after he graduates to see their progress.

"I will come back to see the matches. We have some really good sophomores and freshmen who will do really good as seniors," said Whitney.

Being in the 119-pound weight class, Whitney hopes to make it to state, but says it will be tough. His weight class has the most talent in the KingCo League.

Ballard's wrestling program is improving because more kids are turning out for the team.

"We are doing good. We have retained numbers; new guys are getting better. Coming into mid-season, against challenging teams we are still struggling. Against middle of the road teams, we have many close matches and ties," said Bell.

"It's a good feeling. The young guys are excited about what is going to come. Every year we grow in numbers, every year we get more athletic. Every year we have more fun. We can only expect it to continue. If we do that, we are all happy," said Bell.

Although Ballard lost team matches to Lake Washington, Skyline and Inglemoor in January, there were a number of individual victories which helped the team's confidence.

Dunphy (112 pounds), Robert Mercer (160 pounds) and Ochoa (189 pounds) all had pins against Lake Washington. Skyline decisions went to Jorey Taylor (125 pounds) and Ryan Gowell (130 pounds). Oscar Diaz (145 pounds) had a pin. Dunphy had another pin in his Inglemoor match. Whitney and Neal scored more points by pinning their opponents.