Bautista leads wrestlers into dual meet with Blugolds Wednesday night

After losing some valuable leaders and contributors from last year's team the Warhawk wrestling team began this season in search of a leader, and they found that in Austin Bautista. Bautista placed third at nationals, and now as a senior is beginning his last quest for his goal since he arrived on campus. "Winning a National Championship is the ultimate goal," Bautista said. After entering the preseason as the 2nd ranked wrestler in the 141 class Bautista was upset 2-1 in the championship match of the Concordia Open, but even with the early season loss his goals remains the same. "It's a long season and I just need to stay confident each and every time I step out on the mat," Bautista said. "Every time you have a short coming it motivates you to do better, and being a senior this will be my last chance at a National Championship." Head coach Tim Fader says other players notice Bautista's hard work at practice. "Austin's goal is to be National Champion," Fader said. "Seeing how hard he works at practice rubs off of the other guys. He is a wrestler who leads by example." The 'Hawks will travel to UW-Eau Claire tonight for a meet at 7.p.m. This will be the 'Hawks second conference meet of the season as they dropped the conference opener to UW-La Crosse 33-6. Fader expects his wrestlers to be motivated against Eau Claire after being defeated against La Crosse. "With our conference every game is important to win," Fader said. "I expect us to bounce back as our guys will be very hungry for the match." The 'Hawks also have two tournaments this week the Little States Tournament in Indiana and the Wisconsin Open in Kenosha, Wis. In the 'Hawks previous tournament at the Concordia Open three wrestlers placed second: Bautista (141), sophomore Reid Dickerson (174), and junior Sean Pietryzk (184). The 'Hawks haven't been in action since the 24th because of the holiday break. Fader said the holiday break was good for everyone involved in the program. "After a long preseason and a couple of matches I think the break was timed great," Fader said. "It's a good time to get home and step away especially for the young guys going through their first season."

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