The winter high school sports season officially kicks off next week, but all teams at York High School are already in the thick of practice.
Wrestling coach Wally Caldwell said he had 34 come out for his team, about 10 more than last year.
"It's always good to have as many kids as possible," Caldwell said. "It gives you depth and increases the intensity of each weight class."
Caldwell said his team is heavy with upperclassmen, forcing many of the freshmen and sophomores to the sidelines for the start of the season.
"The younger kids have to be patient, and bide their time," Caldwell said. "We're a reasonably experienced team. Many of the kids have at least two years' varsity experience, while some have three. For a freshman to break into the lineup is almost impossible unless it's with the lower weight classes."
The Wildcats will have 14 matches this season, with only three at home.
Two of those three are in the opening week of the season. The Wildcats open a week from Saturday with the annual Sullivan Duals, and then will host Sanford the following Wednesday.
Caldwell said he will pick captains next week.
"We're just kind of waiting for people to come to the forefront,"
Caldwell said.
Rick Clark is back for his 25th season at the helm of the school's girls basketball program. Clark has been a coach at York High School for a total of 36 years.
"I think we're going to have a lot of fun," said Clark, who returns no starters from last year's team.
Clark said 45 girls came out for the three teams, about the same as in previous years.
Clark, who plans to carry 13 on the varsity, has named seniors Morgan Taylor, Stephanie Plaisted and Jenna Yeomelakis as his three captains.
The Wildcats participated in the annual Turkey Tip-off this weekend at South Portland High School and played 30-minute scrimmages against South Portland, Edward Little, Lewiston, Gorham, Dover, N.H., and Twin Valley, Vt.
"I liked how we improved over the span of the games," Clark said. "We played pretty good defense, but there's always room for improvement. The kids showed some potential."
Season previews and schedules will appear in next week's issue.
