Squaring off in their first duals of the 2018-19 season, both boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams head to Frisco High on Thursday, competing from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. against the Raccoons.

“I feel confident, we’ve all been working really hard in the mat room and are excited to just get out there and compete,” senior Ashley Cook said. “I have been working hard in practice, focusing on things I struggled with in the last tournament and trying to extend my gas tank.”

Rather than focusing on individual performance, dual meets allow points to be accumulated based on the team’s performance as a whole.

“So the focus is on team points,” Cook said. “With one wrestler entered at each weight class competing against an opponent in that weight class. The winning wrestler will gain a certain number of points for their team depending on how they win. I believe it will go well for the team as a whole and myself.”

Senior Precious Essien makes an effort to not overthink his matches beforehand, focusing instead on keeping his mind occupied with physical preparations.

“Before my matches I generally just try to stay calm and try not to overthink my match,” Essien said. “I usually just distract myself by warming up and stretching until it’s time for me to go out there.”