Bangor’s wrestling team is proving worthy this season with a possible Colonial League championship berth in the near future.

With an overall record of 11-6, the Slater wrestlers are proving better than their season started.

“We started out struggling a bit in the beginning,” coach Richie Smith said. “But I just told my guys that they all need to continue to grow, mature, and believe. It’s not the beginning of the season that matters, but the end that will help us advance as a team.”

Smith credits the great sense of teamwork to his seniors, who show leadership to the rest of their teammates.

This leadership responsibility also falls heavy on senior captains Haakon Mathewson (16-2, 182 lbs.) and Eddie Hay (18-1, 152 lbs.).

“As captain, I try to make sure everyone is working hard at practice and prepared for their matches,” Mathewson said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store for our team.”

On January 17 the Slaters wrestled Saucon Valley in perhaps their best and most important match thus far. The Slaters fell to the panthers 44-31.

Bangor won 6 of the 14 total matches between a mix of decisions and pins.

“Saucon was definitely our best match this season. The atmosphere was just electric,” Smith said. “We wrestled well, though some things could have gone different. Hopefully we have a shot at wrestling them again.”

Alongside their captains, junior Joey Schrader (195 lbs.) and senior Tommy Mckeough (285 lbs.), are standout wrestlers who should also be on the watch list this season.

Giving their top competition a tough fight, the Slater wrestlers have proven their spot in the Colonial League and can hope to see a championship match in the near future.