WAITSBURG - Jake Winona is in his 14th year coaching youth wrestlers in the Mat Bird program in Waitsburg. This season, Winona welcomed 34 wrestlers; 22 of those are returning from last season.

Winona has built a strong program and will be assisted this season by Charlie Barron, Caleb Barron, Rob Parrish, Steve Mertens, and Curtis Winona. Koyen Fortune and Akayden Mikesell have aged out into high school wrestling but are assisting in mentorship roles with the younger wrestlers.

The Mat Birds have seen an increase in girls wrestling and will attend two tournaments this season with girls-only br...