Norwalk wrestling concludes season at host district

NORWALK — The Norwalk High School wrestling team concluded its season on Saturday with four wrestlers competing at the host Division II district championships at NHS. Advancing to the second day for the Truckers included junior Austin Ware (31-14) at 113 pounds, junior David Garcia (23-21) at 150, sophomore Ryan Fox (33-15) and senior Ryan Ritzenthaler (31-16). "Hate and love this time of year," Norwalk head coach Todd Fox said. "Hate having seniors wrestle their last match, but love seeing our guys battle and have four guys still alive (on Saturday). "This marks the end of the season for us, I cannot say enough about the commitment and work of this team." Also competing at the district tournament was Kaleb Ruhl (120), Jesse Cole (132), Gerardo Diaz (138), Eian Reineck (144) and Mason Canalos (157). "With minimal year-round wrestlers, COVID really struck this team hard the previous year with its limitations," Fox said. "We began the year behind the eight-ball, but the amount of improvement was great and we look forward to the future." In his first year as head coach, Fox said the senior class started the program back to where it needed to be. "And we appreciate them," he said. "As a whole, we challenged the team this season to attack the process. From day one, we have said no shortcuts or no loopholes — just hard work and commitment. "Every guy on the roster has done that, and we look forward to the seasons to come."