CARSON CITY, Mich. -- The Carson City wrestling team is getting used to making the trip to the team state quarterfinals.
The Eagles have advanced to the Final 8 in Division IV for the third straight season.
"They have been there before. They understand what it is like to wrestle on the big stage," head coach Kacy Datema said. "They have wrestled a lot of matches, so they are comfortable. They should be comfortable going in and feel that they can compete and hopefully put our best foot forward."
Carson City has a roster loaded with seniors that have been a part of the last two quarterfinal appearances.
"I think all the pressure is gone, because we realize that all it takes is do your best, and we do better," senior Braxton Seida added. "Last year, we walked in, we were all hyped up, and we just went in bad: bad heads. we were too cocky. This year we know we have to fight everybody. We are not looking past anybody. We have tough matches every time."
The Eagles have 10 wrestlers who have qualified for the individual finals March 1 and 2 at Ford Field, but they have maintained a team-first mentality.
"We've had a really successful season, and we've been able to focus more on the team and not as much (as) individuals," senior Nolan Datema said. "I couldn't even tell you my own record right now, and the team, I know we have two losses going in and we are looking to win the state title together."
Carson City is the #2-seed and will take on 7th-seeded Onaway at noon on Friday.
