Edina High School Hornets Reclaim Wrestling Team

For the first time since 1994, Edina High School wrestlers will hit the mat as Hornets. In recent years, Edina has combined with Richfield as a co-op wrestling team known as the Richfield-Edina Rampage, but this year Edina wrestlers will have the opportunity to represent their school exclusively. Wrestling coach Josh Burhans, who also coached the co-op team, believes the upcoming season will be a building year as word gets out about the new program. “I want to establish a culture for wrestling,” Burhans says. “I want it to be more of a presence.” Wrestlers are enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete for their hometown. “I think there’s going to be a lot more pride for Edina,” senior Hayden Vosbeek says. Vosbeek wrestled for Burhans on the co-op team, and feels lucky to continue wrestling for him during his senior year at Edina High School. Burhans motivates wrestlers before every practice with a quote of the day, which inspires them to improve, Vosbeek says. EHS senior Sam Benkowski, who also wrestled on the co-op team, is looking forward to Burhans’ hands-on coaching style. “He isn’t afraid to get on the mat and wrestle,” he says. Benkowski is ready to work to make his next and last wrestling season the best yet. “We have the opportunity to make it a great season,” he says. “I think we can come out on top if we put the work in and stay focused.”