As the wrestling season gets under way, the Nansemond River High School Warriors and their coach, James “Tripp” Seed, have one goal in mind — to get to states.

They won 16 dual meets last year and are looking forward to carrying over the success.

The team will be young this year. Seed has some new wrestlers in his program this year that he is confident will get better as the season goes on. Returning this year for the Warriors will be senior Dia Gray, who is a three-time heavyweight conference champion and has placed on the state level the previous three years.

Elijah Williams, a transfer from Oscar Smith High School, will be looked at to make an impact as well. Aaron Whear, Daniel Peacher and Zechiariah Gray will round out a solid top five for the Warriors this year.

“As all my wrestlers progress throughout the year, I think it’s an excellent chance they can make it to states,” Seed said.

Nansemond River matched up against Grassfield Wednesday evening for their first match of the season. Though the Warriors lost, Seed was encouraged by his team’s performance. Right now, Nansemond River is still working through kinks and improving their conditioning.

The goal for this year is to send at least six wrestlers to the state championship. Also, the Warriors want to continue to win their conference this year, as they have the past three years.

“It’s all a learning process,” Seed said. “Our goal is to improve throughout the year. If you’re wrestling your best match right now, come February you’re not going to be where you need to be. Our goal is to be wrestling our best in February.”

NRHS will be wrestling against Suffolk rival Lakeland High School at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14.

Grassfield (GRAS) 48.00 Nansemond River (NARI) 28.00

145: Daniel Peacher (NARI) over William Haladyna (GRAS) (Dec 11-4) 152: Elijah Williams (NARI) over Luke Nees (GRAS) (MD 14-5) 160: Aaron Whear (NARI) over Ryan Malfara (GRAS) (Fall 3:51) 170: Zechiariah Gray (NARI) over Zach Hildebrandt (GRAS) (Fall 4:22). Tommy Cervantes (NARI) over (GRAS) (For.) 285: Dia Gray (NARI) over Trevor Burns (GRAS)