While many focus on boys and girls basketball this time of year, a new wrestling co-op has taken the scene by storm this winter season. 

DeLand-Weldon High School Wrestling Coach Justin Ernst told the Hart Media Group that they were able to start the wrestling program this year by being the host school in a co-op involving Blue Ridge, Cerro-Gordo, and Bement high schools. 

Ernst is in his first year as a head coach, although he has had a long wrestling career. He is instilling values like perseverance and hard work in his athletes. 

Ernst hopes the numbers and enthusiasm for the team will only grow in the future. The team will participate in the Colfax Ridgeview Individual Class 1A Regional this Saturday.