Inexperienced but talented and coachable.

Those three words sum up the Hazen wrestling team this season. They also sum up both the challenges and strengths Coach Rory Magana has to work with.

“We have a lot of natural ability and a lot of good athleticism,” Magana said. “We don’t have a lot of wrestling experience. They’ve made some really big strides so far, though.”

Magana, in his first year as Hazen’s coach, has coached previously at Oak Harbor High School as an assistant and Southridge High School in Kennewick as a volunteer.

Because of the team’s youth, Magana has focused on getting each wrestler a chance to get as much experience as possible in the early season.

“The more mat time we get, the more comfortable the kids get wrestling a six-minute match,” he said. “It’s not just about wins in the early season, it’s about getting mat time.”

Hazen went into the break with a 42-33 win against Lindbergh and a dominating, 66-6 win against Foster. Overall, the Highlanders are 5-3.

Wrestlers to watch are Jordan Hjelmaa, Cody Taylor, Austin Clark, Allen Bunma, Ian Lunsford, Jonathan Greer, plus Pedro and Giovanni Trujillo.

All are talented and willing to work.

“As long as you have a kid who will listen to what you’re saying, work at it and try to improve; that’s all you can ask for,” Magana said.

Magana and the team set goals and posted them on the wall before the season. Among them: Every wrestler wins at least one match this season, Hazen will win every home match, Hazen winning an all-city championship and Hazen winning the Seamount championship.

“The main goal is to achieve as many of those as we can,” Magana said. “Shoot for the moon and if you miss at least you’re with the stars.”

Hazen wrestles against Renton Thursday night. The Highlanders go up against Lindbergh next on Jan. 14.