New era for Niwot wrestling

Niwot High School's wrestling program is preparing for an exciting season under the leadership of new Head Coach Michael DeCamillis. In his first year at the helm, DeCamillis brings a diverse background of athletic and coaching experience. A former football and wrestling standout at Broomfield High School, DeCamillis continued his football career at Chadron State College before transitioning into coaching. He also helped with the Cougar football team this fall as an assistant coach, and teaches science at the school.

DeCamillis inherits a program walking into its first year competing in the challenging 4A Granite Peaks League, which features a roster of tough teams and skilled wrestlers. With 40 athletes on the roster, the Cougars have been working hard to prepare for a rigorous schedule. Training has included a strong emphasis on conditioning, with the week of Thanksgiving featuring particularly intense running sessions.

"The team has been preparing by getting a lot of live wrestling and conditioning in," DeCamillis said. "The main focus has been staying in a good position during matches." This attention to fundamentals is a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy and will be critical as the Cougars face stiff competition throughout the season.

The team features a mix of experienced leaders and promising newcomers, creating a dynamic group poised for growth. Senior wrestlers Ryder Evans, Jack Blankenship, and Max Burke Bedell, along with junior Lucas Menza, will play key roles as returning standouts. Their leadership and experience will be essential in helping the team navigate the challenges of the new league.

Meanwhile, junior Adam Shoning and freshman Miles Filkins have caught DeCamillis' eye as athletes pushing for varsity sports, highlighting the program's depth.

DeCamillis has set clear goals for his first season, focusing on individual and team development. "Our goals are to compete in every match, show improvement throughout the year, and qualify as many wrestlers as we can for the state tournament," he said.

Competing in the Granite Peaks League presents both challenges and opportunities, and DeCamillis sees it as a valuable chance for his wrestlers to test their skills. "It's a tough league filled with tough teams," he noted. "I'm excited for the opportunities the wrestlers will get to compete against many state qualifiers or state hopefuls."

The Cougars are looking forward to dual meets against area rivals, including Longmont High School, Skyline High School, and Silver Creek High School, which promise to be competitive. After winter break, Niwot will host its own tournament on Saturday, Jan. 4, providing a chance to showcase its progress in front of the home crowd.

Supporting DeCamillis in his efforts is a dedicated coaching staff that includes Adam Beeson, Nikolas Blume, and Jose Lopez. Together, they are working to create a positive and growth-focused environment for the team. "In my first year, I am most excited about the chance to coach all the wrestlers," DeCamillis said. "Getting them to see growth and commit to the process of getting better is what it's all about."