After getting a week off from wrestling, the Chieftains started back with two-a-days Monday. On Thursday and Friday, the team will have one practice each day.

“We’ll try to get those boys back into shape,” coach Jeremy Goebel said. “We had a little time off.”

Goebel didn’t mind if his wrestlers enjoyed turkey and the trimmings, but he encouraged them to run a couple times during the week off.

Most of the Chieftains won’t have to cut much weight to get make their respective classes. For those who do, though, Goebel wanted them to be sensible during the break.

“If you yo-yo, it’s tough on you,” Goebel said.

Leading up to the break, the first-year THS coach believes Tonganoxie wrestled in better shape than any of its opponents. With a 9-2 dual record, the Chieftains will come back Jan. 9 against Immaculata in Leavenworth. The remaining dual competitions will be Jan. 13 in De Soto, and Feb. 6 at Mill Valley.

Thrown in with those will be tournaments at Salina South on Jan. 11, a home meet Jan. 18, the Holton Invitational on Jan. 25 and the Baldwin Invitational on Feb. 1.

“I think everyone’s done a good job,” Goebel said. “I think our freshman class has stepped into the role of being varsity performers.

“Overall those kids are looking at bright futures.”

Junior Chad Starcher and sophomore Ross Starcher are a combined 23-4, while sophomore Garrett Palmer is 20 takedowns away from the school record.

The Chieftains arguably will have their toughest tournament a week from Saturday in Salina. Class 6A state champion Hutchinson will be there, along with Wichita West, Gardner-Edgerton, Washburn Rural, Junction City, Manhattan and Atchison.

After that, they’re about a month away from the league meet in Piper.

“It’s going fast,” Goebel said.