BonnerSprings.com

Bonner Springs wrestling coach Dan Burns has instilled a new philosophy with his team this week.

"Everybody steps up, nobody backs down."

The Braves are going to need just that attitude when they travel to Sumner Academy Saturday for the Huron League Championships beginning at 9 a.m.

The Braves, who finished third in the league last year, expect to battle it out with Turner and Atchison for top honors.

Claiming the Huron League championship is not going to be an easy task. Turner finished seventh in the state last year and is strong once again. The Braves and Bears both participated in the Bobcat Classic and Blue Valley Northwest Invitational. The Bears finished ahead of the Braves at Basehor and the Braves finished ahead of Turner at Blue Valley Northwest. Bonner Springs has not faced Atchison this year. Burns expects his team to be ready for the challenge.

"I have been really impressed with the work ethic of our team and the way we have grown throughout the whole season and I am talking about the whole team from smallest to largest," Burns said. "I expect us to perform well and show people the way we have practiced and prepared ourselves all year."

The Braves last two competitions a home double dual with Ottawa and Topeka Seaman and the Wyco tournament were canceled because of last week's ice storm. The team has not participated in live competition since Jan. 9, at the Blue Valley Northwest Invitational.

The Braves put together a home triple dual last night with Turner, Schlagle, and Washington to get some mat time. Burns said he hopes the triple dual will help shake out some of the cobwebs.

"The dual our athletic department put together is going to be beneficial. It gives us a chance to knock the rust off, polish up the fender," Burns said. "It has been hard not participating."

The Huron League Championship is wrestled in a dual format. The Braves will not have to wait long to see where they stand against Turner and Atchison.

After wrestling Sumner Academy in the opening round, they will face Turner in the second round and Atchison in the third round. They wrestle Ottawa in round four and conclude the tournament against Bishop Ward.

The Braves return two runners-up, Matt Middleton and Chad Vandenberg, from a year ago and two third-place finishers (Erick Ratliff and David Bass). Burns believes it will take a team effort to claim the league championship.

"Everybody steps up, nobody backs down."