Crawfordsville wrestling has tabbed Aaron Keller as its next coach to lead the Athenians this season. As Keller prepares to lead the CHS porgram into a new era, he comes back to the CHS program with plenty of experience and a passion. That alone has allowed him to get his tenure off to a great start.
“I’m excited to be back in a sport that I am passionate about<” Keller said. “When I stepped away, the guys that are seniors this year were freshmen. They have been awesome for me as leaders in the room and the team has been responding really well to the change in coaching staff. I’m blessed to have knowledgeable assistant coaches helping me lead the team.”
The Athenians have two individuals back on the team from a year ago that qualified for the Regional in Ashton Wilson and Isaac Rogers. Rogers has battled an injury sustained during football but has still been able to be a leader as well as with the collective group of seniors. One thing that Keller is focusing on isn’t necessarily what takes place on the mat and at meets.
“I want to establish a positive and supportive environment that encourages the kids to be better every day, on and off the mat,” Keller said. “I have been relying on the seniors to take the lead in setting the tone for our season. Its been unfortunate with Isaac Rogers having surgery on his elbow and having to miss most of his senior season. We have a group of talented kids in the room and I want to help each of them reach their full potential this season.”
That potential will hopefully lead to a successful season for CHS as Keller and the team have a different way of measuring a successful season than just on the mat.
“A successful season will be determined by the growth of the program and the wrestlers,” he said. “If everyone is working hard every day to be better than they were the day before, we’ll be successful.”
CHS has already secured a season opening win over Greencastle and will be back in action on Nov. 29 when they travel to take on Parke Heritage.
