Its Randall Sells’ second year as head coach of the Salem wrestling team, and the returning athletes have had their work cut out for them since the start of last season.

“There’s no secret in wrestling, it’s just hard work. The kids that are in here now have shown that over the summer and in practice,” Sells said. “I’m excited that we’ve got a group of seniors … last year was a test, the first time they got their feet wet in training with me.”

While the Spartans might have trouble filling out each weight class this season, the bigger challenge will be “chasing down one of the top teams in the country that’s in our district, Christiansburg,” said Sells.

Sells coached at Staunton River High for a year, and Staunton River Middle for two, before coming to Salem. He is a 1995 graduate of William Byrd High School.

First row, from left: Brent Cox, Walker Necessary, Chad Conner, Damian Hurd, Blake Ory, mgr. Taylor Collins. Second row: Travis Swain, Jack Harl, Brittany Bobeck, Spencer Hite, Steven Tuell, Owen Marshall, Nathan Casey. Third row: Willie Hughes, Chris Gibson, Zach Mills, RJ Hall, Brooks Henson, Zach Saunders, Davis Woods, Coach Randall Sell.

OTHER RECENT SALEM HIGH SCHOOL COVERAGE
* Nov. 22: Forecast for the Salem-Pulaski game
* Nov. 22: Salem girls’ basketball team ready to go
* Nov. 20: Will Salem play in snow Friday night?
* Nov. 20: Webcast previews Salem-Pulaski playoff game
* Nov. 15: More photos from the Salem-Bassett football game
* Nov. 15: 181 fan photos from the Salem-Bassett football game
* Nov. 14: Photos from Salem volleyball’s state semi-final game vs. Hidden Valley
* Nov. 14: Salem High School Latin teacher wins recognition
* Nov. 11: Webcast looks back at Salem-Pulaski football game
* Nov. 8: Photos from Salem-Pulaski football game
* Photos of Salem fall sports teams