Wawasee’s wrestlers all pose for a photo at the Last Supper this week, ushering in the new season. (Photo by Mike Deak)

A tradition that has spanned almost a generation, the Last Supper is the first major gathering of the new season for Wawasee wrestling.

The annual event, held at the Zimmerman Farm in Milford, brought over 50 wrestlers and their families together for a dinner and social gathering. Head coach Jamie Salazar addressed the group before the meal and offered a prayer for the season. A few notes from Salazar prefaced about an hour of fellowship before the sun officially set on the opening week.

“This is something that we look forward to each year, coming together as a family,” Salazar said. “We break a little bread, share some laughs, get ready for the season. It’s a tradition with the Wawasee wrestling family, and thanks to the Zimmerman family for continuing to host us.”

Wawasee is about the embark on its first-ever IHSAA sanctioned girls wrestling season, starting Saturday with entry in the Whitko Girls Invite and then its first home dual, hosting John Glenn on Nov. 13. The boys begin its season Nov. 22 at Bellmont.