The Cranston East wrestling team is off to a nice start this winter season, entering the week with a 2-0 league record.

The Bolts have struggled the past few seasons, finishing with just three wins in four years. East focused on recruiting new talent in the offseason and nearly doubled its roster while being able to fill out the entire lineup this year.

Eneas Castillo has led the Bolts this season and recently pinned his opponent in a match against Toll Gate. Charles Wall also got a win by pin against the Titans, along with Robert Murphy and Jen San.

Castillo has flourished in the Bolts program since his sophomore year and is shaping up to be a contender at 138 pounds.

“He started wrestling his sophomore year. He’s not even a seasoned wrestler, but took the ball and ran with it. He’s a state final is hopeful for us this year. He’s got a chance to take it and he’s really focused on getting to that next level,” said East coach Ruben Rey.

Another standout for the Bolts has been Wall, who recently went 4-0 with four pins at a tournament. He finished eighth at sectionals last year and is also looking to make some noise at the upcoming state championship.

As the Bolts continue to establish themselves within Division III, Rey has already seen more excitement in the locker room this winter.

“There’s a lot of energy in the room. We’re sharpening some swords and everyone is getting better, we have a lot of bodies and there’s been a lot of improvement,” said Rey.

The Bolts have another big week of matches coming up, and Rey and company look forward to seeing how far they can go this winter as they rebuild the program.

“This year is extremely important. Last year was last minute, doing what we had to do. This year we are really focused on excelling as a team and as individuals. We are not going through the motions,” Rey said. “The environment has improved tremendously since last year. We’re trying to get the word out that we’re here.”