Hopkinton High School wrestling coach Corey Mills has been proud of his team this winter, particularly the way the athletes have competed against some of the top programs in the area.

“The kids have been really great and accepting of challenges along the way,” Mills said. “I’ve been really proud of how they have improved throughout the season. I knew they were motivated coming in, but I wanted them to accept the challenge of improving throughout the year, and that’s something they have done a really good job at.”

Mills said the Hillers are using their competitions as a “laboratory for improvement” and meeting their goals along the way.

Junior captain Aaron Butkus has produced a strong season, with only a handful of losses against some of the best wrestlers around.

“He was a really good contributor during the football season, and he has made a name for himself during the wrestling season,” his coach said of the wrestler in the 144-pound division.

Senior Jacob Desilets was named a captain midway through the season. A heavyweight, Desilets is in just his second season with the program, and Mills said he has “shown tremendous progress” while wrestling against many of the most experienced opponents on the Hillers’ schedule.

Senior captain Stephen Moody has had a strong season at 138 pounds. Sophomore Lucas Reed, who wrestles at 126, is another athlete who has stepped up this winter in multiple ways.

“To have an underclassman who contributes like he does has been great, not just on the mat, but he has shown a lot of leadership,” Mills said. “He teaches the other kids a lot of important lessons about the sport.”

Hopkinton has a number of goals for the second half of the season, but the biggest one for Mills is the team’s continued development. The Hillers have a deep lineup that is strong from the 106-pound division all the way through to heavyweight.

“We send a competitive wrestler out every night,” Mills said. “And I want each one of them to love the process.”

Process-based goals are a big part of Mills’ philosophy as coach, and he knows the hard work will shine through for his team on the mat, particularly against strong teams like Dedham and Ashland in the Tri-Valley League.

“We are just eager for the opportunity to see where we stack up and to compete at a high level,” Mills said. “Right now, we are focusing on the process of how you get to that level, and the kids are accepting that challenge. They are excited to go up against anybody.”