After Hopkinton High School moved up to Division 1 in wrestling, coach Corey Mills wanted to challenge his team as much as possible. The Hillers have battled through a tough schedule this year and shown themselves to be as competitive as any squad in the area.

“We are right there,” Mills said. “It has been a very competitive season, the kids are having a really good year.”

Hopkinton has been among the top teams in the Tri-Valley League and came within a single match of knocking off league champion Ashland. The Hillers also scored program-first victories over Duxbury and Boston Latin.

“I would say we have surpassed, performance wise, what I was thinking at the start of the year,” Mills said. “We have some veterans on this team we were expecting to come through, but we have had a lot of younger kids who have jelled together.”

He added, “Top to bottom, I would say this team has exceeded expectations.”

Junior Finn Durocher, at 150 pounds, has emerged as one of the better wrestlers in the state, with a win at the Canton tournament under his belt.

“He has wrestled a lot of the top kids in the state, and he has been competitive,” Mills said. “He just wrestles with a lot of excitement. He really goes for it, which is fun to watch.”

Another talented veteran for the Hillers is senior captain Aaron Butkus at 138 pounds.

“He is a really strong, cerebral wrestler,” Mills said. “He is the heart and soul of the team.”

Mills highlighted Butkus’ contributions off the mat as well. As a certified trainer, he helps with training and fitness tips for the rest of the roster.

“He is wise beyond his years,” Mills said.

Junior Lucas Reed is an experienced wrestler and has been strong on the mat following a breakout season on the football field.

In addition to the experienced wrestlers, several newer athletes are making key contributions to the effort. Ryan Behrens is a key cog in the 190-pound division and, though a senior, is just in his second season. He also wrestles at around 170 pounds and still holds his own, Mills noted.

Freshman Grayson Reed has a winning record in the 106-pound division, and Mills said he is “developing a lot of passion and excitement” for the sport.

“You get these kids who are freshmen and they weigh 100 pounds and they make a huge impact in a varsity lineup,” Mills said. “Not a lot of sports can say that.”

Kyle Tedstone, a sophomore, is having a breakout season, and Mills said he expects him to be among the better wrestlers in the state over the next two years.

The lineup has the Hillers ready to compete with their new D1 rivals like Natick, Chelmsford, Franklin and other top-notch programs.

“The kids have proven it to themselves,” Mills said. “They belong at that level.”