By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Shane Kuberry

3rd year

22-20 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Andy Mesaros, Mike Kemble, Mike Richeson, Barry Sapp, Shelton Morris, Owen Martin.

2023-24 Record: 13-10.

2023-24 Notable Placements: Dominic Kemble, Eastern Ohio Wrestling League champion and state qualifier; Returning district qualifiers: Braeden Martin, Cameron Dye, Dominic Kemble, Deian Longgood, Landon Durstine.

Returning Lettermen (12): Braden Martin, Cameron Dye, Dominic Kemble, Trey Follen, Jack Corll, Deian Longgood, Lucas Willitt, Korbin Klatka, Bryce Schoenbaechler, Bruce Nelson, Shaimon Mishra, Landon Durstine.

Lettermen Lost (2): Preston Bello, Lauren Carver.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Last year’s team had depth and talent and several key pieces return this season.

“We are looking for growth not only in our approach to the season, but also as human beings,” Kuberry said. “There is a great deal of potential up and down the lineup. We are looking to take that next step forward and have a fun year.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

There is plenty of leadership among the lightweights.

Dominic Kemble, who is a returning state qualifier and league champion, is expected to have another “promising year,” according to Kuberry.

The group also features two other district qualifiers in senior Cam Dye and junior Braden Martin.

“They both are looking to take the next step and are also great examples in the room.”

Kuberry identified sophomore Trey Follen as a competitor in the lineup poised for a breakout year.

“He had a great freshman season and will be a factor in the room.”

Trevor Osborne, a junior, is described as a natural leader because of his “work ethic and approach to the sport, but more importantly, to everyday life,” Kuberry said.

“We are excited to see Trevor work and progress throughout the year.”

Jacob Doty stepped into the varsity lineup last season when needed and has put himself in a position to fight a spot once again.

Sophomore Sig Lichleiter returns after a season of improvement.

The lightweights will also have two freshmen — Braylon Reshonsky and Gabe Hartman — pushing for a spot in the lineup.

“Both have had great starts to the year. Braylon has shown he is willing to work hard and is learning each day. Gabe is also working hard in the room and making the transition from the middle school.”

Sophomore Destiny Longgood is new to the team and the sport and is the only girls wrestler on the Pirates’ roster this season.

“She worked hard in the off-season to introduce herself to the sport and has been working very hard in the room.”

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

There is not as much depth at middleweights, but there is plenty of talent.

Senior Deian Longgood is the anchor and is a two-time district qualifier. He is prepared to have a breakout season for the Pirates.

Brice Schoenbaechler, who is a senior, has “steadily gotten better and has continued to improve.”

Korbin Klatka, Lucas Willitt and Jack Corll all won matches at the sectional tournament last season and will be key pieces to the varsity lineup.

Dylan Dorsey, Nyaire Spaulding Weeks and Zander Freitag-Huffman are all sophomores, who return after solid freshman seasons.

“All three will be looking to grow and get better as the year goes on. They are hard workers and vital to the room improving as the year progresses.”

A new face to the team this season is Aidan McCann, who has “already shown a very solid work ethic and a desire to learn,” according to Kuberry.

UPPERWEIGHTS

Landon Durstine is another of the team’s returning district qualifiers.

“He has made significant jumps in the off-season and is a leader in our room vocally and by example.”

Also returning is Bruce Nelson, who was just one win away from qualifying for the district tournament last year.

Shaman Mishra and Jeremy Knight are two more returning upper weights, with both looking to earn a permanent spot in the varsity lineup.

Rounding out the upper weights is Abdallah Alrawahneh, who is wrestling for the first time this season.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Jack Corll, soph.; Jacob Doty, soph.; Bruce Nelson, soph.; Lucas Willitt, soph.; Korbin Klatka, soph.; Trey Follen, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are still pretty young and with that comes lack of experience. We are pretty thin in the upper weights, as well.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Kuberry believes that Garfield and Liberty are the teams to beat in the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference and points to South Range, Pymatuning Valley and the G-Men as the leaders in the EOWL.