By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: David Wrobel, 25th year, 220-147 career record.

Coaching Staff: Derek Wrobel, Marco Berquist, Conner Nemec, JP Wrobel.

2024-25 Record: 5-3 overall, 4th at Portage County Tournament, 7th at Chagrin Valley Conference Tournament, sectional runner-up, 10 district qualifiers, 2 district place-winners.

Returning Lettermen (12): Michael Berquist, sr.; Doug Sipes, jr.; Tye Berquist, jr.; Carmine Baran, jr.; Nick Lukart, jr.; Jakob Devlin, jr.; Rocco Wrobel, jr.; Gio Brock, jr.; Logan Brown, soph.; Robby Georger, soph.; Tyler Devlin, soph.; Levi Daniels, soph.

Lettermen Lost (2): Brenton Mason, Drew Post.

League: Chagrin Valley Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Red Devils were young a year ago and nothing has changed this year.

They are still young, losing only two lettermen and returning 12.

“We have a ton of depth in the junior class,” longtime head coach David Wrobel said. “This team has the potential to excel if it works hard and stays focused.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We need to stay healthy, and we need to get wrestlers to the right weights to maximize our potential individually, as well as a team. The key is to improve throughout the season and peak at the right time of the year, which is right before the postseason.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

(106-132 POUNDS)

There is quality and quantity here, making it the strongest weight class of the program.

“We have six or seven solid wrestlers vying for five spots in the lineup.”

The 106-pound class, though, will be a difficult one for the Devils to fill, according to Wrobel, “unless freshman James George can make the cut.”

At 113 and 120, there is a bevy of wrestlers pushing for time, including Levi Daniels, Gio Brock, Tyler Devlin and maybe even “another freshman standout.”

“I expect a lot of competition here. Levi, Gio and Tyler all won two matches apiece at the district tournament last year.”

Devilin was one of the program’s two district place-winners a year ago, alongside Michael Berquist.

Junior Rocco Wrobel, alongside Devlin, will compete for time at 126, which led Wrobel to say that he feels the division “should be in good hands.”

Devlin may also see time at 132, and possibly even Rocco Wrobel, too, but ready to make an impact is freshman newcomer Jacob Morris.

“Jacob is a middle school state place-winner, so we are excited to have him in the lineup.”

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

(138-165 POUNDS)

Wrestlers will bounce between classes throughout the season, with a combination of juniors Jakob Devlin, Nick Lukart, Carmine Baran and Tye Berquist leading the way.

Adding depth are senior AJ Brock, sophomore Robby Georger and freshman Colt Byers.

“Jakob, Robby and Tye have district experience and will be counted on to lead this group. Tye has had the most success and experience — and is capable of winning big matches for us.”

UPPERWEIGHTS

(175-HEAVYWEIGHT)

The group of Michael Berquist, Logan Brown, Doug Sipes, Austin McIntyre and Ayden McKenny are all part of these weight classes.

“Michael will be called upon to anchor this group, while Doug has some district tournament experience, too. This is probably the biggest question mark on the team due to its uncertainty and inexperience.”

WHAT MAKES THIS TEAM SPECIAL?

“It is a nice blend of youth and talent. This team can surprise if everyone competes and focuses on getting better.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

James Georger, fresh.; Jacob Morris, fresh.; Levi Daniels, soph.; Tyler Devlin, soph.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

“Michael Berquist will be our captain based on last season’s performance. I think Rocco and Tye have the attributes to lead, too, and so does  Tyler Devlin.”

TEAM MOTTO

“Seek what is above.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our overall depth, as well as inexperience at certain weights.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Perry, West Geauga, Madison, Trinity and Rootstown are the top five, but we have the ability to break through if everything aligns for us and the wrestlers improve throughout the season.”