By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Chris Dunfee, 3rd year.

Coaching Staff: Ryan Fankhauser, David Hollinger, Make Dnnis, Chris Knopick.

2024-25: 5th at Suburban League American Division Tournament, 2nd at Fort Frye Tournament, 5th at Portage County Tournament.

Returning Lettermen (8): Ethan Humbert, sr.; Ethan Kurtz, sr.; Gavin Edwards, sr.; Toby Brunner, sr.; Carter Fertig, jr.; Jacob Dunfee, soph.; Michael Hanley, soph.; Noah Catanese, soph.

Lettermen Lost (3): Jeremiah Brumfield, Noah Dunlap, Ethan Graham.

League: Suburban League American Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Roosevelt’s roster is filled with a blend of youth and experience.

“We have some good veteran leadership this year, and they are doing a good job of leading the inexperienced kids,” head coach Chris Dunfee said.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“If our kids continue working hard and grinding. They need to continue to push themselves and their teammates to reach their goals.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

(103-132 POUNDS)

Sophomore Jacob Dunfee posted a 32-10 record last year and reached the second day of the district tournament. He was also a Suburban League finalist.

“Jacob had a very successful freshman year and really put in the work this off-seaosn to build on that.”

Another sophomore, Michael Hanley, also had a solid freshman season, which was his first in competitive wrestling.

“He is a very hard worker and spent the off-season training to take the next step. He is the most improved wrestler on our team since last year.”

Junior Carter Fertig is a tough competitor, who also has the opportunity to go to the next level. Freshman Chris Plough is a new face to wrestling and joins the team after a successful cross country season.

“Chris is eager to learn.”

Sophomores Emery Thomas and Ka’Yir Brown are two additional new faces who will try to work into the lineup.

“Emery will get a lot of valuable varsity experience. Ka’Yir moved from Cleveland this summer, and he is a very hard work. I think he is going to surprise some people this year.”

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

(138-165 POUNDS)

The middleweights are spotlighted by senior Gavin Edwards, who had a superb junior season.

Edwards was 34-5 before his year was cut short by an injury.

Prior to his injury, Edwards had captured championships at the Fort Frye Tournament, Portage County Tournament and the Cobos Invitational. He was also third at the Top Gun Tournament.

“Gavin has put in the work this off-season and has his sights set on Columbus.”

Senior Toby Brunner is another Rough Rider who “has worked hard this summer,” according to Dunfee.

“We are looking for Toby to take that next step in his development.”

Two freshmen, Ryan Taiclet and Kingston Kurtz, will also be in the mix.

“Kingston came up through our youth program, and we are looking forward to him getting his first taste of high-school wrestling.

“This is Ryan’s first year of wrestling. He shows up everyday and works hard, and he has already improved a lot.”

UPPERWEIGHTS

(175-HEAVYWEIGHT)

Ethan Humbert and Ethan Kurtz, both seniors, lead the group.

Kurtz was described as a “good leader in our room” by Dunfee.

“He leads by example well, and he is ready to take the next step this year.”

Humbert had a good junior season with a 22-14 record.

“He spent some time wrestling this summer and has certainly improved from last season. I think he is poised to have a very good season.”

A group of four sophomores fill out the lineup.

Noah Catanese is a product of the Riders’ youth program and had a solid middle-school career that led to a productive freshman season last year, but it did end early to an injury.

Dominic Dozanti, James Lombardo and London Kimbrough are the three other sophomores pushing for opportuntie.

“Dominidc has come a long way in the last couple of years. He will see plenty of varsity matches for us this season.

“James will also get a lot of varsity martches. He has improved a lot the last couple of seasons. London is new to wrestling, and he is a hard worker with a willingness to learn.”

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL?

“The kids have really bought into our philosophy. A lot of them are spending their off-seasons wrestling and working to get better.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Kingston Kurtz, fresh.

“He has earned a varsity spot and has an opportunity to take a big step forward in his development.”

CAPTAINS SPOTLIGHT

Gavin Edwards, sr.; Ethan Kurtz, sr.; Jacob Dunfee, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We almost have a full lineup, but we are not a very deep team this year. Injuries are our biggest concern. We have to make sure that we are taking care of our bodies.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“There are a lot of really good teams in the Suburban League. Two that I think will be at the top this year are Brecksville and Highland.”