By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

David Tenney

7th year (20th season overall)

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Clark Bookman, varsity assistant; Mason Brainard, varsity assistant; TJ Fox, middle school coach, varsity assistant.

Returning Lettermen (5): Robert Atha, Joe D’Amico, Carter White, William Nienhius, Brady McCoy.

Lettermen Lost (5): Gavin White, Justin Sloan, Hunter Long, Mason Long, Parker Shutty.

2021-22 Record: 3-4 in Mero Athletic Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Falcons are led by a solid group of experienced wrestlers that have shown great work ethic and enthusiastic attitudes.

“I am very excited for this season,” head coach Dave Tenney said.

“The season can be successful if we work up to the potential they have. Each wrestler has set individual goals on paper and if we can meet those, it will be a successful year.”

Field anticipates to have a full lineup this season, as well.

LIGHTWEIGHTS

“We have a great group of light wrestlers returning,” Tenney said.

Leading the group is returning letterman Joe D’Amico.

Additionally, a crop of freshmen joins the group, including Brook Sclimenti, Spencer Hunt and Owen Wymer. 

“These young guys come to us with quite a bit of wrestling experience, and I am very excited to see them pushing each other to get better,” Tenney said.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

The group will be and hired by Brady McCoy, who is coming off a solid sophomore season.

“He has put in a lot of time in training this off-season,” Tenney said.

Carter White returns after a successful freshman season.

Mason Long would have been another experienced returning lettermen, but he will miss the entire 2022-23 season because of a knee injury he suffered during the football season.

Long’s absence opens up a spot for some younger wrestlers to win.

Part of that group, looking for an opportunity to break into the lineup, includes Cole Siedler, Colton Stickler, Nikal Gamer, Lincoln Barns, Blake Dunderman and Elizabeth Rock.

UPPERWEIGHTS

These are the weight classes where the Falcons have the most experience.

Spotlighting the group is returning state alternate Robert Atha, who is a senior.

John Riley also returns and has put in the work to put himself into contention to be a league contender.

“John did a lot of summer wrestling to get ready for his junior year,” Tenney said.

William Nienhius is another returner that is looking to build off a strong season a year ago.

Some new faces join the upper weight classes, as well, including senior Joe Troup, freshman David Maxwell and freshman Daniel Hudson.

“Joe brings academic excellence and a stron work ethic to our room, and he is a good addition to our team,” Tenney said.

All will have their role within the team, but it ultimately begins and ends with Atha’s ability and leadership.

“I have coached many wrestlers through the years, but I have never had one quite like Rob,” Tenney said. “He is as dedicated to the sport as anyone I’ve coached. His work ethic on the mat and in the classroom make him an outstanding leader and role model.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Staying healthy and staying strong in the classroom,” Tenney said.