By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Dan Andel

7th year

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Shane Hoover, varsity assistant; John Bond, varsity assistant; Ken Sell, varsity assistant; Logan Kissell, varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference champions; Eastern Ohio Wrestling League division champions.

Returning Lettermen (12): Grayson Hoover, sr.; Ian Hunt, sr.; Joe Sparks, sr.; Hunter Andel, sr.; Vince D’Amico, jr.; Deacon Sommer, jr.; Andrew Borecki, jr.; Keegan Sell, jr.; Aiden Kissell, jr.; Jon Wiczen, jr.; Tyler Howerton, soph.; Ivan Trent, soph.

Lettermen Lost (2): Tim Sommer, Jon Hundzsa.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The returning Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference champions lose only two lettermen and return a plethora of talent, experience and hard-working wrestlers.

“We have a diverse level of experience and talent,” Andel said.

“We want to continue to develop our less-experienced wrestlers, putting them in a position to be competitive,” Andel said.

LIGHTWEIGHTS

The group is highlighted by junior Vince D’Amico, who is a returning district qualifier.

Three freshmen also will get a chance to work into the lineup: Cam Lewicki, Carter Hoover and Bella Quickly.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Hunter Andel, who is a Kent State University commit and two-time state-placer is the leader of the group here.

“He is definitely one of, if not the most, technical wrestlers we have had,” Andel said. “The kid loves wrestling.”

Joe Sparks, a senior, is a two-time district qualifier.

Filling out the weight classes in other spots will be Ian Hunt, Grayson Hoover, Deacon Sommer, Kaleb Lewicki, Tyler Howerton, Cam Tayerle and Andrew Borecki.

UPPERWEIGHTS

Junior Keegan Sell, coming off another prolific football season where he was just named the Division V Northeast Inland All-District Defensive Player of the Year, returns after winning a district championship last year.

Sell is a two-time state-placer as well and one of the toughest wrestlers in the area.

“He is another powerhouse for us,” Andel said. “He will be tough for anyone to compete with.”

Additional upperweight wrestlers for the G-Men include sophomore Ivan Trent, junior Aiden Kissell and junior Jon Wiczen.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL?

Leading veterans Hunter Andel and Keegan Sell, according to head coach Dan Andel.

“They add a ton of depth to our lineup.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Andel lists Carter Hoover, Cam Lewicki, Ian Hunt and Grayson Hoover.

“I expect good things to come,” Andel said.

However was unable to compete in the tournament last year because of an injury, but Andel has aspirations to see him in Columbus this year.

TEAM MOTTO

Matches are not won at the tournament, they are won during the week in the practice room.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We may struggle as a dual team, with less-experienced wrestlers filling varsity roles,” Andel said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“As far as Portage County teams, Rootstown has the most depth to its roster.”