By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE COACH

Duane Funk

13th year

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Sherman Benedum, Joe Hancock.

Returning Lettermen (11): Matthew Plum, sr.; Owen Roberts, sr.; Braeden Manley, sr.; Blake Hershberger, sr.; Kasey Pruitt, sr.; Troy Myers, sr.; Tyler Youngblood, sr.; Kasey Pruitt, sr.; Dylan Benedum, jr.; Matthew Trusky, jr.; Caidan Shaw, soph.

Returning Letterwinners (3): Elizabeth Terry, sr.; Kai Gaetjens, jr.; Mackenzie “MJ” Shellenbarger, jr.

Lettermen Lost (2): Travis Hummel, Cole Reese.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Mia Gaetjens.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Mogadore has the potential to have a special season, with its large number of upperclassmen, as well as the returning talent of girls wrestlers.

“We only have five girls on the team, but we are built for tournaments and will be successful,” Funk said. “The boys have a good mix of underclassmen (to complement the upperclassmen) to help this team be successful.”

Similar to most, the Wildcats need to stay healthy to hit goals that have been set to strive for during the regular season and postseason.

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Owen Roberts is the leader of the pack here.

The senior has already had a successful high-school career and is looking to close it out strong with a trip to Columbus after just missing the chance to place last year at district.

Another senior, Braeden Manley, is described by  Funk as a “solid wrestler, who can be very successful this year.”

Junior Blake Hume returns to the roster after not wrestling last year, while freshman Reese Rogers is another athlete returning to the sport.

“Reese needs to continue to focus on technique and endurance.”

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Senior Matthew Plum had a strong junior year, winning a sectional title before falling short of placing at districts.

“If he can stay healthy and focus on technique, he could make a trip to Columbus in March.”

Senior Blake Hershberger has had the previous three seasons end short because of injury.

“I am hoping he can stay healthy this year, becuase he has the potential to do great in the postseason.”

Two other seniors, Kasey Pruitt and Jack Snavely, also add talented depth to the middleweights.

“Staying healthy has also been an issue with Kasey. He had an injury that caused him to miss the end of the football season, but he is a solid kid and has been wrestling for a long time.

“Jack is a tough kid who continues to work hard in practice to get better every day and continues to work on his technique.”

UPPERWEIGHTS

Senior Tyler Youngblood was limited by injuries a year ago, but he has rebounded well and Funk sees him “getting better every day in practice.”

Senior Troy Myers has “a lot of potential,” according to Funk.

Dylan Benedum, a junior, returns after a successful sophomore season.

“Dylan came up short at districts, so we are focusing on strength and technique right now.”

Junior Matthew Trusty, sophomore Caiden Shaw and freshman Everett Massey are three others that add depth to the upper weights.

“Matthew is a solid wrestler, who put in the time to get stronger coming into the season. He works hard.

“Everett is a solid kid, who came back to wrestling this year and Caidan had a solid freshman year, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do after a year under his belt. He works hard and has the motivation to get better every day.”

MOGADORE GIRLS

The Wildcats’ roster features five girls in senior Elizabeth Terry, junior Kai Gaetjens, junior MJ Shellenbarger, along with freshmen Layla Funk and Audrey Garner.

Shellenbarger placed fourth overall at the state championships.

“She has worked hard in the off-season to work on her technique to get better every day. If she stays healthy, I see her accomplishing her goals she has set for herself this year.”

Gaetjens is a two-time state qualifier and is determined to improve on her podium places from the previous two years.

“She is staying positive and working hard.”

Terry is described by Funk as a “solid wrestler who has improved a lot through the years.”

Terry had an injury that ended her season before the regional tournament.

Funk enters high school after a successful junior-high career.

“She is working hard to continue her momentum.”

Garner is new to wrestling this season, but Funk has noticed that she is a quick learner and has shown improvement throughout the preseason.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Staying healthy is always a concern, considering the demand on the body this sport has.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Rootstown is still the team to beat in the last years of the conference until they move to their new conference.”