By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Duane Funk, 13th year.

Coaching Staff: Sherman Benedum, Joey Hancock.

Returning Lettermen (3): Dylan Benedum, sr.; Matthew Trusty, sr.; Blake Hume, sr.;

Lettermen Lost (8): Owen Roberts, Breaden Manley, Blake Hershberger, Kasey Pruitt, Jack Snavely, Matthew Plum, Cole Reese, Troy Myers.

League: Independent.

TEAM OUTLOOK

“We have strong leadership from our seniors, and we have a strong group of freshmen coming up,” head coach Duane Funk said.

Overall, the Wildcats are young, but Funk believes the group has “a lot of potential, if we stay focused on technique.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We need to stay healthy and work hard to get better every day.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS AND MIDDLEWEIGHTS

(103-165 POUNDS)

The group of lightweights and middleweights is largely inexperienced, with only Blake Hume being a returning letterman.

Hume enters his second year in the program and “showed a lot of improvement last year,” according to head coach Duane Funk.

“Blake works hard and will continue to improve throughout the year.”

Three freshmen enter the program after solid junior-high careers in Colt Tompkins, Caleb Tompkins and Peyton Custer.

“Colt is a solid wrestler, and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do in high school.

“Caleb had an outstanding junior-high career and Peyton is solid and is an athletic kid who will get better every week.”

Two others, Jaxson Morris and Hunter McElwain, will be pushed into the lineup after taking a couple of years away from the sport.

“Jaxson is a solid wrestler who will improve daily and make an impact this year. Hunter works hard to be successful.”

Evan Harden, who is in his first year in the sport, is focused on improving and learning the technique, according to Funk.

Trenton Brophy is another competitor looking to push into the lineup.

UPPERWEIGHTS

(175-HEAVYWEIGHT)

Dylan Benedum highlights the group and already has more than 100 career wins.

Last season, Benedum placed sixth at districts at 215 pounds.

“His goal is to get to Columbus to finish out his high-school career.”

Matthew Trusky returns to the lineup and Funk has been impressed with his growth as a wrestler.

“He has improved year after year, and we are looking forward to seeing what he is going to do in his final year.”

Christopher Wunder returns to the lineup after being away from the sport for the last few years.

“He will work to get better everyday to make an impact late in the season.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Colt Tompkins, fresh.; Caleb Tompkins, fresh.; Peyton Custer, fresh.

TEAM MOTTO

Respect all, fear none.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“My only concern is staying healthy throughout the season.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“We are no longer in a league, but we kept Waterloo and Rootstown on our schedule.”