By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE COACH

Craig Wise

12th year

181-38 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Al Marzec, assistant coach.

2021-22 Record: 8-5 overall; Portage Trail Conference champions; third place at district tournament, with six qualifiers.

Returning Lettermen (14): Dominic Duvall, Nathan Lee, Brian Youngblood, John Mays, Nick Malek, Tristen McKibben, Will McEwuen, Tyler Paulus, Lane McKenzie, Sylas Rehield, Cody Coontz, Dylan Wise, Trent Gierke, Hutton Krieger.

Lettermen Lost (0).

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Rovers, coming off another successful 2021-22 season return 14 lettermen and lose zero.

The program celebrated its 11th league championship in the last 12 seasons last year and remain the gold standard in Portage County.

It did not used to always be that way, but since Craig Wise has taken over the program, along with a dedicated staff of youth coaches that have built up the program, the Rovers have ascended and remained at the top of the PTC and district.

“We are excited to have this group back,” Wise said. “Our season can be successful if everyone can find their weight class and stay healthy.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Junior Will McEwuen is the leader here for the Rovers.

He placed at the district tournament last year.

“We are excited to see him back,” Wise said.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

This is a heavy group of talent for the Rovers and includes Dominic Duvall, Nathan Lee, Brian Young good, Tristen McKibben, Tyler Paulus and Dylan Wise.

“This is a great group with a lot of firepower,” Wise said.

UPPERWEIGHTS

Like the middleweights, the Rovers celebrate a group filled with experience and talent here.

Two-time state qualifier Cody Coontz is one of the spotlighted Rovers.

“He is hoping to finish off a great career on top of the podium,” Wise said.

Another standout is Lane McKenzie, who has placed at the district tournament and state championship the last three years.

“He is ready to have a great season an finish with a trip to the state tourney,” Wise said.

Returning state qualifier Sylas Reheild has aspirations of a return trip to Columbus.

Additional wrestlers filling out the lineup will include Trent Gierke, Hutton Krieger and Darren Furry.

“It is a strong group overall, with a ton of upside,” Wise said.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL?

“Having everyone back,” Wise said.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Nate Marzec, Alex Ely, Jackson Hackett.

“All have a chance to get into the starting lineup,” Wise said.

TEAM MOTTO

Tradition never graduates.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Health and getting kids to the right weight class,” Wise said.