By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE COACH

Shane Kuberry

1st year

0-0 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Andy Mesaros, varsity assistant; Mike Richeson, varsity assistant; Barry Sapp, varsity assistant; Owen Martin, varsity assistant.

Returning Lettermen (5): Joe Kline, sr.; Adam Peelish, sr.; Lauren Carver, jr.; Preston Bello, jr.; Kian Romeo, soph.

Lettermen Lost (6): Owen Martin, Ryan Ramser, Vinny Sanderfer, Mason Amodio, Jaidyn Sapp,  Spencer Mesaros.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Pirates are young, but with that comes plenty of upside for the future.

“We have strong leadership from our underclassmen,” said first-year head coach Shane Kuberry. “The group we have is hard working and has shown desire to grow and determined to meet the goals set for the team and for themselves.”

The key to a successful season, however, is the team’s ability to grow individually and as a team, according to Kuberry.

“We have established some goals to work toward in both aspects and our progress toward those goals will be a great barometer for our success.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

106 pounds: Southeast will have two freshmen battling for the spot all season long in Braedon Martin and Shade Stevens.

“They have been great practice partners for each other and compete well,” Kuberry said.

113 pounds: Dominic Kemble will wrestle at this spot and has shown “exceptional effort and skill for a freshman,” according to Kuberry.

120 pounds: Adam Peelish, who is one of three seniors on the roster, holds down 120.
“Adam has been working hard and improving in all three positions. He is a great role model for our younger kids.”

126 pounds: Deian Longgood will be the starter, and he has been working alongside Peelish at practices.

“They have been working hard and pushing each other. Deian will be a great addition to the starting lineup.”

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

132 pounds: Kuberry calls the weight class “interesting,” largely because of the injury bug that has hit starting sophomore Owen Bowers.

“He is a newer wrestler, but has been working hard and making strides.”

138 pounds: Kian Romero is a returning letterman and will be in the mix, but he is currently working his way through an injury. In the meantime, freshman Tyler Williams could be an option here if he is not placed as the starter at 144.

144 pounds: This is the weight class that has the most competition for the Pirates. The group is highlighted by returning letter winner Lauren Carver, along with sophomore Age Klatka. Sophomore Brice Schoenbachler will also get an opportunity in addition to Williams.

150 pounds: The 150 starter will be determined by how the weight classes at 138 and 144 pounds, respectively, shake out.

157/165 pounds: Freshmen Jonathan Reynolds and Landon Durstan will be working for the starting spot.

“Both are young, but they have both showed great skill, effort and determination and have made great strides.”

175 pounds: Senior Joe Kline, a returning lettermen, is the starter here.

“Joe has been a great leader in the room and is working hard to meet goals he has set for himself.”

UPPERWEIGHTS

190 pounds: Freshman Richie Nutter has earned the starting spot at 190.

“He has been a great addition to the room and has a great attitude and work ethic. He has shown that he has the ability to stay in and battle hard.”

215 pounds: Austin McLean is new to the sport, but is described by Kuberry as a “naturally athlete,” who has impressed with his physical ability early.

“Austin is a senior, who excelled on the football field and has transitioned to wrestling for the first time.”

285 pounds: Preston Bello is a returning letterman and returning starter.

“Preston is a great leader in the room and has been working hard and wrestling tough. He is a wonderful example of what our program is about.”

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL?

“This year’s team is special because of the amount of ‘new’ that we have,” Kuberry said. “New wrestlers, new coaches, freshmen — all of it has helped us grown and learn together. The way the upperclassmen have stepped in to steer the team has been great to see, and I am excited to see where we can go this year.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Braden Martin, fresh.; Dominic Kemble, fresh.; Kate Klatka, soph.

TEAM MOTTO

“We don’t have a team motto, but we are constantly talking about hard work and effort being the focus this year. If hard work and effort are there, we feel like we can make some strides.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Inexperience is the biggest concern, but not because of fear of effort, but because of what is unknown for our younger and newer wrestlers,” Kuberry said. “A varsity wrestling season can be grueling and when you have not experienced it before, it’s hard to tell how you will react. I love our teams fight and spirit and expect that they will respond appropriately.”