By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Shane Kuberry, 4th year, 27-26 career record.

Coaching Staff: Mike Kemble, Mike Richeson, Billy Kemble, Micah Kullman, Barry Sapp, Shelton Morris, Owen Martin.

Returning Lettermen (9): Braeden Martin, Dominic Kemble, Trey Follen, Jack Corll, Lucas Willitt,  Shaimon Mishra, Landon Durstine, Gabe Hartman, Zander Freitag.

Lettermen Lost (3): Cam Dye, Brice Schoenbaechler, Deian Longgood.

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Southeast’s lineup returns several key pieces from last year, but the group has also been fighting through multiple preseason injuries.

“We have a very big freshman class with talent that we are looking to take a big step early on, as they will be vital to our success,” head coach Shane Kuberry said.

“We are looking for growth not only in our approach to the season, but also as human beings.”

Southeast also has a full girls schedule, with Natalie Kemble, Riley Diehl and Francesca Bello leading the way for the program.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“If we continue to grow as coaches, students, wrestlers and people. We are always looking to climb the ladder toward all of our goals, whether it is wrestling related or not.”

LIGHTWEIGHTS

(103-132 POUNDS)

The lineup for the lower weight classes is thin, but does include leadership.

Senior Braeden Martin returns to continue what has already been a solid high-school career.

“He has had a large amount of success through the years and has been working hard.”

Three freshmen — Nick Coffman, Damian Kemble and Vincer Kelly — have entered the room ready to make an immediate impact.

“They are looking at starting spots, with all three showing promise for successful seasons.

“Damian has already shown he is a strong leader, and along with this leadership is a great deal of success in his middle-school career.

“This group of young men will be the battery that gets us started during duals and could have strong postseason performances, as well.”

Other freshmen who could make an impact throughout the year include Jacob Boivin and Eli Evans.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

(138-165 POUNDS)

Injuries to three returning starters has not only changed the way the middle of the lineup looks currently, but they have also opened the door for underclassmen to get an opportunity.

Seniors Dominic Kemble and Trevor Osborne are the anchors.

“They have been pushing each other in the room and both have goals that they are grinding for.”

Freshman Drake Longgood has impressed the staff early and has settled into the varsity room well in his transition from middle school.

Other new additions to the room, who are expected to make immediate impacts, are Gavin Cantera and James Miller.

“Gavin has extremely impressive middle-school credentials and has already shown that he has a great work ethic. We are excited to see his transition to high school.

“James is returning to wrestling after a hiatus, but he has done well in practice and will be an important piece to success through the dual and tournament season.”

Shaimon Mishra is a returning letterman, who made noticeable improvements in his first year in the sport last year.

Gabe Hartman is another returning letterman, with Noah Nichols, Landon Peddle and Carson Griffith all also pushing for a chance to get into the lineup.

UPPERWEIGHTS

(175-HEAVYWEIGHT)

Landon Durstine is a returning district qualifier, and he has “again made significant jumps” in the off-season, according to Kuberry.

“He has some goals he will be chasing all season long.”

Zander Freitag is pushing for a varsity spot, with freshman Joseph Jares also off to a fast start in the preseason room.

Another freshman, Adain Campbell has “show some ability and a strong work ethic.”

WHAT MAKES THIS TEAM SPECIAL?

“This is the closest team we have had in all my time here. They care about each other, work hard and have a desire to succeed.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Damian Kemble, Gavin Cantera, Vincer Kelly, Drake Longgood.

SENIOR CAPTAINS

Dominic Kemble, Trevor Osborne, Landon Durstine, Braeden Martin.

TEAM MOTTO

“Up the ladder, build every day.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are thin in the upper weights and have a lot of new faces and young kids.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Kuberry pointed to Garfield as one of the top teams in the MVAC, but also believed his Pirates will challenge for a top spot. In the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League, Kuberry has the G-Men, along with South Range and his own Pirates, as the top teams.”