Big changes are happening near and far in Pennsylvania wrestling.
A few highlights:
• Lehighton’s in the Schuylkill League.
• Bethlehem Catholic’s out of District 11 Class AA.
• Four more state qualifiers are into the bracket in each weight class at the PIAA Wrestling Championships.
Let’s take a closer look at each before breaking down the division races.
At the start of the school year, Lehighton joined the Schuylkill League and Anthracite Football League. The Indians enjoyed instant success, including capturing a Schuylkill League championship in boys’ soccer. Lehighton simply has a lot of athletic boys in its school right now.
“We’re looking forward to competing within the Schuylkill League this year,’’ Lehighton coach Danny Williams said. “We have wrestled many of the teams within the league during dual-meet tournaments over the past few years and have had individual matchups within individual tournaments and our district and regional tournaments.
“I’m excited to join this league because I’ve seen it grow into one of the most competitive leagues in the area for our sport,’’ he added. “You always have tough teams like North Schuylkill, Tri-Valley and Blue Mountain coming out of that league, and we look forward to competing against them throughout the year. The other positive is the chance for our individual wrestlers to compete for an individual league title. Many of our wrestlers are excited about that opportunity.’’
At the district level, Bethlehem Catholic has decided to compete in Class AAA for the next two-year cycle. The Golden Hawks — with their ability to draw athletes from the entire Lehigh Valley and beyond — utterly dominated the state in recent years.
Now Becahi is Easton, Nazareth and Northampton’s problem. For the small schools in District 11 Class AA, the playing field has been leveled.
At the state level, the PIAA made its first major change in several years, voting to expand the bracket in each weight class from 16 to 20 wrestlers.
Most regions will receive one more state qualifier than in years past. For example, in Class AA, the Southeast Region, which includes Districts 1, 3, 11 and 12, will send its top six wrestlers (instead of five) to the state tournament.
In Class AAA, the Northeast Region (Districts 2, 11 and 12) will add one state qualifier for a total of four.
In addition, 11 of the area’s 17 state qualifiers return. Tri-Valley has five: Caleb Bordner (7th at states), Hunter Harner, Sammy Hepler (7th), Chase Schaeffer and Anthony Snyder. Bordner, Harner and Snyder are seniors; Schaeffer is a junior and Hepler a sophomore.
North Schuylkill returns two who went to Hershey: seniors Alek Hummel and Nate Gadinski.
The others are Upper Dauphin senior Coy Campbell, Williams Valley junior Willy Girard, Panther Valley senior Rian Shubeck and Hamburg senior Sean Stanish.
Division I
North Schuylkill won the Division I dual-meet championship last season and graduated just two seniors from a 22-3 team.
Blue Mountain captured the team title at the Schuylkill League Tournament and graduated just three.
Tri-Valley returns five state qualifiers in a quality — but thin — lineup.
Panther Valley has 11 starters back, had a 32-bout winner transfer in and has some talented youth arriving.
Pottsville has 10 starters back after second-year coach Gary Keener had a full offseason to accelerate the building process.
And what about newcomer Lehighton? The Indians graduated just one starter, and their underclassman-dominated lineup is poised to make a big leap forward.
Like the NFL’s Any Given Sunday, Division I could be Any Given Night. Show up not ready to wrestle, and you’ll probably go home with a loss.
Let’s start with the defending champion Spartans, who open the season ranked ninth in the state in the Off the Mat Class AA ratings.
Hummel (38-9) and Gadinski (38-10) are multi-sport, state-ranked standouts who give North Schuylkill two hammers in the upper weights.
There’s balance across the board with sophomore Mason Madden-Edwards (29-11), junior Shane McGrath (33-12), senior Jess Wetzel (23-14) and junior C.J. Steinhilber (23-9).
Slotting into the spot vacated by All-Area Wrestler of the Year Auston Hummel (41-5) at 170 pounds is District 11 Junior High Tournament champion Brady Mickatavage. Another district junior high champion, Jeno Schicatano, adds depth in the upper weights.
If the Spartans are going to break back into the elite level, this is the year.
“We’re looking to have a real solid season,’’ North Schuylkill coach Chris Edwards said. “We have high goals for the upcoming dual-meet season and the upcoming individual postseason.
“The goals will be posted on the wall of the room for every wrestler to read, each day,’’ he added. “I think it will sink in.’’
Blue Mountain returns plenty of firepower, too, with 12 returnees. Senior Christian Gosch (33-13) and sophomore Erech Noecker (27-13) were Class AAA regional qualifiers last season, while junior Hunter Blankenhorn (28-10), junior Lucas Forbes (21-11) and senior Ian Cagle (21-9) add quality.
District 11 Junior High Tournament third-place finisher Josh Mason is one to watch at 106.
Nobody questions Tri-Valley’s quality. Bordner (39-7), Hepler (33-7), Schaeffer (33-12), Harner (30-12) and Snyder (33-13) are all ranked in the top six of their weight class in the state by Off the Mat.
The question is will they get enough help from the other Dawgs. District 11 Junior High Tournament champion Danny Scheib is among several with potential who could contribute right away.
“We hope to be competitive and always improving throughout the year in preparation for the state tournaments,’’ Tri-Valley co-head coach Ty Rothermel said.
If there’s a wild card in the division this season, it could be Pottsville. The Crimson Tide put in a lot of time during the offseason doing Freestyle, Greco-Roman and strength training.
Junior Luke Gardner (32-2) returns after a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the regional tournament after placing second at districts last season.
Sophomore Richie Bentz (28-14), junior Kolby Kleckner (23-13) and senior Tyler Deiter (21-17) are other leaders.
Freshman Cole Painter joins the varsity after placing second at the District 11 Junior High Tournament last season.
Panther Valley returns 11 varsity wrestlers, with Shubeck (33-10) and junior Darren Goida (22-14) leading the way. Junior Ali Capobianco (32-11) will help in the middleweights after transferring from Jim Thorpe.
Freshmen Xander Kern (3rd at JH Districts), Tanner Kennedy (6th) and Hunter Kennedy (8th) arrive to lengthen the lineup.
“I have another great group of kids, a very diverse group,’’ Panther Valley coach Tim Robb said. “... It’s a very tough upper division again this year.’’
The addition of Lehighton only made Division I tougher.
Junior Connor Frey (35-10) qualified for states last season and is part of a deep 11th-grade group that includes Tyler Cann (23-11), Tegan Durishin (22-13) and Zach Kemmerer (27-9).
Freshmen Cody Scherer (3rd at JH Districts) and Nate Kemmerer (4th) add talent to the 23-man roster.
“Our team as a whole is really looking forward to this year,’’ Williams said. “We’ve been a young team over the past two years, only graduating one senior over the past two years. So, they’ve had to take their lumps over the past two years being so young, but now a majority of our team are juniors and seniors with a lot of varsity experience.
“Having a complete team from top to bottom is an important part of this year’s team as well,’’ he added. “The hard work that our guys have been putting in thus far shows their dedication to having one of the best seasons we’ve seen around here in a few years.’’
Pine Grove graduated five outstanding seniors, most notably state qualifier Ryan Martin (42-6) and Guy Zimmerman (41-6). Senior Danny Diaz-Walton (31-15) and junior Josh Phillippy (23-18) return for the Cardinals, who will have a lot of new faces in the lineup. Freshman Dustin Carlin (4th at JH Districts) is one of the newcomers.
Tamaqua returns a few excellent individuals like senior Dylan Rynkiewicz (35-6) and sophomore Tanner McHugh (30-12) but not enough depth to compete with the top teams in the division.
(Rosters, as provided by coaches, are listed by name, 2013-14 record if applicable, grade and projected weight for the 2014-15 season.)
Blue Mountain
Head coach: J.J. Fasnacht (9th season, 80-71)
Last year: 12-5, 5-1 D-I. Schuylkill League Tournament team champion
Returnees: Christian Gosch (33-13), sr., 145; Chris Seaman, sr., 145-152; Cole Angstadt, sr., 160; Ian Cagle (21-9), sr., 170-182; Mitch Rice, sr., 195; Zach Stemmler, sr., 285; Hunter Blankenhorn (28-10), jr., 113-120; Lucas Forbes (21-11), jr., 152; Devon Krammes, jr., 160-170; Kirk Dougherty, jr., 195-220; Erech Noecker (27-13), soph., 220-285; Colton Bender, soph., 138
Newcomers: Mike Sherer, sr., 195; Trevor Ochs, soph., 113-120; Nicholas Nye, soph., 195-220; Thomas Seaman, soph., 195-220; Josh Mason, fr., 106; Ben McQuillen, fr., 113-120; Chase Sincavage, fr., 126-132; Nate Stine, fr., 138-145
Outlook: Graduating just three senior starters, Eagles have the makings of a strong team. Should challenge for league honors and could climb a few rungs on District 11 Class AAA ladder. Division contender.
Lehighton
Head coach: Danny Williams (5th season, 36-53)
Last year: 11-12, 2-4 Mountain Valley Conference
Returnees: Josh Gornick, sr., 138-145; Dominik Mystkowski, sr., 170; Connor Frey (35-10), jr., 182-195; Zach Kemmerer (27-9), jr., 126-132; Tegan Durishin (22-13), jr., 132-138; Dustin Koons, jr., 152; Tyler Cann (23-11), jr., 160; Alexander Smith, jr., 285; Antonio Lorenzo, soph., 113-120
Newcomers: Korey Steinberg, sr., 126-132; Alan Ramirez, sr.,. 160-170; Holley Bowers, sr., 160-170; Joel Kuneck, sr., 285; Cody Semmel, jr., 132-138; Chris Clay, jr., 138-145; Logan Berger, jr., 182-195; Grant Wetzel, soph., 120-126; Dylan Schock, soph., 138-145; Nate Kemmerer, fr., 106; Cody Scherer, fr., 132-138; Jack Zimmerman, fr., 145-152; Kyle Strohl, fr., 195-220; David Citro, fr., 195-220
Outlook: First season in Schuylkill League could be good one. Indians have balanced and deep team with a few standouts led by Frey. Division dark horse.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Chris Edwards (3rd season, 34-8)
Last year: 22-3, 5-0 D-I. Division I champion, District 11 Duals Class AA third place
Returnees: Jess Wetzel (23-14), sr., 132-138; Tyler Budnavage, sr., 145-152; Nick Price, sr., 152-160; Alek Hummel (38-9), sr., 195; Nate Gadinski (38-10), sr., 285; Shane McGrath (33-12), jr., 126-132; Corey Reinoehl, jr., 138-145; C.J. Steinhilber (23-9), jr., 182-195; Michael Damiter, jr., 195-220; Dane Tarantelli, jr., 220; Owen Boyer, soph., 106-113; Mason Madden-Edwards (29-11), soph., 113-120; Ricky Elliott, soph., 138-145; Joe Alexander, soph., 145-152
Newcomers: Zach Griffin, sr., 120-126; Christian Zamudio, sr., 138-145; D.J. Zaharick, soph., 113-120; Garrett Cress, soph., 152-160; Brady Mickatavage, soph., 170; Chris Burke, soph., 182-195; Jeno Schicatano, soph., 220-285; Craig Fisher, fr., 160-170; Corbin Kessler, fr., 120-126
Outlook: Spartans are primed for a big season. They’re experienced, balanced and deep. Graduated two excellent seniors but return plenty of firepower. Division favorite looking to have breakthrough at district level and beyond.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Tim Robb (22nd season, 185-196)
Last year: 7-10, 3-3 D-I
Returnees: Michael Lazar, sr., 120; Zach Glassic, sr., 138; Grant Lorkowski, sr., 145; Hunter Davidyock (20-18), sr., 152; Rian Shubeck (33-10), sr., 220; Matt Buss, sr., 182 (injured); Darren Goida (22-14), jr., 132; Jesse Thomas, jr., 132; Dylan Moyer, jr., 182; Lucas Mika, jr., 285; Gary Goodhile, soph., 113; Colin Haydt, soph., 138
Newcomers: Czar Founds, sr., 160; Ali Capobianco (32-11, transfer from Jim Thorpe), jr., 145; Matt Miller, jr., 132; Shane Houser, jr., 195; Justin Ogozalek, fr., 106; Tanner Kennedy, fr., 120; Hunter Kennedy, fr., 126; Malik Zver, fr., 126; Xander Kern, fr., 138; Hunter Kerestes, fr., 170
Outlook: Lost just three seniors to graduation. Lineup bolstered by addition of Capobianco and strong freshman class. Should take a significant step forward.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Jack Drey (7th season, 78-62)
Last year: 16-11, 3-3 D-I. District 11 Duals Class AA fourth place
Returnees: Danny Diaz-Walton (31-15), sr., 132; Andrew Yerger, sr., 126; Scott Werner, sr., 285; James Gately, jr., 113; Josh Phillippy (23-18), jr., 170; Quentin Wolff, soph., 132; Marcus Kassab, soph., 132; Carson Rittenbaugh, soph., 152; Emory Herb, soph., 220
Newcomers: Scott Aungst, sr., 170; Alec Soltys, sr., 195; Josh Ney, sr., 285; Herb White, sr., 285; Michael Stewart, soph., 220; Jesse Levan, soph., 132; Jarrod Sorrentino, soph., 195; Zach Leffler, soph., 220; Hunter Kinsey, fr., 106; Jacob Rossi, fr.,. 120; Chad Zimmerman, fr., 126; Andrew Ward, fr., 138; Gavin Miller, fr., 145; Dustin Carlin, fr., 145; Austin Ney, fr., 195
Outlook: Heavy graduation losses have Cardinals building with young talent. Will look to get better as season goes on but could struggle in loaded Division I.
Pottsville
Head coach: Gary Keener (2nd season, 5-12)
Last year: 5-12, 2-4 D-I
Returnees: Robert Ward, sr., 132-138; Tyler Deiter (21-17), sr., 152-160; Tyler George, sr., 126-132; Brandon Kessock, sr., 182-195; Luke Gardner (32-2), jr., 126-132; Nathan Cromyak, jr., 138-145; Cyle Hinson, jr., 195-220; Kolby Kleckner (23-13), jr., 182-195; Ryan Green, soph., 106; Richie Bentz (28-14), soph., 113-120
Newcomers: Tristin Burhop, sr., 285; Kyle Brennan, sr., 152-160; Brian Farrell, sr., 120-126; Bryce Hager, soph., 132-138; Aaron Herrera, soph., 170-182; Blake Porter, fr., 152-160; Cole Painter, fr., 145-152; Bryan Martin, fr., 152-160; Mike Saint Juste, fr., 220-285; Gavin Noll, fr., 220-285
Outlook: After a full offseason under Keener, look for Crimson Tide to be much improved. Young team on the rise that may be a year away from a major breakthrough.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jon Mashack (3rd season, 2-34)
Last year: 1-17, 0-6 D-I
Returnees: Dylan Rynkiewicz (35-6), sr., 145; Malik Roper, sr., 160; Hunter Matalavage, sr., 160; Tyler Calkins, sr., 182; Ty Hinkle, jr., 138; Jasper Stocker, soph., 120; Tanner McHugh (30-12), soph., 126; Chance Szabo, soph., 152
Newcomers: Brandon Hottenstein, soph., 113; Brandon Moeder, fr., 106; Jordan Smith, fr., 132; Damian Thomas, fr., 132
Outlook: Blue Raiders have a few excellent individuals, but lack of heavyweights will make dual-meet success difficult.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Dave Boltz (12th season, 132-88) and Ty Rothermel (12th season, 132-88)
Last year: 4-10, 2-3 D-I
Returnees: Caleb Bordner (39-7), sr., 120-126; Hunter Harner (30-12), sr., 152-160; Anthony Snyder (33-13), sr., 160-170; Kyle Stephen, sr., 113-120; Chase Schaeffer (33-12), jr., 138-145; Sammy Hepler (33-7), soph., 126-132
Newcomers: Josh Chacon, sr., 170; Cole Smeltz, sr., 182; Wesley Yutko, sr., 138; Alan Renninger, jr., 285; Dawson Boltz, soph., 106-113; Shykir Bethea, soph., 152; Dawson Schwalm, fr., 145-152; Danny Scheib, fr., 195-220; Kei’dre Taylor, fr., 145
Outlook: With five returning state qualifiers, including three who have placed in Hershey, Dawgs should be a strong tournament team. The issue, as always, is numbers, which hampers Tri-Valley in dual meets. Still, should improve last year’s record and be a factor in the individual postseason.
Division II
This could be Williams Valley’s year. After finishing second in the division in each of the past two seasons, the Vikings have a lineup capable of climbing to the top of the Division II mountain.
In addition to Girard (34-8), Williams Valley returns junior Alex Raho (22-14), senior Matt Miller (23-12),sophomore Ian Minnich (28-7) and senior J.J. Cox (26-14) among 11 starters.
Freshmen Dylan and Devon Rabuck add depth. Dylan placed second and Devon third last season at junior high districts.
“It really started with the elementary,’’ Williams Valley coach Jason Chamberlain said. “All the kids got involved, and it’s been wonderful watching them grow up from elementary and now wrestling in high school.
“They get more and more excited about being together,’’ he added. “Our goal is to win the division for the first time ever.’’
To capture the division, Williams Valley will have to dethrone two-time D-II champion Upper Dauphin. The Trojans have standouts in Campbell (31-7), junior Connor Boyer (26-9) and sophomore Jackson Kennerly (26-10), but a serious lack of depth and experience.
“Forfeits will be tough to overcome along with the amount of new faces,’’ Upper Dauphin coach Todd Rupp said. “The wrestlers have been working hard and improving each day.’’
Schuylkill Haven will look to take a step forward with 11 returning wrestlers and some new talent. Sophomore Preston Gehring (22-7) is the top man back.
Freshman Austin Engle (4th at JH Districts) joins the varsity.
“We expect to be competitive in our division,’’ Schuylkill Haven coach Kevin Sterner said. “If things go right, we will have a better season than last year.’’
Junior Kevan Gentile (36-8) and sophomore Antonio Madera (26-14) lead Jim Thorpe, which has some depth issues to deal with.
“We continue with our mindset of developing our youth,’’ Jim Thorpe coach Shawn Albert said.
Halifax, Mahanoy Area and Col-Mon Vo-Tech continue rebuilding. Solid numbers should help those teams fill most of the weight classes. The Wildcats’ and Golden Bears’ preseason rosters have 25 athletes apiece.
Mahanoy Area freshman Matt Lewandowski (4th at JH Districts) is one to watch.
“At the end of the year, we wrestled well, but we didn’t have enough kids,’’ Halifax coach Brian Zerby said.
“The kids and staff are excited about our potential,’’ he added. “With the numbers up again, we will fill every weight, but most importantly, we will have battles at every weight class. ... All in all, it’s a good mix.’’
Col-Mon Vo-Tech
Head coach: Jason Bogart (2nd season, 5-13)
Last year: 5-13, 1-5 D-II
Returnees: Vaughn Miller, sr., 152; Zell Mills, sr., 152; Nick Kocan, sr., 160; Connor Pringle, sr., 170; Terence Calderon, sr., 195; Kale Yacko, sr., 126; Gabe Slodysko, jr., 120; Jarred Slodysko, jr., 132; Joel DePaolo, jr., 152; Mason Toth, soph., 182; Christopher McLellan, soph., 220
Newcomers: John Van Buskirk, sr., 160; Allan Bostian, jr., 113; Wyatt Zanolini, soph., 138; Mike Miller, fr., 106; T.J. Longenberger, fr., 220
Outlook: With 11 returning wrestlers, Rams look to continue building process. Could improve last year’s record.
Halifax
Head coach: Brian Zerby (8th season, 48-105)
Last year: 4-19, 3-3 D-II
Returnees: Jon Geiling, sr., 113; Eric McBurney, sr., 145; Nate Enders, sr., 138; Travis Enders, sr., 195; Lucas Burke, sr., 132; Ethan Shetterly, sr., 126; Amber Laudenslager, sr., 132; Cade Wilbert, soph., 152; Jake Paul, soph., 220
Newcomers: Philip Witmer, sr., 160; Tyler Hoffman, sr., 170; Zach Elvin, sr., 182; Wes Brady, jr., 132; Bryce Westfall, jr., 170; Eric Johnston, jr., 160-170; Glen Enders, soph., 120; Skylar Clark, soph., 138; Kenny Albright, soph., 152; Landon Bruner, sr., 106; Justin Brady, fr., 106; Kobe Woods, fr., 106-113; Danny Enders, fr., 120; Hunter Marshall, fr., 160-170; Grant Klinger, fr., 152-160; Dakota Simms, fr., 182-195
Outlook: Brighter. Increased depth and experience will get Wildcats headed in right direction. Should improve.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Shawn Albert (5th season, 23-52)
Last year: 8-10, 3-3 D-II. District 11 Duals Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Kevan Gentile (36-8), jr., 106-113; James Donahue, jr., 126; Pollux Fisher, jr., 160; Robbie Geisinger (22-19), jr., 170; Tylor Day, jr., 145 (injured); Antonio Madera (26-14), soph., 160; Dalton Freer, soph., 132; Cameron Condly, soph., 152; Ryan O’Rourke, soph., 285
Newcomers: Chalil Smalls, sr., 145; Andrew Adorno, jr., 152; Steve Counterman, soph., 195; James Munoz, soph., 220; Justin Mehmod, fr., 160; John Newhall, fr., 106-113
Outlook: Olympians have standouts in Gentile and Madera, but lack of depth could make it difficult for team success. Will need several newcomers to step up right away.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Mark Lawrence (7th season)
Last year: 0-13, 0-6 D-II
Returnees: Alex Clark, sr., 132-138; Dom Streisel, sr., 152-160; Corbin White, sr., 170-182; Bailey Forte, sr., 220-285; Henry Blume, sr., 285; Blake Florio, jr., 1 52-160; Hunter Freil, jr., 160-170; Nolan Fegley, jr., 182-195; Chris Caravella, jr., 195-220; Andre Wilson, soph., 138-145
Newcomers: Zane Houser (transfer from Tri-Valley), sr., 145-152; Brad Freil, sr., 170-182; Gabe Kostingo, sr., 285; M’Kyle Kaminsky, jr., 170-182; Grant Schadle, jr., 195-220; Mark Lawrence, soph., 182-195; Willie Streisel, fr., 106-113; Yaddiel Barraza, fr., 113-120; Kenneth Martinez, fr., 120-126; Brendan Bennett, fr., 126-132; Justin Letcavage, fr., 138-145; Jacob Witiszen, fr., 145-152; Matt Price, fr., 152-160; Jake Freil, fr., 152-160; Matt Lewandowski, fr., 160-170
Outlook: Golden Bears went through some growing pains last season but should be better for the experience. Numbers are strong as rebuilding process continues.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Kevin Sterner (14th season, 65-162)
Last year: 10-8, 3-3 D-II
Returnees: Wolfgang Hafer, sr., 145; Thaddeus Schantzenbach, sr., 182; Ben Hower, jr., 220; Max Motko, jr., 285; Blake Handling, jr., 138; Trevyn Fessler, jr., 152-160; Nathan Batz, jr., 152-160; Randy Lyons, jr., 170; Jake Johnson, soph., 126; Preston Gehring (22-7), soph., 132; Kross Houck, soph., 170
Newcomers: Chris Seiler, sr., 195; Trevor Resue, sr., 195; Kyle Rossman, jr., 170; Matthew Mykut, soph., 113; Dustin Gottschall, fr., 106; Cedrick Fessler, fr., 113; Austin Engle, fr., 120
Outlook: Graduated just three seniors from 10-win team and added some talented underclassmen. Goal now is to take next step and become more competitive in division and district.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Todd Rupp (11th season, 122-52)
Last year: 12-6, 6-0 D-II. Division II champion
Returnees: Coy Campbell (31-7), sr., 120; Alex Messner, sr., 145; Connor Boyer (26-9), jr., 113; Holden Miller, jr., 106; Matt Heck, soph., 106; Jackson Kennerly (26-10), soph., 160; Evan Hoffman, soph., 152; Josh Young, soph., 132
Newcomers: Jacob Snyder, sr.; Ashton Dauberman, soph.; Marion Thomas, soph.; Dakotah Geyer, soph.; Hayden McAllister, soph.; Keegan Clowes, soph.; James Young, fr.; Colin Harner, fr.
Outlook: Hit hard by graduation, young Trojans are in a rebuilding mode. Have a few excellent individuals but forfeits team will give up will be difficult to overcome.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Jason Chamberlain (2nd season, 8-11)
Last year: 8-11, 5-1 D-II
Returnees: Zach Ulsh, sr., 145; Matt Miller (23-12), sr., 160-170; J.J. Cox (26-14), sr., 220-285; Jasmine Ragland, sr., 126-132; Willy Girard (34-8), jr., 113-120; Alex Raho (22-14), jr., 120-126; Travis Martin, jr., 152-160; Dagan Dickinson, soph., 120-126; Jason Chamberlain, soph., 138; Kailin Hoffman, soph., 195; Daymian Shoop, soph., 195-220; Ian Minnich (28-7), soph., 220-285
Newcomers: Matthew Kemble, soph., 132; Dylan Moyer, soph., 152-160; Colten Rebuck, fr., 132; Dylan Rabuck, fr., 170-182; Devon Rabuck, fr., 182
Outlook: Losing just one senior starter to graduation, Vikings are primed for a big season. Arrival of young talent could put them over the top. Division favorite.
Berks League
Put the last two preseason Hamburg rosters side-by-side, and the difference is obvious:
• 2013-14 season: 14 seniors.
• 2014-15 season: 4 seniors.
Those graduation losses weren’t just any seniors, they made up the deepest collection of talent in school history.
No longer in the room are state eighth-place finisher Cody Miller (47-8), Chris Kummerer (41-7), Austin Bashore (40-7), Kerry Mega (31-13), Nick Oswald (31-16) and Blake Roberts (31-19).
The seven senior starters in Hamburg’s lineup last season went 238-82 (.744) and contributed a few hundred bonus points. They carried the Hawks into the state team tournament for the first time. Hamburg reached the semifinals before settling for a tie for fifth place.
Now Hamburg will be starting over. The most accomplished returning Hawk is senior Sean Stanish (43-12), a state qualifier last March.
“The majority of the starting lineup will be composed of underclassmen (most likely 12 out of 14 weight classes), including a few freshmen,’’ Hamburg coach Derek Sola said. “The team is rebuilding after a few successful seasons.’’
Hamburg
Head coach: Derek Sola (6th season, 10th overall, 129-67, 92-24 at Hamburg)
Last year: 21-5, 6-0 Berks II. Berks II champion, Berks League runner-up, District 3 Duals Class AA runner-up, PIAA Team Tournament Class AA semifinalist, tied for 5th place
Returnees: Ron Lavigne, sr., 160; Sean Stanish (43-12), sr., 120; Matt James, jr., 152; Tyler Herber, jr., 170; Mike Eicher, jr., 120; Dylan Miller, jr., 145; Romeo Eaddy, soph., 113
Newcomers: Stephen Magrowski, sr., 160; Adam Delucia, sr., 145; Jarrod Bickley, jr., 138; Brandon Bogoniewski, jr., 145; Mike Madara, jr., 132; John Mullen, jr., 152; Dariel Ruiz, jr., 152; Alex Clark, soph., 182; Max Kline, soph., 220; Austin Landis, soph., 170; Ed Ludocici, soph., 285; David Madara, soph., 195; Jacob Metcalfe, soph., 185; Zach Scheffler, soph., 145; Thomas Schmoyer, soph., 126; Logan Werley, soph., 152; Michael Ansel, fr., 285; Logan Herber, fr., 145; Brad Levan, fr., 126; Reese Mason, fr., 138; Ignacio Reynoso, fr., 182; Dominic Shollenberger, fr., 106; Andre Selesky, fr., 126; Austin Strunk, fr., 195
Outlook: After graduating the most successful team in school history, the Hawks are in a rebuilding mode. Numbers are still strong (31), but experience is limited. Will struggle against tough schedule.
Heartland Conference
Both local HAC teams are in rebuilding modes.
Mount Carmel starts over with Steve Sinkovich as the man in charge. Sinkovich knows what it takes to excel in Hershey, finishing second in 1997 and winning a state championship in 1998.
The Red Tornadoes return 10 starters, including senior Blake Panko (22-11).
“Even though we’re short in numbers, my expectations/goals are to come in the wrestling room and compete to get better every single day,’’ Sinkovich said. “We want to be competitive with the other teams in the league this year and continue to build up this wrestling program.’’
Shamokin, meanwhile, has been up and down in terms of talent in recent seasons.
Well, the Indians are on the upswing again. They have 10 returning varsity wrestlers who should benefit from a year of experience.
In addition, they have a freshman class that includes Junior High Tournament of Champions gold medalists Devin Pietkiewicz and Jake Carpenter.
“Our team has put a much-needed hard year in the weight room,’’ Shamokin coach Todd Hockenbroch said. “We have great leaders in our room and a lot of young talent. The team has set their goals high for this season and are working hard in the mat room and classroom toward achieving them.
“The captains of our team have been an integral part of creating a culture change for everyone competing for Shamokin Area wrestling,’’ he added. “If our young talent buys into the captains’ mindset and work ethic, we will have a successful season.’’
Mount Carmel
Head coach: Steve Sinkovich (1st season, 0-0)
Last year: 3-11, 1-5 Heartland II
Returnees: Shane Gudonis, sr., 113-120; Blake Panko (22-11), sr., 160; Cody Little, sr., 170; Mitchell Fletcher, jr., 170; Gabe Bogutskie, jr., 182; Allen Yancoskie, jr., 195; Ethan Bartos, jr., 285; Dion Watson, soph., 120-126; Lane Tanney, soph., 120-126; Wes Shurock, soph., 220
Newcomers: Harry Yeager, soph., 132; Trevor Shuder, soph., 285; Luke Adzema, fr., 106; Jeff Weidner, fr., 145; Tommy McDonald, fr., 152
Outlook: Red Tornadoes begin anew under former MCA state champion Sinkovich. A young team with just three seniors, Mount Carmel will look to improve as 10 starters return.
Shamokin
Head coach: Todd Hockenbroch (12th season, 77-113)
Last year: 3-18, 0-6 Heartland I
Returnees: Josiah Miller, sr., 160-170; Brett Long, sr., 132-138; Brayson Pawelczyk, jr., 182; Kyle Diorio, jr., 152; Brett Rebuck, jr., 170-182; Cory Houser, jr., 145; Michael Britton, jr., 126; Keith Elliott, jr., 132; Adam Miller, jr., 285; Dustin Erdman, jr., 145
Newcomers: Darris Harrold, sr., 195-220; Garrett Zalar, jr., 220; Joshua Cellntes, jr., 152; Michael Faust, fr., 170; Josh Britton, fr., 106-113; Devin Pietkiewicz, fr., 132; Trent Curcie, fr., 195; Jake Carpenter, fr., 138-145; Aaron Miller, fr., 152
Outlook: Solid numbers, 10 returnees and strong freshman class have Indians optimistic. Should be improved, but with just three seniors, probably a year away from becoming a factor in league and district.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Williams Valley at Sch. Haven, 7 p.m.
Halifax at Upper Dauphin, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Tamaqua at Pottsville, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at CMVT, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
Pottsville at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Tamaqua at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Pine Grove at Tri-Valley, 7 p.m.
Blue Mtn. at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Schuylkill Haven at Halifax, 7 p.m.
U. Dauphin at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
CMVT at Jim Thorpe, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
North Schuylkill at Pottsville, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Panther Valley at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Sch. Haven, 7 p.m.
Williams Valley at CMVT, 7 p.m.
Upper Dauphin at Jim Thorpe, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Schuylkill Wrestling
League meet (Blue Mtn.), 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
Schuylkill Wrestling
League meet (Blue Mtn.), 10 a.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
Pine Grove at Pottsville, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Panther Valley at N. Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
Halifax at Williams Valley, 7 p.m.
CMVT at Upper Dauphin, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24
Upper Dauphin at Sch. Haven, 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27
Jim Thorpe at Halifax, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28
Pottsville at Blue Mountain, 7 p.m.
Tamaqua at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Tri-Valley, 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
Mahanoy Area at Williams Valley, 7
Schuylkill Haven at CMVT, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
Upper Dauphin at Jim Thorpe, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Panther Valley at Pottsville, 7 p.m.
Tri-Valley at Tamaqua, 7 p.m.
Pine Grove at North Schuylkill, 7 p.m.
Blue Mountain at Lehighton, 7 p.m.
CMVT at Halifax, 7 p.m.
Williams Valley at Upper Dauphin, 7
Schuylkill Haven at Jim Thorpe, 7
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Halifax at Mahanoy Area, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Pottsville at Tri-Valley, 7 p.m.
Tamaqua at Pine Grove, 7 p.m.
North Schuylkill at Blue Mtn., 7 p.m.
Lehighton at Panther Valley, 7 p.m.
Jim Thorpe at Williams Valley, 7 p.m.
2013-14 standings
Schuylkill League
Division I
Leag. Over.
*N. Schuylkill 5-0 22-3
Blue Mtn. 5-1 12-5
Panther Valley 3-3 7-10
Pine Grove 3-3 16-11
Tri-Valley 2-3 4-10
Pottsville 2-4 5-12
Tamaqua 0-6 1-17
Division II
*U. Dauphin 6-0 12-6
Williams Valley 5-1 8-11
Halifax 3-3 4-19
Jim Thorpe 3-3 8-10
Sch. Haven 3-3 10-8
CMVT 1-5 5-13
Mahanoy Area 0-6 0-13
Berks League
Section II
*Hamburg 6-0 21-5
Heartland Conference
Division I
Shamokin 0-6 3-18
Division II
Mount Carmel 1-5 3-11
*Division champion
Area’s top returning wins leaders
Sean Stanish Hamburg senior 43-12
Caleb Bordner Tri-Valley senior 39-7
Alek Hummel North Schuylkill senior 38-9
Nate Gadinski North Schuylkill senior 38-10
Kevan Gentile Jim Thorpe junior 36-8
Dylan Rynkiewicz Tamaqua senior 35-6
Willy Girard Williams Valley junior 34-8
Sammy Hepler Tri-Valley sophomore 33-7
Rian Shubeck Panther Valley senior 33-10
Shane McGrath North Schuylkill junior 33-12
Chase Schaeffer Tri-Valley junior 33-12
Christian Gosch Blue Mountain senior 33-13
Anthony Snyder Tri-Valley senior 33-13