After nearly a decade of dual-meet dominance by Blue Mountain, a degree of parity has come to Division I of the Schuylkill League.
It gets a little complicated, so let's explain:
- Last December, Tri-Valley ended Blue Mountain's 53-dual winning streak within the division and eventually its eight-year run as Division I champion. That 37-33 win Dec. 18 in Hegins was Blue Mountain's first league loss since Tri-Valley topped the Eagles 37-30 on Jan. 14, 2004.
- Both the Dawgs and Eagles finished 5-1 in the division, with Tri-Valley taking the title by virtue of its head-to-head victory.
- Last January, Blue Mountain rebounded to capture the team title at the Schuylkill League Wrestling Tournament, 202-184.5 over Tri-Valley.
- Last February, North Schuylkill edged Tri-Valley 39-37, and Blue Mountain routed the Spartans 50-27.
- Also last season, Panther Valley defeated North Schuylkill 36-31 and suffered a pair of one-point losses to Tri-Valley.
Any questions?
Just one: What happens this season?
Answer: Who knows?
All of the teams above suffered some degree of losses - graduation and otherwise - but Blue Mountain, North Schuylkill, Panther Valley and Tri-Valley seem to have reloaded.
Pine Grove and Pottsville could be spoilers, with Tamaqua in a rebuilding mode.
In general, though, parity has been created by schools like North Schuylkill, Panther Valley and Pottsville getting better, not others falling back.
Meanwhile, Division II looks like a two-team race between defending champion Upper Dauphin and Williams Valley, at least until somebody proves otherwise. The Trojans nipped the Vikings 40-39 in Elizabethville to clinch their second straight division title and fourth overall.
Schuylkill Haven, Jim Thorpe and Mahanoy Area should be improved. Halifax figures into the middle of the pack, and Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech is rebuilding.
Three teams have new head coaches this season: Gary Keener at Pottsville, Jason Chamberlain at Williams Valley and Jason Bogart at CMVT.
With so much parity, let's break down each divisional race more closely.
Division I
With just 10 wrestlers, Tri-Valley put together one of the best seasons in school history in 2012-13. The Dawgs
qualified six wrestlers for states and four of them earned medals.
Two of those medal winners - juniors Caleb Bordner (36-13) and Hunter Harner (37-13) - return. Bordner already has two PIAA medals, eighth as a freshman and sixth last year, as he looks to climb higher on the podium. Harner has been to states twice, too, finishing eighth to medal in March.
The Dawgs did graduate three standout seniors: two-time state medalist Ty Schoffstall (146-23), PIAA bronze medalist Blake Bowman (135-42) and state qualifier Lyle Troutman (114-47). That's a lot of firepower to replace at a small school.
Looking to step up are sophomore state qualifier Chase Schaeffer (33-12), juniors Anthony Snyder (30-13) and Kyle Stephen (23-17) and senior Mason White (District 11 sixth).
Freshman Sammy Hepler, a District 11 junior high champion, joins the 15-man roster. The Dawgs entered 12 wrestlers in the season-opening Top Hat Tournament.
"We will miss the success and leadership of Blake, Ty and Lyle, but we have a core group that should rise to the challenge,'' Tri-Valley co-head coach Ty Rothermel said. "It will be key to stay healthy and continually improve throughout the season to experience the success of the past two seasons.''
Challenging the Dawgs will be Blue Mountain, which returns eight full-time starters and 11 overall. Regional qualifier Christian Gosch (34-10), a junior, is the top returnee.
Joining him are seniors Bryant Penberth (23-11), Zach Yackenchick (25-14) and Tristen Coello (22-15) and sophomores Hunter Blankenhorn (20-18) and Lucas Forbes (19-9).
Freshman Erech Noecker, a District 11 junior high champ, is one to watch.
"We trained all summer competing in tournaments and attending camps," Blue Mountain coach J.J. Fasnacht said. "We hope that the hard work that was spent throughout the summer months will help us achieve our team and personal goals.''
Second-year head coach Chris Edwards' North Schuylkill squad worked in the offseason, too, in the hopes of continuing its upward trend. The Spartans improved from 4-10 to 12-5 in Edwards' first season.
North Schuylkill returns nine letterwinners, including state qualifier Auston Hummel (37-6) and Garet Grove (21-9), two of the three seniors on the roster.
Joining them are juniors Nate Gadinski (28-6) and Jess Wetzel (21-13) and sophomores CJ Steinhilber (23-19) and Shane McGrath (26-14).
Freshmen Mason Madden-Edwards (second) and Joe Alexander (fourth) and sophomore Dane Tarantelli (fourth) were District 11 junior high placewinners a year ago.
"Hopefully, we are poised to have a good season," Edwards said.
Panther Valley, with eight returning starters, is also poised to have a good season. Senior Richard Nase (28-13) and junior Rian Shubeck (35-5) were regional qualifiers last season, and senior Len Ogozalek (31-8) was a district semifinalist before getting injured.
Other returning starters include junior Matt Buss (21-17) and sophomores Darren Goida (25-15) and Dylan Moyer (26-18).
"Very tough division this year," Panther Valley coach Tim Robb said. "We have a very hard-working group of kids. Several of them had good offseasons and should improve dramatically. We are anxiously optimistic.''
Pine Grove also has cautious optimism for improvement this season. The Cardinals have eight returnees, led by regional qualifier Guy Zimmerman (32-10), a senior. Fellow seniors Ryan Martin (27-10), Ryan Heim (28-11) and Jared McCabe (24-11) are multiple-year starters looking to reach a higher level this season.
Junior Danny Diaz-Walton (29-8) also returns for a 26-man team with eight seniors and eight freshmen.
"Keys to this season will be the timely progression of newcomers to the sport and freshmen,'' Pine Grove coach Jack Drey said. "Also, leadership and continued improvement of the returnees will be key.''
When Keener became Pottsville's head coach in the spring, he had to make up for a lot of lost time. Right away, he opened an offseason mat club 1-2 days a week and had as many wrestlers as possible compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. He also made a concerted effort to convince former wrestlers to come back out for the sport.
The Crimson Tide graduated seven starters but regrouped to put together a 21-man roster.
The top returner is sophomore Luke Gardner (32-13), who advanced to regionals and went 3-2 there. Senior Kody Stencovage (23-10) also returns among five starters.
Junior Tyler Deiter (23-14 at Williams Valley) transferred into the district after last season, and freshman Richie Bentz was a District 11 junior high runner-up last season (to Tri-Valley's Hepler).
While Tamaqua continues its rebuilding project with stronger numbers, the Blue Raiders have a few standouts.
At the top of the list is senior Colin Mashack (23-0 last season, 91-16 career). A sixth-place state medalist as a sophomore, injuries have derailed his progress. Mashack won a District 11 Class AA gold medal last season, then had to withdraw before regionals due to an injury.
Junior Dylan Rynkiewicz (28-8) and freshman Tanner McHugh, a District 11 junior high bronze medalist, are others to watch.
"We will approach each match bout-by-bout, looking to challenge our more experienced wrestlers whenever possible," Tamaqua coach Jon Mashack said. "We may start out struggling but anticipate that we will improve as the season progresses and our inexperienced wrestlers develop."
(Rosters, as provided by coaches, are listed by name, 2012-13 record if applicable, grade and projected weight for the 2013-14 season.)
Blue Mountain
Head coach: J.J. Fasnacht (8th season, 68-66)
Last year: 16-7, 5-1 D-I. Schuylkill League Tournament team champion, District 11 Duals Class AAA qualifier
Returnees: Tristen Coello (22-15), sr., 285; Bryant Penberth (23-11), sr., 126; Zach Yackenchick (25-14), sr., 195; Ian Cagle, jr., 170; Christian Gosch (34-10), jr., 145; Cole Angstadt, jr., 170-182; Chris Seaman, jr., 138; Antonio Rivas, jr., 145; Hunter Blankenhorn (20-18), soph., 106; Lucas Forbes, soph., 152; Devon Krammes, soph., 160
Newcomers: Mitchell Rice, jr., 182; Zachary Stemmler, jr., 285; Michael Wise, jr., 182; Michael Yackenchick, jr., 113; Kirk Dougherty, soph., 220; Colton Bender, fr., 120; Erech Noecker, fr., 220; Alex Zimmerman, fr., 145-152
Outlook: Eagles are reloading after substantial offseason losses. The cupboard, though, is far from bare with five 20-match winners returning. Division contender in balanced D-I race.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: Chris Edwards (2nd season, 12-5)
Last year: 12-5, 4-2 D-I. District 11 Duals Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Auston Hummel (37-6), sr., 160-170; Garet Grove (21-9), sr., 160-170; Tyrel Trautman, sr., 182-195; Jess Wetzel (21-13), jr., 120-126; Tyler Budnavage, jr., 138-145; Nick Price, jr., 152-160; Nate Gadinski (28-6), jr., 220-285; Shane McGrath (26-14), soph., 126-132; CJ Steinhilber (23-19), soph., 182-195
Newcomers: Zach Griffin, jr., 120-126; Christian Zamudio, jr., 126-132; Alek Hummel, jr., 182-195; Corey Reinoehl, soph., 138-145; Michael Damiter, soph., 182-195; Dane Tarantelli, soph., 195-220; Mason Madden-Edwards, fr., 106-113; Owen Boyer, fr., 106-113; Matthew Cole, fr., 113-120; Ricky Elliott, fr., 126-132; Joe Alexander, fr., 138-145; Ethan Rooney, fr., 182-195
Outlook: Spartans took a major step forward in Edwards' first season as head coach and look to climb a few more rungs up the ladder this winter. With nine lettermen, an influx of young talent and the return of former wrestlers to the roster, North Schuylkill is a team on the rise. Division contender.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Tim Robb (21st season, 178-186)
Last year: 13-7, 4-2 D-I. District 11 Duals Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Len Ogozalek (31-8), sr., 113; Richard Nase (28-13), sr., 195; Pat Iezzoni, sr., 160; Mike Lazar, jr., 113; Hunter Davidyock, jr., 138; Czar Founds, jr., 152; Grant Lorkowski, jr., 152; Matt Buss (21-17), jr., 182; Rian Shubeck (35-5), jr., 220; Darren Goida (25-15), soph., 120; Dylan Moyer (26-18), soph., 182
Newcomers: Troy Margerum, sr., 285; Nate Hrebek, sr., 195; Zach Turner, jr., 138; Jesse Thomas, soph., 132; Tristan Strunk, soph., 160; Lucas Mika, soph., 285
Outlook: Young, talented team with just three seniors looks to become more of a factor in Division I and District 11. Loss of Zach Glassic to injury hurts depth in middle. Need returning underclassmen to step up to achieve team success.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Jack Drey (6th season, 62-51)
Last year: 12-9, 2-4 D-I
Returnees: Ryan Martin (27-10), sr., 220; Guy Zimmerman (32-10), sr., 182; Ryan Heim (28-11), sr., 152; Jared McCabe (24-11), sr., 145; William Carlin, sr., 182; Danny Diaz-Walton (29-8), jr., 126; Scott Aungst, jr., 160; Josh Phillippy, soph., 160
Newcomers: Leon Christ, sr., 285; Jesse Fisher, sr., 170; Ryan Vuksta, sr., 220; Andrew Yearger, jr., 126; Herb White, jr., 285; Ryan Wolfe, jr., 145; Scott Werner, jr., 220; Alec Soltys, jr., 170; James Gately, soph., 106; Dakota Butler, soph., 152; Carson Rittenbaugh, fr., 132; Marcus Kassab, fr., 132; EJ Herb, fr., 195; Quentin Wolff, fr., 113; Jesse Levan, fr., 120; Chris Haller, fr., 170; Michael Stewart, fr., 195; Zach Leffler, fr., 285
Outlook: With 26 on roster, including eight seniors, one of deepest and more experienced teams in league. A lot of newcomers, though, will have to contribute for Cardinals to improve last year's record. Need senior leaders to show newcomers the way by example.
Pottsville
Head coach: Gary Keener (1st season, 0-0)
Last year: 3-15, 1-5 D-I
Returnees: Stephen Domaratzky, sr., 285; Charles Geiger, sr., 220-285; Kody Stencovage (23-10), sr., 145-152; Robert Ward, jr., 113-120; Luke Gardner (32-13), soph., 113-120; Kolby Kleckner, soph., 170-182
Newcomers: Andres Enviquez, sr., 152-160; Dan Grosser, sr., 285; Carey Bostick, jr., 170-182; Zack Chiao (transfer from Mahanoy Area), jr., 126-132; Logan Cromyak, jr., 120-132; Tyler Deiter (transfer from Williams Valley, 23-14), jr., 132-138; Tyler George, jr., 126-132; Brandon Kessock, jr., 152-160; Kyle Shuman, jr., 195; Nathan Cromyak, soph., 126-132; Cyle Hinson, soph., 195-220; Chase Alisauckas, fr., 152-160; Richie Bentz, fr., 106-113; Shykir Bethea, fr., 145-152; Ryan Green, fr., 106
Outlook: Rebuilding process continues under first-year head coach. Numbers and talent level are up. Should be much more competitive and improve last year's record.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Jon Mashack (2nd season, 1-17)
Last year: 1-17, 0-6 D-I
Returnees: Colin Mashack (23-0), sr., 126-132; Dustin Silkowski, sr., 138-145; Adam Toth, sr., 160-170; James Weeks, sr., 160-170; Dylan Rynkiewicz (28-8), jr., 132-138; Hunter Matalavage, jr., 145-152; Malik Roper, jr., 145-152; Josh Ambrose-Manness, jr., 160-170; Ty Hinkle, soph., 126-132; Kyle Oliphant, soph., 182-195
Newcomers: Tyler Calkins, jr., 170-182; Chris Daymorewicz, soph., 145; Bradley McAloose, soph., 220-285; Jasper Stocker, fr., 106-113; Tanner McHugh, fr., 120-126; Chance Szabo, fr., 152-160; David Lucas, fr., 220-285
Outlook: With improved numbers, building process continues. Have a few standouts, led by former state placewinner Mashack, but much of the lineup is inexperienced. Should improve as season progresses.
Tri-Valley
Head coaches: Dave Boltz (11th season, 128-78) and Ty Rothermel (11th season, 128-78)
Last year: 10-3, 5-1 D-I. Division I champion, District 11 Duals Class AA quarterfinalist, District 11 Class AA Tournament runner-up, Southeast Regional Class AA Tournament runner-up, PIAA Class AA Championships 10th place (tie)
Returnees: Mason White, sr., 195-220; Caleb Bordner (36-13), jr., 120-126; Hunter Harner (37-13), jr., 145-152; Anthony Snyder (30-13), jr., 152-160; Kyle Stephen (23-17), jr., 106-113; Chase Schaeffer (33-12), soph., 138-145
Newcomers: Tanner Coleman, sr., 132; Jayme Snyder, sr., 126; Cody Glosek, jr., 132; Zane Houser, jr., 132-138; Ian Tokarchek, jr., 138; Devon Schwalm, soph., 285; Rayce Newswanger, fr., 106; Sammy Hepler, fr., 106-113; Jake Kroh, fr., 152-160
Outlook: Graduation losses will be impossible to replace, but Dawgs have plenty of firepower returning. They also have slightly higher numbers, which should help dual-meet success. Need everybody to stay healthy and follow hard-working path of past few seasons. Division contender.
Division II
Upper Dauphin graduated just two starters from last season's championship team and return 12 wrestlers with varsity experience.
Senior Trey Campbell (33-13) and junior Coy Campbell (26-15) lead the way. Coy came one victory from qualifying for states, while Trey was a regional qualifier.
Senior Devon Hoffman (27-13), junior Cody Snyder (28-15) and sophomore Connor Boyer (22-12) add to the Trojans' solid core.
"Filling all the weight classes could be a problem,'' Upper Dauphin coach Todd Rupp said. "The upperclassmen gained lots of valuable experience last season.''
Williams Valley, UDA's main challenger last season, suffered some losses during the offseason. State qualifier J.R. Rummel graduated; Deiter transferred to Pottsville and coach Colin Ackerman returned home to the Lehigh Valley and took a teaching position at Nazareth.
The good news is that junior Matthew Miller (25-12) and sophomores Willy Girard (28-9) and Alex Raho (24-13) return to lead an extremely young team.
A pair of freshmen, Daymian Shoop and Ian Minnich arrive to bolster the upper weights. Shoop was a District 11 junior high champion last season; Minnich was a runner-up.
A team looking for a major turnaround is Schuylkill Haven, which may fill most, if not all, weight classes this season. Senior heavyweight Nate Kramer (26-6) qualified for regionals, with seniors Jack Hower (23-13) and Shay Mattern (20-19) coming off solid seasons.
Sophomores Trevyn Fessler and Nathan Batz and freshman Preston Gehring also look to make an impact for the Hurricanes, who return eight starters.
Halifax graduated state qualifiers Robbie Moretz (135-26) and Joey Kaufman (113-26), but return nine letterwinners. They'll have to step up for the Wildcats to win dual meets.
Jim Thorpe has a roster of two seniors, zero juniors, 11 sophomores and five freshmen. Senior Kyle Morales (20-14) and sophomores Kevan Gentile (21-14) and Ali Capobianco (21-11) lead the Olympians. Freshman Antonio Madera, a District 11 junior high runner-up, joins the varsity.
"Our team this year is full of young, experienced wrestlers," Jim Thorpe coach Shawn Albert said. "Our sophomore class is the largest group of wrestlers we have had in many years. ... The majority of our lineup has wrestled four, five or more years, and we believe that experiences will lead to success on the mat this year.''
Mahanoy Area has 22 in grades 10-12 on its varsity roster, including 11 returning from last season. Sophomore Lenny Dulsky, a District 11 junior high silver medalist, joins the varsity.
"We are just looking to improve,'' Mahanoy Area coach Mark Lawrence said. "We have some experience returning, but (few) had a winning record last year. We are hoping to turn it around. Our junior high has awesome numbers.''
With Bill Freeman now coaching at Bloomsburg, Bogart takes over at CMVT. A former Berwick player under George Curry and the Rams' defensive coordinator, Bogart bolstered the roster by bringing 18 football players into the wrestling room.
CMVT graduated its four best wrestlers, including Schuylkill League Tournament 182-pound champion Jordan Rainer, so the team will be rebuilding.
Col-Mon Vo-Tech
Head coach: Jason Bogart (1st season, 0-0)
Last year: 9-14, 3-3 D-II
Returnees: Nate Stout, sr., 170; Ternce Calderon, jr., 182-195; Joey Gailan, jr., 106; Vaughn Miller, jr., 152; Kale Yacko, jr., 126; Gabe Slodysko, soph., 120; Jarred Slodysko, soph., 113
Newcomers: Damian Swisher, sr., 220-185; Dylan Knorr, sr., 120; Tylere Temple, sr., 132; Brandon Waters, sr., 195; Joel DePaolo, jr., 145-152; Anthony Keen, jr., 120; Nick Kocan, jr., 160-170; Zell Mills, jr., 152-160; Connor Pringle, jr., 170; Josef Venditti, jr., 160; Christopher Zanolini, jr., 138; Connor Gunn, soph., 195; Cameron Raup, soph., 182-195; Nick Williamoski, soph., 132-138; Nick Young, soph., 170-182; Christopher McLellan, fr., 195-220; Roman Johnson, fr., 120-132; Bryce Ortman, fr., 170; Mason Toth, fr., 285
Outlook: Though hit hard by graduation and starting over with new head coach, Rams are optimistic. Bogart added 18 football players, bolstering wrestling roster to 26. Will experience some growing pains, but young team should improve as season goes along.
Halifax
Head coach: Brian Zerby (7th season, 44-86)
Last year: 13-12, 4-2 D-II
Returnees: Hunter Enders, sr.; Ryan Morton, sr.; Lucas Burke, jr.; Nathaniel Enders, jr.; Travis Enders, jr.; Amber Laudenslager, jr.; Tyler Lenker, jr.; Eric McBurney, jr.; Ethan Shetterly, jr.; Tanner Weldon, jr.; Wes Brady, soph.
Newcomers: Adam Sweigard, sr.; Jon Geiling, jr.; Harrison Lebo, soph.; Glenn Enders, fr.; Jake Paul, fr.; Kenny Albright, fr.; Cade Wilbert, fr.
Outlook: Graduation of Robbie Moretz and Joey Kaufman impossible to replace. Wildcats, though, have a large group with varsity matches under their belts. With just three seniors, underclassmen must become consistent performers. Matching last year's win total will be difficult.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Shawn Albert (4th season, 15-42)
Last year: 9-11, 1-4 D-II
Returnees: Kyle Morales (20-14), sr., 138; Kevan Gentile (21-14), soph., 106; Tylor Day, soph., 126; Ali Capobianco (21-11), soph., 132; Pollux Fisher, soph., 152
Newcomers: Ryan Saunders, sr., 160; James Donahue, soph., 120; James O'Toole, soph., 126; Robbie Geisinger, soph., 152; Greg Palmer, soph., 182; Justice Batts, soph., 220; Kevin Coke, soph., 220; Mason Winner, soph., 285; Prince Simmonds, fr., 113; Dalton Freer, fr., 120; Antonio Madera, fr., 145; Cameron Condly, fr., 145; Ryan O'Rourke, fr., 285
Outlook: With just two seniors, a young team on the rise. Olympians will rely on a lot of underclassmen, but improving overall and division records are realistic goals.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: Mark Lawrence (6th season, 28-66)
Last year: 1-11, 1-4 D-II
Returnees: Josh Baker, sr., 152-160; Brandon Donelson, sr., 138-145; Austin Forte, sr., 195; Alex Witiszen, sr., 152-160; Robert Wozniak, sr., 160; Henry Blume, jr., 285; Alex Clark, jr., 132; Bailey Forte, jr., 220; Corbin White, jr., 170; Blake Florio, soph., 145; Hunter Friel, soph., 138-145
Newcomers: Ryan Buchman, sr., 138-145; Josh Shoup, sr., 170; Logan Strollis, sr., 182; Gabe Kostingo, jr., 285; Dom Streisel, jr., 145; Adam Bahrey, soph., 126; Chris Caravella, soph., 195; Lenny Dulsky, soph., 195; Ayden Erbe, soph., 120; Nolan Fegley, soph., 182; M'Kyle Kaminsky, soph., 220-285
Outlook: Solid numbers spread among returning wrestlers and some talented newcomers. Building process continues, but Bears are likely to improve last year's record.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Kevin Sterner (13th season, 55-154)
Last year: 1-15, 0-6 D-II
Returnees: Shay Mattern (20-19), sr., 126-132; Jack Hower (23-13), sr., 182-195; Nate Kramer (26-6), sr., 285; Wolfgang Hafer, jr., 145-152; John Shoener, jr., 160-170; Dalton Werley, soph., 106-113; Ray Whah, soph., 126-132; Trevyn Fessler, soph., 138-145
Newcomers: Thaddeus Schantzenbach, jr., 170-182; Mark Antonaccio, soph., 126-132; Blake Handling, soph., 126-132; Nathan Batz, soph., 138-145; Kyle Rossman, soph., 160-170; Ben Hower, soph., 195-220; Max Motko, soph., 285; Randy Lyons, soph., 160; Nathan Eckroth, soph., 130; Philip Argott, fr., 106-113; Jake Johnson, fr., 106-113; Preston Gehring, fr., 120-126
Outlook: If everything goes right, Hurricanes may fill every weight for first time in 15 years. A young squad with some talent that must stick together and improve over long haul. Still catching up after extended football season, but team should be much better this winter.
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Todd Rupp (10th season, 110-46)
Last year: 14-9, 6-0 D-II. Division II champion, District 3 Duals Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Joe Becker, sr., 170; Devon Hoffman (27-13), sr., 126; Trey Campbell (33-13), sr., 182; Ryan Straub-Fisher, sr., 160; Coy Campbell (26-15), jr., 106; Cody Snyder (28-15), jr., 132; Payton Kennerly, jr., 195; Alex Messner, jr., 138; Connor Boyer (22-12), soph., 106; Cheyne Oren, soph., 120; Cody Zerby, soph., 160; Holden Miller, soph., 106
Newcomers: Clayton Kerwin, sr., 152; James Wilkinson, sr., 195; Dan Clapp, sr., 145; Jacob Snyder, sr., 170; Austin Erb, sr., 152; Jesse Zilinski, sr., 152; John McCracken, sr., 132; Matt Heck, fr., 106; Jackson Kennerly, fr., 138; Evan Hoffman, fr., 138
Outlook: With several solid wrestlers and some experience, Trojans are the division co-favorite. Filling all the weight classes could be a problem, which would hurt against better competition.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Jason Chamberlain (1st season, 0-0)
Last year: 16-8, 5-1 D-II
Returnees: Coty Carr, sr., 126; Noah Crisswell, sr., 195; Tim Carl, jr., 285; Matthew Miller (25-12), jr., 152; Zach Ulsh, jr., 132-138; Willy Girard (28-9), soph., 106-113; Alex Raho (24-13), soph., 120-126
Newcomers: James Cox, jr., 220-285; Jasmine Ragland, jr., 126-132; Travis Martin, soph., 160; Jason Chamberlain, fr., 138; Dagan Dickinson, fr., 106-113; Kailin Hoffman, fr., 170; Matthew Kemble, fr., 120-126; Ian Minnich, fr., 220-285; Daymian Shoop, fr., 182
Outlook: Young team (2 seniors) with a new head coach and a lot of potential. Could start as many as 6-7 freshmen. How quickly they adjust to varsity competition will determine how well Vikings fare. Still, division co-favorite with UDA until someone else proves otherwise.
Berks League
If Hamburg's going to make a move to close the gap on the elite of the Berks League and District 3, this is the year.
The Hawks are experienced, deep and talented. Several starters are back for their third, or even fourth, year in the starting lineup.
Senior Austin Bashore (29-18) was a state qualifier last season, while fellow seniors Chris Kummerer (33-11) and Cody Miller (36-10) made it to regionals.
Senior Nick Oswald (25-8) is another solid performer.
One thing Hamburg must do is stay healthy. When Kerry Mega and Sean Stanish (23-7), among others, went down with injuries, that had a major effect on the team's success. The team, though, built some depth as 21 returning wrestlers have had at least one varsity bout.
While many familiar names populate the lineup, another familiar name joins the Hawks as an assistant coach. Tod Kindig, who turned Blue Mountain into a state power and guided wrestlers to five individual state championships, comes aboard head coach Derek Sola's staff.
"This year's team returns many lettermen, including all but one starter from last year," Sola said. "The majority of the starting lineup will be composed of experienced seniors and juniors.''
Hamburg
Head coach: Derek Sola (9th season, 5th at Hamburg, 108-62 overall, 71-19 at Hamburg)
Last year: 15-7, 5-1 Berks II. Berks League quarterfinalist, District 3 Duals Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Shane Shollenberger, sr., 113; Kerry Mega, sr., 126; Chris Kummerer (33-11), sr., 132; Cody Miller (36-10), sr., 182; Che Narvaez, sr., 152; Joe Raffensperger, sr., 170; Nick Oswald (25-8), sr., 138; Austin Bashore (29-18), sr., 195; Logan Lackey, sr., 285; Luke Kamp, sr., 220; Blake Roberts, sr., 285; Sean Stanish (23-7), jr., 113; Andrew Kochel, jr., 145; Mike Eicher, soph., 106; Dylan Miller, soph., 132
Newcomers: Neil Oswalt, sr., 285; Cody Hoppes, sr., 145; Jacob Yoder, sr., 152; Jacob Eller, jr., 182; Damian Bausher, jr., 195; Stephen Magrowski, jr., 152; David Santiago, jr., 145; James Essig, jr., 138; Adam Delucia, jr., 152; Ron Lavigne, jr., 160; Josh Troxel, soph., 145; Brandon Bogoneiwski, soph., 145; Tyler Herber, soph., 170; Matt James, soph., 138; Mike Madara, soph., 126; Jarrod Blickley, soph., 126; Dariel Ruiz, soph., 138; Romeo Eaddy, fr., 106; David Madara, fr., 220; Max Kline, fr., 195
Outlook: With 37 in varsity room and 38 in junior high room, Hawks are creating a program built to last. This varsity squad is deep, talented and experienced. What it hasn't done is defeat top teams in Berks League and District 3. This is the year to change that.
Heartland Conference
Both Mount Carmel and Shamokin - by their standards - struggled last season, but both enter this season with enough experience and talent to take a step forward.
And both squads are young: Shamokin has just three seniors on its 17-man roster; Mount Carmel has one senior on its 15-man team.
Senior Zach Biddiscombe (27-12), a regional qualifier, leads the Indians. Nine sophomores will figure heavily into their plans.
"This year's team is coming along nicely,'' Shamokin coach Todd Hockenbroch said. "... The staff is excited to see how much this young team can improve.''
The Red Tornadoes return seven starters, including Blake Panko, a junior and regional qualifier who went 28-11 last season. Sophomore Allen Yancoskie (20-11) returns after a solid freshman season.
Mount Carmel
Head coach: Randy Reidler (10th season, 115-70)
Last year: 4-13, 1-5 Heartland II
Returnees: Zeke Zsido, sr., 160; Shane Gudonis, jr., 113; Blake Panko (28-11), jr., 145-152; Cody Little, jr., 152-160; Allen Yancoskie (20-11), soph., 170-182; Gabe Bogutskie, soph., 170; Mitchell Fletcher, soph., 145
Newcomers: Nate Bartos, jr., 145-152; Ethan Bartos, soph., 285; Emily Emberg, soph., 138; Lane Tanney, fr., 106; Dion Watson, fr., 120; Damien Parker, fr., 120, Wes Shurock, fr., 182-195; Trevor Shudor, fr., 220
Outlook: Red Tornadoes have just one senior but return seven with varsity experience. Youngsters will need to contribute right away, but team could post more victories than last season.
Shamokin
Head coach: Todd Hockenbroch (11th season, 74-95)
Last year: 8-15, 4-3 Heartland I
Returnees: Zach Biddiscombe (27-12), sr., 220; Billy Leon, sr., 126-132; Darris Herrold, jr., 195-220; Brett Long, jr., 132-138; Josiah Miller, jr., 152; Michael Britton, soph., 113; Brett Rebuck, soph., 160
Newcomers: Ty Fisher, sr., 170; Tyler Allmond, jr., 145; Adam Miller, soph., 285; Cory Houser, soph., 145; Justin Aponte, soph., 182-195; Brayson Pawelczyk, soph., 182; Dustin Erdman, soph., 132; Kyle Diorio, soph., 152; Keith Elliott, soph., 120; Chris Kindle, fr., 106
Outlook: Indians are young, but they have seven returning wrestlers and a large sophomore class. Could improve last year's record.