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When the new Wilkes-Barre Area Wolfpack teams began practicing together this school year, there was an adjustment period in most sports.
The athletes and coaches had to get used to new routines and get familiar with one another as three schools merged to become one program. Every fall team went through rough stretches, but they all succeeded in the end.
Wrestling is different. GAR and Coughlin were already one program prior to the merger. And many of the wrestlers from the three schools were already very familiar with each other.
The Wolfpack, who have a roster close to 30, should be a formidable force in Division 1 of the Wyoming Valley Conference this season, with dual meets on the schedule today.
And growing pains should not be an issue for the program, according to associate head coach Anthony Mercadante.
“Wrestling is different than real team sports. Football, basketball, field hockey, whatever it is they all have plays and they all have to be on the same page,” Mercadante said. “In wrestling, you practice what you practice. All the coaches have different abilities. So we’re giving kids all different ideas they can add to their arsenal.
“When you’re out on that mat, a wrestling match is a wrestling match. You’re out there on your own and have one job, to win a match. That’s why I think wrestling might be a little easier to have instant success.”
The Crusaders had a solid last year finishing 5-2 in the division and going out in style with team victory No. 700. Meyers had one of its worst seasons in 2018-19 with just one dual meet victory in 19 tries. GAR has tons of history dating back to the 1950s.
Now, it’s time to become one.
“These kids are coming from their own traditions at Coughlin, Meyers and GAR,” Mercadante said. “If they do it right, they can make their own history and traditions.”
RETURNING STATE QUALIFIERS
The WVC got two state medals last year after a year of not having any medalists at the state tournament the prior year. There’s plenty of talent still in the conference with four state qualifiers returning to the mat this season.
Tunkhannock seniors Dave Evans and Gavin D’Amato, Hanover Area senior Joey Rowley and Lake-Lehman junior Hunter Burke were all state qualifiers as underclassmen in Class 2A last season. Evans, D’Amato and Burke all picked up wins at states last year too.
In Class 3A, Hazleton Area’s Seth Hunsinger (junior) and Wilkes-Barre Area’s Cooper Price (sophomore) were both one win away from reaching the PIAA Championships out of the tough Northeast Regional and are returning this year as underclassmen as well.
THE CENTURY CLUB
Wyoming Valley West’s J.J. White has been one of the top wrestlers in all of District 2 since his freshman year. Now a senior, he has never lost a match to a D2 opponent. He entered the season as one of two in the district with more than 100 career wins with 105. Charles Everdale from Hazleton Area also entered with 105 career victories.
Looking to join the historic club soon are Tunkhannock’s Dave Evans (92) and Gavin D’Amato (90), Hazleton Area’s Jake Marnell (89), Hanover Area’s Joey Rowley (85) and Berwick’s Nick Yule (79). With solid seasons, Crestwood’s Garrett Swank (71) and Wilkes-Barre Area’s Nino Cinti (61) could also reach the milestone this season in their senior years.
AROUND DIVISION 1
Parity is the name of the game this season. With three returning district champions and nine district medalists returning, Hazleton Area has the most impressive resume of the eight Class 3A teams. But it’s not going to be easy for the defending division champion Cougars to repeat.
The rest of the pack is possibly led by the ‘Pack. Right on the tails of the Wolfpack is the bunched up group of Crestwood, Dallas, Nanticoke Area, Pittston Area and Wyoming Valley West.
All have similar numbers and experience, and won’t be an easy victory. Especially since the Cougars could be forfeiting the two heaviest weight classes in duals. The Patriots and Trojans are expected to have full lineups, while the other three might only be missing one or two weights per dual. That will make things very interesting.
“I’ve always said this in the district that I think there’s a fair amount of talent and anyone that’s capable of putting 14 kids out on the mat on any given Saturday, Wednesday, Tuesday, whatever day it is has a very good opportunity to win,” Cougars coach Keith Maurer said. “If you look back the last few years, there’s been some parity in dual meets. I think you have to be concerned of the unknown factor.”
AROUND DIVISION 2
Lake-Lehman is on a roll having won the last two division titles without losing a dual in the division in nearly three years. Last year, the Black Knights started a rivalry with Tunkhannock in the division and Class 2A. The teams finished one-two in the division, District 2 Duals and District 2 Team Championships.
That rivalry is sure to be in full swing again this season. The Black Knights return a pair of district champions and three district runners-up and three other district medalists returning. The Tigers went 5-0 in district finals last year and all five are back this season. They also had five other district medalists last year that are returning.
While the Black Knights and Tigers are thought to be tough outs, Hanover Area and Wyoming Area aren’t going to be pushovers. The Warriors will return district champion Connor Wrobleski, who won district gold last season as a freshman, and multiple players from the football team that made a run to the state championship.
The Hawkeyes have the most depth they’ve had in years and are projected to have a full lineup for the stretch run led by returning state qualifier Rowley.
“We gotta keep everybody healthy,” said first-year Tunkhannock coach Gary Siegel referring to overtaking Lake-Lehman. “We’re taking it one match at a time. We got goals. We gotta go through Lehman to get there. Hopefully Lehman thinks they have to go through us to get there, too.
“Hanover, Wyoming Area they’re gonna be tough. And we need these teams to be tough in District 2. That’s what we need to be talking about. The better we’re gonna make these kids, the better we’re gonna make the district.”
SAVE THE DATE
Dec. 20-21: MyHouse X-Calibur Tournament; Dec. 27-28: Tunkhannock Holiday Tournament; Jan. 3-4: Wyoming Valley Conference Tournament; Jan. 29: District 2 Duals Tournament; Feb. 1: District 2 Duals finals; Feb. 6, 7,8: PIAA Team Championships; Feb. 21-22: District 2 Championships; Feb. 28-29: Northeast Regionals; March 5, 6, 7: PIAA Championships
WVC WRESTLING CAPSULES
DIVISION 1 (CLASS 3A)
Berwick
Coach: Ron Swingle, 17th year
Last Year: 0-7 Division 1; 1-16 overall
Key Losses: Maurice Smith, J.J. Snyder
Probable Lineup: 106: open; 113: open; 120: open; 126: open; 132: open; 138: Nick Yule, Sr. or Joe Swiderski, Jr.; 145: Dave Pace, Sr. or Nate Rinehimer, So.; 152: Trystan English, Fr.; 160: Skler Ney, Jr.; 170: Lucas Knorr, Jr. or Jeff Taylor, So.; 182: open; 195: open; 220: Gavyn Cunningham, So.; 285: Noah Craig, Sr.
Outlook: The Bulldogs are still getting situated back in Class 3A. The numbers are down this season, but there’s help on the way as the numbers in the junior high and elementary programs are up. This season will be about helping two-time district champion Nick Yule get the furthest he can in the postseason.
“We’re still battling some numbers. Nick is back in and gonna make a run in his senior year,” coach Ron Swingle said. “The numbers are starting to increase in the junior high so it looks promising going forward. Right now, it’s a matter of having enough guys to keep Nick moving and work with the guys that are in the room.
“We made a conscious effort a few years ago to get into that fifth-grade, sixth-grade, seventh-grade and just start building up the junior high. You have to let that cycle through. As frustrating as it is, it’s a five-year cycle.”
Crestwood
Coach: Darren Testa, 17th year
Last Year: 3-4 Division 1; 4-8 overall
Key Losses: Tyler Shaud, Liam Stone
Probable Lineup: 106: Jack Andrews, Fr.; 113: Santino Casserella, Fr.; 120: Will Bogdon, Jr. or Hunter Greenberg, Sr.; 126: Justin Sterling, Jr.; 132: Trey Zabroski, Jr. or Caleb Deckman, Jr.; 138: Jordan Miale, Sr. or Kyle Barley, Jr.; 145: Garrett Swank, Sr. or Matt Gavin, Jr. or Kyle Mendenhall, Sr.; 152: Brian Costello, Sr. or Magnus Bibla, Fr.; or Jeff Zoebisch, Jr.; 160: Nolan Stortz, Jr. or Maddux Testa, Jr. or Trey Twyman, So.; 170: Michael Gavin, Sr.; or Joey Frisbie, So.; 182: Cole Kakalecik, Fr.; 195: Alex Romanoski, Jr. or Mycal Sarluca, So.; 220: Jeremy Buzak, Jr.; 285: open
Outlook: The Comets start the season with plenty of hope for the campaign. Last year, they were riddled with injuries and it hurt the squad. Just about everyone returns to the lineup from last year, including four district medalists. This could be the year coach Darren Testa was waiting for.
“We lost a few kids over the years, but we thought if we kept everyone together years ago, I think this could have been the year for us,” Testa said. “But we still have some holes sitting there. It’s hard to keep these kids involved. You can’t dwell on who you don’t have, and put the emphasis on who you do have. We got a lot of good kids in the room. The problem is they’re all bunched up.”
Dallas
Coach: Mike Richards, 13th year
Last Year: 6-1 Division 1; 15-8 overall
Key Losses: Steven Newell, Shawn Henniger
Key Wrestlers: Justin Benscoter, So.; Taylor Bolesta, Sr.; Bryce Chopyak, Jr.; Sawyer Christman, So.; Ryan Cooper, So.; Lenny Kelley, Sr.; Kyle Langan, So.; Thaddeus Mead, Jr.; Ben Yanchik, Sr.
Outlook: The Mountaineers crowned a pair of district champions last year, but both of them – Steven Newell and Shawn Henniger – have graduated. Have no fear though because the Mountaineers are always one of the top teams in the district when it comes time for postseason tournaments. This year shouldn’t be any different with five district place-winners returning. It might take some time for the team to get going with a number of athletes getting a late start due to playing in the football state championship game.
Hazleton Area
Coach: Keith Maurer, 20th year
Last Year: 7-0 Division 1; 11-2 overall
Key Losses: Shane Noonan
Probable Lineup: 106: Lucas Bodnar, So. or Edonel Rodriguez, Fr.; 113: Johnny Corra, Jr.; 120: NateAltmiller, So.; 126: Jorven Rodriguez, So. or Jared Wolk, So.; 132: Beck Hutchinson, Jr. or Stanley Jimson, So. or Christian Kislan, Jr. or Oscar Zamudio, So.; 138: 145: Devin Youngcourt, So.; 152: Luke Billig, Sr. or Elijah Hamilton, Jr.; 160: Charles Everdale, Sr.; 170: Dante Matarella, Jr. or Bryce Molinaro, So.; 182: Jake Marnell, Sr.; 195: Seth Hunsinger, Jr.; 220: open; 285: open
Outlook: Coming off a division, D2 duals and D2 team championship, the Cougars could be lined up for a similar run after only losing Shane Noonan from last year’s lineup. They are noted as the team to beat in the division and district with nine returning district placewinners. But it won’t be easy with plenty of talent in the division.
“If you look at it that way, I got a lot of returning talent and that’s a good thing to have,” coach Keith Maurer said. “Once again, we’re in the sport of wrestling. Weight management comes into play. We do have some things to sort out because we have guys who are really close in weight. We’ll see what happens.”
Nanticoke Area
Coach: Harold Shotwell, 7th year
Last Year: 2-5 Division 1; 10-13 overall
Key Losses: Shane Repasky
Probable Lineup: 106: Joseph Sauers, Sr.; 113: Zachery Capie, Sr.; 120: Ashton Mazzetelli, So. or Wesley Gordon, Jr.; 126: Dom Wolfe, Jr. or Kaycee Krietzer, So.; 132: Khalil Khan, Fr.; 138: Josiah Coutier, Fr. or Katey Pegarella, So.; 145: Baylee Butler, Jr. or Richard Matthews, So.; 152: Aidan Jaskulski, So or Joseph Krieger, So.; 160: Sebastian Kryznewski, So. or Nico Czeck, So.; 170: Adam Eckhart, Sr.; 182: John Pashinski, Fr.; 195: Isaiah Johnson, Sr.; 220: Jeffrey Ultsh, Fr. or Brandon Brojakowski, So.; 285: Seth Pelton, Sr.
Outlook: Crowning their first district champion in 16 years last season with heavyweight Shane Repasky taking gold, the team received a boost of interest. That led to a projection of a full lineup and a roster of nearly two dozen. The Trojans appear to be primed to make a run this season at district duals.
“Last year, really took off for us,” coach Harold Shotwell said. “I really think (Repasky winning) really had a lot to do with it. It made Nanticoke more recognizable in wrestling. And what made it big is kids put a lot into being in Triple-A. I think it was a big boost for the program.”
Pittston Area
Coach: Dave Krantz, 3rd year
Last Year: 1-6 Division 1, 8-12 overall
Key Losses: none
Probable Lineup: 106: Joii Phillips, Jr.; or Keegan Bucci, Fr.; 113: Kevin Robey, So. or Jose Ortiz, Fr.; 120: Jacob Granahan, Fr. or Kaitlin Avvisato, So.; 126: Justin Bryk, Jr. or Nico Solano, So.; 132: Anthony Thomas, Jr. or Felix Mendez, Jr.; 138: Nikolas Ridgley, Sr.; 145: Jimmy Spindler, Fr. or Thomas Dessoye, Sr. or Kahleb Murray, So.; 152: C.J. Demark, Jr. or Eric Paxson, So.; 160: A.J. Gorto, Sr.; 170: Alex Anastasi, Sr. or John Morris, Jr.; 182: Dave Sudo or Huey Bentham; 195: Dave Darbenzio, Jr. or John Symons, Jr.; 220: Darbenzio or Symons; 285: Stephen Yanchis, Jr. or Corey Skelton
Outlook: The Patriots have had an uncharacteristic few down years in a row. The numbers are back up in the program from top to bottom and the team could be back in contention this year for the first time in a while.
“When I first took over, the first year we only had eight guys and only won two matches,” coach Dave Krantz said. “Last year, we got more numbers and only forfeited two weights. We went from having a two-win season to having nine last year. Now, our numbers have doubled (from last year). I expect these guys will have a good year this year.”
Wilkes-Barre Area
Coach: Dave Parsnik, sixth year (first with WBA)
Last Year: n/a
Key Losses: n/a
Key Wrestlers: Brandon Abreu, Sr.; Caleb Burns, Sr.; Jason Carver, Sr.; Matthew Chase, So.; Nino Cinti, Sr.; Warren Faust, Jr.; Sa’id Hollis, Jr.; Carl Johnson, Jr.; Connor Lee, Sr.; Jamie Pahler, Sr.; Jayden Pahler, So.; Cooper Price, So.; Aaron Warnagaris, Sr.
Outlook: The Wolfpack, who practice at Meyers and will host home meets in the Coughlin gym, have more than two dozen wrestlers on the roster and should be able to fill all the weight classes. It shouldn’t take long for the team to get on the same page making them instant contenders in a crowded division. But there are some challenges as well for a new program.
“Trying to get everybody to realize the goals that we could accomplish this year (is challenging),” Wolfpack associate coach Anthony Mercadante said. “There’s so much talent in the room. And getting them to understand that everyday should be like a district finals match, a regional finals match when they go live because there’s that much talent in the room. And getting them to realize that potential and putting it towards the individual goals and team goals. These are all realistic goals. But it all depends on how hard the kids work in the room.”
Wyoming Valley West
Coach: Ryan Vassello, 5th year
Last Year: 4-3 Division 1, 11-10 overall
Key Losses: Dave Krokowski, Dave White, Jaylon Brunson
Probable Lineup: 106: Dorian Hoffman, Fr.; 113: open; 120: open; 126: Ian Ratchford, So.; 132: Cadden Kucek, Sr.; 138: J.J. White, Sr. or Bill Nguyen, Sr.; 145: Zander Remakus, So. or Robert Napersky, Sr. or Joe Rivas, Fr.; 152: Trent Giza, Sr.; 160: Lucas Geiger, Sr. or Prem Solanki, Sr.; 170: Cole Williams, Jr. or Ethan Scott, Sr.; 182: Jaden Swainbank, So. or Jason Pearson, Fr.; 195: Luis Rivera, Sr. or Darius Redgaurd, Jr.; 220: Abdul Azahrani, Jr. or Makal Henderson, Jr.; 285: Angel Meza Dominguez, Sr.
Outlook: Over the last few years, the Spartans have been gradually increasing their total wins and medals. This could be the year they really take off in both categories with plenty of talent returning and possibly just one opening in the lineup.
“These guys have been with me now, some guys two years, some guys four years and have got accustomed to our program,” coach Ryan Vassello said. “With the summer regimen we have, they’re gonna be very successful.”
DIVISION 2 (CLASS 2A)
Hanover Area
Coach: Mike Griffith, 3rd year
Last Year: 2-2 Division 2; 6-13 overall
Key Losses: D.J. Erickson, Jared Banesh
Probable Lineup: 106: Tyler Mizell, Fr.; 113: Cael Davis, Jr.; 120: Liam Reilly, Sr.; 126: Joey Rowley, Sr.; 132: Zachary Murphy, So. or Ethan Dinoski, So.; 138: Nate Ayala, Jr.; 145: Aidan Frielda, Fr.; 152: Tyler Ulitchney, So. or Christian Torres, Fr.; 160: Hunter Thompson, Sr.; 170: Avdo Adzemovic, Jr.; 182: Hunter Karpovich, Jr.; 195: Alex Kaufmann, So. or Tavon Hines, Jr.; 220: Jake Mercadante, Jr. or Seth Strouse; 285: Derek Knorr, Jr.
Outlook: For the first time in many years, the Hawkeyes look to have a full lineup to start the season. There’s plenty of potential on the roster as well with much experience returning. In a division and district where Lake-Lehman and Tunkhannock are the favorites, the Hawkeyes will have something to say about that before all is said and done. Especially in close duals.
“We got a full lineup this year so this will be fun,” coach Mike Griffith said. “We did a lot of recruiting and got a lot kids coming up through the ranks from junior high to varsity. They’ve been in the program the last three, four years so we’re looking for them to step up to the plate. We’re gonna be young, but they’re gonna have to step up to the plate and be competitive right away.”
Lake-Lehman
Coach: Jay Konigus, 10th year
Last Year: 4-0 Division 2; 11-4 overall
Key Losses: Bob Long, Tom Nalbone, T.J. Meehan
Probable Lineup: 106: Jake Patlia, So. or Brendon Boston, Sr.; 113: Mason Konigus, So.; 120: Brandon Ritinski, Fr. or Chandler Longstrength, Jr.; 126: Jake Gizenski, Fr.; 132: Kevin Burke, Fr.; 138: Hunter Burke, Jr. or Payton Shaw; 145: Zach Stuart, Jr.; 152: Josh Bonomo, Jr.; 160: Jake Trumbower, Jr. or Matt Raczkowski, Jr.; 170: Nick Zaboski, Jr. or Joe Vegas, So. or Jeremy Scouton, So.; 182: 195: Logan Slivinski; 220: open; 285: open
Outlook: There’s no doubt that the Black Knights are loaded with talent and will keep a rotating door of that talent the next few years making them one of the favorites in the division and district every year. But it certainly will not be easy. They will get tested every night with a tough out of conference schedule and in the division.
Tunkhannock
Coach: Gary Siegel, 3rd year (1st with Tunkhannock)
Last Year: Division 3-1 1; 8-12 overall
Key Losses: Tommy Traver, Logan Hegedty
Probable Lineup: 106: Shawn Glaush, Sr.; 113: Owen Woods, So.; 120: Matt Marone, Sr.; 126: Matt Rosentel, Jr. or Cole Stauffer, Fr.; 132: Dave Evans, Sr.; 138: Ethan Munley, Sr.; 145: Gavin D’Amato, Sr.; 152: Alex Pierce, Sr.; 160: Luke Carpenter, Jr. or Sean Meder, Jr.; 170: Tyler Chesla, Sr. or Hunter Gregory, So.; 182: Jeff Meader, So.; 195: Nick Marabell, So. or Jayden Kozlowski, So.; 220: Jacob Davenport, So. or Frank Scranta, So. 285: Jhamal Zacharias, Jr. or Brett Sickler, Sr.
Outlook: Last year couldn’t have gone much worse for the Tigers with a rash of injuries that nearly derailed their season. Still, they claimed five district champions and five other district medalists; all 10 are back this season. It’s not going to be easy for the Tigers to overtake Lake-Lehman in the division and district, but this team is certainly primed for a run.
“They’re a close-knit group. They went through a lot last year emotionally and they’re coming back strong,” coach Gary Siegel said. “They’re looking forward to the challenge this year maybe because of what happened last year. They have a little chip on their shoulder maybe.”
Wyoming Area
Coach: Steve Mytych Sr., 4th year
Last Year: 1-3 Division 2; 5-19 overall
Key Losses: Robin Wrobleski, Jaryn Polit-Moran
Probable Lineup: 106: Jaden Pepe; 113: Garrett Pocceschi or Autumn Dyches; 120: Zach Sheridan or Usamah Alansari; 126: Nick Ross or Nick George; 132: Kyle Emsley, Jr.; 138: Adam Sigman, Jr.; 145: Rocco Pizano, So.; 152: Leo Haros, So.; 160: Vincent Bowers, Jr.; 170: Connor Wrobleski, So.; 182: Vincenzo Giambra, Jr.; 195: 220: Mikey Clark; 285: Eathaen Speece
Outlook: There is a nice mix of experience and newcomers to the team this season as Steve Mytych Sr. returns to coaching after a three-year hiatus. There could also be some dust to shake off early on with as many as 11 wrestlers playing football until this past week. Eventually, if the Warriors can keep the numbers up and keep everybody healthy, they will certainly give opponents a hard time.
“As long as they (the football players) are conditioned and ready for wrestling it’s perfect,” Warriors assistant coach Tristen Vanderlick said. “Coming in with an attitude of going to a state championship is going to bring in a lot of emotion and good charisma coming into the wrestling room because now they want to win stuff with wrestling too. It’s a positive thing, but it all depends on if they’re in wrestling shape.”
