The Ellwood City Wrestling team under the direction of coach John Fleming is eyeing a playoff berth this season.
Along with continued growth within the program, Fleming points out the Wolverines team will grow in numbers as well and have its biggest squad under his watch with a handful of football players joining the team for the 2023-24 campaign.
Team expectations are also to make the team playoffs along with having at least one state qualifier this year.
“We are looking towards growth of the program although it has been slow it has been improving year after year in the right direction,” says Fleming. “I was very excited for the footballs team growth this year and watching them make the playoffs-excited to have them on board.”
The coach is ready for surprises as practices began this week and the regular season opens up on Wednesday, December 6th.
“We have no idea what we are getting but we are definitely excited in uncovering potential,” says Fleming.
This year, the Wolverines will have strength across the entire lineup according to their coach.
“We have some strength in the lightweights, middle and heavy weights.”
Stand out wrestlers returning to the line-up this year include previous regional qualifiers and now juniors: Logan Shriver, Derek Allen and Gabe Lilly.
The lone senior on the roster is Chris Quintanilla, who will be joined his senior year by freshman brother Jordan Quintanilla, posted a 16-15 record last season with a 6th place finish in the section championships.
Sophomore female wrestler Cheyenne Berglund will return and look to collect her first varsity match victory this season.
Flemings says fans can look forward to a full lineup who is ready to make the much anticipated push as a team.
“In years previous we’ve had excellent individual performances and have been really heading towards more team success and I truly think we will realize it this year,” says Fleming.
A lot of kids participated in freestyle this offseason with a club Fleming ran and the coach saw some major improvement.
“The buy in has been there from the kids and I’m looking forward to the results.”
In addition to a team playoff berth, Fleming adds that there will be some tournament aspirations to watch for this season.
Last year the Wolverines had Logan Shriver take runner-up finishes and then-freshman Gavin McClure won sections.
“The goal this year is to get a couple championships on our belt,” concludes Fleming. “To get more WPIAL and regional qualifiers and obviously states.”
The Wolverines, who carried an overall record of 3-9 (2-4 Class-2A Section 5) last season will open up its regular season with a match versus Laurel on December 6th before heading to their first tournament, the Sharpsville Walleye Duals on Saturday, December 16th.
To continue to follow the wrestling team this season or to obtain more information, visit their Facebook.com Page.
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