With 13 seasoned wrestlers back on the mat this season, State High head wrestling coach Ryan Cummins has experience on his side this season and he plans to use it.
“We have a large number of experienced upperclassmen to help guide our team,” said Cummins, noting the teams’ leaders have put in the work and look to improve upon last season’s 5-10 record. ”Our wrestlers have really put in a lot of quality time in the off season to prepare for the year.”
Returning letter winners Nick Beebe, Jason Dry, Clayton Leidy, Josiah Lose, Kyle Martin, Tate McLaughlin, Michael McShea, Noah Prewitt-Koths, Ty Price, Harrison Schoen, Julian Simmons, Bailey Weaverling and Owen Woolcott are back to show notable newcomers Hayden Cunningham, Eric Weaver and Gavin Priest the ropes.
Assistant coaches Bud Price, Max Miller and Tim Haas are on board to help the team “work to improve daily and have a fun and successful season,” said Cummins, who is in his seventh season as coach of the Little Lions.
Cummins noted a Jan. 7 (Senior Night) matchup against Chambersburg as a date to watch on the State High schedule.
The Little Lions opened the season with a second-place finish at the Washington Elite Opener in West Virginia. The Little Lions had two champions and four place-winners at the tournament. Cunningham captured the 106-pound title, while Lance Urbas taking the 170-pound title. Woolcott finished third at 132, and Leidy placed third at 138.
On Wednesday, State College hosted Shikellamy and rolled to a 59-15 win. After Cunningham and Bailey Weaverling won be forfeit, Eric Weaver won by fall at 120, Carter Weaverling picked up a decision, Woolcott got another pin and Leidy won by tech fall to blow the meet open. Urbas, McLaughlin and Schoen each added pins and Lose won by forfeit.
State High is back in action this weekend in the King of the Hill tournament at Central Mountain. The Little Lions host Harrisburg on Tuesday and Mifflin County on Thursday.
