Riley Pierce is back after placing sixth in District 2 Class 2A a year ago, making him the only returning medalist on the Wyoming Area wrestling team.
As the Warriors prepare to open their season Saturday in the Gary Woodruff Duals at Wyalusing Valley, juniors Chase Wilhelm and Pierce and senior Caden Reynolds appear to be the team’s best hopes for success. They ranked third, fourth and fifth on the Warriors in wins a year ago.
Replacing the top two will be difficult.
Nate Obrzut and Connor Novakowski each won more than 100 bouts in their four-year careers. Obrzut won the last two district titles at 285, the highest weight class. Novakowski worked his way through the four lightest weights in a career that featured four Northeast Regional qualifications, a 2024 district title and a return to the district final last season.
With a little maneuvering, the Warriors are positioned to be able to fill every weight class, except possibly 285.
Coach Steve Mytych Sr. is still hoping to bolster the roster, seeking out athletes coming off of fall sports and some who have wrestled in the past.
“I’m trying to get a few football guys,” Mytych said. “If we can get a few of those, we can fill up some holes.”
Wilhelm has the best record of the returnees at 19-16. He is expected to be at 121 pounds and bump to 127 at times.
Pierce had 17 wins, including 14 pins, which ranked third on the team. He is at 172, the weight where he placed in the district tournament last year.
Reynolds, coming off a strong football season in the line, is at 215 after going 15-15 last season.
The Warriors return several wrestlers who were in the lineup a year ago when the team struggled to a 1-4 finish in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 and a 2-16 mark overall. Wyoming Area was a bit stronger as a tournament team and placed 11th of 16 in District 2 Class 2A.
There are also some newcomers, particularly in the lower weights.
Freshmen Tyler Randazzo and Evan Lark are at 107 and 114.
Sophomore Emerson Langdon, another new addition, joins Wilhelm at 121 and 127.
Wyoming Area brings back junior Caiden Swartwood at 133 and both junior Gabriel Rosengrant and sophomore Damon Swartwood at 139. Caiden Swartwood was 8-10 last season for one of the better records among those returning.
Junior Lincoln Smith returns and sophomore Bradyn Lynch is new at 145 and 152.
Juniors Michael Appel and Jacob Grabke are back at 160.
Pierce and Kurt Capie, a junior who picked up limited experience, can fill 172 and 189.
Reynolds is joined by senior Julian Maldonado and sophomore Justus Reid at 215. Maldonado has some experience and Reid is new.
