Chris Ferrick-Manley
Staff Reporter
The Green Terror wrestling team looks to recover from the lack of depth it had during the previous two seasons, and be able to compete at all ten weight classes during the 2008-2009 season.
Wrestling head coach Davey Blake said that in the previous two years, the team had suffered from “atrophy”.
According to Blake, in the past some weight classes would have to be forfeited because of people either being dismissed from the team, or because of injury issues. However, Blake does not believe that lack of experience should be a significant liability.
“We have the potential to be in every match that we wrestle with every kid, no real glaring weaknesses,” said Blake.
This year, many underclassmen have filled the void, especially at the lower weight classes. According to Blake, 7 out of the 10 starters at each weight class on the team are either freshmen or sophomores. Blake believes that getting this experience early on can only make them better in the long run.
“Really significant when 18 and 19 year olds wrestling 23-year old men,” said Blake, who also noted that many wrestlers do not begin seeing significant action until well into their college careers.
Among the weight classes that Blake expects to do particularly well in is heavyweight. The lone heavyweight on the Green Terror roster, Brock Glotfelty, is currently ranked #8 in the nation by DIIIwrestle.com.
“He killed the guy who got third,” said senior 184/197 lbs wrestler Ferris Bond.
Blake expects Glotfelty, a sophomore, to be an All-American as well as contend for a national title for the next three years.
“I can’t say enough good things about him,” said Blake.
According to 174 lb wrestler Courtney Nightengale, the Green Terror should be competitive at several other weight classes besides heavyweight. At 149 lbs, the Terror have Brent Lowe who has placed at both tournaments so far.
At 184 lbs, the Terror have Ryan Deiter who finished 3rd at the Messiah Invitational. At 165 lbs, the Terror have Zach Hetrick who is a returning conference placer. Blake also expects Nightengale at 174 to be in contention for the conference title.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to have all 10 weight classes place at the conference,” said Blake.
The Terror’s next home meet is against Gettysburg on January 8 at 7pm.