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Wrestlers prepare for new season

By: Andy Koestel
Sports Editor

The General McLane varsity wrestling squad was very successful last season and coach Tim Mulholland believes that the team could enjoy a similar season this year. As a result of GM success last year, several GM wrestlers made a run at states.

There are ten returning lettermen for the 2001-2002 season. They are a mixture of seniors, juniors, and sophomores. Allan Bannister, Pat Knaus, and Ward McCrackin are returning seniors. Juniors Luke and Hudson Harrison, Ryan Dunlap, Josh Grabski, and Wayne Gormont are returning, as well as sophomores Hayden Harrison and Jake Keene.

Mulholland said, "This year's team is inexperienced and young but it should be a solid team." He added that the team's youth should make them more exciting to watch than teams in the past. "Between the lettermen, they had a combined 168 wins last season, and 81 pins," added Mulholland.

Three of last year's lettermen were regional qualifiers. They were Luke, Hayden and Hudson Harrison. All three of them are looking to have a solid year. Hayden Harrison commented, "Last year I had a great season, and this year I am stronger and faster. I hope this year will be even better than last season for me."

Mulholland said that each year there are about 30 wrestlers to choose from for varsity action. To decide who will grapple for varsity, Mulholland holds wrestle-offs about every two weeks. During these wrestle-offs, students from specific weight classes wrestle others in their own weight class. The winners, either the top one or two, will be on the varsity squad for those two weeks. Those who don't make it can train for two weeks and compete again in the next wrestle-off for a spot on the varsity team.

Keene said that this season should be a success because there aren't any first year guys on the varsity squad at this point. He does believe that the team should be in good shape for the season though.

Mulholland also said that it isn't just upperclassman who have the advantage of making varsity. "There aren't many freshmen that should make it, but there is always the chance." He added that the main reason for this is inexperience. Although many freshmen probably will not make varsity, there are some that Mulholland feels have a shot at it.

"This year's team will need to work really really hard to succeed, but they definitely have the potential," said Mulholland. "If this team wrestles to their capabilities, they should place GM in the top two in the ECL. Also we should fall in the top two or three in the D-10 state qualifiers." He added that the two toughest regions in Pennsylvania are usually D-6 and D-7. "However, during the regular season the toughest opponent for GM is usually Cathedral Prep," said Mulholland.