2022-2023 Mogadore wrestling preview

Here is a look at the 2022-2023 Mogadore wrestling team (with all quotes from head coach Duane Funk):

(Please note that state qualifiers are listed separately for boys and girls, since there is a separate girls state tournament.)

Head Coach: Duane Funk (10th season)

Assistant Coaches: Logan Penix, Joe Hancock

Returning Boys State Qualifiers (1): Tyler Shellenbarger

Returning Girls State Qualifiers (2): Zoe Gaetjens, Hannah Plum

Returning District Qualifiers (4): Travis Hummel, Owen Roberts, Ronnie Skye, Tyler Shellenbarger

Returning Letterwinners (9): Tyler Shellenbarger, Owen Roberts, Travis Hummel, Cole Reese, Ronnie Skye, Kasey Pruitt, Matthew Plum, Mia Gaetjens, Hannah Plum

Letterwinners Lost (4): Brady Funk, Michael Lowe, Tyler Knight, Zoe Gaetjens

Overall: The Wildcats lost an incredible Class of 2022, including one of three four-time state qualifiers in program history (Tyler Knight), one of the heroes of last year's postseason (state runner-up Michael Lowe) and two more state qualifiers in Brady Funk and Zoe Gaetjens. That said, the future remains bright at Mogadore, including its still-growing girls program, which returns a pair of state qualifiers in Mia Gaetjens and Hannah Plum. On the boys side, watch out for the Wildcats' four returning district qualifiers (Travis Hummel, Owen Roberts, Ronnie Skye and Tyler Shellenbarger), and keep your eyes peeled for a potential breakout year from Kasey Pruitt.

Lightweights: On the boys side, freshman Mason King (106, 113) "is very good and should have a good season," while sophomore Owen Roberts (126, 132) was a district qualifier a season ago. Sophomores Blake Hershberger and Breaden Manley will be "battling it out for 120." On the girls side, Hannah Plum (105, 110) returns after qualifying for state last season, while freshmen Kai Gaetjens (120) and Jane Woods (115) have both had promising early results. Sophomore newcomers Sydney Fortner (110) and Elizabeth Terry (125) are "picking it up pretty quick and should have a good season."

Middleweights: Juniors Travis Hummel (126) and Ronnie Skye (157) return after making it to Garfield Heights last season, while sophomore Kasey Pruitt (132, 138) "should have a breakout year." Both Hummel and Skye, juniors on a team loaded with freshmen and sophomores, are "hard workers in practice and lead by example, which is good for the younger kids." Also watch for Matthew Plum (138, 144), a district alternate last season, and another "solid" returning letterwinner in Cole Reese (165). On the girls side, Mia Gaetjens (145) returns after placing at last year's state tournament.

Heavyweights: Senior Tyler Shellenbarger (215, 285) is a returning state qualifier who is "looking to get on the podium this year." Shellenbarger is a "good technician" and is "quick for a big guy." Meanwhile, freshman Dylan Benedum (175, 190) "should have a solid year."

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: 2022-2023 Mogadore wrestling preview