Aurora Greenmen wrestling starts over with new coach, core of returning standouts

Coming off a great season that saw two of its members win state titles, the Aurora wrestling team will have a new look in 2022-23.

And that will start with new head coach Jeremy Johnson, who replaces Mike Ryba at the helm of a program that finished runner-up to St. Paris Graham Local in both the Division II state individual tournament and the state team dual tournament last season.

A 2009 state champion at 285 pounds for Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Johnson comes to Aurora after serving as head coach at Avon High School the previous five seasons. During that time, he sent 12 of his wrestlers to the state tournament, including four in 2019 that helped the Division I school to a ninth-place team finish ― the highest in program history.

As he prepared his squad for the Solon Comet Classic Wrestling Tournament held Dec. 2-3, Johnson laid out his game plan for his rookie season.

"The expectations are to develop and improve week-in and week-out," he said. "Aurora has a great wrestling tradition and our wrestlers set high expectations for themselves."

That tradition was enhanced last season by the likes of Dylan Fishback, Tyler Lillard and Codie Cuerbo, a trio that combined to go 119-7. Fishback went a perfect 39-0 en route to his 190-pound state title. Lillard went 44-2 on the way to claiming the 165-pound championship, and Cuerbo nearly joined the duo, instead falling just shy at 113 and taking an impressive third place while posting a 36-5 mark.

"Having Cuerbo, Lillard and Fishback in the room the past few years has shown our younger guys how to train and live like champions," said Johnson, who wrestled collegiately at Ohio University.

The Greenmen sent seven wrestlers to Columbus with five placing. Ashton Smith, now graduated, earned seventh at 157; sophomore Johnny Green claimed fourth at 106.

Nic Willingham, also graduated, and senior Kyle Bizjak also earned state bids at 150 and 138, respectively.

Johnny Green, whose twin brother Luke will hit the mats at 106, and Bizjak will be a part of this season's core, along with returning district qualifiers Connor Tschudy (150) and Quinn Gorman (190), a pair of seniors.

"I am just excited. We graduated a lot of talent last year, but that does not mean we don't have talent this year," said Johnson. "We are learning to grow, and overall our objective is development and looking to peak at the end of the year."

Johnny Green compiled a 33-8 mark as a freshman and will be eyeing a finish atop the medal stand this winter.

"He is looking to build on last year, has higher goals for this season," said Johnson. "We are looking to help him accomplish those."

Luke Green wrestled two classes above his weight last year as a starter at 120 and did an admirable job, climbing his way to the districts. Now back at at his normal weight, his coach believes good things lie ahead for him.

"I am excited to see the damage he can do at 106," said Johnson. "At his actual weight class, we think he will be very competitive this year."

Taking over for Luke Green at 120 this season will be Cole Munn, who will be followed by freshman Michael Kennedy at 126.

Reese Sesny will compete at 132; freshman Drake Brasiel will be at 138.

Kennedy and Brasiel join another ninth-grader, Nick Turba (106) as a group of newcomers to watch this season. Their additions to the squad help give the Greenmen solid depth at the lower weights.

After reaching Columbus at 138 as a junior, Bizjak moves up a few pounds to 144 for his final season.

"He has been awesome and improving day-by-day," said Johnson.

Next up is Tschudy at 150 and sophomore Cole Walton at 157, two individuals Johnson is high on this season.

James Blaser will tangle at 165 followed by junior Austin Grossman and Gorman at 175 and 190, respectively.

"Gorman has taken a leadership role and is getting better week by week," said his coach. "Looking for a good senior year."

Johnson has a vacancy at 215 prior to Matthew Copley competing at heavyweight.

While new to the Suburban League, Johnson views the league and the American Division emerging as a powerful wrestling conference. Last season, the Greenmen were runners-up in the American.

"The American Division is competitive and we look to perform at our best," he said. "We are looking to put the best team out there and see what happens."

2022-23 Aurora wrestling schedule

December 9-10 at Independence tournament

Jan. 6 Avon Lake

Jan. 13-14 at Alliance Top Gun tournament

Jan. 19 at Brecksville

Jan. 28 at Suburban League tournament

Feb. 11 at Nordonia Duals

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Aurora Greenmen wrestling begin 2022-23 season