Last year, the Boyertown wrestling team wanted to celebrate the 50th year of the program in style.
And the Bears won just about everything on the way to the PIAA Class AAA quarterfinals, including a second straight Pioneer Athletic Conference title.
Boyertown returns five state medalists and almost its entire starting lineup from last year's 21-2 team. But the Bears aren't the only ones with experience, which should once again make the PAC a league to be reckoned with around the district and state.
"We have a great group of kids here, who have set high goals for themselves and our team, and have been working towards their goals all offseason," said coach Pete Ventresca. "We are excited about this team and their potential. I believe that this is going to be the most talented and balanced team that I have ever been associated with."
2. Wildcats have a lot left
Owen J. Roberts graduated three state qualifiers in Demetri D'Orsaneo (fifth), Derek Gulotta (sixth) and Dominik Petrucelli, who combined for 118 wins last year. But state qualifiers Xavier Ferrizzi and Ryan Resnick lead a strong group of upperclassmen.
"We graduated a deep and talented group of athletes last year, but this has created an opportunity for our underclassmen to step up and take over the reins," said coach Stephen DeRafelo. "We are excited about our talented group of freshmen. We have a lot of work to do if we hope to compete in the PAC-10. The league is full of great coaches and tough kids."
3. Trojans return all but one
Pottstown graduated only Alex Humma, and brings back two-time state qualifier Bryant Wise (92-24 career) and two other seniors who have a shot at reaching the 100-win mark in Logan Pennypacker (92-26) and Mason Pennypacker (72-32). Six others had at least 10 wins last year.
"We have a solid core of returning wrestlers and a few promising freshmen coming in that should see varsity time," said coach Brad Bechtel. "We are looking to stay healthy all year and try to be competitive in the extremely tough PAC-10."
4. Falcons also return plenty
Pottsgrove lost just one regular to graduation (regional qualifier Evan Weneck), has five district qualifiers back and should be bolstered by a pair of new 132-pounders in junior Alan Hill and sophomore Matt Sizemore.
Last year, the Falcons went 5-2 against non-league opponents and won the Colley Classic and Meister tournaments, and should be able to hold their own against all but the PAC's perennial leaders.
5. Larger turnout for Panthers
Pope John Paul II graduated two of the most successful wrestlers in the program's five-year history - state AA fourth-place finisher Michael Collins and district champion Luke Genetti - from a team-record eight regional qualifiers.
But two-time district champion Nick Yerger, who missed out on a state spot by one win, returns, and the Golden Panthers - who have routinely forfeited three or four weight classes over the years - have 18 wrestlers on the roster so far and hopes of filling the lineup.
Sophomore Zane Alderfer and freshman Chris Salvo are expected to lead a group of 14 ninth- and 10th-graders.
