WAYNESBORO – The Waynesboro Area Senior High School varsity wrestling team begins the 2021-22 season on Dec. 11 in a duals tournament at Spring Grove.
The first home competition will be on Dec. 21 against James Buchanan in a Mid-Penn Colonial Division meet.
Head coach David Swink, entering his fourth season after succeeding Eric Mowen as the top coach, will oversee a young team.
“We have two freshmen, 21 sophomores, two juniors and three seniors,” said Swink. “This is, however, the hardest group of young men that we have had since our team from 2018-19 that made it into the team districts.
“I am expecting really good things from this group. We are, unfortunately, missing 106 and 113 and are very young at heavyweight. It is key for us as a team that Jayden Rooney make 115 when we get the two-pound allowance.”
Rooney, a freshman, was 7-1 as an eighth-grader last year during an abbreviated season.
“He will be a big 115-pounder with very solid technique,” Swink said. “We’re hoping for a 20-plus win season for Jayden.”
The lineup is anchored by seniors Bodie Rouzer and Kaden Rouzer.
Bodie, expected to compete 138 pounds, was 16-7 and placed second in the sectional tournament. He’s a two-time District 3 qualifier and was a 2019 sectional champion.
“Bodie is healthy and ready to go,” Swink said. “He’s looking to finish off his wrestling career with a run in the postseason. I look for Bodie to have an excellent season. He is coming in with high expectations and a great attitude. I am hoping for him to finally make it to states this year.”
Kaden Rouzer was 12-6 last season and fourth at sectionals. He was also a district qualifier.
“It has truly been an honor to coach these two boys through the years,” said Swink. “They are extremely hard working both in the classroom and on the mat. As with his brother, I am hoping for Kaden to peak at the end of his senior year and accompany his brother with a run to states.”
In addition to the three aforementioned wrestlers, sophomore Garrett Price (15-6 at 106 pounds last season), sophomore Titus Mong and sophomore Robert Howard are expected to be key contributors this season.
Price was 15-6 in 2020-21 at 106 pounds and is expected to compete with Luke Lehr for the 132-pound spot.
“Garrett has really grown through the offseason,” Swink said. “He has put on a lot of muscle. It will be interesting to see how he handles the higher weight classes. He is a quality wrestler.”
Mong was 9-10 last season but was a 160-pounder wrestling at 172 as a freshman.
“I think Titus will turn some heads this year,” Swink said.
Howard was 10-8 a season ago at 126 pounds. He will compete with Colby Bittorie for the 152-pound weight class.
“Robert has grown into a solid 152-pounder,” Swink added. “He really grew in confidence and technique last year as a freshman. He’s wrestling very well and should see a lot of wins for us this year.”
Here’s a look at the projected lineup entering the season:
106-forfeit; 113-Jayden Rooney; 120-Peyton Keller; 126-Calvin Myers; 132-Garrett Price/Luke Lehr; 138-Bodie Rouzer; 145-Kaden Rouzer; 152-Robert Howard/Colby Bittorie; 160-Garrett Lowans; 172-Titus Mong; 189-Isaac Bautista/Kyle Maldanado; 215-Caden Shockey; 285-Hector Gabriel/Cort Myers.
SCHEDULE
(* – denotes conference meet)
Dec. 11, at Spring Grove Rocket Duals (Spring Grove, Chambersburg, Carlisle, Waynesboro), 8:30 a.m.
Dec. 16, at *West Perry, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17, at Carlisle Individual Tournament, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 18, at Carlisle Individual Tournament, 9 a.m.
Dec. 21, *James Buchanan, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 29, at Trojan Wars Tournament, 10 a.m.
Dec. 30, at Trojan Wars Tournament, 8 a.m.
Jan. 4, at Mercersburg Academy, TBD
Jan. 6, at *Big Spring, 7 p.m.
Jan. 8, at Grizzly Duals, Elizabethtown High School, 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 12, Chambersburg, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13, at *Greencastle-Antrim, 7 p.m.
Jan. 19, South Western, 7 p.m.
Jan. 20, at *Boiling Springs, 7 p.m.
Jan. 22, at Denver Duals, Cocalico High School, 10 a.m.
Ja. 25, at Susquehannock, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27, *Shippensburg, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 5, at Rally in the Valley Duals, Conestoga Valley High School, 8 a.m.
Feb. 12, at Spring Grove JV Championships, 9 a.m.
