NTL WRESTLING: WITH STRONG NUCLEUS WYALUSING HAS HIGH HOPES FOR 2023-2024 (2023-12-02)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
The Wyalusing wrestling room got a make-over and there’s a buzz about it to match. The Rams return three 35-plus match winners from a year ago, and, for the first time in a while, their coach Michael Earle believes they’ll be able to feature a full line-up.

“It seems like there’s a lot of excitement coming in this year,” said Earle. “I think we’ve had the most number of guys putting in some off-season work than we’ve had in quite a few years. We’ve got three state qualifiers in the room, so I think all that leads to some excitement - there is one higher expectations this year, which is all good.”

Ayden Hunsinger (37-11) and Cole Patrick (36-13) were state qualifiers last season, while CJ Carr (37-9) made it to Hershey a year ago. Combine that with returnees Cade McMicken (23-13) and Isaiah Harvey (23-10), and they have the makings of a solid line-up.

“We have a really good mix of kids,” Earle said. “We have our leaders that have gone through the process. It’s kind of the opposite a couple years ago, where we had only three or four returning lettermen. For us to be really competitive, we’ve got to find a way to get our less experienced kids up in a hurry, and be able to compete there, which they’re doing. We’re making a lot of progress, even for this early in the year.”

Hunsinger was a fourth place finisher at regionals a year ago, and even won a match down at states at 152 pounds.

“It’s definitely a strong point, knowing you’re right there with everyone, and, hopefully, this year get on the podium,” he said.

He plans on wrestling ay 160 to start the year, but could drop come the postseason. It’s quite a jump conserving where he came in as a freshman two years ago.

“Whatever makes you stronger,” Hunsinger remarked. “Hitting the gym, anything to get you up to the next level.”

One thing he learned at states was that he needed to get faster.

“I have to be able to keep up with all them and their fast feet,” said Hunsinger. 

Patrick was a regional runner-up at 114 pounds after taking fourth at districts. He went 0-2 at states, but picked up a lot of good experience as a freshman.

Carr, though, had a tough end to the season last year. He was the odd man out in a tough weight class at 121 pounds, but has learned from the experience.

“I’m pumped,” said the senior. “I’ve been wrestling with a chip on my shoulder all summer. I was kind of caught in between weight classes, and I ended up making a decision I can’t change now. But, it was a ton of motivation for the off season.”

He plans on starting at 133, but then possibly dropping to 127 when the two pounds allowance comes into play.

“I’ve adapted to my weight,” said Carr. “This is the first year in my high school career that I’m not questioning what weight I’m going to be, so it’s definitely a lot more confidence.”

The senior McMicken plans on wrestling at 152 to start the year, then drop to 145.

“I think, in the beginning that’s the best spot to help fill the team,” he said. “I think 45 will be where I can wrestle my best postseason.”

McMicken feels he’s halfway there in terms of getting to where he wants to be as a wrestler.

“The biggest thing for me is just keeping my feet moving and finishing my shots,” he explained. “I always got in deep, and then I couldn’t finish, so all summer long, working at United and stuff, with t things like that I’ve really been able to pick up speed and I’ve been able to move my feet a lot faster, which I think will really help.”

Dual meet wise, those five plus 20-match winner Jonathan Earle, will make up the core of the team as they challenge for the NTL title.

“I think our strongest will be right up the lower end right through the middle,” said McMicken. “I think as long as we get a couple bigger guys to help us out there I think we could be really solid.”

Adapting as the season goes on will be key for the Rams.

“We need to make adjustments,” said Carr. “After watching our guys wrestle we need to make adjustments throughout the season.”

The defending league champions, Canton, isn’t going anywhere, and Towanda loses just one from a team that made the final four in district duals.

“I think it’s going to be an exciting year for the NTL this year,” said Earle. “Towanda is kind of the favorites going in with the returners they have coming back, but I think, with match-ups, you know, it’s still a little open where tow or three different teams probably have the same goal we do, and that’s the league championship.”

As for right now, they’re just focused on getting better, with Hunsinger using the football team’s resurgence as a template.

“Mentality is a big one,” he said. “Being a big family and pushing each other to be at the next level.”

ROSTER (Grade)

Trey McMicken (12)

Cade McMicken (12)

Zach Fenton (12)

CJ Carr (12)

Ayden Hunsinger (11)

Ethan Vanderpool (10)

Colton Robinson (10)

Cole Patrick (10)

Reuben Kinney (10)

Isaiah Harvey (10)

Dominick Hadlock (10)

Jonathan Earle (10)

Bostyn McMicken (9)

Jesse Lamb (9)

Matthew Johnson (9)

Gage Hiley (9)

Jacob Gromley (9)

Dan Fox (9)

Jack Fischer (9)

Yeno Alejandrino (9)

SCHEDULE

Dec. 6 at Wellsboro, 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 hosts Gary Woodruff Duals, 9 a.m.

Dec. 19 at Selinsgrove, 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 vs Williamson, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Jim Thorpe Tournament, 10 a.m.

Dec. 28 at Jim Thorpe Tournament, 11 a.m.

Jan. 4 vs NEB, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Line Mountain Duals

Jan. 9 at Canton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Athens, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs Benton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs Towanda, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 at NPL, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 vs Troy, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Ultimate Warrior

Jan. 27 at Ultimate Warrior

Feb. 17 at Sectionals

Feb. 23 at Districts

Feb. 24 at Districts

Mar 1 at Regionals

Mar 2 at Regionals

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