NTL WRESTLING: WITH HUNGRY RETURNERS TROY LOOKS TO BE COMPETITIVE IN 2023-2024 (2023-12-02)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
It’s another wrestling for Troy, as they feature a younger roster as freshmen out number seniors. However, they return some grapplers who are hungry to improve on last year’s finishes.

“I’m pretty excited,” said returning senior Kenyon Slater. “I’m trying to have high standards for myself, and I don’t want to let the team down, either. I want to make it a season I’ll remember.”

Is Slater is one of three returning Trojans who made the District IV Tournament a year ago. The other two are Konner Kerr and Jacob Hinman.

After wrestling at 133 pounds a year ago Slater is looking to bump all the way up to 152 this season.

“The competition is probably going to be stronger,” said Slater. “I’m going to have to wrestle with a lot more technique than I did in previous years.”

Going up against bigger guys won’t be easy, especially when on bottom.

“I’ll have to (get out very) quickly, so I don’t get tired out before the top guys does,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult but I think I can make it work.”

He’s been working on that, along with his stamina, but he also feels he has some advantages at the spot, too.

“I think I’ll be quicker than most of them,” Slater said. “I think I’ll be able to take shots that might not be there for someone a little bigger than me. I think there’ll be some more windows open.”

Hinman plans to bump up to 160 pounds this year, up from 152 a year ago.

“I think it’ll be relatively similar,” he said. “Most of the time it’s just the same kids bumping up with age, too.”

Hinman has made speed a big focus this off-season, along with technique and strength.

“I want to go a little bit further than last year,” he said. “Last ended disappointing, so just make it a little bit further.”

Junior Rylan Breidt plans on manning the 172 pounds weight class this year, moving up from 160 pounds.

“I feel very comfortable,” he said. “Last year I was at 172 a couple of matches, so I’m pretty used to it.”

Along with strength and conditioning Breidt has also been working on his mat knowledge.

“Putting those moves in my head, and using different moves,” he remarked. 

He’ll also be stepping into a leadership this role.

“I feel like I’ll have to have more respect for my underclassmen,” said Breidt. “Be more encouraging on the mat, cheering them on, make them feel better, even if they lose.”

Senior William Steele will be providing depth for the Trojans, much like he did last year, as he can go as low as 152, but wrestled 160 and 172 a year ago.

“Cutting down is going to make it a little easier for me,” said Steele. 

He’s focused on trying to be more aggressive on the mat.

“This off season I’ve been taking more opportunities,” he explained. “Better shots, and finding my angles. It’s very important because that’s where it’s going to get tough.”

As for the dual meet season, the Trojans came up just short of making district duals a year ago, so that’s definitely a goal this year. They also want to give their fans something to cheer for.

“We’ll probably just attack, attack, attack, especially when we’re at home,” Slater said. “We have to put on a show for anyone watching.”

With 15 kids on the roster they should be able to come close to getting all 13 spots filled.

“I think we’ll be better than last year,” said Hinman. “I think we have more kids that reliable, and more people, too. I’m excited to see how we do.”

ROSTER (Grade)

Carter Austin (11)

Rylan Breidt (11)

Wyatt Chaapel (9)

Jay Cummings (9)

Logann Heasley (9)

Jacob Hinman (12)

Rodnee Hutto (9)

Keagan Kerr (9)

Konner Kerr (12)

Cameron Kneller (10)

Wilder Koch (10)

Reed Palmer (9)

Kenyon Slater (12)

Roland Smith (10)

William Steele (12)

SCHEDULE

Dec. 6 at Towanda, 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 at DKI

Dec. 9 at DKI

Dec. 12 vs Williamson, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Wellsboro, 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs NPL, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Tunkhannock Tournament

Dec. 28 at Tunkhannock Tournament, 9 a.m.

Jan. 4 at Athens, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Line Mountain Duals

Jan. 9 vs NEB, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Elmira Memorial Tournament

Jan. 13 at Elmira Memorial Tournament

Jan. 16 at Canton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Wyalusing, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 vs Jersey Shore, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Loyalsock, 7 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Sectionals

Feb. 23 at Districts

Feb. 24 at Districts

Mar 1 at Regionals

Mar 2 at Regionals

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