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Coach Tabar’s Webpage |
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Business as Usual |
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2007-2008 OUTLOOK |
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Several faces may have changed, but the wealth of talent and the commitment to winning on the Shippensburg wrestling team for 2007-08 is as strong as it has ever been. A solid group of incoming freshman will complement a talented returning squad.
125 pounds- Andrew Jones (R-So.) will battle Freshman Gary Atiyeh for the starting role. Andrew has seen a lot of action of the past few years, and Gary finished 5th in the PIAA State Tournament last year. Freshman Bryce Marshall will red-shirt because of a shoulder surgery.
133 pounds- Junior Josh Proctor is a transfer student from Delaware Valley College, returning to his home to his town. Josh was one match away from qualifying for nationals last season. This season, he expects to become an All-American.
141- NCAA runner-up, Steve Fittery (So.) returns in a quest for a national title. Barring any injuries, Steve should find himself among the nation’s best again this March. Sophomore Bill Purvis saw a lot of action last year, and he should continue to push Steve for the starting role at this weight class.
149- Kirby Fanus (R-Jr.) leads this weight class, but will be pushed by others. Kirby has dropped from 165 pounds last season, and seems to be at a more comfortable weight class. He’ll be challenged by PIAA State qualifier, Russ Sichak and by Rob Cross (R-Jr.)
157- Dan Nauman (R-Sr.) moved up from 149 pounds and hopes to return to Nationals after qualifying for the 2006 Tournament. He’ll be challenged by David Sunderland (R-Fr.) for the starting role. David placed 4th in the PIAA State Tournament in 2006. Andrew Ritchie (4th in PIAA State Tournament in 2007) will red-shirt his first year at SHIP.
165- Jake Wilson (R-Jr.) moved up from 157 pounds and also hopes to return to Nationals after qualifying for the 2007 Tournament. He’ll be challenged by Zach Hogentogler (R-Fr.) throughout the season. Freshman Jacque Scott (DE State Runner-up) will red-shirt for the season.
174- Chris Barrick (R-Fr.) leads this weight class. After an 8-2 outing last year, Chris is ready to become a force in the East Region. He will be challenged by Nate Reese (R-Fr.) throughout the season. Bobby Relyea will red-shirt for his first year at SHIP.
184- Jon Hade (R-So.) will be the starter at this weight class. He returns to wrestling after a few seasons on SHIP’s football team. Jon was a PIAA state runner-up as a senior and plans to return to top form this year.
197- Veteran Pete Grodziak (Sr.) should become a national qualifier this year. Last year, he missed qualifying by one match, and Pete plans on becoming an All-American as his career comes to an end. Freshman Jake Haislip (7th in VA State Tournament) will red-shirt this season.
285- Jonathan Rhone (R-Fr.), who was a PIAA State qualifier in 2006, will battle with Brandon Miller (Fr.) for the starting role. Jonathan was behind All-American Jason Groller last year, and Brandon finished 5th in the PIAA State Tournament.
The coaches believe this is an extremely talented team. The only disadvantage could be the youth and inexperience overall. By season’s end, the Wrestling Raiders should finish among the top teams in the country.
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