The Highland wrestling team lost three key seniors to graduation, but Coach Adam Gilmore feels the Fighting Scots should compete for a title with eight returning letter winners, including several state alternates and district qualifiers.
“We want to compete for a conference (MOAC) title,” Gilmore said. He is entering his 20th year coaching, with 19 at Highland. “We want to compete at all of our events and be towards the top. Our main focus is getting kids through the tournament series and get [sic] as many kids as we can to districts and state.”
A solid core of wrestlers return to the team, including returning state alternate Caleb Wetzel in the 132 class; Konner Blaney, who is a returning state alternate at 106; Brendan Lester, who is a returning district qualifier at 113; Remington Baker, who was a district qualifier in the 150 class; Chandler Stevens, who was a district qualifier; Ethan Taylor, who is a district alternate in the 190 class; and district alternate Landon Pedigo. Gilmore said several freshmen with experience could be impactful, as well.
The Fighting Scots lost Cody Matthews, who was a two-time state placer at 157; Eli Grandstaff, who was a state alternate in the 165 class; and Kaden Miller, who was a three-time district qualifier in the 138 class.
“We just focus on improving from one week to the next,” Gilmore said. “Right now, we have a lot of guys who put in time over the spring and summer and have retained a lot, so I am looking forward to seeing these guys continue to grow and improve. I'm really counting on the team to progress and jump a couple levels. Obviously, we want to see those guys who finished well last season to do even better, which is their goal, as well.”
Gilmore said there are challenges for the squad each week. This includes the Harding Classic over the holidays, as well as several tough January tournaments. He said the Josh Hephner tournament in Austintown on Jan. 20 and 21 should have some good matches.
Highland began the season by winning the Tom Ellis Classic Invitational on Dec. 3, winning 42 matches and losing only 13. Champions were Wetzel at 138 pounds, Cael Gilmore at 144, and Baker at 157. Runner-ups were Blaney at 113, Matthew Scarbury at 150, and Taylor at 190. Placing third were Lester at 120 and Landon Pedigo at 285. Placing fourth was Jacob Wymer at 157.
Highland hosted the Jeremy Ammons Kilted Klassic on Dec. 10 and finished fourth, winning 39 matches and losing 28. Top Highland finishers included second-place Blaney at 106 pounds, Gilmore at 138 pounds, Baker at 150 pounds, and Taylor at 190 pounds. Third-place finishers for Highland included Wetzel at 132 pounds and Pedigo at 285.
Highland next hosts Utica, today at 6:30 p.m. and heads for the Marion Harding Invitational, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m.
