Dutch wrestlers hoping for continued success under new coach
There may be a new head coach at the helm of the St. Marys Area High School Flying Dutchmen wrestling program, but the squad is hoping to continue building on the success that they have achieved in recent years.
New head coach Garrett Hurd shared that he is looking forward to seeing improvement from each of his wrestlers this season.
“Whether a wrestler is at the top of his game or new to the program, everyone has room for improvement,” Hurd said. “I’m excited to watch them get better as the season goes on.”
Hurd noted that the program is coming off of a successful season that saw four wrestlers qualify for the state tournament. Of those four wrestlers, two return this season and will be looking to make another run to Hershey.
“With having a young team, we plan to rely heavily on our experienced upperclassmen for leadership and to set the tone in the room,” Hurd said.
This year’s roster consists of five seniors, Jonathan Bandy, Tristan Dilley, Dillion Kuhns, Owen TamburlinLang, and Andew Wolfanger; four juniors, Aiden Beimel, Evan Caskey, Grant Jin, Ethan Ott, and Jaden Wehler; eight sophomores, Cullen Catalone, Landon Cook, AJ Himes, Jace Meyer, Michael Miller, Jack Neil, Owen Thompson, and Jayce Walter; and three freshmen, Jack Keebler, Konner Meyer, and Brody Wehler.
Hurd shared that the number one goal is to maintain the current roster and keep everyone healthy, motivated, and goal-oriented throughout the season.
The team is also hoping to contend for a district team title and advance as many wrestlers from the individual tournament to regionals as possible.
“The team is adapting well to a new coaching staff, as well as improving quickly with the high pace we are setting in the room,” Hurd said. “Also, having a few wrestlers that compete year round and show leadership helps to set the tone in the room for the entire team.”
Hurd added that one of his biggest challenges is helping his wrestlers recognize that they can achieve far more than they believe to be possible.
“In other words, wrestling is not only physical, but largely in part mental toughness and decision making skills,” Hurd said. “I want them to learn to love the grind.”
Hurd encouraged members of the community to come support the team this season.
“St. Marys has a strong, supportive community for our youth across many of the sports, and I encourage the same for our wrestling program,” Hurd said. “We have a strong lineup this season with a strong group of coaches, and our junior high program is also full of talent and growing. This is an exciting time for our wrestling program, and your support is needed and appreciated for our young athletes. These wrestlers put in a lot of hard work and time to this sport, and it is important for them to see their community there cheering them on. Community backing keeps a program growing, and our goal is to keep the numbers increasing year after year.”
Assisting Hurd this season at the varsity level are David Fordoski, Steve Simchick, Sam Miller, and Adam Bickford. Junior high coaches are Brad Steinbach and Josh Meyer.