Huskies try to keep momentum in 2022-23

BY BRIAN CARSON Sports correspondent

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County wrestling team will have a huge bullseye on their backs entering the 2022-23 season.

All because of the marvelous run the Huskies had a year ago.

Mifflin County went unbeaten in the regular season, joining the 1971 Penn Highlands squad as the only schools in county history to do so.

The Huskies captured their first Mid-Penn Conference championship. They won District 6 Class 3A dual and tournament titles and were one win away from finishing top four at the PIAA Duals

It was a magical season, and now Coach Kirby Martin and crew will try to defend their district crown. Mifflin County enters the season with 24 kids on the roster.

“Each year, we average between 22-25 kids, and we are in that range again. I’m thankful we can have that many kids,” Martin said. “You hope for separation to fill different weights and for depth. I wish more kids would come out just because of the character wrestling builds.”

The Huskies have seven starters back, led by PIAA qualifier Hunter Johnson (34-11). After two injury-plagued seasons, the senior finally had a relatively healthy one.

“His run last year, for the most part, thankfully, was injury free. It was refreshing he could get through the season and have a great year,” Martin said. “He’s always believed in himself and getting to the mat at Hershey should do wonders for his confidence this season.”

Also returning are re- gional qualifiers Deakon

Schaeffer (29-12), Parker Kearns (29-11), Blake Aumiller (26-18), Jacob Cunningham (8-10), and Avery Aurand (19-17). Cunningham is a senior, Schaeffer, Kearns, and Aumiller are juniors. Aurand is a sophomore.

“It’s another level of maturity in their wrestling, how they practice, and of course, how hard they compete. They’ve had two years of varsity, and it’s time to take it up a notch. We want our kids to progress each year, and so, that’s what my hope is for these kids,” Martin said.

Schaeffer injured his knee in a playoff football game against Altoona in November. He may not be ready to start the season.

Sophomores Colby

Seiler (12-11) and Styers

Oden (8-19) return to add depth to the starting lineup. Part-time starters Lucas Sheetz (13-12), a senior, and sophomore Kamden ler Everly (160), PIAA place winner Trey Shoemaker (189), Anson Wagner (215), and Jaxson Pupo (215). their lineup. None of them are seniors,” Martin said. “It brings strength to our district, which we need. I think we can give them a run for their money.”

Everly (8-8) look to have more prominent roles in 2022-23.

Juniors Gavin Mickey (2-2) and Tylor Druckemiller (4-4), along with sophomore Peyton Kearns (12), saw varsity action last year.

Throw in former PIAA placer and four-time district champion Nic Allison (113), and you can see the big shoes Martin and his staff must fill. Replacing the upper weight losses is crucial.

Warrior, and the Neil Turner Classic tournaments.

Add to that a Mid-Penn Commonwealth schedule which includes Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley, and State College.

“We have a very good core to build on this year. Missing those guys from last year will change the dynamic of our lineup, but I’m excited to see how this group starts to gel,” Martin said. “We want them to take on the goals, embrace the grind and make this their team. We need them to step up as leaders. I’m looking for the seniors to step up and assume the leadership role. It’s their team now.”

Freshmen Reese Christine and Truitt Davis should have roles in the starting lineup. Both made it to PJW Junior High states last year at 157 and 212, respectively. The duo, along with Kearns at heavyweight, are major keys to how the season will go.

“Every year, we have a new group of kids. The goal is to get them acclimated as quickly as possible.” Martin said. “The jump to high school wrestling is the toughest thing to do. Hopefully, we can get them on the mats, get them that first-year experience, and grow from there.”

The Huskies lost five starters from last season, with four in the upper weights: state qualifier Ky-

“We’re definitely going to miss them. That was a group that started with us as ninth graders. All of them wrestled for a long time. They’ve wrestled since elementary, worked their way up through, stayed together, and stayed with the sport,” Martin said. “Early on, as ninth graders, they had some struggles. It wasn’t easy, but they persevered. By their senior year, the team was well-balanced, and they were the leaders.”

Seniors Yanis Patel, Kaden Reid, and Cody Wagner; juniors Quinn Miller, Dreyson Weaver, Levi Marks, and Jesus Guerrero, sophomores Hunter Tipton and Brennan Guido round out the roster.

Mifflin County faces a grueling schedule with appearances at King of the Mountain, the Ultimate

In District 6, the Huskies hook up with rival Central Mountain in early December. Altoona and Philipsburg-Osceola are on the calendar as well.

“We try to keep the schedule at a high level. I am a big proponent of iron sharpens iron. The teams in the Mid-Penn are quality matches every year. That helps us to keep our edge,” Martin said. “The tournaments give our kids more matches. In some of those tournaments, we’ll be able to enter more than one kid at some weight classes. I love that we can do that now and have some of our backups get matches in a varsity tournament.”

The district shapes up to be a three-way battle between Mifflin County, State College, and Central Mountain.

“I think it’s a toss-up between State College and Central Mountain, Each one has a state champion returning, and both have two other state placers in

It’s hard to repeat in any sport, but Mifflin County is in an excellent position to do just that.

“The goal we have every year is for the kids to improve and get better as the season progresses. You want to take a group of kids every year, have them believe in themselves, think positive when they step out on the mat and have fun,” Martin said. “I want to continue the success of last year. I want to have good balance up and down the lineup. Hopefully, some of the kids returning improve on their tournament placings. I hope the kids embrace the leadership idea, make good decisions, and strive to be leaders on and off the mat.”

Mifflin County wrestling Record: 13-2 (5-0 in MidPenn Commonwealth). Coach: Kirby Martin. Assistants: Dale Searer, Tyler Bedelyon, Trey Hartsock, David Wray.