Indians have hopes of a sweet Hershey visit on the mat

BY BRIAN CARSON Sports correspondent

MIFFLINTOWN — The Juniata wrestling program starts the new season acting out their version of the classic comedy, ‘Back to the Future.’

The Indians return to Class 2A after a six-year stint with the bigger but smaller field 3A schools in District 6. Juniata won the school’s only state team championship in Class 2A wrestling in 2003.

Juniata co-coaches

Adam Barrick and Jared Dressler have reasons to be optimistic, with seven starters returning and an 18-wrestler turnout.

“The turnout is improving each year. Hopefully, we’ll have fewer holes in the lineup than last year. We have a lot of experience back, and that always helps,” Barrick said. “I enjoy being back in AA. It’s where Jared and I wrestled. It’s like coming home.”

Depending on who weighs what, the Indians may field a full lineup for the first time in a long while.

“Going into our fourth year, it’s coming together where it’s like a well-oiled machine, but we need a few more pieces to make it all come together,” Dressler said. “When you have a full lineup, you know how to progress throughout the season. You have to scramble to find the right lineup when it’s more of a juggling situation. That’s why it’s important we get back to a full lineup as we had in the late 90s, early 2000s.”

The Smith brothers— Casey and Taylor—senior twins, lead the Juniata charge. Casey advanced to the PIAA tournament and finished with a 32-7 record. Taylor went 29-7 and finished fourth in the regionals, one spot out of a trip to Hershey.

“They are coming into the season expecting a lot from themselves, so I think it’s going to be a good year for them,” Barrick said. “Both have spent some good time on the mat in the offseason to prepare for this season and the postseason.”

The goal for both is to stand on the podium in Hershey.

“With the postseason time they put in and their work ethic, I wouldn’t be surprised if they both come away with a medal,” Dressler said. “They work hard on the mat and in the weight room. I definitely think they have the motivation to do well.”

Two other regional qualifiers return in senior Jonathan Kauffman (28-9) and sophomore Joey Bomberger (15-19).

Kauffman, like Taylor Smith, just missed a trip to Hershey, placing fourth at regionals last season.

“Jonathan is playing football, and you can tell he’s hit the weights. He’s looking more solid than he was last year,” Dressler said. “He has a fire lit from last year. He’s going to push himself twice as hard this season to overcome that adversity he had to go through.”

Bomberger, a member of the cross country team that won the district championship this fall, looks to return to regionals after conquering the challenging task of making it there as a ninth grader.

“Joey competing in cross country, you know he’s going to have a gas tank right away. It’s just about working on technique and getting some moves in. He’ll be dangerous right away. He’ll be able to push people in the third period and win some matches. I’m excited about that,” Barrick said. “Cross country, especially for the lighter weights, is one of the best things you can do to get ready for wrestling. Going as far as he did as a freshman is an invaluable experience to get ready for this season.”

Other starters returning include juniors Amelia Smith (6-4) and Harrison Mummah (15-17) and sophomore Lane Peiper (6-18).

“We have some young guys coming up and are looking good. We have experienced kids back that will help the younger guys prepare for the season,” Barrick said. “Some guys from last season, like Harrison Mummah and Lane Peiper, I’m expecting them to come out with fire. They don’t like the way their season ended.”