Mustangs

Continued from Page 7 wrestlers in Connor Heckman, Kyle Ferster, Jay Yount and Matthew Smith.

“We always look for our seniors to fill that role and be leaders on and off the mat for the team,” Franquet said. “They are seasoned wrestlers and know what to expect and how to prepare. Also there are always some underclassmen as well that step up into such a role and lead on and off the mat as well.”

“Some of the upperclassmen have found their style and utilize that to wrestle their match through controlling the pace and tempo,” the court.”

Looking to help fill up the starting lineup will be juniors Alejandro Flores De Valgaz, Brent Graybill and Kenny Hoover. Sophomores Jaredyn Hair and Alex Meiser as well as freshmen Troy Hoover and Hunter Shafferman.

Regardless, coach Tusing believes that who ever is in the game, Juniata Christian as a strong chance to win any game during the season.

“I believe all our kids are working hard and won’t quit, no matter the challenges,” Tusing said.

However, the one thing that the Lions will be looking to be consistent with throughout the year is the ability to protect the ball and make every possession count.

Franquet added. “Som have also gorwn in the sport and are looking to score points, compete and enjoy the time they are able to spend on the mat.”

There is an issue that the Mustangs will look to figure out throughout the coming season as they will be looking to fill out as many weight classes as they can. There are 13 weight classes while Midd-West is only able to field 11 wrestlers. To make matters worse, some of the wrestlers are in the same weight classes, so according to coach Franquet, the team will be trying to focus on the wrestlers that they have and continue to build them up.

“We’ll jockey kids around and fill as much weight classes as we can. At the end

Juniata Christian boys basketball

Dec. 9 @High Point 6:30 PM

Dec. 10 @Lancaster County Christian 3:30 PM

Dec. 13 vs Columbia County

7:30 PM

Dec. 16 @Grace Prep 7 PM

Dec. 19 @Belleville Mennonite

7:30 PM

Dec. 27 @Coventry Christian

4 PM

Dec. 28 @Christian School of York

TBA

Jan. 3 vs Columbia-Montour AVTS

6 PM

Jan. 6 vs Gillingham Charter

4:30 PM

Jan. 10 vs Meadowbrook Christian

7:30 PM

Jan. 13 @Northumberland Christian

7:30 PM

Jan. 17 vs Walnut Street 6 PM

Jan. 19 @Covenant Christian

6 PM

Jan. 20 @Columbia County

7:30 PM

Jan. 23 @Harrisburg Academy

7:30 PM

Jan. 24 vs Belleville Mennonite

“I believe is you do not turn the ball over you can put yourself in good position to be competitive,”

Tusing said. The ACAA will be no walk in the park this coming season for Junia- ta Christian in its quest for the postseason. But no matter what happens,

See Lions / Page 21

7:30 PM

Jan. 27 vs Newport 7:30 PM

Jan. 31 vs Northumberland Christian 7:30 PM

Feb. 3 @Meadowbrook Christian

7:30 PM of the day, the end result is the postseason,” Franquet said. “I consider this all preseason stuff and the dual meets. When you get to Sectionals, Districts, regionals and States is when you want to progress and be a that level to compete and make it to Hershey.”

“So honestly we just worry about the kids development,” Franquet continued. “And getting better throughout the season until the end of the year.”

There will be plenty to focus on throughout the season according to coach Franquet as the Mustangs will be competing against a tall order which includes teams like Montoursville, Mifflinburg as well as Lewisburg.

“Our entire schedule pres- ents quality competition for out wrestlers,” Franquet said. “There will definitely be some great individual matches throughout the season through duals and in the tournaments we attend.”

But nonetheless, MiddWest will continue to push forward in its quest to reach the State tournament and get as many medals as possible.

“Main goal is to see the kids progress, stay healthy, get better everyday, one percent better everyday and ulitmately to see them get on the top eight steps in Hershey at the end of the year in March,” Franquet said. “I want to see them progress to that level. Be able to get a State medal around their necks.”

Feb. 7 vs Grace Prep 7:30 PM

Feb. 10 @Walnut Street 6 PM