Members of the Panther wrestling team are from left, front row, Tucker Green, Dominick Coy, Aiden Groves and Drew Halterman; second row, Ashton Griffith, Billy Reed-Bodey, Tanner Conway and Braxton Wilhelm; back row, Ethan Chippas, Mazen Green, Connor McCardle and coach James Kasser.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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The sport of wrestling has returned to varsity status at Fairbanks High School for the 2018-19 season.
The Panthers are also under the guidance of new head coach James Kasser.
FHS has several returning lettermen in the fold.
They include, among others, juniors Ethan Chippas (160), Andrew Halterman (160), Aiden Groves (138) Tanner Conway (170) and Braxton Wilhelm (160).
Sophomores who earned letters last winter include Billy Reed-Bodey (285) Ashton Griffith (170), Tucker Green (182) and Mason Lotz (220).
The veterans will be supplemented by freshmen Connor McCardle (160), Mazen Green (152) and Tyler Daniels (285).
Kasser said he has been impressed with his team during the preseason.
“Our strength is our mental toughness and strong desire to become champions,” said Kasser. “We also have strong support from the wrestlers’ families, the school administration and the community.”
The coach’s main concern pertains to how many athletes will put on a uniform this winter.
“Our numbers are low because this has not been a varsity program for the past 10 years,” said Kasser. “However, we had 30 youngsters sign up and attend our first practice of the Panthers Youth Wrestling Club.
“That is very promising because building our program from the youth up will be vital to the (future) success of Fairbanks wrestling.”