Marysville’s varsity wrestling team is pictured from left, front row, Tyler Winfield, Nathan Thompson, Tracen Cooper, Harley Crouso, Parker Reese, Joey Palmer, Josh Melms, Madison Sharp, Destiny Fry, Laila Oribello and Jack Golla; second row, Christian McCartney, Zach Pfarr, Jayden Simmons, Zach McMinn, Erryl Will, Lincoln Heard, Garrett Seger, Shelby Downey, Maddi Adelsberger and Max Shroyer; third row, Lincoln Witt, Ben Bickerstaff, Cali Leng, Joe Elay, Blaize Hall, Brady Seger, Lucas Miller, Austin Romine, Emilio Guerrero, Jayden Deardorff and Colton Powers; fourth row, C.J. Grose, Nevin Digney, Parker Stackhouse, Riley Miller, Alton Dobyns, Jake Crouso, Kreagan Hughes, Cole Pombert and Ethan Heartsfield; back row, coaches Luke Wimmers, head coach Shawn Andrews, Curtis Thompson and Corey Ginn. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
It may take some time before Marysville High School’s varsity wrestling team is up to true form this winter.
At the present time, 70% of the squad consists of athletes who are between 130 and 160 pounds.
“That only accounts for five weight classes,” said head coach Shawn Andrews. “With the weight certification program and weight loss plans, it will take some time to get all of our best wrestlers in the line-up.
“It is great for depth in the middle, but at both ends of the line-up, we are going to have a lot of new faces.”
The Monarchs do have a number of veterans on the roster.
State tournament qualifier Lincoln Heard will look to contribute between 138 and 145 pounds.
Division I district tournament qualifiers from last year include Nate Thompson (126), Tyler Winfield (138), Josh Melms (132/138), Erryl Will (152/160) and 285-pounder Zach McMinn, who was a district qualifier for Dublin Jerome during the 2018-19 season.
Additional returning starters include Madison Sharp (106), Tracen Cooper (138) and Joey Palmer (195/220).
Rounding out the list of varsity lettermen are Harley Crouso (126), Jack Golla (138/145), Jayden Simmons (160), Garrett Seger (170) and Parker Reese (170/182).
Andrews said there are several freshmen looking to make an impact on this year’s varsity squad.
They include Zach Pfarr (106), Ethan Skiles (106), Blaze Hall (120), Colton Powers (145/152) and Christian McCartney (160/170).
Andrews said Dublin Coffman is the team to beat in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division.
The Shamrocks captured the divisional crown last winter.
“Upper Arlington will have nine seniors, which will make them a tough team to beat,” said Andrews. “Central Crossing and Hilliard Davidson are still down, but Westland made great strides last year and I would expect them to continue to improve.”
With a lineup that is uncertain at the start of the season, Andrews said it is difficult to tell right now where the Monarchs may place in the divisional standings.
He said he just wants the team to continue to improve as it works toward the district tournament.
“Our team at the end of the season will look very different than the start of our season,” he said.