Members of the Pioneer wrestling program are from left, front row, Henry Sivillo, Owen Crabtree, Pryce Watson, Landon Carsey, David Meredith and Nick Finke; second row, head coach Tony Watson, Frank Kempf, Reece Chapman, Luke Stalnaker, Austin Yates, Zach Yates and assistant coach Nick Fluty; back row, Brendan Liford, Josh Kaeser, Michael Boggs, Blake Caldwell, Braiden Leisure, Lane Devier and assistant coach Matt Hammons.
(Photo submitted)
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A new era is beginning this winter for the Jonathan Alder High School wrestling program.
Long-time coach Ron Thomas Sr. won’t be with the program for the first time in more than two decades.
In his place steps Tony Watson, who formerly was the head coach at Buckeye Valley and Cardington.
Watson inherits a team that returns five lettermen from a year ago.
They are senior Luke Stalnaker (170), junior Braiden Leisure at 138 and sophomores Reece Chapman (106), Brendan Liford (170) and Josh Kaider (182).
“The leadership that will be provided by our lettermen will be one of the strengths of our team,” said Watson.
Newcomers to the program include freshmen Pryce Watson, Owen Crabtree, Landson Carsey, Nick Finke-Ashcraft, David Meredith and Henry Sivillo; sophomores Frank Kempf and Zach Yates; and juniors Blake Caldwell, Michael Boggs, Austin Yates and Lane Devier.
Those newcomers are battling for spots in the starting lineup at various weight divisions.
Watson said the Alder grapplers have shown a willingness to learn a new system.
“My biggest concern is to bring each one along at the right pace for them,” he said. “We want them to be able to help the team as much as possible and reach their personal peak by the end of the season.
“Our main goal is to get everyone at their mental and physical best,” said Watson. “We’re really trying to get everybody bigger, stronger and faster and to believe in themselves.
“If we can get that accomplished, we will get some goals met along the way.”
When it comes to talking about the Central Buckeye Conference, it’s mainly about St. Paris Graham.
The Falcons, who have won the past 17 Division II state championships, appear primed for another standout season.
“Graham will once again be a power for sure,” said Watson. “I know there are plenty other good teams in the conference, but I’m not exactly sure where we will fit in.
“I think we’re a month or two away from even having an idea on that.”
Watson, though, is greatly anticipating what the season has in store for his team.
“I am excited where we’re’at right now,” he said during the preseason. “We have had one scrimmage and I feel like all the guys competed. These are good kids and plenty of them are good athletes who want to work hard.
“I’m just glad to have the opportunity to be in this position and look forward to working with my kids all season,” said Watson.