Connellsville wrestling looks to improve
CONNELLSVILLE – The Connellsville Falcon wrestling team is hoping to improve upon their success from last year. The Falcons were undefeated (7-0) in winning the section 2-AAA title last season. They finished second in the WPIAL team tournament, losing to Kiski Area in the finals 32-22, to end their dual meet season with an impressive 23-3 record. They finished third in the Southwest Regional tournament and sixth in the PIAA tournament.
The Falcons also crowned a state champion last season, with Jarrod King, claiming the 152-pound title. Ashtin Primus was also a state place-winner for the Falcons, placing fourth in the 119-pound weight class. Steve Bell also qualified for the state tournament at 112 pounds, but did not place. The good news for coach Tom Dolde is that all three wrestlers return, to lead a team considered to once again be one of the favorites for the WPIAL team title.
“We have a large group of lettermen returning, plus we have a large nucleus of kids to pull from that have been together since junior high,” said Dolde, in his second season as coach since taking over from dad, Tom “Dirt” Dolde.
The problem for the younger Dolde is replacing wrestlers lost through graduation. Gone are starters Chad McBurney (160), Brent Wilson (215), and heavyweights Steve Hughes and Corey Hixson.
In addition to King, now at 160 pounds, returning for his senior year. Jim Tony (189), and Kyle Martin (152), is other senior lettermen expected to provide leadership. Another senior, Jason Shannon is expected to get the start at heavyweight.
“Jason is in his third year with our program, and has been behind some people, but he is not that inexperienced,” Dolde said. “If he gets off to a fast start, and gets his confidence up he could score a lot of points for us.” The recently added 215-pound weight class is a concern for Dolde.
Senior Kayne Newcomer is working himself down to weight, and will be challenged by sophomores Josh Brewer and Melvin Warrick. Other wrestlers that could earn a trip to Hershey this year are Martin, Tony, Jason Doppleheuer (171), and Adam Knepper (135).
“I think we should be strong from 119 pounds right on through to our heavier weights,” Dolde said. “The problem is a lot of kids have gotten bigger and stronger since last season so we have a couple of logjams. It’s going to be tough fitting kids into the right weight class to take advantage of their strengths.” Dolde pointed out a lot of the bodies are between 140 and 171 pounds, which has led to some spirited workouts.
The Falcons have generated a lot of interest over the years, and anyone planning to follow the Falcons this season should have a roadmap, and a full tank of gas. Connellsville will only wrestle at home four times this season.
“We try to improve our schedule every year, and I give athletic director Jim Lembo a lot of credit, for trying to put us in the state and national spotlight,” Dolde said. ” This year will be one our toughest. We’ll travel to Delaware once again for the ‘Beast of the East’ tournament, plus the 10-team Parkland Duals in addition to the Powerade tournament.”
New on the Falcons schedule will be the “Battlefield Duals,” which will involve 10 teams over two days in Stafford, Virginia. Dolde said he was attracted to the tournament because national power, Blair Academy of New Jersey was to be in the field, but scheduling conflicts forced them to cancel. He is looking to match up with Virginia power Colonial Forge and Upper Perkiomen from Pennsylvania. The Falcons have dual matches on the road against Kiski Area and Waynesburg.
Dolde is trying to keep the Falcons priorities in order. First is to win the section which is stronger, with local teams Albert Gallatin and Laurel Highlands both making the playoffs last season, and Uniontown is also improving their numbers after a .500 season.
“In addition to the teams mentioned, Elizabeth-Forward is improving their numbers, and Belle Vernon always has some solid individuals,” Dolde said.
“We have a good schedule, but are looking to compete within our section, and we won’t look past anybody, that’s for sure.”