LH wrestling preview
Brambley confident Mustangs will excel UNIONTOWN – Laurel Highlands head wrestling coach Irwin Brambley enters his third season with the Mustangs looking for the squad to become a little stronger, and be more competitive in Section 2-AAA.
“I’m really anxious to get into the season,” he said. “We’ve had about 15 guys working very hard during the off-season.
“I think this could be a good year for the program.”
Brambley said the Mustangs should a little younger but a more experienced squad this season.
He said he lost several first-year seniors through graduation, but has several sophomores and freshmen moving into the program, with experience at the junior high and Junior Olympic level.
The Mustangs will be led by seniors Josh Klink (119), Cameron Muma (130-135), and Dave Mari (189), all were WPIAL qualifiers a year ago.
Other seniors returning to the team this year are Josh Boyle (125-130), and Mike Sible (215).
“I’m expecting a lot of big things from my seniors, because they’ve been in the system a long time, ” he said. “They’ve been working very hard during the summer. Being seniors I think they are going to be very focuses and prepared for the coming season.”
Brambley added that Muma could reach a milestone this season, becoming the first Mustangs wrestler to record 100 career wins.
Brambley mentioned several other letter winners returning to the team this season. Sophomore Mike Mari, another WPIAL qualifier will compete with Boyle for a spot at 125 or 130.
Junior Nick Browne and sophomore heavyweight Eric Minered are expected to pick up a lot more points this season.
Junior Aaron Wontroba (140-145) is also expected to contribute in the middleweights.
Brambley said the Mustangs are going to have to learn fast in the lighter weights where he will count on some freshmen and sophomores to make the transition to the varsity level.
Brambley said Section 2 should be one of the best in the WPIAL with the addition of Hempfield, Greensburg-Salem, Belle Vernon, who bring in a couple of strong individuals.
“We already have the likes of Connellsville and Albert Gallatin in the section, plus the addition of a couple of programs with a great wrestling tradition,” he said.
“I think whoever qualifies for the regional tournament out of this section will be well prepared and could surprise a few people. It will be a real grind to get out the section tournament to move to the next level.”
Brambley would love to see some of his kids work their way into the state tournament, but does not want to get caught looking ahead, and wants his kids to stay focused on one match at a time.
“I think the kids will be ready this season, because they’re putting in the time and are more receptive to what I’m trying to teach,” he said.
“We might not set the world on fire, but if we can stay healthy during the year, I think we have some kids that could do really well.”