An Early Look

   As you can see by the handy countdown clock I've posted on the blog, we are less than 20 days away from the official start of high school wrestling practices. Of course, with wrestling becoming more and more of a year-round sport, most kids and coaches (and media such as myself) have been gearing up for days and weeks if not months at this point.
   I see that Eric Knopsnyder is preparing a master list of teams and returning wrestlers from around this area for publishing on his blog, Knop's Knotes, in the near future. Eric does a great job with this, and I'm sure that he would agree with Tom Elling getting a huge hat tip for his annual work in his Pennsylvania Wrestling Handbook. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to be connected to the sport. For anyone interested in obtaining a copy of this year's book, visit www.pawrsl.com and go to the link he has listed for ordering. I believe there are still copies available.
   As was the case last year, I leave that heavy lifting to Eric. I began my blog a year after him and my vision never was to be a competitor to him, rather just an extra resource in the area to discuss the sport. My real job at the Bedford Gazette has its limitations, as the paper is not readily available at most locations outside of Bedford County, and our website is fully subscription based. Aside from trying to provide the best local coverage I can in the Gazette and on here, I do like to discuss wrestling topics from around the region and around the state. From the response I've received from many of you, I feel confident that the blog has become an additional place to visit for information and opinion.
   I haven't always been sure how many of the Somerset and/or Cambria County folks, those who are more in Eric's coverage area, were frequenting my site over the past few years. But I did hear last night that Eric's parents, two of Berlin's finest sports fans whom I've never met, asked about me and whether my blog would still be up and running this season. Maybe I should ask them which blog they like better. (Just kidding, Eric)
  Whatever the case, I appreciate the support, whether you're from Meyersdale, Patton, Saxton or anywhere in between.
   Again, get Elling's book or see an upcoming post on Eric's blog for team information. But here's some of my opening thoughts as the season approaches quickly:

Chestnut Ridge or Berlin
   So who will reign in District 5? - Chestnut Ridge and Berlin are the likely players again. The Lions welcome back a lot of firepower, with state medalist Aaron Burkett included from last season and Greg Lazor's bunch should be very formidable if all the weights figure themselves out. Many are also anxiously awaiting the debut of Chestnut Ridge freshman Justin McCoy, as am I.
   Berlin returns three state qualifiers and some strong talent itself. The Mountaineers did take a hit though with the offseason transfer of upperweight Nate Zanoni to Somerset.

Marko Returns to Varsity Mats
   After a year away on the varsity level, veteran coach Dave Marko is back in the head chair as the coach at Martinsburg Central. The former Claysburg head, who built the Bulldog program into a perennial small-school power, inherits a good nucleus at Central that should include the return of Jordan Quarello, who showed promise as a freshman before sitting out last year with an injury.

Looking Ahead
   For anyone wanting to see a glance at the state's Class AA Team Bracket for 2015, here it is. Remember that Bethlehem Catholic (District 11) will be in Class AAA for the next two years.

See You Soon
   Stay tuned for more on this blog as my time warrants and expect full coverage once the season begins.