Review and Preview - Dec. 7

   The first full week of wrestling for the 2015-16 season is upon us. Before that, a pair of local teams have already seen action so let's do a review.
   Everett earned a nice 37-31 win at West Branch on Friday night. My blog post below has the recap. This is a nice boost to begin the year for Everett, beating the defending District 6-AA champions in their own gym. Individually, sophomore Liam Flaherty picked up a 7-5 decision in a rematch with West Branch's Joey Couteret. Couteret had defeated Flaherty in a consolation bout at last season's Southwest Regional.
   Also, a nod to Everett's four freshmen, who all won. Macen Akers (138) had a major decision, Shane  Clark (285) won by decision, and Garret Cornell (106) won by forfeit, before Evan Brennan clinched the victory at 113 with a pin.
   On Saturday, Claysburg's Tyler Elder was the bright spot for the Bulldogs in winning the St. Mary's Tournament title. Elder, sixth in District 6-AA at 220 last season, had three pins in three bouts.
   It looks to be a tough dual meet year for Claysburg, as only nine wrestlers are out for the team, with a number of last year's starters among those that are not. With them and one or two freshmen that third-year coach Dave Aungst was expected to have in the room, the Bulldogs certainly could have matched or bettered last season's 12-win team that included a district duals first round upset over Cambria Heights.

This Week's Schedule
Tuesday
Greater Johnstown at Bedford
Bellwood-Antis at Claysburg-Kimmel
Glendale at Everett
Northern Bedford at Mount Union
Tussey Mountain at Southern Huntingdon

Thursday
Bedford at Forest Hills
Chestnut Ridge at Philipsburg-Osceola
Everett at Claysburg-Kimmel
Southern Huntingdon at Northern Bedford
West Branch at Tussey Mountain

Friday
HOPE for Hyndman at Berkeley Springs (WV) Tournament

Saturday
Chestnut Ridge at Athens' Jarvis Memorial Tournament
HOPE for Hyndman at Berkeley Springs (WV) Tournament