Welcome to the start of the 2024-25 wrestling season. The girls will be defending on all fronts as they had another successful season by becoming the first official state champion team. The boys have to fight back from a season that had some highs and some lows. With a warm welcome to the new season we have a lot of goodbyes to also say. We had twelve senior boys and four girls graduate. As one can imagine, that many graduates can leave a lot of holes in the line up. Not only did we lose the graduates but, we also had to say goodbye to Coach Slack. With that, we’ll first welcome in the new head coach.
Welcome Coach Jurdon Maier
Jurdon Maier isn’t a new face for our wrestling family. Jurdon, a 2007 CM graduate, served as an assistant for the boy’s team last season. Now, he will be the wrestling cordinator for the boys’ and girls’ teams. While he will step into new responsibilities for us this season, he will not lose sight of his goals for both teams. Not only has Jurdon had time as an assistant for our wrestling program but, he also served as an assistant for Trinity. He is an army veteran that served time in Afghanistan and a W&J graduate. Jurdon will be keeping previous year assistants Albert Miles, Mark Powell, and Cody Klempey for the boys’ team. He will add on former CM and Clarion standout wrestler, Mark Angle. Ron Todderdale, Sheila Mitchell, and Dave Gump will still be assistants for the girls while Kevin Saniga will add on. So while we are excited to have a new coach, our wrestlers are going to have many of the same faces they have been working with previously.
There will be a change at the middle school level as well. Jason Carpetta will not be returning this season. However, Blaze Kansco, who has been an assistant with the middle school for multiple seasons, will elevate to the head coach. Brad Neu will continue as an assistant coach. Joining them as assistants will be recent graduate Ryder Joseph and former high school head coach Ken Smith.
A look to the season
The boys’ team will be looking to rebound from a down season which saw a 6-5 record and narrowly missed the WPIAL team tournament. The team will be looking for leadership from returning WPIAL third placer, Collier Hartman, and WPIAL qualifier, Brayden Collins. With twelve graduates, there are bound to be some new starters. It’s time to get excited about what faces will show up to make their marks!
Speaking of excitement, the girls’ team is looking to defend as the first sanctioned PIAA state champions. The team should be returning with Natalie Rush, State Runner-up and WPIAL Champion, Audrey Calgaro, State third place and WPIAL Champion, Yunuen Ayala, State sixth place and fourth in WPIAL, Malia Ramos, State qualifier and fourth in WPIAL, and Eva Gray, State qualifier and fourth in WPIAL. Filling holes left by Val Solorio, Capri Chambers, and Dynisty Williams will be difficult to do. But, I’m sure the fresh talent will be ready for the challenge.
The season will start with duals for Junior High, Girls, and Boys varsity teams on Wednesday, December 6th in Norwin. Good luck all wrestlers!
Where are they now?
The college wrestling season is already in full force. And, we can watch those results to try to find previous Canon-McMillan alumni making their marks on the wrestling world still. Gerrit Nijenhuis transferred to Cal State Bakersfield for his last season of eligibility. He will look to battle for a starting position there. Jacob Gardner is a Junior this year and is rostered with Seton Hill. Speaking of Seton Hill, Jacob Houpt has transferred to the Griffins from Kent State to continue his wrestling endeavors. Luke Shaffer continues his time with Davis & Elkins. Brandon Dami is still on the mat with Washington & Jefferson. Matt Furman starts his first season with Cornell. And recent graduate, Andrew Binni is working his grey shirt year with the Naval Academy Preparatory School. But this isn’t just about the guys who have are wrestlers anymore. Ezzie Schaub is doing club wrestling with Slippery Rock. While Madi Mansmann continues her run with East Stroudsburg. Joining Madi this year at East Stroudsburg is Dynisty Williams. Gracie Elliot has transferred to a new wrestling home with Texas Wesleyan. Finally, Val Solorio is already making waves with Iowa. While not continuing with wrestling, some of our former wrestlers are still athletes while continuing their education. Geno Calgaro contributed to the St. Francis football team this season. Blake Ward has migrated into the Rugby world while at Shippensburg.