Richland Coaches Duals preview

Here's an overview of the Richland Coaches Duals. I did a preview story for The Tribune-Democrat which should be online later tonight. I'll also be hosting a live chat beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friday where I'll give updates throughout the day from the duals.


Whos's in: Glendale, Tussey Mountain


Who's out: Ambridge, Coughlin, E.L. Meyers, Lakeview, Ligonier Valley, Northern Lebanon, Phoenixville, Portage, Wissahickon.

Familiar faces: Bellwood-Antis, Berlin Brothersvalley, Berwick, Blairsville, Cambridge Springs, Central Cambria, Chestnut Ridge, Claysburg-Kimmel, Conemaugh Township, Dallas, Elderton, Greater Johnstown, Huntingdon, Jamestown, Kittanning, Marion Center, Moshannon Valley, Northern Cambria, Penn Cambria, Richland, Shade, Somerset, Tyrone, United, West Branch.

Returning champion: Huntingdon.

Pool to watch: C. Somerset, which could very well win the title, is the No. 2 seed here behind West Branch. The Warriors are 15-1, but they haven't faced top-flight competition. Berwick has a losing record, but it's in AAA and is used to facing similar-sized schools. Kittanning might not be a a dominant duel meet team, but having Jason Nolf - who won the 103-pound state title last year and has never lost a varsity match - certainly gives the school star power.

Name to know: Malcolm Harris, Greater Johnstown. The Trojans don't get much attention because of their losing dual meet record and often get lost in the shuffle when they head to the Class AAA postseason. That's a shame because Harris is one of the best wrestlers in the area. He's 18-2 with two close losses to Central Cambria's Ben Rager, who is ranked fifth in Class AA. I'm not sure how much of a test he'll face in Pool A, but it would be nice to see him wrestle some quality opponents this weekend.

Ranked wrestlers:
Bellwood-Antis: Kyle Fink (24th, 106), Jared Woomer (15th, 126), Trevor Helsley (9th, 145.

Berlin Brothersvalley: Jacob Craig (16th, 220).

Berwick: None.

Blairsville: Noah Tarr (11th, 138), Scott Thompson (23rd, 182).

Cambridge Springs: Shawn Reynolds (10th, 195), Justin East (14th, 285).

Central Cambria: Ben Rager (5th, 132), Tony Risaliti (2nd, 160).

Chestnut Ridge: Derrick Claar (20th, 113), Shane Pfaunmiller (13th, 138), Tyler Dibert (8th, 170).

Claysburg-Kimmel: Josh Brown (10th, 106), James Dodson (8th, 132), Ty Dively (3rd, 138), Tyler Ickes (10th, 182).

Conemaugh Township: Taylor Cahill (12th, 145), Cory Berchick (16th, 152).

Dallas: None.

Elderton: None.

Glendale: None.

Greater Johnstown: None.

Huntingdon: Nathan Shope (20th, 182).

Jamestown: Jonas Reaugh (20th, 120), Aaron Roberts (11th, 126).

Kittanning: Jason Nolf (1st, 120), Nate Robb (22nd, 126).

Marion Center: None.

Moshannon Valley: James Stodart (12th, 195), Jacob Ludwig (15th, 220).

Northern Cambria: None.

Penn Cambria: Nick Szala (5th, 138), Seth McLendon (20th, 285).

Richland: John Rizzo (1st, 220).

Shade: Wolf Otten (10th, 160).

Somerset: Landon Lohr (10th, 145), Josh Darr (22nd, 152), Michael Sutton (11th, 160).

Tussey Mountain: None.

Tyrone: Dylan Weston (18th, 145).

United: John Blankenship (10th, 170).

West Branch: None.