Wrestling team will have all new cast
From the wrestlers to the head coach, this year’s Salisbury wrestling team will feature an entirely new cast when it takes the mat this season.
A year ago, Alex Nicholas had one of the best seasons ever for a Salisbury wrestler as he bulldozed through the Colonial League and District 11 landscape at heavyweight. Nicholas, now wrestling at Penn State, went 33-3 last winter with a state medal, a Southeast Regional championship and a District 11 Class 2A title. He was one of just two wrestlers (along with Zach Adams) on last year’s team. Both have graduated.
Former Falcon coach Eric Snyder also stepped down after last season. While Salisbury does have a new look at the helm with former Allen and Southern Lehigh head coach Juan Garcia running the show, he’s hoping to help change the culture of the wrestling program.
“We have a few wrestlers with experience, but they are all eager to learn and get better,” Garcia said. “With the right attitude anything is possible. We have been working very hard, and I believe positive things are to come for the Salisbury wrestling family.”
Salisbury could be able to field close to a full lineup to start the season for the first time in a long time. Injuries and other factors last year left just Nicholas and Adams, separated by more than 100 pounds, on the mat as the only Falcon wrestlers for most of the season.
This year, the Falcons figure to be led by Shane Simononis at 182 pounds and Michael Murphy at 120, both of whom have experience. Bailey Marcks and Corey Brunner (slated in the 126-pound weight division) also figure to be main contributors this winter.
Along with Garcia, assistant coach and former Southern Lehigh wrestler Matt Mirth will be dealt the task of meshing that experience with a number of newcomers. Some of those new to the varsity level include: Jonah Niesenbaum (195), Devon Alder (120), Wyatt Schniers (285), Xavier Ramos (145) and Kade Simononis (113).
“We are setting our goals high - we want to be at states,” Garcia said. “If the wrestlers are willing to put in the hard work, we are willing to dedicate the extra time.”
If the Falcons want to reach that coveted postseason level, they’ll have to work on the basics and form. Improvement is what Garcia is hoping to get most out of each grappler.
“Technique is the one area we need to improve the most, and that comes with more mat time,” Garcia said. “Throughout the season, watch for these student-athletes to improve from match to match.”
Salisbury opens the season with Catasauqua next Monday at home at 7 p.m.