Inexperience dots thin lineup for Mustang grapplers

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Medina wrestling squad this season will be this group of veteran Mustang matmen. In front are Kalvin Packer, left, and Joe Velez. In back are Austin Cox, Charles Beach and Colby Petrie.

Faced with the dual challenge posed by inexperience and small numbers, the Medina wrestling squad is prepping to open the Niagara-Orleans League season at rival Albion on December 9.

The veteran quintet of seniors Kalvin Packer, Joe Velez and Charles Beach along with sophomore Austin Cox and eighth grader Colby Petrie anchors the Medina lineup.

Velez placed first at 120 lbs. at last year’s N-O All-League Tournament while Packer took second at 285 and Petrie third at 99.

The Mustangs underclassmen dominated roster also includes senior Brooklyn Moore, junior Austin Bellan, sophomores Kyson Bellan, Dalton Bellan, Jake Bensley, Cody Crane, Joe Gates, Ian Joseph, Elijah Sones, Mitchell Wienke and James Wisnewski along with freshmen Jack Dorris, Javier Gomez, Diago Russell, Christian Silversmith, Dylan Weese, Tim Roy, Chaise Prest and eighth grader Bobby Geiger.

“We’re very young and overall experience wise we’re really more of a JV team,” said Coach Eric Gross. “But we’re working hard to improve every day.”

Medina’s Schedule:
Dec. 9 – at Albion, 6 p.m.
Dec. 10 – St. Mary’s, Lancaster 6 p.m.
Dec. 12 – at Batavia Tournament
Dec. 16 – at Akron, 6 p.m.
Jan. 6 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Jan. 8 and 9 – at NCCC Officials Tournament
Jan. 13 – Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 and 16 at Lockport Tournament
Jan. 20 – Barker/Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 23 – Gary Gross Memorial Medina Tournament
Jan. 30 – N-O All-League Tournament at Wilson