After taking a large step forward last season, the Youngsville junior high Eagles return to the mat for the 2024-25 season.

The Eagles return six wrestlers from last year’s squad. Of those six, five qualified for the PJW state tournament a season ago. One of those five wrestlers, Collin Havers, was a PJW state finalist in the 12-and-under 135-pound weight class.

This all to say the Eagles won’t lack for experience this year.

The Eagles will add a few newcomers and some familiar faces with former youth state medalists McKenzie Hodak and Jonathan Sullivan among those joining the team.

“I’m really looking forward to working with our newbies.” said junior high coach Tim Suydan. “I’m inheriting some really hardworking, talented kids from our Little Eagles program.

“I’m also glad to have three girls join the team. I coached a few girls during my time with the Corry Kids Club and one of them won a youth state title which led to many more girls joining the program,” Suydan added. “I’m aiming for them to build on the legacy of Youngsville women’s wrestlers that Amanda Reynolds and others started.”

Having pushed six of their eight wrestlers through to the PJW state tournament last season, the Eagles will be looking to outdo themselves this year.

“To borrow a line from ‘The Possum’ George Jones, we finished last season hotter than a two dollar pistol. We came within seconds of sending all eight of our wrestlers to states. This year, we’ve got our sights set on taking another step forward as a team.” Suydan said. “Our six returning eighth-graders really bought into our core concepts and ran with them. They’ve all been putting in work during the offseason either here or at club practices elsewhere to get better.”

The six returning wrestlers for the junior high Eagles are: Jacob Battko, Collin Havers, Ryker Chase, Brenton Myers, Brayden Patch and Tucker Sanford. Suydan had this to say about each of them:

“Jake took a huge step forward in terms of his growth last year. He came within half a second of qualifying for junior high states as a seventh grader in a very talented weight class. I’m hoping to see Jake finally get over the hump this year and qualify for states.”

“Collin showed some real improvement last year. I threw him at every good wrestler I could find and he never batted an eye. He’s now got a few state medals on the wall at home and one of my goals for him is to add another to the collection this year.”

“Ryker made good strides in many areas last year. He was a very young seventh-grader in a heavier weight class so he took some lumps. But, he stuck with it and never quit. I expect him to have another year of good progress this season.”

“Brenton really surprised some people last year. He also seemed to find himself as the season went along. His season culminated with his first trip to states and he fought his tail off. I’m aiming for him to build on the progress he made last season.”

“Brayden had a great first year last season. He flashed a lot of good potential and made some rookie mistakes. Through it all he gained confidence and learned. I’m looking for him to take another step forward this year.”

“Tucker planted his flag as someone to be reckoned with last season. He had tight matches with and beat some real quality wrestlers in just his second year of competition. I expect he’ll take another step towards realizing his potential this year.”

As for the newcomers, the Eagles will welcome three eighth-graders, one of which is from Tidioute Charter, and six seventh-graders. The newcomers are Khloe Rulander, McKenzie Hodak, Brantley Coleson, Jonathan Sullivan, Hunter Shields, Didi Corraliza, Eric Woodin, Ben Blauser and Braydan Taylor.

“Khloe dipped her toe in the proverbial water last year. This year she’s jumping headlong into the fray. She’s a natural athlete and comes from a wrestling family where her uncle, Jake, was a standout for Eisenhower, her dad, Rusty, was a standout for Youngsville and her younger sister, Maci, is a two time PJW state qualifier for the Little Eagles. I’m eager to help her forge her own path in the sport.”

“Kenzie hasn’t stopped wrestling since the end of last season. She’s been competing everywhere she can and recently represented Team PA at a national duals event in Ohio. So she’s obviously not afraid to be challenged. I expect her to continue to lead the charge of female wrestlers in our program.”

“Brantley flashed a bit of his potential towards the end of last year. The matches of his I did catch last year showed me some encouraging things. I’m looking for him to take another step forward this year.”

“Jonathan has some state medals on the wall at home. His skill set is a blend of his dad (former YHS standout Dan Sullivan) and his uncles (former YHS standouts Mike and Matt Sullivan) who were all great wrestlers. I’m looking for him to make a return trip to states this year and be in the hunt for another state medal.”

“Hunter is coming back to the sport after a few years off. He’s been asking a lot of questions to help him learn. We’ve got a few experienced kids around his weight that’ll help him knock off the rust and build his skill set.”

“Didi is another newcomer to the sport. She’s very willing to learn and has approached practices with a positive attitude which has helped her pick some things up already. I look forward to helping her grow her knowledge as the season goes on.”

“Eric is a newcomer as well. He’s got plenty of natural athleticism to help him pick some things up. Our more experienced wrestlers should be able to help him get up to speed.”

“Ben is new to the program, but he’s another one who’s been around the program for the past year or more. His older sister Sarah is on the varsity squad and he decided to give it a shot. He’s shown a willingness to learn that should help him throughout the year.”

“Last, but not least, is Braydan. Braydan’s another one of our newcomers. He’s been coming to practices since we started the preseason workouts in September and he’s been asking a lot of questions to help grow his knowledge. His willingness to learn and work ethic should serve to help him improve throughout the year.”

The junior high Eagles will open their season Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. with a home dual versus Corry.