The Bellwood-Antis wrestling team has had its share of struggles for the past couple years, but they’re looking to bounce back after a tough season last year when it had a record of 0-18.
The Blue Devils are looking to have a good year with some returning wrestlers.
The Blue Devils start the season with a new coach. Nick Torsell, who had guided B-A for parts of 3 seasons, stepped down after the 2023-24 campaign ended. The new coach is Jos Hewitt and he has high expectations for this upcoming season.
Getting people signed up is the program’s biggest problem. There is only one returning wrestler from last year. Eliana Patterson is a junior in her 2nd year on varsity and looking to go far this season. Last season she went 5-5 overall and finished 4th at 112 pounds in the first District 6 girls wrestling tournament before placing fourth at regionals.
“Our team will work harder and be better,” said Eliana about the expectations coming in to the season.
Other wrestlers on the roster include Vince Shank, Collin Neary, Grady Rabenstein, Payton McCloskey, Tanner McElravy, Sean McFarland, and Mason Nagle.
The Devils open the season tonight with a tough match on the road against Huntingdon. Between dual meets and tournaments, the team will be in action seven times before Christmas Break.
