The Herald, Sharon, PA



WRESTLING
SEASON PREVIEW: SLIPPERY ROCK

2002-03 SCHEDULE
Dec. 6-7 -- at East Liverpool tourney
Dec. 12 -- Keystone
Dec. 17 -- Sharpsville*
Jan. 7 -- at Sharon*
Jan. 9 -- at Pymatuning Valley
Jan. 14 -- Hickory*
Jan. 16 -- at Mercer*
Jan. 21 -- Commodore Perry*
Jan. 28 -- Greenville*
Feb. 4 -- at Grove City*
Feb. 6 -- at Rocky Grove
Feb. 14-15 -- at Section 3-AA tourney
   #=MCAC match
By The Herald Sports Staff

Slippery Rock coach Fred Powell is getting a rare late start with several of his wrestlers this season because of the success of the District 10 Class AA champion Rockets football team. But that's fine with him.

"Some of the wrestlers experienced great performances in football," said Powell, a legendary mentor at Slippery Rock University before starting the high school program a few years ago.

"They were a week late getting into practice, a little behind in conditioning and getting acclimated to the change in sports. But they are adjusting well. Their attitude is good and they are taking on a little more leadership role.

"We had to change (the date) of the Reynolds match, we'd have been going next week. That's too soon, so we changed it to January.

"But we want to complement the football program and we expect them to give 100 percent to football during that season. We're very supportive of their program and looking to share the athletes who can contribute to both sports."

Powell lost the school's most successful matman in its 4-year varsity history when his son, Liam, graduated. Liam was a 2-time state qualifier for Slippery Rock. He posted a 24-4 record last season, winning Section 3 and District 10 titles.

This season he is competing in soccer and wrestling for Blair Academy, which is traditionally ranked No. 1 in the country for prep school wrestling. He hopes to earn a nomination to the U.S. Military Academy next year.

But while his son is gone, Powell welcomes back some talent. Leading the way is sophomore Jeff Becker, who was undefeated in dual meets last year and won the Section 3 and District 10 119-pound titles The Northwest Region runner-up dropped his first two matches at state, but completed an outstanding 24-3 season.

"Jeff is coming back with lots of confidence," said Powell. "We're looking at sophomores coming back who now having been through a season of dual meets, know the excitements and disappointments that come with the sport.

"Overall, I'm cautiously optimistic. We'll have a more balanced attack. I'm looking forward to these guys maturing as the season goes on and gaining more confidence. But we've got a long way to go," coach Powell predicted.

The Rockets have nobody at 103 at this time, with junior letterman Lance Becker holding down the 112 slot. Becker was 10-5 last year.

At 119, sophomore letterman Billy Lyons and senior Justin Newman are battling for the spot, while Jeff Becker is at 125. Sophomore letterman Jeff Kline is at 130, with senior letterman Jeremy Kline at 135. Another senior letterman Brian Magerko will be at 140, although Slippery Rock will open without a 145-pounder.

Sophomore Sean Scheibel is at 152, followed by sophomore letterman Trevor Gallo at 160. Gallo went 10-7 last year and Powell is expecting a strong season from the soph, who experienced success in football.

Sophomore letterman Steve Wagner is at 171, followed by a pair of freshmen, Chris Barron and Pat Kearney at 189 and 215, respectively. Sophomore Brandon Mokel could also break in at 189. Senior Shaun Smith mans the heavyweight slot.

Bob Becker is the assistant coach, while the middle school is headed by Ian Summerville.

Powell is hopeful of some day starting an elementary program, but is somewhat limited because the team works out at Slippery Rock University. "The university has been very supportive," said Powell. "We're fortunate to have such a good relationship."



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