'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 3-4 -- at Blairsville Tournament    9 -- Jamestown    14 -- at Lakeview    16 -- at Greenville    17-18 -- at Warren Tournament    21 -- Mercer Jan. 4 -- at Sharpsville    7 -- Conneaut Lake    13 -- Grove City    18 -- at Reynolds    20 -- Sharon    21-22 -- at North East Tournament    27 -- Hickory    28-29 -- at Fred Bell Tournament Feb. 3 -- at Kennedy Christian    10 -- Cochranton

By The Herald Sports Staff

Coach Dave Reichard, a long-time assistant in the Panthers program before taking over the reins last season, is enthusiastic about the coming campaign.

"Everything's starting to click," said Reichard. "I'm pleased with the progress of the team at this point. I can honestly tell you that our practice sessions to this point have been very intense. I want this team to place the emphasis on preparation and be purpose-driven."

Part of the preparation is a well-defined weight-training program, which is under the direction of volunteer assistant Lyle Peterson, dubbed "somewhat of a guru in weight-training techniques" by Reichard. Most of the matmen began lifting in the summer and have been working on circuit training since October.

Key loses to graduation were district qualifiers B.J. Mozes, Rick Gall and Andy Knauff.

Leading this year's squad are co-captains Mike Schiemer, a senior, and Greg Slater, a junior. Both finished fourth at regionals last season, just missing a trip to Hershey. "These two certainly set the pace for the team as they train like madmen on a mission," said Reichard. Slater will be at 119, with Schiemer at 130, eventually dropping to 125.

Freshmen Hayden Hawthorne and Treg Smith will share duties at 103 and 112 for the Panthers, followed by Slater. Freshmen Gary Arbuckle and Jared Reichard will be at 125 and 135, sandwiching Schiemer. Junior Travis Reither or newcomer Richard Corteau will hold spots at 135 or 140, while junior Aaron Knauff will be at 145.

Junior Justin Ramer holds down 152, with juniors Ben Willaman and Mike Kusick or freshman Jeff Rice sharing duties at 160 and 171. Sophomore Brandon Hoover will be at 189, with junior letterman Mike Chess anchoring the squad at 275.

"I'm ecstatic over the fact that I have an entire team that is willing to work hard and give me 100 percent-plus at every practice," said Reichard. "It should be an especially exciting year with my son (Jared) starting. We have a real nice group of freshmen."

Assisting with varsity coaching are Joe Reichard, Gary Gravatt and Fred Scriven, while junior high coaches are Roger King and Jonathan Bailey. Elementary coordinator is Wayne Smith and coaches are Rob Powell, Randy Burnett and Smith, assisted by Greg Slater, Tyrone Cashdollar, Monty DeFrances, Bill Collins, Randy Smith, Randy Chambers and Doug Chess.