'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 3 -- at Blairsville Tournament    9 -- Lakeview    14 -- at Oil City    16 -- at Kennedy Christian    17 -- at Jamestown, N.Y.    21 -- Titusville    28 -- at Jamestown Jan. 6 -- Reynolds    8 -- at Erie East    11 -- at Meadville    13 -- at Commodore Perry    18 -- at Sharon    20 -- Mercer    25 -- at Sharpsville    27 -- Greenville Feb. 1 -- Franklin    3 -- Hickory

By The Herald Sports Staff

Veteran Coach Marty Ruley can reach a milestone in his career when his team gives him his 200th win at Grove City this season, but Ruley really isn't concerning himself with that.

"I have 194 wins right now," said Ruley, "but it's not about me, it's about the kids. I'd like to think we've had a decent program here. It's not about how many wins I have, we try to get kids ready to do well at the end of the year and ever later on.

"Joe Rendos (who graduated last season) will be starting at Clarion this year. That's what makes me feel good about what we're doing here."

Rendos, a state qualifier at heavyweight for the Eagles last season, and 189-pounder Tanner Kolb were two of the team's big losses to graduation. But the Eagles return a solid corps of wrestlers, although many are underclassmen.

"It seems like every year we're young," said Ruley, with a chuckle. "But we have some good seniors and I think we're going to be all right."

The Eagles will open with sophomore letterman Jeremy Boughner at 103, backed by Levan Margiani, a sophomore, and freshman Dan Griffin.

Tomeo, a junior who won 17 matches last year and became the first-ever D-10 AAA girl qualifier last season, should start at 112, backed by sophomore Shawn Dickson. Matt Alderson, a junior who didn't wrestle last season, will be at 119 with Jason McConnell, sophomore, in the wings.

Ryan Rossi, junior letterman, will be the probable starter at 125, backed by freshmen Stephanie Gilliland and Dan Christy. Frank Christy, sophomore letterman, will be the starter at 130, but he's out for a while recovering from a broken arm from football season. Starting in his place will be freshman Kevin Lee or sophomore Kent Peterson.

D.J. Johnson, a senior letterman and regional qualifier, will be at 135, pushed by junior Chad Magee. Senior letterman Ty Wise is at 140, backed by freshman Logan Uber. Junior letterman Desmond Johnson will fill the 145 slot, with junior Jordan Filer backing up. Senior regional qualifier Justin Cook is at 152, with senior Rob Baker and sophomore Matt Colombo behind. Rob Gargasz, a junior, is at 160.

Ruley is expecting big things from senior letterman Donnie Lewis at 171, while junior Derek Hedglin and sophomore Chad Anderson are vying at 189. Heavyweight will be junior Vaughn Uber or senior David Guenther, a pair of football tackles.

"We have backups at every weight, so we should at least have some competition in some of these weights," said Ruley. "I'm kind of pleased with the way things are right now. The kids are looking good and feeling good. It should be a decent year for us."

While Grove City competes in the Mercer County Athletic Conference, the Eagles must wrestle in the AAA tournaments at the end of the season.

Assisting Ruley with the varsity is long-time assistant Curtis Conner and Deven Dittrich, with Scott Lewis in the junior high. Ank Errera heads the elementary program with help from many others.