'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 7 -- at Keystone    9 -- at Rocky Grove    11 -- at Rocky Grove tournament    16 -- Grove City    18 -- at McDowell tournament    21 -- at Sharon    29-30 -- at Redbank Valley tournament Jan. 6 -- at Mercer    10 -- at Slippery Rock    15 -- Iroquois    20 -- at Hickory    25 -- at Greenville    27 -- Sharpsville    28-29 -- at Grove City Fred Bell tournament Feb. 1 -- Reynolds    3 -- Commodore Perry

By The Herald Sports Staff

Coach Ed Varner brings a young, inexperienced squad into the 1999-2000 season although he's optimistic about the team's chances to improve and advance some individuals at tournament time.

"We lost three real good kids," said Varner, referring to Jason Cecil, Travis Shirley and his son, Luke Varner. "But we've got two returning district qualifiers and Nate (Soknich) had 19 wins as a freshman."

Cecil was a state qualifier last season, while Varner and Shirley were both regional qualifiers.

Top returnees are sophomore Jim Gibson and senior Derek Rogan, who both earned district berths last season, and Soknich.

"We've got some good kids back and they're working hard," said Varner. "We're hoping the seniors will provide the leadership we need to spark the team. We have a lot of inexperience and several kids are banged up already."

The Golden Eagles will open with freshman Ian Thomas at 103, but have no 112-pounder at this time. Soknich will be at 119, with junior letterman Phil Picciotto at 125. Senior letterman Dave Fulcher will fill the 130 slot, with junior Joe Volansky at 135. There's no one at 140 for the season opener, with sophomore Brett Kerlek at 145.

Gibson will probably be at 152, with senior letterman Erik Woods at 160. Rogan will be at 171, with junior Galen Hurl at 189. Heavyweight Eric Eshenbaugh, junior letterman, will round out the lineup.

Others who could break into a starting role are junior Tyler Perry at 160 and senior Chris Athos at 171.

Varner welcomes a new assistant varsity coach, Joel Giroski, former KC standout. Helping in the junior program are Lynn and Paul Saternow, Dave Fulcher, Dale Shirley, Rick Gabler and Brian Foltz.