'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 7 -- at Jamestown    9 -- Conneaut Lake    11 -- at Rocky Grove Tournament    16 -- at Mercer    18-19 -- at Jamestown N.Y. Tournament    21 -- Greenville Jan. 4 -- Commodore Perry    6 -- Sharon    11 -- Reynolds    18 -- at Hickory    20 -- at Slippery Rock    25 -- Grove City    27 -- at Kennedy Christian    28-29 -- at Fred Bell Tournament Feb. 3 -- at Laurel    5 -- at Freedom Tournament

By The Herald Sports Staff

Ron Haywood begins his 11th year at the helm of the Blue Devils with what could be one of his best squads ever. The Devils have made a huge comeback from a few years ago when they were forced to forfeit four or five weights every match.

"This makes coaching better for you," said Haywood with a laugh, remembering the lean years. "On paper this is probably the best team I've had. We have good experience and we had four regional qualifiers last year, the most we've ever had. We're filling all the weights, but while we're a strong team on paper, it's up to the kids to see what they want to do."

The Blue Devils return a lot of experience, with Bill Thompson the only key starter lost to graduation. Bolstering the squad are returning regional qualifiers Jeremy Asafaylo, Jim Funk, Cary Kulka and Ron Haywood. All are seniors, except Haywood, the coach's son, who is only a sophomore.

The Devils will open with sophomore letterman Dustin Ohl or freshman Larry Herrmann at 103, while freshman Tom Findley will be at 112. Sophomores Terry Balensky, a letterman, and Ryan Thompson are competing for the 119 posts, with sophomore letterman Matt Magnelli at 125. Senior Asafaylo and Funk will fill the 130 and 135 weights, with senior letterman Jim McCrillis at 140. Haywood, a sophomore, will be at 145, with sophomore lettermen Mike Kulka and Chad Bucciarelli battling for the 152 starting role. Sophomore letterman Matt Holsopple and senior Demetrius Burns are vying for the 160 slot, with senior Kulka at 171. Brad "Spike" Miller, senior letterman, is at 189, backed by junior letterman Shelby Ripple. Competing for the 275 spot are sophomore letterman Jeff Myers, junior Blaine Cox and senior letterman Jim Ryhal.

"We're looking forward to the season," said Coach Haywood. "Some of the kids had a good summer wrestling and most got a camp in. All have an opportunity to take it one step farther this year. The guys will be moving around a bit to make the team as strong as we can. McCrillis is coming off back surgery from last year so I'm expecting a good year from him."

Haywood's son, Ron, had a good summer and competed in a national tournament in St. Louis.

Assisting Haywood in coaching the varsity is John Taylor, with Chris Enos and Dave Schreckengost in the junior high. Dick Weber heads up the elementary program which includes a number of helpers.