2009 D1 Freshman Report

by Greg Ferrell

Posted on November 22, 2009

This annual preview is an exercise to identify some of the more promising freshmen likely to grace the varsity mats of District 1 this season, based on their performances in both middle/junior high school as well as in various "high profile" youth tournaments such as the Pennsylvania Junior and the MAWA tournaments. It is intended for purposes of entertainment and information, and not to place pressure on nor imply what kind of year these young men will have as they begin their high school careers.

The staff of the NHSCA Sports Network wishes all D1 freshmen a successful first season!


ABINGTON
1. Eric Berger
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 130/135lbs
HISTORY- 2005 MAWA EN 4th @ 80lbs, 2003 MAWA E.N 4th @ B65lbs
COMMENTARY- The younger brother of Paul, Eric (who likes to be called Ernie) is a 3 sport athlete who has 2003 and 2005 MAWA national placements and has competed very favorably against established talent.
2. Matt Rambo
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 160/171lbs
HISTORY- 2004 MAWA E.N 8th @ M80
COMMENTARY- Also a 3 sport athlete, Matt placed at the 2004 MAWA national tournament and is known for his strength as well, having pinned all 15 of his opponents last season.

BENSALEM
Justin Cummings
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103/112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 2nd @ A100lbs, 2008 MAWA 8th @ I85lbs
COMMENTARY- Justin has improved tremendously this past year, and beat some excellent wrestlers en route to a runnerup finish at this spring's MAWA tournament. According to head coach Eric Knoblauch, Justin will likely compete with senior Pat Tully to be the Owls' starter at 103lbs.

CENTRAL BUCKS SOUTH
Dominic Rigous
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 125/130lbs
COMMENTARY- The son of William Tennent head coach Joe Rigous, Dominic has not won any placements at the high level tourneys but is a hard worker who wrestles nearly year round with the SEPA and MAWA club teams and by all accounts is improving every time he steps onto the mat. With the Titans' lineup lean in many spots, Dom is projected to start in the 125/130 range.

CONESTOGA
Greg Bacci
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 130lbs
HISTORY- 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 110lbs
COMMENTARY- The younger brother of two PIAA state qualifiers in Paul (2004) and Kevin (2006), Greg has not won any major youth titles but was a 2008 D1 MS titlist and under the tutelage of the legendary Steve Harner, he may blossom into an effective starter for years to come in the Pioneer lineup.

COUNCIL ROCK NORTH
John Dutrow
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 4th @ I110lbs, 2008 PJW 3rd @ 90lbs, 2007 MAWA RUNNERUP @ J78lbs, 2006 PJW 4th @ 75lbs, 2003 MAWA E.N 4th @ 56lbs
COMMENTARY- A wrestler who has finished top 4 in 3 MAWA national (including a 2007 runnerup) and 2 PJW tournaments, insiders from all over D1 feel John is a top 5 prospect who will do very well for the Indians as their starter at 112lbs.

COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH
Trey Balasco
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103/112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 6th @ I100lbs, 2005 MAWA E.N 7th @ M54
COMMENTARY- The younger brother of 2 time qualifier and 2004 state medalist Jerry Balasco, Trey's skills are solid and well respected. He should help provide a solid 1-2 lightweight punch along with sophomore Billy Rappo for the Golden Hawks this year.

DOWNINGTOWN EAST
Alex Wait
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103/112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS RUNNERUP @ 102lbs, 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 90lbs, 2007 MAWA 3rd @ J82lbs, 2006 MAWA 7th @ J82lbs, 2006 PJW RUNNERUP @ 75lbs, 2005 MAWA E.N 2nd @ 70lbs, 2004 MAWA E.N 6th @ M62lbs, 2003 MAWA E.N CHAMPION @ B56lbs
COMMENTARY- Alex has great skills that should allow him to start immediately in the Cougar lineup but has needed to improve in the strength department, which is something he has worked on in recent months. With 5 MAWA national placements that include a 2003 championship, a runnerup finish at the 2006 PJW tourney, and a 2003 Ohio Champions title where he defeated entrants from all over the U.S, his potential is such that he may be the best wrestler produced by Downingtown since their East/West split.

DOWNINGTOWN WEST
Dan Pommerer
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 107lbs
COMMENTARY- Considered a work in progress but rapidly improving and competitive against the top prospects listed here, Dan should be able to contribute right away to the Whippet lineup should he earn that opportunity. His chief competition for a varsity spot will come one from the senior Rosario twins, most likely Clint. Dan is also a twin, his brother Mike will be listed in the second tier bonus section of this report and is expected to start at 103lbs this year.

NESHAMINY
1. Luke Kisselback
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 160/171lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 167lbs, 2008 PJW CHAMPION @ 160lbs, 2007 MAWA EN 5th @ J130lbs
COMMENTARY- Luke followed up his breakthrough 2008 PJW championship with a 2009 D1 championship and looks to be someone to watch for in the future. He will have to battle through a slew of good upperclassmen to crack the Neshaminy lineup.
2. Ryan O'Connor
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 6th @ I95lbs
COMMENTARY- This year's MAWA placement was Ryan's first in any major youth tournament. He will likely battle with sophomore Harry Wilson to see who will be the Redskins' 103lb starter.

NORRISTOWN-
1. Brett Harner
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 140lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 4th @ 132lbs, 2008 MAWA 3rd @ I110lbs, 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 105lbs, 2007 PJW 3rd @ 90lbs, 2007 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 90lbs, 2006 MAWA 3rd @ J86lbs, 2005 PJW 4th @ 80lbs, 2005 MAWA E.N 2nd @ J78lbs, 2004 MAWA E.N 3rd @ M75lbs, 2003 MAWA E.N 5th @ M66lbs
COMMENTARY- The son of head coach Mark and younger brother of multiple state medalist Tim, Brett has reached the PJW consolation finals 3 times, and placed 5 times at the MAWA Eastern National tournament along with 2 D1 MS/JHS championships that have included a defeat of this year's top prospect, Justin Staudenmayer. He is obviously a quality wrestler capable of standing on the Hershey podium several times during his high school years.
2. Zack Fuentes
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 3rd @ 82lbs, 2009 D1 MS RUNNERUP @ 87lbs, 2008 MAWA 4th @ I75lbs, 2006 MAWA 3rd @ J58lbs, 2005 PJW 4th @ 55lbs
COMMENTARY- Zack has reached both the PJW and MAWA national consolation finals on two separate occasions. He is projected to start at 103lbs this year. Weight may limit his effectiveness against the larger 103's but he has the skill to win some matches for the Eagles this year.

OCTORARA
Greg Bowman
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112/119lbs
COMMENTARY- Octorara's latest product finished 3rd at the D1 MS and Quakertown holiday tournaments, but those losses were quality ones against top competitors. Some sources feel he is farther along as a freshman than teammate Brandon Arnsberger (last year's 112lb frosh of the year, who finished 6th at regions and who will be a strong contender for a Hershey berth this year) at the same stage and project him to reach and do similarly well at the AA regional tournament.

OWEN J. ROBERTS
1. Kyle Shronk
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112/119lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS 3rd @ 102lbs, 2007 MAWA 5th @ J82lbs, 2006 MAWA 6th @ J74lbs, 2003 MAWA 7th @ M66lbs
COMMENTARY- The OJR youth program (Norchester and their JHS) continues to churn out high level talent that ranks among the best currently being produced in the state, and Kyle leads this freshman class with 3 MAWA placements. He competes well against the likes of Wolfgang McStravick and Alex Wait, and should be successful in the Wildcat 112lb spot assuming incumbent Jonathan Dempsey returns to 103lbs for the postseason.
2. Adam Moser
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 130lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 117lbs, 2007 MAWA 5th @ J98lbs, 2003 MAWA 5th @ M80lbs
COMMENTARY- The younger brother of Jordan and son of former Methacton head coach and longtime Arcola MS coach Bill Moser, Adam has two MAWA national placements and a D1 MS title to his credit. According to OJR insiders, his only two losses in regular or postseason during his junior high career have come to Brett Harner and one of the Peppelman brothers.
3. Gordon Bolig
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 152/160lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 147lbs, 2008 MAWA E.N 8th @ I128, 2008 D1 MS 6th @ 122lbs
COMMENTARY- Considered a "future star" by several sources, Gordon will likely be very competitive for either the 152 or the 160lb spot in the Wildcat lineup along with junior Jordan Moser.

PENNCREST
Richie Neelan
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2007 MAWA EN 8th @ 82lbs
COMMENTARY- The first of a new wave of talent currently working their way through the RTM youth and MS ranks, Richie began early workouts this spring with members of the team and is expected to start at the Lions' 103lb spot.

PENNSBURY
1. Josh DiSanto
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112/119lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 3rd @ 107lbs, 2008 PJW 8th @ 97lbs, 2007 PJW 2nd @ 75lbs, 2005 PJW 6th @ 60lbs
COMMENTARY- Considered the # 2 prospect by numerous sources and the tops in a great group this year from Bucks County , Josh is expected both to start for the Falcons as well as contend for a state berth this season.
2. Anthony D'Emedio
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 7th @ A93lbs, 2004 MAWA E.N 4th @ M50lbs, 2004 PJW 4th @ 50lbs
COMMENTARY- After a stellar 2004 where he reached both the MAWA and PJW consolation finals, Anthony picked up a 7th place in this year's MAWA nationals and is expected to contribute to the Falcons' lineup as their 103lb starter.

PLYMOUTH-WHITEMARSH
Justin Staudenmayer
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 119lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 4th @ 117lbs, 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 124lbs, 2008 MAWA RUNNERUP @ I105lbs, 2008 PJW 3rd @ 105lbs,
2008 D1 MS RUNNERUP @ 105lbs, 2007 MAWA CHAMPION @ J98lbs,
2007 PJW 8th @ 100lbs, 2006 MAWA CHAMPION @ J91lbs, 2006 PJW CHAMPION @ 95lbs, 2005 PJW 7th @ 85lbs, 2005 MAWA CHAMPION @ M85, 2004 MAWA E.N 3rd @ M70, 2003 MAWA CHAMPION @ B65
COMMENTARY- Undoubtedly the most decorated freshman debuting anywhere in SEPA this year, Justin's phenomenal youth record includes 4 MAWA national championships (2003 and 3 in a row from 2005 through 2007) plus a silver and a bronze finish, and five PJW placements including the 2006 championship. Some insiders feel that he will be even better than his elder brother John, who had already qualified for Hershey as a sophomore in 2009 and should be highly competitive for a state medal in 2010. Colonial head coach Nate Wachter projects Justin anywhere in the 119-130 weight range pre-certification, and feels he has the talent to win matches anywhere in that area.

POTTSGROVE
Madison O'Connor
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 285lbs
HISTORY- 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 250lbs, 2007 PJW 4th @ 200lbs
COMMENTARY- It's rare that a D1 freshman comes in capable of making waves at a high weight, but O'Connor is clearly an exception to this rule. While his participation in the major youth tourneys has been somewhat limited due to his size, his results show he has the tools to do well his freshman year and beyond.

QUAKERTOWN-
1. Tyler Seislove
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 119/125lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N CHAMPION @ I120lbs, 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 112lbs, 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 95lbs
COMMENTARY- The son of D1 MS tourney creator Dan Seislove, and also the nephew of Spring-Ford head coach Tim, Tyler won the MAWA national title and repeated as D1 champion in just this past year alone. Tyler is projected to be paired with 2008 medalist Scott Wolfinger in the 119/125 range.
2. Mitchell Bain
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 140/145lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 6th @ 140lbs, 2008 D1 MS 4th @ 122lbs
COMMENTARY- Another wrestler who is working hard and becoming better every year, Mitch will try to find a spot in a middleweight roster loaded with returning 2009 state qualifier Eric Koch as well as 2008 state qualifier Briar Malischewski. Should he break into such a potent lineup, Mitch will benefit greatly from his partners and schedule and could be someone who will win a good share of his matches.

SPRING-FORD
Sean Hennessey
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 87lbs, 2008 MAWA 8th @ I75lbs, 2008 D1 MS 3rd @ 75lbs
COMMENTARY- The Rams' youth and JHS have also continued to churn out some of the better talent in SEPA over the years, and Sean is their latest product. However, the issue of weight could play a factor in his overall effectiveness as a starter this year. He will battle with incumbent Chase Brown for the 103lb spot.

UPPER PERKIOMEN-
1. Wolfgang McStravick
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 PJW 7th @ 102lbs, 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 102lbs, 2008 PJW 5th @ 90lbs, 2008 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 85lbs, 2007 MAWA 6th @ J78lbs, 2006 MAWA 7th @ J70lbs, 2006 PJW 7th @ 70lbs,
2005 MAWA 5th @ M66lbs
COMMENTARY- The youngest of the McStravick brothers and considered the #3 freshman prospect in D1 this year, "Wolf" has 3 PJW and MAWA placements each, plus two D1 MS titles and wins over top Chester County prospect Alex Wait. With state alternate Dan Rodenberger also returning in Wolfgang's projected weight range, he is projected to likely be the regular season starter at 112lbs.
2. Dylan Steffenino
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 5th @ I95lbs, 2009 D1 MS CHAMPION @ 92lbs, 2008 D1 MS 3rd @ 80lbs
COMMENTARY- The heavier of twin brothers, Dylan is projected to be the 103lb starter in the Tribe lineup during the regular season and perhaps beyond.
3. Avery Scripture
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 119lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 2ND @ I115lbs
COMMENTARY- Avery's runnerup finish at this year's MAWA nationals indicates a significant improvement in skill in only his 2nd year as a wrestler. Avery is also a nationally ranked MMA fighter and will likely compete with junior Joe Hinz for the 119lb spot.

WILLIAM TENNENT
Kevin Flack
PROJECTED WEIGHT- 103/112lbs
HISTORY- 2009 MAWA E.N 4th @ I105lbs, 2008 MAWA 8th @ I90lbs
COMMENTARY- The best Panther prospect since 3 time state qualifier/2004 state medalist Dave Schreiner, Kevin is competitive with both DiSanto and Dutrow and with two MAWA national placements to his credit, he should make the Tennent lineup and be a winning wrestler for years to come.



THE SECOND TIER- Due to the volume of wrestlers this year, the following could start or possibly see limited varsity action in their team lineups this year, and some have had placements in the youth tourneys. Those who do not see varsity action this year should be contributors in the future for their teams. They are listed in alphabetical order by school-

Mike Molz, Angel Carlo (Abington), Tyler Kelly (Council Rock North), Kevin Sager (Downingtown East), Mike Pommerer (Downingtown West), Tyler Haines (Great Valley), Ryan Flynn (Marple Newtown), Rasheed Lusane (Norristown), Jason Bing (Pennsbury), Eddie McCarthy,Jordan Valenteen (Phoenixville), Connor Ferst, Scott Leeds, Corey Kelly (Plymouth-Whitemarsh), Austin Beyer (Souderton), Dante Steffenino (Upper Perkiomen), Aaron Rodriguez (Wissahickon)

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