On the heels of a disappointing 8–12 2022-2023 season plagued with injuries, the Southern Lehigh wrestling team needed an upgrade to their roster, which suffered from the loss of several valuable 2023 graduates. Fortunately, that upgrade came with the arrival of a strong freshman class looking to cement their places as cornerstones of the team.
“I feel confident with the team we have this year; a lot of them are really into the sport, and a lot of them are [coming up from middle school],” head coach Mr. Brenton Ditchcreek said. “It’s going to be a very interesting year, especially when they peak out.”
Last season, numerous injuries created a lack of optimism among team members. This year, in addition to a current 9–9 record as of January 25, 2024, their outlook on the future is significantly more favorable. Their shift in attitude is a product of the team’s young nature and focus on bonding and developing relationships.
“I think the team is starting to grow, [and] we’re getting some team bonding stuff in,” sophomore Sean Steckert said. “We’re trying to bond together and create a team for years to come.”
Part of their bonding emphasizes supporting each other on and off the mat. Every wrestler knows the value of working hard in practice and supporting their teammates in challenging match scenarios.
“Even though it is an individual sport, you are always pushing each other and that’s really helpful,” senior Scott Stevens said.
Given the graduation of seniors Braedon Alder and Michael Fluck at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, the team had two holes in their roster that needed filling. However, they may have found their replacements thanks to the arrival of freshmen Keith Barker and Brock Frable. Barker currently boasts a 27–5 record and started his high school career on a 13-match winning streak, while Frable holds a 19–5 record. Meanwhile, other freshmen have shown promising potential to be great.
“[Frable], [Barker], and the freshman have got great records so far,” Steckert said. “[They’re] helping fill out the spots, [and] they’re bringing up new moves we haven’t learned yet.”
On the surface, wrestling is a battle of strength in which the most potent competitor always comes out on top. However, mental fortitude may be the most necessary trait in their sport. Thanks to their shared desire to win and love for the sport, Southern Lehigh wrestlers always seek the best outcome when they step on the mat.
“The most important quality to have as a wrestler is the mental ability to break through any challenge ahead of you, and it’s definitely a challenge to be on the mat,” Stevens said.