With the winter athletic season beginning this week, the Southwestern Conference is excited to launch its Southwestern Conference Winter Preview. The preview will be a tradition for faithful Southwestern Conference followers and will signal the beginning of the much anticipated 2019-20 winter athletic seasons and the first step on the pathway to this year’s Southwestern Conference Champions.
Follow along this week as we preview each of the Winter sports as they begin their 2019-20 campaigns:
Monday Nov 18 – Bowling & Gymnastics
Tuesday Nov 19 – Swimming/Diving & Hockey
Wednesday Nov 20 – Wrestling
Thursday Nov 21 – Boys Basketball
Friday Nov 22 – Girls Basketball
Amherst Steele
Head Coach: Vinnie Curiale
Years at school: 2
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 5th
Number of Returning Starters: 7
Athletes to Watch: Brandon Bratovich (Sr), Clay Carpenter (Sr), Mackie Perdue (Jr), Noah Mendez (Jr), Xavier Rivers (Sr).
2019 Season Outlook: The Comets are looking to stay healthy in 2019, and if their wrestlers can get into the right weight classes, should be strong competitors in the SWC.
Avon
Head Coach: Jeremy Johnson
Years at school: 3
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-1st
Number of Returning Starters: 8
Athletes to Watch: Mason Bingham (Jr), Jordan Greer (Sr), Cade Robertson (Jr), Cael Saxton (Jr), Ethan Sear (Jr)
2019 Season Outlook: Coach Johnson is looking forward to a great season ahead. The Eagles look to defend their conference title. Avon returns two State Place Winners along with 3 district qualifiers. Their first competition takes place at the Cobos Insurance Classic at Avon Lake High School on December 6/7.
Avon Lake
Head Coach: Scott Sedlick
Years at school: 1
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 9th
Number of Returning Starters: 5
Athletes to Watch: Drew Delguidice (Sr), John Perry (Sr), Ty Taggert (Sr).
2019 Season Outlook: Avon Lake has a young roster for 2019-20 season, but have some strong senior leaders, including returning SWC champion John Perry. Coach Sedlick is hoping his veterans will be able to show the young Shoremen the ropes.
Berea-Midpark
Head Coach: Steve Bosko
Years at school: 7
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-1st
Number of Returning Starters: 10
Athletes to Watch: Pino Dipierro (Sr), Shane Heil (Jr), Brian Kennedy (Jr), Austin Neel (So), Jimmy Paletta (Jr), Zach Porch (Jr), Caden Wendling (Sr), Danny Yu (Jr).
2019 Season Outlook: The Titans enter the 2019-20 season looking to improve their wrestling skills, conditioning, and mental mindset. The Orange and Blue have a group of very focused wrestlers always seeking opportunities to be the best version of themselves.
Lakewood
Head Coach: Paul Kordich
Years at school: 4
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 10th
Number of Returning Starters: 8
Athletes to Watch: Yousef Awad (Sr), Brandyn Bates (So), Matt Bowen (Jr), Shamique Bryant (Sr), Payton Buildt (Fr), Eddie Gillick (Fr), Gavin Hatfield (Fr), Milan Jackson (Sr), Jayden Jackson (Jr), Spencer Reynolds (Sr), Rubyn Semedo (So), Ahmed Suliemen (Fr), Jimmy Trudel (Jr).
2019 Season Outlook: Lakewood has ten solid weight classes anchored by 285lb State Qualifier Yousef Awad. Newcomers Shamique Bryant (St Eds Transfer) and Gavin Hatfield and five returning district qualifiers will help the Rangers improve their conference dual meet record from last year.
Midview
Head Coach: Shawn Bristow
Years at school: 6
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-6th
Number of Returning Starters: 10
Athletes to Watch: Daniel Bucknavich (Sr), James Hutchinson (Sr), Andrew Philion (Sr), Jameson Shenberger (Sr).
2019 Season Outlook: Midview will have a mix of experienced and inexperienced wrestlers. The Middies will be led by two tough seniors Daniel Bucknavich and Andrew Philion. Bucknavich went 46-3 last year placing 5th in the state. Andrew Philion who had 33 wins last season is on a mission this year. The team is looking for wrestlers to step up such as James Hutchinson, Colton Bell, Jameson Shenberger, Zak Gill, Dustin Wells, Nick Skolnicki, Matthew McMahon, Avery Snyder, Zach Short, and Sam Singleton. The team is also looking for some help from the incoming freshmen. Devin Vandal, Tyler Dye, Josh Matestic, and Owen Beir should help push the pace in the room. The Middies will have to work hard and stay healthy this season.
North Olmsted
Head Coach: Kerry McWoodson
Years at school: 11
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-6th
Number of Returning Starters: 6
Athletes to Watch: Jeffrey Kennedy (Jr)
2019 Season Outlook: With a strong core of returning wrestlers, the Eagles look to be competitive in the SWC in 2019-20.
North Ridgeville
Head Coach: Joel Melvin
Years at school: 1
Last Year’s Conference Finish: 8th
Number of Returning Starters: 5
Athletes to Watch: Jared Counts (So), Tyler Duff (So), Tyler Fair (So), Tyler Kranick (Sr), Anthony Naso (Sr), Zach Orseno (So), Shane Swindig (Sr).
2019 Season Outlook: Another young squad in the SWC this year, the Rangers are looking to improve from their 2018-19 finish.
Olmsted Falls
Head Coach: Bryce Burkhard
Years at school: 8
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-3rd
Number of Returning Starters: 12
Athletes to Watch: Canian Comerford (Jr), Justin Jaeckin (Sr), Brennan Stang (Sr), Nathan Urry (So).
2019 Season Outlook: The 2018-19 Bulldog squad was a young, inexperienced group; the added year of experience will really help this year.Olmsted Falls is only replacing two starters from last year’s roster. The Bulldogs have a great attitude about working hard.
Westlake
Head Coach: Mike Carpenter
Years at school: 3
Last Year’s Conference Finish: T-3rd
Number of Returning Starters: 7
Athletes to Watch: Hunter Ashburn (Sr), Patrick Hartup (Sr), Moe Zayed (Sr)
2019 Season Outlook: Westlake graduated nine seniors last year so there will be a lot of opportunities to break into the varsity lineup this season. The Demons have a nice group of underclassmen who will now have their chance to compete on the varsity level.