Glenn Kaiser explains some of the rule changes in the first notebook of the season that features Pennridge’s Josh Stillings and introduces the new SOL coaches. (Photo provided)
By Glenn Kaiser
AREA WRESTLERS & COACHES READY FOR GRAPPLING SEASON
SOL wrestling teams are in their second week of preparations for the 2017-18 season, which kicks off Friday, Dec. 8, for most teams in dual and individual events. Expectations are high for several SOL teams, and new rule changes for this season and postseason format changes are on the horizon for 2018-19.
As always feel free to contact me at bug14k@comcast.net for wrestling and coaching milestones, stories, and noteworthy happenings with SOL wrestling. Coaches please make sure you submit your preview capsules when Suburban One Sports reaches out.
First the rule changes for this season. The most significant wrestling rule change will be securing a fall outside the out of bounds line. This rule is somewhat similar to the college rule, in which as long as the offensive wrestler is in control and has a support in bounds, they can obtain the fall with their opponent outside the line. Keep an eye on the knees on takedowns to the back near the line, as officials will call continuation of wrestling or whistle the takedown out of bounds depending on where the wrestlers’ supports land and remain. Specific Rule changes can be found at piaa.org or in the NFHS wrestling rulebook. There should be some exciting falls on the edge this year, but there may be controversy as well as interpretation of the rule plays out throughout the state.
The other prominent thing you will see on the mats will be teams’ uniforms. Wrestlers are now permitted to wear shorts and shirts, approved by the PIAA & NFHS and school issued. Additionally, singlets are still the standard, but expect wrestlers in dual meets to be wearing different team-issued gear up and down the lineup. By rule, this is permitted.
Team and individual wrestling outlooks, along with postseason changes for 2018-19 will be featured next week, as well as a look at the teams’ first weekend competitions.
STILLINGS PRIMED FOR PODIUM
Pennridge senior Josh Stillings is ready to get the 2017-18 wrestling season underway. He has prepared himself for the task at hand - garnering a state championship - at yet another weight class. Stillings has slowly grown into his long frame and plans to use his leverage and strength this season in a way he has not always done in the past. Stillings, a traditionally superior mat wrestler, plans to open it up this year on his feet.
Stillings has always worked hard on top riding and turning opponents, but this year he explains “if I can’t turn him, I am going to let him up, open up and get some takedowns. I am feeling better about my wrestling and training, and all the work has paid off”. This is indicated by his most recent success at the “Super 32” where Josh was the 2017 Runner-up at 182 pounds in the nation’s premier scholastic preseason event. Josh explained that he is “done keeping it close.” He has always had a knack of controlling his matches with his ground game, ground and pound if you will, with a mindset to minimize scoring from his opponent, and scoring enough points to win in his best position.
This year will be different. With more confidence on his feet and a desire to score from every position and dominate opponents, we will see a different Josh Stillings. Josh explained, “I have always had a plan mapped out. It started back when I was wrestling for SEPA, coach Kurt Peroly stressed goals…and I wanted to get to states as freshmen, place as a sophomore, be a finalist my third year, and win a state my senior year.” Lofty goals, hard work and a little luck and Josh will achieve his goals as a scholastic wrestler.
Josh acknowledges the tremendous support from his parents, especially Rollie, who have been with him every step of the way and have always supported not only Josh and Pennridge wrestling, but all of District One and Pennsylvania Wrestling with contributions, time and dedication to the sport. He also attributes his continued success to the Pennridge staff and head coach RP Norley, as well his teammates who have brought Pennridge back to prominence here in D1 over the past several years. The Rams have extended their dual event schedule this season, but still will compete in two of the most prestigious scholastic tournaments in the country at the Beast of the East and Escape the Rock.
Pennridge will look for some resurgence once again as a team this season in D1 with the addition of some talented young wrestlers, one in lightweight freshman James Geiger, and junior Evan Widing. Fellow senior David Blanchard will lead the team with Stillings to compete with D1’s elite this year.
Stillings has wrestled the best in PA in and in the country year in and year out. His most recent loss to fellow PA wrestler, Cody Mulligan, at the Super 32, is a AA wrestler who will not be in his bracket in Chocolate Town, USA. But Josh knows that the road to Hershey is full of land mines and obstacles, and he takes no one lightly, and no challenge without preparation and planning. Josh is a great kid and student who will take his skills to the next level at Drexel University after graduation.
Josh has already begun to set the bar high for his collegiate goals. He said he “plans to wrestle four years at 197 pounds with the goal of being a 4-time All-American, and a 2-time NCAA Champion”.
NEW COACHES IN SOL & DISTRICT ONE
Newcomer Trent Mongillo takes over for Glenn Kaiser at Hatboro-Horsham this season. The long-time (17 years) Hatters coach will assist Mongillo in 2017-18 after coaching 25 years for three different Suburban One teams (Abington-assistant 5 years, Upper Dublin-head coach 3 years and H-H for the past 17 years). Kaiser remains on the D1 Steering Committee as an at-large member and chair of the D1 Hall of Fame and All-Academic Team. Kaiser guided the Hatters during a spectacular team run from 2004-2008 in which the Hatters won two sectional titles and a District title. During his tenure, Kaiser coached multiple state place winners after following legendary coach Ralph Wetzel at H-H in 2000.
David Luthy takes over for Justin Giovinco at Plymouth Whitemarsh in the SOL American, and follows in the footsteps of 2x state champion Justin Giovinco and their coach at P-W, Hall of Famer Bob Lorence.
Former SOL wrestlers become Head Coaches: Norristown and Princeton standout wrestler Tim Harner will join the coaching ranks at the helm of Upper Merion, and Souderton grad and former Lehigh wrestler Brian Tanen will lead Springfield Delco in the Central League.
See you on the mats…
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