Raider wrestlers debut today

Cameron County expects to send several potential PIAA District 9 placewinners onto the mat, as the 2006-07 high school wrestling season kicks off this morning at the Warren Tournament.

Senior Chad Schatz returns at 275 lbs., looking to build on last year’s 29-5 record, including a third place D9 finish.

Sophomore Randy Schatz is also out to build on his impressive varsity debut (22- 9). He’s competing at 140.

Taylor Songer, a junior, should be one of the district’s top performers at 145. He went 24-10 last year and is poised for a return to the Northwest Regionals.

Also returning with bright prospects for advancement is sophomore Mike Baker, who debuted at 18-12 last season at 145. He’ll compete at 160 this time around.

In the lighter weights, second-year head coach Scott Baker is expecting to see several youngsters rise to the occasion. Bruce Frey, a freshman, continues his family’s tradition of wrestling

success, competing at 130 or 135. Freshmen Tyler Bidwell (112), Dominick Manginell (103) and Brock Belkowski (125) are also primed for their varsity debut, as is 152- pounder Hunter Bardo, also a freshman.

Junior Marcus Mullens, who showed steady improvement last season, should be a solid performer at 171.

Brandon Kamats, also a junior, returns from a .500 season stronger and even more determined at 119.

Coach Baker welcomes the arrival of Darrick Mason to the sport of wrestling, penciling-in the aggressive junior at 189. The 215 slot comes down to juniors Matt Burke or Connor McCurley.

Also on hand this season are freshman Donovan McCurley (160), sophomore Kyle Stuart (275), junior Matt Franceus and senior Cody Andrus (275).

The Red Raiders will travel to Bradford next Thursday, followed by their home debut on Friday, Dec. 22, against St. Marys Public.