Falcon wrestlers on the rebound

Results of Coudersport High School wrestling coach Thad Taylor's recruiting efforts should be evident soon, as the Falcons prepare to rebound from a frustrating 2-17 season in Taylor's debut.

Eight returning lettermen and the arrival of some talented freshman form a foundation from which Taylor is building his 2007-08 squad.

Nine of the 27 students signed up for wrestling were late in arriving due to the football team's playoff run.

"Last year, we had very few wrestlers and most of them were freshmen," Taylor said. "They made huge improvements during the season. My main goal is to get our new guys up to speed with sound fundamentals."

Sophomore Dirk Cowburn has all the makings of a future state champion. He's targeted at 152 pounds this season. Last year, Cowburn placed fourth in the state after he was runnerup at the District 9 and Northwest Regional tournaments. He followed that over the summer with a national championship in Greco-Roman competition and as a runner-up in Freestyle.

Junior Rich Keagle finished with a 14-13 mark and opened some eyes with a strong showing at D9. He'll probably compete at 215.

Senior Mike Dunn (285) was 9-5 before he was felled by injury last year. Sophomore Kyle Collins, also listed at 285, is coming off an 11-13 season.

Rounding out the returning lettermen are Keegan DeLung (soph, 145, 6-17); Ben Capatch (jr., 152, 0-5 in rookie season); Brett Chilson (jr., 145, 3-16, Most Improved Wrestler winner last year) and Brandon Empson (soph., 119, 3-14).

Freshmen Joe Ayers (171) and Caleb Spring (135) have moved up to varsity with broad experience. Also coming up are freshman Brian Kane (125) and sophomore Kyle Taylor (171).

Taylor's recruiting efforts have landed 15 wrestlers who are new to the sport. They include senior Caitlin Cumby (130), Ryan Gaberseck (171), Brandon Grabbitt (285), Chris Johnson, Jordan Long, Touch Mongkonsawat (14) and Chris Williams (160); juniors Josh Crain (135) and Taras Lunev (152); sophomore Hunter Amidon (285), Tony Capatch (285) and Chris Symans (285); and sophomores Justin Barentine (112), James Bright (125) and Devin VanPelt (152).

"Some of our new recruits bring a lot of athletic ability from other sports," Taylor said. "I know our returning lettermen will step it up a notch to capitalize on all their hard work."