Falcon wrestlers open Tuesday at St. Marys

Coudersport High School opens its wrestling season Tuesday night at St. Marys.

Sophomore Dirk Cowburn and junior Rich Keagle will lead the Falcons into the 2007- 08 campaign.

Last year, Cowburn placed fourth in the state. He followed that over the summer with a national championship in Greco-Roman competition and as a runner-up in Freestyle. Coach Thad Taylor expects Cowburn to wrestle at 152 pounds this year.

Keagle is poised to build on his 14-13 mark of last season. He'll probably compete at 215.

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

Rounding out the returning lettermen are Keegan DeLung (soph, 145); Ben Capatch (jr., 152); Brett Chilson (jr., 145) and Brandon Empson (soph., 119).

Freshmen Joe Ayers (171) and Caleb Spring (135) should make a mark at the varsity level after success at junior high.