Wrestlers open season; Cowburn now 5-0

Falcon head coach Thad Taylor (right) and volunteer assistant Isaac Wright are interested observers.

Coudersport opened its wrestling season against a rugged field at Saturday's Philipsburg-Osceola Tournament.

"I saw a lot of good things out of our guys," coach Thad Taylor said. "Half of our team members are new to the sport. For us, it's all about unity, progress and improvement, and not necessarily about wins and losses."

On a brighter note, sophomore Dirk Cowburn dominated the 152-pound weight class with five pins, all of them in 90 seconds or less.

Senior Mike Dunn went 2-2 with pins over wrestlers from State College and Corry at 285.

Junior Keagle went 2-3 at 215. He pinned a grappler from the host school and won a major decision.

Freshman Caleb Spring (140) and junior Brett Chilson (171) had one win apiece. Freshman Justin Barentine (112) was awarded two wins by forfeit.

Also competing were senior Touch Mongkonsawat (145), sophomore Keegan DeLung (160) and senior Ryan Gaberseck (189).

"Justin, Touch and Ryan got their first live competition today and will learn from the experience," Taylor notd. "Caleb, the only freshman at 140, pinned the fourth-seeded wrestler. Rich and Mike wrestled a terrific tournament and Dirk dominated his competition."

The Falcons jump from the frying pan into the fire, as they head to Port Allegany on Tuesday to meet a solid Gator squad. They'll be back in action next Saturday against a large field at the Kane Invitational.