Wrestlers near season's end

Coach Thad Taylor sees the 2007-08 varsity wrestling season at Coudersport as a learning experience, part of a rebuilding effort that will pay dividends next season and beyond.

The Falcons fell at Kane, 52- 15, on Monday night and had to postpone Tuesday's planned match at Bradford due to slippery roads.

Coudersport has recently been without super sophomore Dirk Cowburn, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. Cowburn is undefeated this season.

Against Kane, junior Ben Capatch came through with a pin in 3:42 at 152 pounds, while freshman Caleb Spring scored a 9-4 decision at 125. Freshman Justin Barentine won by forfeit at 112.

Touch Mongkonsawat (140), Keegan DeLung (145), Rich Keagle (189), Chris Symans (215) and Brandon Grabbitt (285) also competed.

Keagle, a junior, has had a good season and hopes to make some noise at next weekend's PIAA District 9 Meet at Clarion University.

"I was very pleased with the team's effort," Taylor said after the loss at Kane. "Both Ben and Caleb earned good, hardfought wins after being behind in the score early on. Their effort shows the kind of grit this young team has."

Last Friday, on Senior Night, the Falcons bid farewell to seniors Mongkonsawat and Grabbitt, along with scorekeeper Kayla Taylor and cheerleader Nikki Thompson.