Although just a sophomore, Andrew Schafer will be one of the veterans that will be counted on for the 2009-2010 campaign
John Carroll has long been known for traditionally wearing the color of Blue and Gold, but a more apt color for the 2009-2010 wrestling team might be green.
Lack of experience is one of the defining qualities of this year's roster, but so is talent, and head coach Kerry Volkmann knows the onus is on the coaching staff to get that talent up and running to top level collegiate speed.
"We have some very strong kids but the talent they have is untested for the most part,' said Volkmann. "Outside of a few guys, it is tough to really know how to assess this team until they are actually in competition."
184-pounder Ben Adams is the most experienced athlete on the roster, and the two-time Ohio Athletic Conference champion and two-time NCAA Division III national qualifier will carry the additional burden of team leader on this young squad.
"I hope this is Ben's year to really break through,' said Volkmann. "This is the first time he will have the benefit of having a whole offseason as he is healthy and no longer playing football."
Other returning veterans include Greg Stolfer at 125, Kevin Nycz at 133 pounds, Matt Narducci and Mauricio Gonzalez at 149, Clarence Semple at 157, Andrew Schaffer and Sean Gill at 165, Travis Hammer and Nick Morin at 174, James Nemunaitis at 197 and Tim Lambert , Alec Barker and Nick Petroni at 285.
Volkmann is hoping a few newcomers, such as transfer Greg Ryan at 141 and a pair of starters (125-pounder John Cobos and 197-pounder Mike Green) from Lakewood St. Edward High School -- the 2009 Division I Ohio state championship team -- will also bolster the Blue Streaks in what could be termed either a rebuilding or reloading year for the Blue Streaks.
"It is definitely a year we are approaching with cautious optimism and with good reason," said Volkmann. "We are a work in progress, and it is up to us to make sure we are continually improving. I always hope we are a better team in February than we are right now, and the great thing is that we will have every opportunity to work toward that goal."
