“Brock had a state runner-up finish, which tied a Glendale record, and he’s just getting started,” fifth-year head coach Billy Dubler said. “Four of last year’s five regional qualifiers are back and we will look to them to lead this young team to new heights.”

Joining McMillen and juniors Dudurich, Johnston and Rutter as returning letterrwinners are senior Brent Kuhn, junior Kyle Jasper and sophomores Cameron Fyock, Logan Keith, Garrett Misiura and Baine Seilhammer.

“These guys are a great group of talented young men,” Dubler said. “They are extremely hard workers and deserve what they get.”

Also on the 16-person roster are seniors Ben Kasaback and Chris Shomo, junior Dustin Hockenberry, sophomores Boston Bloom and Winter Storm and a pair of freshman in Solomon (Suds) Dubler and Evan Duclo, who look to make an immediate impact.

“Starting us off at 106 is electric freshman Solomon Dubler. He has a ton of wrestling experience over the years and has paid his dues,” said coach Dubler. “He has many PJW State medals (2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 6th) and he is a multiple-time freestyle and greco state champion. He is fun to watch and we expect big things from him right out of the gate.

“We have another freshman at 120 in Evan Duclo. Evan had a really good junior high season last year. He has great practice partners and Evan is going to be a different wrestler at the end of the season. Evan works really hard and is in great condition.”

Sandwiched between the freshman will be Misiura, who won 20 matches as a freshman and made the ICC All-Star team.

McMillen, who went 41-4 as a freshman last season, picked up second-place finishes in the District 6, Southwest Regional and PIAA Tournament, falling to eventual state champion Josh Boozel (Mount Union) each time, is looking for an even better season as a sophomore.

“Brock brings next-level wrestling to this team,” Dubler said. “He is the total package. If there is a wrestling award out there, he’s already won it. Brock expects to be a state champion this year and we hope he drags as many Vikings as possible with him on his trail to Hershey in March.”

Seilhammer will eventually fill the spot at 132 after the 2-pound weight allowance following Christmas break.

Rutter, who was the District 6 runner-up last season at 138 and missed making the PIAA Tournament by one match, looks to compete at 138 again this season.

“Tristan is bigger, stronger, and more explosive than he’s ever been,” Dubler said. “We will push him hard to make states this year. Tristan is going to have a big year.”

Newcomer Bloom will slot in at 145, followed by Kuhn at 152/160.

“We will get Brent the best possible matchups so he is battle tested to make a postseason run,” Dubler said. “Brent was an ICC All-Star last season and has worked just as hard or harder than anybody this offseason. Brent earned his way to being one of the leaders of this young team.”

Kasaback could fill a spot in the lineup anywhere from 160 to 182, depending on where he is needed in a particular match, while Fyock will also fit in that part of the lineup once he recovers from injury.

Dudurich is back to compete at 195 after finishing fourth at districts and qualifying for regionals last season.

“Seth is more upbeat about this wrestling season as I’ve ever seen him,” Dubler said. “Seth is thinking about making the drop to 182 pounds for the postseason but wherever Seth lands he will be a handful for anyone. Seth is a bull.”

Johnston, who missed much of his sophomore season before making a nice postseason run is back at 220, hoping to put together a full junior campaign.

“Cory missed the beginning of last season with a knee surgery and never really got on track until he made a nice district run to 5th place from the 16th seed,” Dubler said. “Cory is the perfect example of why seeds don’t matter at the tournament. I cant wait to see what Cory can do with a whole season under his belt. He and Seth have been moving like lightweights at practice.”

Jasper is back to anchor the team at heavyweight.

“Kyle missed the postseason last year but has improved a great deal under the guidance of coach Kody Ness,” Dubler said. “Kyle has put in a lot of work in the offseason. He is so much stronger than last year. Kyle seems more focused this year and it’s exciting to see.”

Keith (220-285) and Shomo (285) along with lightweights Hockenberry and Storm provide the Vikings with crucial depth in case of injury.

“They give our team depth and flexibility,” Dubler said. “To have more success in duals we need wrestlers like Winter, Dustin, Logan, and Chris.”

With all the returning talent, the Vikings have aimed high with their goals this season.

“We want to win the ICC,” Dubler said. “We want to finish in the top 2 at the District duals and take our team to Hershey. We want to bring home a team trophy at the D6 Tournament.

“Led by ICC All-Stars and postseason heroes Garret Misiura, Brock McMillen, Tristan Rutter, Brent Kuhn, Seth Dudurich, and Cory Johnston we can wrestle with anybody. We need to be committed and wrestle great to achieve these goals.

“Our staff will do our best to keep these guys motivated while having as much fun as possible. Our biggest challenge will be to bring our less experienced guys up to the level of our All Stars which I see steps already taken towards this in the practice room.”

Glendale opens its season Dec. 13 at Tussey Mountain.

Roster

Seniors

Ben Kasaback, *Brent Kuhn, Chris Shomo.

Juniors

*Seth Dudurich, Dustin Hockenberry, *Kyle Jasper, *Cory Johnston, *Tristan Rutter.

Sophomores

Boston Bloom, *Cameron Fyock, *Logan Keith, *Brock McMillen, *Garrett Misiura, *Baine Seilhammer, Winter Storm.

Freshmen

Solomon Dubler, Evan Duclo.

*Returning letterwinners

Schedule

December

13—at Tussey Mountain. 14/15—at Penn Cambria Tournament, TBA. 18—Everett. 20—at Juniata Valley.

January

3—at Moshannon Valley, 4 p.m. 5—at Juniata Duals, 9 a.m. 8—Mount Union. 10—at Claysburg-Kimmel. 15—at Southern Huntingdon. 17—Bellwood-Antis. 19—at Claysburg-Kimmel Duals, 9 a.m. 22—Northern Bedford.26—at Fred Bell Tournament (Grove City), 9 a.m.

February

7—West Branch.

Matches begin at 7 p.m. unless noted.