Zane Bachert remembers being a high school wrestler having to face Panther Valley.

And one thing in particular stands out.

“When we wrestled Panther Valley, I remember it being one of the toughest matches of the year,” said Bachert, a Tamaqua graduate who is now PV’s new head coach. “They were in your face and hard-nosed, and that’s the kind of wrestling I want to make sure continues here.”

A year ago, the Panthers enjoyed a season that included three of its wrestlers advancing to states. The team also had a full lineup and reached district duals as the No. 6 seed.

While Bachert might not have the same numbers as last season, and probably won’t be able to match the same success team-wise, the new mentor is realistic and optimistic at the same time.

“We’re definitely in a rebuilding year,” said Bachert. “We lost a huge group of seniors, and some good ones, and lost one of our key juniors as well. But we have talented individuals who are going to push to do great things this year.”

Leading the way is senior heavyweight Aaron Eidem, who posted a 24-10 record a year ago.

“He’s super pumped to take it to the next step this year,” said Bachert, who is taking over for longtime coach Tim Robb. “He’s one of our leaders and should definitely go places.”

Colby Newton, another senior, is also coming off a solid season and provides some leadership in the wrestling room.

Newton posted a 17-10 mark and is slated to fill the 126-pound class this year.

“We’re looking for Colby to also step up this year,” said Bachert. “He had success last season and is part of some good competition we have in the lower and middleweights.”

Seniors Chris Walkinshaw, who placed fifth at districts, and Kyle Rusnak also provide experience. Walkinshaw will be at 220, while Rusnak will see action at 138.

Eric Moyer, a junior, hasn’t wrestled the past two seasons, but could be a force in the middle (152/160) for the Panthers.

“I think Eric will surprise people despite his two years off,” said Bachert. “His eighth grade year, he placed at junior high districts. He’s a tough kid, and I’m hoping that toughness stayed with him. He’s definitely up some weight classes since then, and hopefully it transitions over.”

Bachert is also high on a couple of freshmen that could crack the lineup.

Lamar Easley, who was 9-9 at the junior high level, could make the squad at 138 or 145. Classmate De’Antay Alston might stick at 195.

“Our two freshmen could surprise if they transition (to varsity),” said Bachert. “I’ve already seen Lamar pushing kids in the room. He’s the kind of kid that when he doesn’t get something right, he seeks the coach out instead of waiting for us to come to him. Alston’s injured right now, so we’ll see how fast he gets cleared.”

Kasey Ansbach, a sophomore, is making the jump from junior high and will be at 106. Junior Ethan Malaska fits the bill at 120.

Other juniors with some experience include Bryan Krapf (132/138) and Braxton Whitaker (195), while senior Josh Muth (126) is a newcomer.

“My goal is to try and continue the tradition of excellence that Panther Valley has had. For being a small school, they’ve never let the small-school attitude get in the way of having a wonderful program. My goal is to definitely continue that and to build it as well.”