Injuries to two key starters from last season, along with concerns about the coronavirus, have the Jim Thorpe wrestling team starting its season with only seven varsity wrestlers.

Coach Shawn Albert lost two accomplished wrestlers in Jared Newhall and Derek Hunter due to football-related injuries, which means his team will now be comprised of just two juniors, two sophomores, and three freshmen.

“Some kids from last year did not come out because of COVID-19 concerns,” said Albert, who’s beginning his 11th year as JT’s head coach. “That’s discouraging, but at the same time it’s completely understandable.”

Gone from last year’s District 11 dual meet playoff team is Schuylkill League champion and regional qualifier Will Schwartz, who helped the Olympians register two consecutive regular season team winning records.

Exact weight classes have yet to be determined this year by Albert as he continues to prepare his team for what he hopes will be at least a 10-match schedule, featuring home and away matches against five league opponents.

In the lower weight classes is sophomore Ridge Snyder, who begins his second varsity season.

“Ridge had a pretty good season as a freshman if you consider he lost some close matches to some quality wrestlers,” said Albert. He’s grown physically, and the fact that he’s a cross-country and track athlete will help his competitiveness on the mat.”

Sophomore Robert Murphy could be described as a “mat rat.” He shows his passion for the sport by being the first one to show up for practice every day.

“Robert will wrestle around 145 pounds,” said Albert. “He’s quick on his feet and good with a single leg drop. Robert has flexible hips, too, a good wrestling feature for turning the body in and out of moves. We think he can take a step forward this year and get a few more wins.”

The captain of the team is junior Gabe Heaney, who Albert calls a “dedicated wrestler since he’s been a little kid.” His skill set includes being strong from the top position, where he can ride his opponents and turn them on their backs for possible pins.

“Gabe would have been on schedule to reach 100 wins in his senior year, but as of now there won’t be enough matches scheduled this season because of the virus,” Albert said, referring to the canceling of tournaments and limiting schools to wrestle only within their leagues.

At 180-pounds is junior Caleb McDermott, a varsity wrestler for the past two years. Albert likes his work ethic and his perseverance to compete to the absolute last second of a match.

“Caleb may appear to be a bit methodical, but he turns it on when the time is winding down and can quickly turn a loss into a victory.”

Three freshmen round out the 2020-2021 edition of Thorpe’s team, beginning with 160-pounder Maximus Fitzpatrick.

“Max is strong with an athletic body, and he won’t back down from anyone,” said Albert. “He’s a fighter.”

Salvatore Capria steps off the gridiron and onto the mat.

“Sal will have benefited from his varsity football experience. We need to get him to learn wrestling techniques, but he brings strength and athletic ability, so that will come.”

Jayden Mantilla, who will wrestle at either 189 or 215 pounds, comes up from the junior high school program. Albert said he needs more time to evaluate Mantilla’s skills at practices before he can make an accurate assessment of his abilities.

Despite the low numbers, Albert is optimistic the team will show improvement during the season.