The McIntosh Chiefs wrestling team has hit the mats in preparation for another exciting season. The squad returns 11 lettermen who are very focused on improving on last year’s winning season. The returning lettermen are seniors – Landis Ford, Bryce Hughey and Brett Buehler; juniors Carl Scheumann, Matt Carroll, Jonathan Smith, Erik Willanzheimer, Richard Hughes, Jarrod Chamblee, Jesse Toscano and sophomore Jim Murrell.

Although they lost several strong wrestlers from last year’s team to graduation including team captain Matt Penn, Alex Shoemaker, Scott Ritter and Alan Sarvis, there is a group of seasoned, returning seniors that are leading the Chiefs during their pre-season work-outs.

Coach Nick Bellantoni has the team concentrating on building on last year’s success and is pointing towards a strong showing at the state tournament.

“Last year’s squad was young. Though we were starting underclassmen in eight to ten of the 14 weight classes in most matches, we finished the season with a winning record. This year we will be fielding an experienced squad that will be very competitive,” said Bellantoni, adding, “Our region will be one of the toughest in the state. With teams like Woodward, Starr’s Mill, Whitewater, Northgate and Fayette County, qualifying for state will be tough. But we are preparing to make it to the state duals and finish in the top 10 at state.”

The McIntosh program has welcomed another strong group of freshmen this year.

Coach Mark Ruck at Booth Middle School has done another terrific job in preparing another group of athletes ready for high school wrestling,” Bellantoni said. “Season after season Booth competes for the Middle School County Championship and the result of Coach Ruck’s dedication is that we expect three or four of the freshmen to compete for varsity positions.”

The Chiefs launch their season on Wednesday, Nov. 22 with the varsity and JV traveling to Troup County High School to compete in a season opening tournament.

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