Usually, I would be a little concerned, however we do have quality in the three that we have. I look for them to make an immediate impact on the team this year.

What's the injury report for the Raiders going into the season?

We started with 28 healthy wrestlers November 16th, although we have had our share of injuries hit early on, I think the starting line-up that we are going with to Ironman is very capable.

How is the senior leadership on the squad this year?

I couldn't be happier with the leadership that this years senior class and captains have demonstrated.  They are a great bunch of kids that have the right attitude for our practice room.

How's the team look compared to last year's squad?

It is hard to tell without any competition under our belts, but this team has demonstrated the right approach. If we continue to progress, the team will be able to reach our yearly goals of competing for a district title and beyond.

what's the lineup look like for the ironman?

106 Seth Hogue 113 Michael bartolo 120 Nick Nottingham 126 Alex DiGregorio 132 Mason McCollum 138 Matt Leise 145 Levi Stoyer 152 Austin Matthews 160 Michael Millero 170 Austin Moffett 182 Jamar Henry 195 Denton Zeronas 220 Logan Rickert 285 Gene Ringer

How's it feel now that you have a year under your belt?

I feel  a lot more comfortable with the "business" side of things such as the paperwork.  And with a ton of help from my assistant coaches, they make things go a lot smoother.

See Clay is hurt but see his name on the roster, will he be wrestling at all?

No we will not, we are proud to have him as a member of the squad, but he is currently re-habing from surgery on his ACL.

Any coaching changes on the varsity?

No, still have the great assistants that we have had in the past, thanks for asking.

What's up with the D10 web site?

To my knowledge it crashed a few weeks ago and they are still working on it, check back on it in the next couple of weeks.

Is Austin Matthews ranked nationally? Where's he going to college?

Yes, he is....it depends on which magazine you look at, but he has been ranked as high as five or six at 152.  He will be attending Clarion University in the fall and wrestle for Coach Troy Letters.  We are VERY PROUD of him.

See some new names on the Jr. High squad. How is the JH looking this year?

The Junior High squad is looking like a very talented bunch. I think that RAIDER NATION is in store for some very good years in the near future.  But don't count this years team out!!

Looks like there will be some intense wrestle-offs this year.

The wrestle-offs were finished up this past Monday and yes they were highly contested at a few weights.  Once we get some guys back from injury they will be even better.

What are the tournament expectations this year... Ironman/King of the Mt. and Manheim?

I think the expectations for the season are going to be similar to the past....Try to get into the top ten at Ironman, and then set our goals a little higher at the KOM and Manheim.  We look more towards having individual champs at those and let the team points take care of themselves.

How's Brian doing these days?

He is doing exceptionally well.  He and my mother are busy with the grandbabies and traveling here and there.  I do know that the Christmas lights were up a lot earlier the past two years than in previous years. HAHA, as usual, we hope he misses it and pays us a visit once in awhile.

How do you think the Raiders rank in the district and the State?

I think until someone knocks them off that Fort Lebeouf is the team to beat.  But I think that we have a team that will challenge for the district title, and then see what happens at the state level. We always pride ourselves on setting our goals at the state level.

Who will be at the Ultimate Duals this year?

To my knowledge, it will be Brookville, Saegertown, Boyertown, Hanover, and Mifflinburg

Hats off to the elementary program, they do a great job year in and year out.

Absolutely, we would not have the success at the Varsity level without the dedication of the Elementary Coaching Staff, and the great support of the parents that help in every way possible.

Who are the top teams in District 10 and in the State?

Like previously mentioned, Fort Leboeuf is in the running for the District title, and Saegertown seems to be up and coming.  As for the state, Beth Catholic, Boiling Springs, and Brookville will be strong.

How do the local teams match up with the Raiders?

Not too sure yet, time will tell, but I expect Mercer and Sharpsville to be formidable this year.

Do you think Reynolds and Greenville will get back to wrestling each other?

I would certainly hope so, it is a rivalry that goes back a long time....but the only way we will wrestle them this year is if we meet at the district duals again.  We were hoping that they could fit us in this year, but it didn't work out on their end.

Do we have any up & comers in the Elementary program?

I was fortunate enough to see some of them last year, and with 10 state medalists and a couple returning champs in Beau and Ava Bayless the future looks very bright.

Casey,

How did our Raiders do at the Canfield Scrimmage ? Who were some of the more prominent teams there ? Smart move to go out of the area to scrimmage to " hide what we have " and avoid getting " scouted ".

Best of Fortunes in the forthcoming season.

From the " Raider Nation Outpost in Houston, Texas ",

Joe Spicko

RHS '67

Thanks Joe, the scrimmage went well, Solon and Massilon, OH had a couple studs that went toe to toe with our guys. It was a great way to kick off the season.  Hope to keep making you proud!!!

Why did we stop wrestling Greenville ?

Not to sure, but hope to get it back in the near future.

How do you manage to be such an amazing coach, husband, and father?!

Well, you will probably have to get that answer from my Loving, supportive wife!!! Although, she may have a different answer altogether. HAHA  I do know that I wouldn't be able to enjoy this awesome job without her support.  Thanks for the compliment though!!!!

I would like to thank everyone who submitted questions to tonight's chat.  The 2012-2013 Raiders are excited to get under way and I think we are ready to rumble at the tough IRONMAN tournament this weekend.  Thanks again to all of RAIDER NATION that continue to show us support from all over the country!!!