Penn-Trafford wrestling looking to take another step forward

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, November 19, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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There is a change at the top of the Penn-Trafford wrestling program, but it’s only temporary.

Larry Hohman has taken over as head coach for the upcoming season while Travis McKillop adjusts to his new job. McKillop is expected to return to the head coaching position for the 2024-25 season.

“It’s an easy transition,” Hohman said. “Really, the only thing changing is the person doing the paperwork. The wrestlers won’t notice the change.”

The Warriors finished second in Section 3-3A last season and with three PIAA qualifiers returning — sophomore Dylan Barrett (33-15), senior Hayden Coy (38-10) and junior Tasso Whipple (34-15) — among the seven starters back, the Warriors hope to challenge last year’s champion Franklin Regional and talented Norwin for the section title.

The Warriors also have a strong group of freshmen and sophomores which should make for a well-rounded squad.

“We’re going to be OK,” Hohman said. “We’re going to have good mix and it should make for an exciting season.”

Barrett (107 pounds) and Coy (127) placed third in the WPIAL and Whipple (172) was fourth last season. Each was a win away from medaling at the PIAA tournament.

“I’m looking for improved seasons from all three of them,” Hohman said. “They got the taste of what it takes to get to Hershey last year, and they should elevate their skills. I look for improvement from all of the wrestlers.”

The Warriors must replace six graduates — heavyweight Joe Enick, Owen Ott (215), Nate Hernandez (139), Draven Hanford (121), Dom Hartman (160) and Adam Hall (189).

Other starters back include sophomore Jake Lang (107/114), junior Logan Ventura (121/127), sophomore Logan Matrisch (133/139) and sophomore Dylan Clayton (145/152).

Some of the newcomers Hohman expects to make an impact are sophomore Ivan Ratesic (107/114), freshman Luke DeSantis (114/121), sophomore Kolton Kozain (127/131), freshman Sydney Hand (131/139), sophomore Jamison Yurt (220) and sophomore Aiden Toth (285).

Not only does Hohman want to see improvement from the individuals, he hopes the team qualifies for the playoffs and will make some noise.

Last year, the Warriors defeated Kiski Area in a preliminary-round match and then lost to Canon-McMillan in the first round.

The last time Penn-Trafford reached the quarterfinals was in 2017.

The schedule will be a little tougher this season. The Warriors open the season at the Hickory Invitational on Dec. 1-2. They will compete in the Trinity Duals on Dec. 9 and the Kiski Area Duals on Dec. 16.

They will be in the Powerade Tournament Dec. 29-30, the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association Tournament Jan. 5-6, and the Mid-Winter Manheim at IUP on Jan. 12-13.

The PIAA individual championships are March 7, 8 and 9 at Hershey.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Penn-Trafford