The Parkland High School wrestling team will be inexperienced heading into the 2023-24 season, having lost some talented grapplers to graduation last year, and also have a new face leading the program as head coach Eddie Keichel enters his first season at the helm.

The Trojans went 12-4 overall last season in duals and were 7-2 in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference matches. They lost in the quarterfinal round of the District 11 3A Team Tournament.

Keichel, who has been around the program the last few seasons under previous head coach Jon Trenge, is excited to get started with this group in his first time around as the head man.

“Some of our strengths are that the kids work hard every day,” said Keichel. “Some areas we can improve is our experience as we are a young team. There will be some bumps in the road, but everything is a learning experience and preparation for Districts. It is an overall great group of kids who are very coachable and come into every practice with an open mind and a willingness to learn. It makes me excited as a coach to get in there every day.”

Parkland’s top returning wrestlers from last season include junior Eli Russ (18-13 last year), senior Blake Dergham (34-11 last year, District 11 4th place, Regional 6th), junior Leo Kern (18-15 last year), sophomore Jorge Moya, senior Julius Reyes and senior Micheal Gavrilesku (32-11 last year, District 5, Regional Qualifier). Some key newcomers to the lineup this season include sophomores James Tyler and Matt Dorsey, along with freshmen Matt Velez, Chase Kruk, Luis Moya, Jared Santilli, CJ Toth and Myles Lysek.

“Blake Dergham, Micheal Gavrilesku, Matt Velez, Leo Kern, Eli Russ and Jorge Moya are all guys that have the potential to qualify for the regional tournament with some of them looking at qualifying for states,” Keichel said. “A couple other young guys/first-time starters could be surprises along the way if they keep working the way that they are. Blake is approaching 100 career wins (71 entering this year).”

Parkland opens its regular season campaign begins with a conference and home opening match against East Stroudsburg North next Tuesday night at Parkland High School.