Wrestling – Middle and upper weights strengths for Hornet grapplers heading into upcoming season. PREVIEW:

Jack Brion is one of seven seniors in this year's lineup for the Hornets Photo: Tim Patterson

Head coach – Thad Smith (4th season)

Assistants – Jim Best, Jason Jones, Marcus Hardiman

Last year – 5-0 EPC, 5th District 11

Losses to graduation – Kordell Waiters (12-6/152/3rd District 11/5th East Regional), Connor Carter (7-2/285), Gio Lainez (7-2/113), Cody Lafaver (2-4/189), Deylain Newton (2-3/126)

Returnees – Sr. Nick Velde (12-5/138/3rd District 11/5th East Regional), Jr. Marco Albanese (8-2/145), Sr. Quin Scott (7-2/160), Sr. Trevor Gitski (6-3/285), Sr. Jack Brion (4-4/170), Sr. Braulio Hurtado (3-2/138), Sr. Caleb Baldwin (2-0/145/152), Sr. Drew Schmidt (152), Jr. Jake Gross (1-0/189), Jr. Aiden Horn (2-1/120), Jr. Alex Issa (0-2/113), Jr. Lord Henry (126)

Newcomers – Sr. Jared Groller (215), Fr. Jesse Scott (132), Fr. Andrew Mcllwain (106), Fr. Chancellor Henry (120/126)

League-opener – Dec. 15 @ Northampton, 7 pm

Home-opener – Dec. 16 vs Parkland, 7 pm (LIVE: www.easternpasportsnetwork.com)

Tournaments: Case-Flynn Duals @ Pottsville (Dec. 11), Hurricane Invitational (Dec. 28 & 29), Dallastown (Jan. 15), Denver Duals (Jan. 22),

Social media to follow: Twitter: @Emmaussports, @Emmauswrestling; Facebook: Emmaus Wrestling

Coach Smith – “I like this group of kids a lot. They are a great group. They work hard and they come to practice and wrestle and that’s all I can ask for. If we can stay healthy – and we are now – we will be alright”