Panthers not backing down from Falcons

NEW LEXINGTON - A difficult task lies ahead for New Lexington.

The eighth-seeded Panthers open the Division II state dual team tournament against top-seed St. Paris Graham for the second consecutive year.

The two teams take to the mat at 11 a.m. Sunday at St. John Arena.

Last season, the Panthers made their first visit to the state and lost 66-6 in the first round to the Falcons, who have won all three state dual titles in Division II.

Although New Lexington coach Dave Ratliff was not pleased with his team's seed, the Panthers won't back down from the challenge.

"Someday, Southeast Ohio will get respect," Ratliff said. "We're not scared of them. Jeff Jordan has that program rolling, and at some point you have to face them. It's tough to get them in the first round."

Senior T.J. Newsome was part of last year's lineup. He admitted the Panthers hoped for a more favorable matchup, but they won't be intimidated by one of the top programs in the state.

Seniors Matt Adams, Austin Ratliff, Andrew Spicer, Dylan Wright and Sam Allen; juniors Dimitri Williams, Dalton Burton and Clayton Glick; and sophomores Luke Shively, Corbin West and Landin Price also took part last season.

Adams was the only Panther wrestler to win his match last season with a pin of Brandon Hays in 1:35.

"It would be nice to be seeded different, but we can’t help that," Newsome said. "We have to go out and wrestle the best we can. We always work hard and love the sport. We're trying to get ready for the postseason and make sure our heads (are) in the right place."

A strong crop of seniors are among the reasons the Panthers have reached this level again. Another is an experienced coaching staff put together by Dave Ratliff, who was a state qualifier for New Lex in 1998.

Shawn Enright, a two-time All-American at Ohio University, and former New Lex standouts Zeb Wood, Koy Dennis, Josh Caplinger, Matt Reed and Alan Randolph round out the assistants.

The group has aided the Panthers in overcoming the loss of several starters, including Williams, a state qualifier a year ago. They also have provided guidance to keep the team headed in the right direction, Adams said.

"Our coaches had us write our goals at the beginning of the season," Adams said. "Even with injuries and mishaps, our coaches make sure everyone trains hard and is ready to go. That's what makes them great coaches. They push each of us to be the best we can be."

No matter the outcome Sunday, the Panthers still have objectives to achieve. The seniors want to accomplish those while instilling the mindset needed to continue the program's run of success.

"We push each other and the next kid in line is ready to go," Austin Ratliff said. "This team is a big family. Our coaches teach us a lot, and it means a lot to the seniors and everyone before us to keep this going."

bhannahs@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

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