Head coach: Tom Gallione (12th Season)

Last year’s record: 9-8

Key returnees: Robbie Natelli (Jr. 126; 20-10, fourth in District 8 in 2016), Casey Lewis (Jr. 170-182; 19-9 in 2016), Jake Prusha (Jr. 152; 8-13 in 2016), Nolan Shields (Jr. 120; 15-11, third in D8 in 2016), Will Morris (Jr. 160; 15-9 in 2016), Matt Beyer (So. 138; 25-15, third in D8 in 2016)

Key losses: Joe Schnugg (195; 8-14 in 2016), Joe Figueroa (285; 5-11 in 2016), Nick Timpanaro (170; 17-8 in 2016), Dan Schneiderman (160; 9-9 in 2016).

Key additions: Tommy Chiellini (So. 145; 22-14 in 2016, second in D5), Rob Arloro (Sr. 152, 12-10 in 2016, third in D5), James Allmers (Fr. 120-126), Griffin Arsis (Fr. 106), Joe Tolomeo (Fr. 106) 

Strengths of team: Solid wrestlers from 106 all the way to 182. Out of 14 weight classes, the Indians are pretty tough in the first 11.

Areas that need improvement: Need to figure out the upper weights — 195, 220, & 285.

Outlook: Last season, PV finished with a solid 9-8 record. Gallione pictures the people coming back will fill in nicely and form a strong core of tough wrestlers. The Indians have two returning wrestlers who advanced to the Region 2 tournament in Nolan Shields and Matt Beyer. With the additions of Tommy Chiellini (who actually knocked Shields out of the Region 2 tournament in the first round) and Rob Arloro, who both made it out of District 5 with Don Bosco Prep last year, PV is coming into the winter with four guys who made it to the big regions tournament. Unfortunately, Chiellini and Aroloro will have to sit out of matches for the first 30 days of the season since they are transfers. The heavier weight classes took a mild hit with Schnugg and Schneiderman both moving on. Gallione hopes that he can get at least half of his wrestlers to place at the District Tournament. A return to the state sectional team tournament would also be nice for these PV wrestlers. The last time they qualified for the tournament was in 2005, and they have a legitimate shot to be in the tourney year. 

Coach’s comment: “I think the kids have been working really hard since last year ended. There’s been a lot of hard work in the room, camps, tournaments, there’s a handful of them that have been working hard in there and they’re anxious to get going. And so am I, I think it will be a fun year if we can stay healthy.”

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