Warriors reloading after departure of Michaels, Cain

By JONATHAN GUTH

MVI Sports

Despite losing the first state finalist in program history and another state qualifier to graduation, Elizabeth Forward head wrestling coach Richard Scheuermann is confident heading into the 2020-21 season.

The veteran coach guided Ryan Michaels to the Class AA state final match last season against Troy’s Sheldon Seymour in the 120-pound weight class. Michaels suffered a 7-4 setback to Seymour, who won his second state gold, but reached many program firsts in his senior campaign.

Michaels, who didn’t wrestle for the varsity team as a freshman, was 123-11 with three trips to the state tournament. He finished in third place as a junior and won two Southwest Regional and WPIAL Championships. Michaels is currently wrestling for the University of Pittsburgh.

“Ryan really put in the work to become the wrestler he is,” Scheuermann said. “We are definitely going to miss him, but we have some guys coming back and some guys coming up that should do well.”

Michaels wasn’t the only Warrior senior to impress his senior year, as Ethan Cain advanced to the state tournament at 195. Cain, who is wrestling in college at Seton Hill University, was 102-53 in his high school career, including a 36-11 mark as a senior.

In addition to Michaels and Cain, Elizabeth Forward will be looking to replace solid starters in Nick and Noah Hunnell. Noah was 98-54 in his career and a three-time regional qualifier.

“We did lose some guys, but that is part of high school wrestling,” Scheuermann said. “Despite losing these guys, I think we will be OK this year.”

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