CNO Sports...
Trojan wrestlers could be competitive
By George Starks  
November 23, 2011 

ARCANUM- When wrestling got started at Arcanum, no one really knew what to expect. Along the way, the Trojans have had more than their share of bumps and bruises. 

In addition, Arcanum wrestling has had its share of success also. With 21 kids in singlet’s and a restructuring in weight classes, Arcanum coach Rick Stone is experiencing problems like all smaller school coaches are experiencing. 

“We will not be able to fill the 106 or 113 weight classes,” said Stone. “No one likes change and I’m no different. I like things the old way. I’m sure after a year or two, we will all adjust to it and we’ll be fine.” 

Returning from last years squad is Taylor Loxley, who was injured going into sectionals a year ago. 

“He was a district qualifier as a sophomore,” said Stone. “Taylor will either be a 132 or a 138 pounder, not sure yet on him. Dustin Shiverdecker is a returning district qualifier from a year ago at 160 and Nick Firestone, another district qualifier who will go from heavyweight to the 220 weight class this year.” 

Now in his sixth year as the Trojan coach, Stone has seen it all as the only varsity coach at Arcanum. 

“The progress I’ve seen since taking this job has been tremendous,” said Stone. “The best class I ever had graduated two years ago. That was a very strong class. And I had them when they were in the seventh grade when we were trying to build this program.” 

A new year brings on new challenges for Stone. 

“Every year, 60 percent of our wrestlers are first year wrestlers,” admitted Stone. “With 21 kids, it is growing. This is the second biggest team I’ve ever had so the popularity of the sport is growing. We have some very aggressive kids and that’s a positive. They are working hard and I’m hoping by mid-season, the new kids will be alright and will be able to compete for us.” 

Coming off a season that saw the Trojan grapplers post a 14-9 record in duel matches, Stone is one of the few that can boast about winning records. 

“Every year we’ve had successful seasons,” said Stone. “Last year, Jerrod Beatty had a broken foot at districts and that was a huge loss for us. He was a state placer his junior year and never had the chance to go back. All in all, the season looks pretty good and I’m excited about it. I think we will be competitive and we will struggle against the elite teams obviously with a bunch of new kids.” 

With such a young bunch, Stone has high expectations for his kids. 

“I want us to be right there battling for the conference title and we do that every year. We are always right there,” said Stone. “I think we if can do that, we can get three or four to the state meet.” 

Away from the conference, Stone’s bunch goes head to head with some good competition.

“One of the best teams we get every year is Greenville,” Stone stated. “Coach Shutts always has his kids ready to get on the mat and wrestle. We are in the Versailles Invitational this year and that is going to be tough. We are in a Holiday Tournament at Tipp City and we’ve never been there before so we’re excited about that. We will see some strong teams there we’ve never seen and that will prepare us for the sectional meet.”

Stone said he feels he has got five or six kids that can get to district with three going on to the state level.