WEST ALEXANDRIA — Twin Valley South wrestling has a new coach and the biggest turnout in school history heading into the season.

The Panthers host 11 grapplers on the roster while also bringing back plenty of experience.

“We’re pretty solid. I do have a couple first-year guys, but I have two seniors that are probably going to make it out of sectionals and to districts,” said head coach Jim Wagers.

Those two seniors are Chase Sochacki and Shade Holsapplpe.

Sochacki is 21 wins away from becoming South’s first-ever wrestler to accumulate 100 career wins, while Holsapple was the school’s first two-time district qualifier.

They also add the likes of juniors Caleb Worley and Austin Hansford, who are both expected to make a run at qualifying for districts as well.

The Panthers also bring in five freshmen — Zacary Fisk, Cameron Holloway, Nicholas Smith, Skyler Straszheim, Wesley Vanzant, and Levi White – to gain varsity experience on the season.

Junior Caleb Smith rounds out the roster for South.

Wagers is a first year head coach at the varsity level but has been with the program for the last five seasons. He hopes to bring the basic fundamentals – no flash or glam – to the mat on the year.

“Honestly, I just want to bring sound wrestling. I don’t go into a whole bunch of elaborate or fancy moves. It’s just straight up, basic wrestling. I keep it simple. That way, these kids that don’t know anything can get on the same page,” he said. “I use more of the moves that everybody knows and everybody can learn quickly. It gives them that shot of winning matches. If they get into the fancy moves and hit them wrong, you end up losing matches. I want moves these guys can do, pin the guy, and less risk of messing up.”

The Panthers open up the season at the Brookville Duals at Brookville High School on Saturday, Dec. 5.