State of the Program ... St John Paul II (AL)
St John Paul II (AL)
Head Coach: James Dowd (16 years)
Staff: Daryl Priest
The Falcons finished 13th at the 1A-4A traditional state tournament and made the state duals again in 2021-2022. This team seems to be gaining experience (and confidence) and will look to push into the top 10 in 2023. The Falcons are led by returning 132 lb. State Champ Jack Von Eschenbach and 120 lb. State Qualifier Julian Lowe. The Falcons do lose State Qualifier Robert Goebel to graduation, but expect to be even better this season as the next group continues to develop.
Von Eschenbach and Lowe should lead the way, but if the Falcons are going to climb into the top 10 and make some noise in 22-23 - they will need Ben Santy, Andrew Maryoka, and Gabe Harris to have an impact. Harris was a State Qualifier in 2021 and Maryoka returns after being sidelined a season ago … both should join Von Eschenbach and Lowe between 126 and 145 in what will be the toughest part of the lineup for the Falcons. Keep an eye on Senior Michael Cole as well as 8th grader Xavier Escorpizo.
“We are starting to add numbers to our program which is helping improve the wrestling in the room. We are looking for our 3rd consecutive trip to the state duals and our first ever full line up. The team’s motivation is high with our 6th season looking as our best so far. ”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.