Malvern wrestling banking on mat quality, not quantity

When Francesco Borsellino surveys the Malvern 2025-26 wrestling team, the second-year coach sees a lineup of grapplers with potential, albeit a little thin in terms of depth.

“Our team’s weaknesses will be that we will have some holes in our lineup and we won’t have much depth,” Borsellino said. “Our plan to counter will be to be competitive in the spots we have filled in our lineup.”

Malvern only lost two letter winners to graduation, but one of them, Tyson Clear, is going to leave a mark. Clear, who wrestled at 165, was named to the Inter-Valley Conference North Division’s first team while also being honored as Most Valuable Wrestler.

On the positive side, the Hornets return several wrestlers, led by current senior and multi-sport athlete Dalton Pennington (126), who was awarded IVC North honorable mention accolades after qualifying for districts last year.

“Dalton is coming off a great season of cross country,” said Borsellino. “He really showed improvement last season, so we are hoping he can exceed his past success.”

Pennington heads a group of eight returnees that includes seniors Darrin Wade (132) and Elijah Heropulos (175). Jacob Rubins (175), a district qualifier last year, leads a junior class that includes Autumn Perry (106) and Devyn Crater (190). Also coming back are sophomores Jeremiah Fach (165), Landyn Heropulos (150), and Gavin Everhart (215).

Malvern, which went 7-7 in matches and 3-2 in the IVC North last season, can also count on the addition of several newcomers, led by Alyssa Dexter, who will wrestle at either 120 or 126. According to Borsellino, calling Dexter a newcomer is a bit misleading as the senior “has wrestled for a couple of years and was doing well until an injury ended her season early (a year ago). She started in a couple of duals last year and will hopefully make this year her best yet.”

Next up is sophomore Reese Cole (132), who Borsellino said “is a multiple-sport athlete who is eager to learn. She has the drive to learn quickly and find success.” Also joining the ranks are matmen Bowen Irwin (113/120) and Parker Babiczuk (113).

“Irwin had a great middle school career,” said Borsellino. “He had a great summer of wrestling and continues to improve.”

 Like Cole, Babiczuk also plays several sports, which will aid his endurance on the mat. Referring to both freshmen, Borsellino said they “will have the opportunity to be in our dual lineup immediately.”

So, there is definite potential on this Hornet crew. However, there are those darn holes as Malvern will not field a complete lineup, which is part and parcel of having a small team.

Fortunately for the Hornets, they’ve got Pennington and Rubins to light the way and set an example for the rest of this tight-knit bunch.