New Philadelphia wrestling returns experience despite small roster

For New Philadelphia wrestling coach Cory Swinderman, there’s a lot of potential around him. What there’s not is a lot of wrestlers. 

“Our numbers are lower than normal this year but the wrestlers that are a part of the team are very hard working and as a coaching staff we are very excited about the team this year,” Swinderman said.

As they should be. Last season the Quakers were a mid-pack team in the Ohio Cardinal Conference, finishing fourth among the then-seven teams. 

They did that, though, with an undersized roster that had more holes in the lineup than Swinderman is likely happy with. That can only be corrected with time.

The good news for New Philadelphia this winter is most of the athletes responsible for that finish a year ago have returned. Just two contributors moved on, and that small group included only a pair of Ohio Cardinal Conference placers.

The returning group brings back just about everyone who had any sort of on-mat success last season.

That group starts with senior 138-pounder Tyler Ulmer, whose name will be bounced around on the various forecast sites this winter. Last year, at the same class, Ulmer was an OCC champ who went on to post a runner-up finish at sectionals and was a district placer. An injury default likely cost him a trip to the state tournament.

One class below Ulmer, and likely a training partner for his classmate, is 132-pounder Cam Richardson. Last year Richardson was GCC runner-up at 126 to conference wrestler of the year Mason Bauer of Ashland. Richardson also qualified for districts and won a pair of matches at that level.

Ulmer headed into the season with 113 career wins and will try to break the team record of 147. Richardson is just four wins behind Ulmer, so he certainly could pass the current standard as well. 

A pair of district alternates man two lower weights. Senior Kyle Beaber will be at 113, after winning the GCC at 106 a year ago. Senior Evvan Torchik moves from 120 to 126. He was a conference placer last season.

Juniors Paul Ridenour (150) and Zayne Kozelka also return. Ridenour was a conference placer and sectional placer at 144 last season. Kozelka (165) placed third in the GCC a year ago at the same weight.

“The 2025-26 Quakers entered the season with a smaller roster, but a strong blend of experienced seniors and talented freshmen,” Swinderman said. “The lineup opens with four seniors and four freshmen, and both groups could grow to five once postseason weights are reached.”

Senior Myles Tyson is slated for fill the 175 spot and round out that class. The freshman group includes Kevin Bell-Dinza (120), Luke Zadra (150), Garrett Kail (190), Daniel Ayers (120),Jayce Newbold (144) and Levi Huml (285).

“We would like to see the younger wrestlers continue to adopt the work ethic and determination that our seniors are showing,” Swinderman said.