By Nick Dudukovich
ndudukovich@communitypress.com

The Mariemont High School wrestling program will return a core of wrestlers that should help the team build off last season’s results.
District qualifier Taylor Henderson should be a catalyst for the Warriors at the 119-pound weight class.
According to head coach Rodney Cash, Henderson is displaying the dedication needed to make a run at the state tournament.
“He’s doing a bunch of extra (work) and he’s working hard before practice and he’s got a good workout partner,” Cash said. “He’s really been working hard.”
Henderson was 42-5 last season with 22 pins at 119 pounds, according to the Cincinnati Hills League conference website.
Cash also expects big things from junior James Tecco, who finished third in the CHL’s 135-pound weight class last season with a record of 26-11 (14 pins).
Tecco prepared for this season by wrestling at a national tournament in North Dakota, according to Cash.
“(James) is pretty talented…we expect him to be state qualifier,” Cash said. “He does what it takes to get up there on the podium.”
The Warriors also have junior Keith Reincke to rotate between the 125- and 130-pound weight classes, depending on what weight Tecco competes.
At 215 pounds, Cash has league championship expectations for senior Aaron Lang, who finished second in his weight class last year with a 17-12 mark.
In addition to its experienced wrestlers, Mariemont will also feature some strong freshmen.
The Warriors will have three individuals that competed in the junior high state tournament last season.
David Quiambao (171 pounds), Isiah Garrett (152 pounds), and Issac Garrett (145 pounds) will be the core of the Warriors ninth graders.
Despite their inexperience at high school wrestling, Cash expects his group of underclassmen to grow up fast.
“We have a tough schedule, so they are going to grow up in a hurry,” he said. “I expect them to go out there and wrestle hard and just mature and get better as the season goes on…”
The team as a whole has Cash, who is in his third year of coaching at Mariemont, optimistic about his squad’s chances.
“We’re just going to compete hard and see what the season brings,” Cash said. “Hopefully we’ll take some kids up to the state tournament and get them up on the podium.”