The Spring-Ford wrestling team faced a tough task this winter, losing state-champion Joey Milano and state runner-up Jack McGill to graduation.

Considering the individual achievements — not to mention a program-best, third-place finish the year prior at the state tournament as a team — the challenge of topping their prior achievements wouldn’t exactly be easy.

The returning Rams accepted the challenge, though, posting new highlights during a tremendous campaign that saw the team win their third straight Pioneer Athletic Conference championship, a berth to the PIAA Dual Meet Tournament, and qualify four wrestlers for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Individual Tournament.

Individually, Gus Smith (106), Cole Smith (113), Dom Ortlip (120) and Quinn Smith (126) each gained valuable experience at states. Those four wrestlers were joined at the Class AAA Southeast Regional Tournament by teammates Ryan Lepore (145), Anthony Attilio (152), Ryan Horvath (172), Kyle Huston (189), and Colbin Carpenter (285). At regionals, Cole Smith finished with the silver medal and Quinn Smith earned bronze.

The Rams’ most impressive showing as a team was during dual-meet competition, as they wrestled their way to a third-place showing in the District One Duals to earn a trip to the state tournament. The Rams, unfortunately, dropped a close match in the first round of states, 30-27, to Dallastown.

The Rams clinched another PAC Dual Meet championship with a 47-17 victory over Perkiomen Valley on Feb. 17.

Coach Tim Seislove was also recognized later in the year, winning District One North Coach of the Year honors.