SECTION 4 GIRLS' WRESTLING: BLUE RAIDERS HAVE NEW COACH, VETS AND NEW FACES IN LINEUP AS THEY OPEN YEAR (16 PHOTOS) (November 18, 2025)

By Brian Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
HORSEHEADS — The Horseheads girls’ wrestling team heads into the season with a new coach, and a number of successful, veteran wrestlers.

With three state place-finishers, the Blue Raiders are looking forward to the season under new coach Don Bower.

“It’s exciting as always,” Bower said. “One of the best things is we have three place winners from states last year coming back. So, having those ladies in the room is going to be huge. Working on the basics is where we are at today, but we are looking good.”

The team returns Chloe Owen and Lily Gullo, who finished top eight at states last year, and they add transfer Tayah Beach, who was fourth at states a season ago.

Having those veterans makes the job easier for Bower.

“Having them in here, they are starting us strong,” Bower said. “They are going to be our lightweights, but they push everyone else. Everyone is going to build off their success and I’m looking forward to going to higher places and getting more than just three.”

The Blue Raiders are coming off a successful season as individuals, and as a team.

“We have a solid core of returners and several new faces eager to compete,” Bower said. “We were STAC Champions last year, followed by a runner-up finish at sectionals and we look to build off that this year.”

The Blue Raiders look to have a complete lineup this year.

“We should have a full lineup as long as we stay healthy,” Bower said.

For Bower it’s new being the head coach, but he knwos he has a lot of support.

“It is (different), there is a lot more involvement,” Bower said. “Making sure we have everything in place, but I have a great coaching staff behind me, so we should be in good shape.”

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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES

PHOTO GALLERY FROM PRACTICE:

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