This new wrestling season for the Gore Pirates is bringing a new coach as Jake Constant is taking over for last year’s coach, Matt Hawkins, who is among the coaching staff at Sallisaw.

“I’m really excited to be here with these guys,” Constant said. “This group of young men have worked really hard for me. They all possess different talents that they bring to the mat. I look forward to getting them to regionals, then on to state.”

The Pirates return four of their five wrestlers from last year’s squad — Devon Mannon at 157 pounds, Bladin Mccartney at 165 pounds, Antonio Parker at 215 pounds and Kaydin McCartney at heavyweight.

“I’m very thankful to have those guys that are returning from last season,” Constant said. Those guys were all decently successful last year, and were trying to build off that. We’re kind of in a rebuilding phase in trying to get the other bodies in here.”

This year, the Pirates will have six high school wrestlers as the McCartneys, Mannon and Parker will be joined by 144-pounder Cole Brooksher and 190-pounder Marcus Scott.

“Technically right now, we do have six (wrestlers) as far as high school guys. We have a few eighth graders who will be looking to come through next year, and that will help. Anytime it’s a newer program, it’s just about getting bodies in here and getting them going. We have about 12 junior high kids, so, over the next couple of years, we really hoping to be able to build a full line-up (14 wrestlers).”

Constant believes all six Pirates will have good success this season, which includes a good showing at the Class 3A regional and state tournaments.

“There’s not one person on this squad I don’t think that doesn’t have an opportunity to go to regionals and go to state — and possibly shake things up,” Constant said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”

Due to having just six high school wrestlers, success in duals will be hard to come by for the Pirates. However, individualistic goals and achievements are well within reach.

“We’re pretty strategic about building the schedule to not have as many duals on there and look for more tournament play,” Constant said. “When we go to these tournaments, we have a chance to score points. I’ve got six solid individuals. If I can get all six into the finals in each tournament, we’ll do pretty well.”