The Guillotine

Forum | H.S. | College | Youth | Club | News/General | Links | Photos | Subscribe | Advertise | Contact

Central Minnesota Mat Rats Preseason Report

November 18, 2005

By Roger Mischke


WEST CENTRAL NORTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: MINNEWASKA LAKERS and PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

Challenger: NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

The Lakers will be led by two returning state qualifiers including state place winner Trevor Larson fifth and Alan Lutterman. They will have five section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience coming back. It will be difficult for them to match last years dual meet mark of 19-3 after graduating five very solid seniors. But the Lakers did reload last season; look for them to be a force to be reckon with by seasons end. The Lakers Sam Goracke and Colin Cihlar should should have very good seasons. Look for the Lakers to make a very strong challenge to WCN honors with seven all Conference performers returning. They should challenge for a top four spot in section 7AA.

Head Coach: Wes Tessman
Section 7AA
Enrollment: 381
5-0 West Central South Conference, 19-3 Overall
Section 7AA Runnerup
First Big Ole (Alexandria Tourney)
First Willmar Tourney
First Benson Tourney
Second Minnewaska Duals
Fifth Monticello Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

The Paynesville Bulldogs will be led by five returning state qualifiers; including state champion Sean Glenz and runner-up Joel Kerzman, Jordan Christain, Joey Sheridan and Keith Klein. They will also have four section place winners back from a runner-up showing behind a tough Pierz team. They should make a huge improvement on their 17-15 dual meet marks and will be a major challenge for WCN honors section 5A honors and possible state honors.

Head Coach: Tim Woehler
Section 5A
Enrollment: 294
2-2 West Central North Conference, 17-15 Overall
Section 6A Runnerup
Third Paynesville Invitational
Second Foley Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

The Wildcats will be led by returning state place winner Stephen Westby third. They will have five section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience returning. Look for Chad Henle, Adam Luberts, Craig Keller and Kyle Weinandt to have very successful seasons. Look for the Wildcats to make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of last season. If they can stay healthy this will be the best team the Wildcats will have in recent years. With six All Conference performers returning they will challenge for WCN honors and they should challenge for a top four spot in section 5AA.

Head Coach: Jair Toedter
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 425
3-2 West Central South, 8-8 Overall
First Mora Tourney
Third Fargo South Tourney
Third Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney
Fourth Albany Tourney
Fifth New London-Spicer Invitational

Returning Wrestlers:

LONG PRIARIE-GREY EAGLE THUNDER

The Thunder will be led by state Champion Sam Schad and state runner up Derek Pesta. They also return three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. The Thunders Joseph Pesta and Pat Jenkins have great seasons. Look for the Thunder to improve on last years 14-10 dual meet mark if they heavier weights continue to improve. With six All Conference performers returning they will be a major factor in the WCN.

Head Coach: Larry Edgerton
Section 7AA
Enrollment: 380
2-2 West Central North, 14-10 Overall
Second Melrose Duals
Third St. James Classic Tourney
Fourth Wadena-Deer Creek Tourney
Third Perham Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALBANY HUSKIES

The Huskies will be led by six section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. The Huskies did graduate two very outstanding seniors. But look for this very young team to make a huge improvement on last years dual meet marks of 11-11. The Huskies have three All Conference performers returning. Brad Maciezewski, Matt Dowell and John Bredeck should have very solid seasons. If they continue to improve; stay healthy and keep their weights spread out this team will be a challenge for anyone in the WCN section 6AA.

Head Coach: Dan Anderson
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 413
2-2 West Central North, 11-11 Overall
Second Purple Pride
Second Osakis Duals
Fourth Milaca Duals
Fourth Mora Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK CENTRE MAINSTREETERS

The Mainstreeters will have three All Conference performers leading the way; Jake Uphus, Adam Helgeson and Brian Ruegemer. They will also have two others with a great deal of experience returning. The graduated seven solid seniors; this young team will be very hard pressed to match those numbers of last season. But look for this young Mainstreeter team to continue to make improvements thru out the season.

Head Coach: Billy Dehmer
Section 6A
Enrollment: 329
4-0 West Central North, 15-8 Overall
2nd Willmar
2nd Benson
2nd Staples-Motley Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MELROSE DUTCHMEN

The Dutchmen return state qualifier Noel Meyer; two section place winners including All Conference performer Dan Raeker and two others with a great deal of experience. They graduated three very good seniors last year. Look for the Dutchmen to make steady improvement over the course of the season.

Head Coach: Vaughn Glasener
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 437
0-4 West Central North 6-13 Overall
Fifth Melrose Invitational

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


WEST CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: ATWATER COSMOS GROVE CITY FALCONS and BOLD/BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR WARRIORS

Challengers: YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING and MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS

ATWATER COSMOS GROVE CITY FALCONS

The Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons will be led by four returning state qualifiers; Ben Meyer fourth; Nic Leither; Bill Wheeler and A. J. Frederiksen. They will have five section place winners returning state qualifier from two years ago and a thirty match winner back. The Falcons will have a huge battle with former 212 Conference rival the B/BLH Warriors for WCS Honors. The Falcons will challenge for section 5a honors and should challenge for state honors after a their strong showing last season with a 31-1 dual meet mark and a third place finish in state tourney action.

Head Coach: Tim Roberg
Section 5A
Enrollment: 221
5-0 212 Conference, 31-1 Overall
Third Place Class A
Section 5A Champions
212 Tourney Champions
1st ACGC Invitational
1st Belgrade Brooten-Elrosa Tourney
1st Melrsoe Duals
1st Becker Duals
1st NLS Tourney
First Willmar Quadangular

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BOLD/BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR WARRIORS

The Warriors will be led by six returning state qualifiers; including state place winner Pat LeVasseur third, Tom Elfering, Trent Squibb, Mark Revier, Brian Hagen and Chris Harmon. Also three section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience will return. Mark Pietig, Cole Neubauer and Jon Kramer all should outstanding seasons. Look for the Warriors and ACGC former 212 rivals to have a huge battle for WCS honors. Despite graduating seven seniors the Warriors will be back to improve on their dual meet marks of 18-6 and they will challenge for section 5AA and state honors. This is the Warriors best team since winning their class A title.

Head Coach: Tom Gruhlke
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 418
4-1 212 Conference, 18-6 Overall
6th Place Class AA
Section 5AA Champion
First BOLD/BLH Tourney
Second Belgrade/Brooten-Elrosa Tourney
Second 212 Tourney
Fifth Paul Bunyan (Brainerd Tourney 17 teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING

The Yellow Medicine East Sting will be led by state place winner Matt Williams sixth, six section place winners including three twenty match winners Jordan Stock, London Cole and Tom Jacobson and two others with a great deal of experience. The did graduate four very good seniors very last years team; but look for the Sting to make a strong showing in the WCS with their former 212 foes. The Sting will look to challenge for section 4A honors after a very strong showing last season with a runner-up performance in section 3AA and a 14-4 dual meet mark.

Head Coach: Gary Wolf
Section 4A
Enrollment: 275
3-2 212 Conference, 14-4 Overall
Second Section 3AA
Second Bold /BLH Tourney
Fourth Willmar Classic Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS

The Thunder Hawks will be led by four returning state qualifiers; James Gallagher, Gage Halvorson, Tallen Wald and Tony Klosterboer. They have Tyler Kanten section place winner and All Conference performer and four others with a great deal of experience also returning. Look for the Thunder Hawks to make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of last season. They will be a force to be reckon with in the WCS. They should challenge for a top four spot in section 3AA.

Head Coach: Jeff Gallagher
Section 3AA
Enrollment: 366
3-2 West Central South Conference, 9-12 Overall
Third Redwood Valley Tourney
Second Hopkins Tourney
Fourth Melrose Tourney
Second Luverne Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BENSON BRAVES

The Braves will be led by four returning section place winners; including All Conference performer Kevin Wersinger. The Braves will be very young after graduating seven very solid senior including state champion Scott Thompson. But look for this very young team to make big strides during the season. The Braves could challenge for a top four spot in section 4A.

Head Coach: Steve Ricard
Section 4A
Enrollment: 249
3-2 West Central South Conference, 11-8 Overall
1st Parkers Prairie Tourney
1st MACCRAY Duals
2nd New London-Spicer Tourney
Nine Ind. Section Place winners

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORRIS AREA/HANCOCK TIGERS

The Tigers will be led by returning state qualifier Jacob Nohl and Jared Moser. Jared will be returning from a injury of a year ago when he was 27-7. The Tigers return seven others with a great deal of experience. Look for this very young team to improve over the course of the season. They should make a huge improvement on last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Spencer Yohe/Mike Polzer
Section 7A
Enrollment: 328
0-5 West Central South Conference, 2-12 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES

The Eagles will be led by All Conference performer and section place winner Zac Zinda and Brock Kanstrup. They also have five others back with a great deal of experience. The Eagles did graduate two very good seniors last season; but look for steady improvement thru out the season.

Head Coach: Wade Stottler
Enrollment: 306
1-5 West Central South Conference, 3-11 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


MISSISSIPPI EIGHT CONFERENCE

Favorites: SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS and CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

Challengers: BIG LAKE HORNETS and BECKER BULLDOGS

SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS

The Knights will be led by six state place winners; Mike Thorn State champion, Joe Grygelko, Dan Greeno, Chad Little, Alex Becker and Andy Hackenmueller. Also returning are four other state qualifiers plus five others with a great deal of experience. The Knights did graduate five very good seniors; but look for them to challenge the dual marks of last season. The Knights will be a huge favorite in 4AA and they are a big favorite to defend their state title.

Head Coach: Gregg Greeno
Section 4AA
Enrollment: 786
Class AA State Champions
Section 4AA Champions
8-0 Rum River Conference, 35-4 Overall
1st STMA Invitational
1st Coon Rapids Duals
2nd Christmas Tourney
2nd Farmington Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

The Bluejackets will be led by six section returning section place winners; including Carl Richard, Matt O‚Connor, Chad Larson. They were all NSC All Conference performers. They will have others back with a great deal of experience. Despite graduating eight very good seniors; including three place winners. Look for the Blue jackets to challenge for Mississippi 8 and section 7AAA honors. They will have several outstanding young wrestlers move up from a 28-2 Junior Varsity team and the Freshman state championship team.

Head Coach: Neil Jennissen
Section 7AAA
Enrollment:1,210
Section 7AAA Runnerup
6-2 North Suburban Conference, 22-12 Overall
Junior Varsity 28-2
9th Grade State Champions
3rd place Kiffmeyer Duals
2nd Cambridge-Isanti Duals
8th Minnesota Christmas Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BIG LAKE HORNETS

The Hornets will be led by two returning state qualifiers including place winner Aaron Stolp fifth and Justin Nelson; five section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. They had an outstanding season with a 23-8 dual meet mark and three great showings in tourneys. Despite graduating three outstanding seniors if this young team continues to improve they may have their best team since the Flaherty twins and Kelly Peterson graduated. They will challenge their dual meet mark of last season and possibly for section 6AA honors.

Head Coach: Loren Holthaus
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 643
Final 4 Section 6AA
5-3 Rum River Conference, 23-8 Overall
1st Big Lake Tourney
2nd Buffalo Duals
4th Monticello Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BECKER BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs will be led by three returning state qualifiers; Robert Koranda, Russ Lumley and Mike Rittenour. They have four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Look for Kevin O‚Briento have a outstanding season. Look for The Bulldogs had a solid season with a 13-12 dual meet mark and two very good showings in tourneys. They did graduate four very solid seniors but I believe if some of their younger wrestlers improve that they will surely improve on their dual meet marks and challenge for a top four spot in section 6AA.

Head Coach: Brad Novak
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 545
Final Four Section 6AA
4-3 Wright County Conference, 13-12 Overall
1st Albany Tourney
3rd Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney
8th Paul Bunyan Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTICELLO MAGIC

The Magic will be led by two returning state qualifiers; Michael Land and Ben Schwartz. They will have two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience back from last years team that posted a solid 13-12 dual meet mark. They did graduate four very good seniors from last years team. But look for this young team to continue to improve; they will fill in with some very good junior varsity wrestlers and they should make some improvement on last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Matt Palmer
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 887
3-4 North Suburban Conference 13-12 Overall
Second Magic Invitational (11 Place Winners)
Second Big Lake Tourney (9 Place Winners; 4 Champions)
First Richfield Duals (6 Wrestles were 3-0)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BUFFALO BISON

The Bison will be led by returning state qualifier Derek Klatt; two section place winners and nine others with a great deal of experience. Despite graduating three seniors; all state qualifiers; including two state place winners. This young team will continue to improve and they should improve on last years dual meet marks of last season. Look for them to have a solid team on the mat for the section 2AAA tourney.

Head Coach: Paul Arens
Section 2AAA
Enrollment: 1231
2-5 North Suburban Conference, 6-20 Overall
2nd Osseo Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PRINCETON TIGERS

The Tigers will be led by two returning section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. The Tigers did graduate two solid seniors; but look for them to make steady improvement over the course of season.

Head Coach: Mark Hayes
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 843
0-8 Rum River Conference, 2-20 Overall
Six Place Winners Maple Grove Tourney
One Champion Andover Tourney
Five Place Winners Monticello Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROGERS ROYALS

The Royals will be led by section place winners Joe Praska and Jerrod Feist and three others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Royals program to continue to grow and improve.

Head Coach: Matt Leshovsky
Section 4AA
Enrollment: 414
0-7 Conference, 0-18 Overall
1st Season in school history

Returning Wrestlers:


CENTRAL LAKES CONFERENCE

Favorites: LITTLE FALLS FLYERS and BRAINERD WARRIORS

Challengers: WILLMAR CARDINALS and SAUK RAPIDS STORM

LITTLE FALLS FLYERS

The Flyers will be led by six returning state qualifiers; including state place winners Ted Wilczek second and Troy Biermaier sixth, Chris Roach, Josh Bue, Jason Brill and Mike Lodermeier. They have three section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience returning. This includes seven All Conference performers. After graduating three seniors and posting some excellent showings including a 28-8 dual meet mark look for the Flyers to have their strongest team since their section championship team. They should make a very strong challenge for Central Lakes Conference, section 7AA and state honors.

Head Coach: Mike Hendrickson
Section 7AA
Enrollment: 891
8-0 Central Lakes Champions, 28-8 overall
Section 8AAA Runnerup
Second Detroit Lakes Duals
Third Monticello Duals
Third Becker Duals
First Foley Quadrangular
First Princeton Quadrangular

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK RAPIDS STORM

The Storm will be led by returning state qualifier Wes Voigt and seven section place winners and fours others with a great deal of experience. Look for Mike Hines, Tyler Spiczka and Mitch Rau to have very solid seasons. The Storm did graduate a couple of very good seniors; but look for this young team a make a great deal of improvement on their dual meet marks of 11-14. If the Storm stay healthy and stay spread out in their weights; I look for them to possibly challenge for both Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA honors.

Head Coach: Terry Gorecki
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 943
3-5 Central Lakes Conference, 11-14 Overall
Firsts Royalton Tourney
First Minnehaha Tourney
Third Albany Tourney
Second Kimball Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALEXANDRIA CARDINALS

The Cardinals will be led by returning state qualifier John Amundson. They will have six section place winners and three others back with a great deal of experience. They have just as much talent back as any team the CLC and in section 8AAA.Look for Nate Kelly, Brett Ripley and Mike Kirscht to have very solid seasons. If they can fill their weights look for them to make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of 10-14 and they could challenge for a top four spot in section 8AAA.

Head Coach: Tom Ellison
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 1062
3-5 Central Lakes Conference, 10-14 Overall
Second West Central Area Tourney (12 Teams)
Fourth Litchfield tourney
Fourth Buffalo Duals
Third Ottertail Central Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAINERD WARRIORS

The Warriors will be led by three returning state qualifiers; Tyler Jensen, Ryan McKay and Nick Loreno. They will have three section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience back from a 9-4 dual meet season. The Warriors did lose seven good seniors last season. They will have several young and very talented wrestlers that will step in and by seasons end will be a force to be reckon with. Look for the Warriors to challenge for the Central Lakes Conference an top four spot in section 8AAA.

Head Coach: Mike Boran/James Kath
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 1687
7-1 Central Lakes Conference, 9-4 Overall
First Elk River Tourney
First St. Croix Falls Tourney
Second Blue Earth Tourney
Third Cambridge Tourney
Sixth Big Bear Tourney (33 Teams)
Twelve Section Place Winners

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


ROCORI SPARTANS

The Spartans will be led by two returning state qualifiers; Kyle Schroeder and Darrin Massmann. They have two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience returning. Sam Howe and Tyler Hommerding should have very good seasons. The Spartans had a very solid season with a 16-7 dual mark and some solid performances at three tourneys. They did graduate five very solid seniors; if they can fill in some younger wrestlers they could challenge they achievements of last season.

Head Coach: Paul Court
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 600
6-2 Central Lakes Conference, 16-7 Overall
Third Saint Michael Albertville Tourney
Third Fargo Tourney
Third Foley Duals
First Kimball Quadrangular

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

FERGUS FALL OTTERS

The Otters will be led by returning state qualifier D. J. Ringquist and four section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. Karl Haataja and Mike Swenson should have banner seasons. The Otters did graduate some good seniors; but look for them to make an improvement on their dual meet mark of last season. They will place a competitive team on the mat with the numbers and the success that the Otters have had on the junior varsity and junior high levels.

Head Coach: Mark Aho
Section 7AA
Enrollment: 733
5-12 Overall
Third Lake Park Tourney
Fourth Grant County Tourney (12 Teams)
Fourteenth Big Bear (33 Teams)
Seventh Wahpeton Tourney (13 Teams; 6 Place Winners)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WILLMAR CARDINALS

The Cardinals will be led by two returning state qualifiers Brady Gilb and Jesse Alonzo. They have a pair of section fourth place finishers; Trent Molacek and Brandon Reickman and CLC All Conference performer Brandt Haglund. They also return five others with a great deal of experience. Despite graduating seven very solid seniors look for the Cardinals to make a improvement on their dual meet marks and to challenge for both CLC and section 2AAA honors.

Head Coach: Tom Beyer
Section 2AAA
Enrollment: 1029
5-3 Central Lakes Conference, 13-8 Overall
Section 2AAA Champions
Second "Big Ole" (Alexandria Tourney)
Second Willmar Classic Tourney
Second ACGC Tourney
Fourth Montevideo Tourney
Fourth "Dam Site Tourney" Yellow Medicine East Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAINT CLOUD APOLLO EAGLES

The Eagles will be led by the return of three section place winners, one Central Lakes All Conference performer and three others with a great deal of experience. Look for Mike Abrego, Brett Scharmer and Justin Pulliam to have outstanding seasons for the Eagles. Look for this young team to continue to make some big strides in the upcoming season.

Head Coach: Tim Bengtson
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 1107
2-6 Central Lakes Conference, 5-24 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

SAINT CLOUD TECH TIGERS

The Tigers will be led by two section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Andy Johnston and Ryan Cameron should be outstanding for the Tigers. They will be hard pressed to equal the numbers of last season. They graduated six very good seniors; they will have a very young team this season. Look for continued improvement from the Tigers thru out the season.

Head Coach: Dave Schorn
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 1297
2-6 Central Lakes Conference, 9-12 Overall
Fifth Saint Michael Albertville Tourney
Sixth Osseo Tourney
Eleventh Paul Bunyan Tourney (17 Teams)
Fifth Bulldog Duals (Becker)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SARTELL SABRES

The Sabres will be led by one returning state qualifier; Travis Lewellyn. They have two section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience returning. Look for a healthy Jeff Stang and Jess Coffin to have great seasons for the the Sabres. The Sabres have always in recent years struggled with numbers. They have a very solid group of young wrestlers now and if they can fill in with some heavier wrestlers they could make some huge improvements. Look for these young guys; if they stay healthy to have a very outstanding season.

Head Coach: Phil Corbett
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 623
0-8 Central Lakes Conference, 2-17 Overall
Fourth Big Lake Tourney (Nine Place Winners; Jeff Stang Outstanding Wrestler)
Six Melrose Tourney (Six Place Winners)
Seventh Mora Tourney (Four Champions)
Seventh MCCA Tourney (Five Place Winners; Two Champions)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


CENTRAL MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Favorite: PIERZ PIONEERS

Challengers: EDEN VALLEY WATKINS EALGLES and HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED/LESTER PRAIRIE SOCRPIONS

PIERZ PIONEERS

The Pierz Pioneers will be led by returning state qualifiers Kyle Bednar second; Kyle Girtz, Cody Luberts and Hank Virnig. They will have three other section place winners and three with a great deal of experience back. This will include the veteran Warren Gall. The Pioneers will be a big favorite in the CMC and should challenge once again for section 6A and state honors; after defending their title last season and going 30-3. This despite the fact they were hampered with injuries all season.

Head Coach: Mark Jensen
Section 6A
Enrollment: 271
7-0 Central Minnesota Conference, 30-3 Overall
2X Class A State Champions
3X 6A Section Champions
Third Paul Bunyan (Brainerd Tourney 17 Teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS EAGLES

The Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles will be led by two returning state qualifiers Nick Peterson and Chris Faber. They will have back six other section place winners including state tourney veterans Adam Hiltner, Ryan Sullivan and Phillip Magadanz and five others with a great deal of experience. The Eagles had a solid season despite injuries and a lingering football season with a 15-10 dual meet mark and runner-up in section 5A. If the Eagles stay healthy they should make a strong challenge for CMC and section 5A honors.

Head Coach: Jay Johnson
Section 5A
Enrollment: 205
6-1 Central Minnesota Conference, 15-10 Overall
Section 5A Runnerup
Ten Section Place Winners
Fourth Ogilvie Tourney (10 Teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED/LESTER PRAIRIE SCORPIONS

The Scorpions will be led by returning state qualifiers Shane Khan and Alex Schlueter. They will have six section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience coming back. Tyler Kloss, Ryan Miller, Steve Bobrowske andJason Latzke should have excellent seasons. The Scorpions posted some impressive showings last season; including a 16-5 dual mark. Look for them to possibly challenge those dual meet marks, for CMC honors and one of those top four spots in this very balance section of 5AA.

Head Coaches: Jeff Granrud/Marcus Halvorson
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 236/129 (365)
5-2 Central Minnesota Conference, 16-5 Overall
Final Four Section 5A
First MCAA Conference Tourney
Second Janesville Invitational
Third Norwood Young America Invitational
Third Shakopee Invitational
First Rockford Quadrangular
Nine Section Place Winners

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOLDINGFORD HUSKERS

The Huskers will be led by state qualifier Charlie Schiller and two returning All Conference performers Lewis Lumley and John Omann. They have five section place winners returning and a total of eight wrestlers returning with 15 or more wins. The Huskers should make some huge improvements on their dual meet marks of last season. They could challenge for a top four spot in section 6A if they continue to improve or the course of the season.

Head Coach: Jerry Huls
Section 6A
Enrollment: 295
4-3 Central Minnesota Conference, 8-13 Overall
Fourth Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney
Fifth Royalton Tourney
Eight Eagle Valley Tourney
Seventh Purple Pride (Albany Tourney)

Returning Wrestlers:

KIMBALL CUBS

The Cubs will be led by a pair of state qualifiers; Dan Barthel and Jon Hanley. They will also have back two section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. They will continue to try to build the numbers in the program; they could improve on last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Mike Schindler
Section 5A
Enrollment: 226
3-4 Central Minnesota Conference, 6-16 Overall
Fourth Royalton Tourney
Fifth ACGC Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BELGRADE BROOTEN ELROSA JAGUARS

The Jaquars will be led by a trio returning state qualifiers; including Tyler Rath, Travis Rath and Danny Borgerding. The have one section place winner returning and three others back with a great deal of experience. If they continue to build their numbers in the program they could make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of last season.

Head Coach: Rich Vos
Section 5A
Enrollment: 178
1-6 Central Minnesota Conference, 2-25 Overall
Sixth BBE Invitational
Sixth NLS Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCKFORD ROCKETS

The Rockets will return four wrestlers with a great deal of experience. Look for the Rockets program to grow in numbers with the return of veteran coach Jerry Weyer.

Head Coach: Jerry Weyer
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 422
1-7 Central Minnesota Conference, 2-13 Overall
First Brooklyn Center Tournament
Tied Second Minnehaha Tourney
Fifth MCRA Tourney
Sixth Big Lake Tourney
Sixth BBE Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROYALTON ROYALS

The Royals return four section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. They did graduate some very good seniors last year; however the numbers started to grow last year. With the return on veteran coach Kevin Presler; he does work within the school system. Look for the Royals to continue to improve as they will bring their younger wrestlers along. They could challenge last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: John Holthaus
Section 6A
Enrollment: 205
2-5 Central Minnesota Conference, 10-13 Overall
Third Melrose Tourney
Fourth Eagle Valley Tourney
Second Royalton Invitational

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


GREAT RIVER CONFERENCE

Farvorites: AITKIN GOBBLERS and MILLE LACS RAIDERS

Challengers: RUSH CITY TIGERS and BRAHAM BOMBERS

AITKIN GOBBLERS

The Aitkin Gobblers will be led by returning state qualifiers B. J. Wasserzieher and Phillip Just. They will have five section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience also returning. Matt Christensen and Travis Halberg both are returning Great River Conference Champions. Despite graduating five very good seniors; look for their young wrestlers to make a lot improvements over the season. The Gobblers will challenge for GRC and section 6A honors after posting a 18-5 dual mark and a final four showing in section 7AA.

Head Coach: Dan Stifter
Section 6A
Enrollment: 326
5-0 Great River Conference, 18-5 Overall
Final Four Section 7AA
First Skip Nalan Tourney (Grand Rapids)
First Great River Conference Tourney
Seventh Big Bear (33 Teams)
Second Perham Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILLE LACS RAIDERS

The Raiders will be led by returning Great River Conference Champion Rob Olson and the return of five section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the fact the Raiders did graduate five outstanding seniors; look for them to reload and challenge their dual meet marks of last season and to be a force to be reckon with in the Great River Conference. They should challenge for a top four sport in the section.

Head Coach: Brady Hermel
Section 6A
Enrollment: Isle 123; Onamia 190 (313)
4-1 Great River Conference, 12-9 Overall
Fourth Grant County Tourney (12 Teams)
First Rush City Tourney
Second Ogilvie Tourney (10 Teams)
Second Great River Confernce Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RUSH CITY TIGERS

The Tigers will be led by the return of Great River Conference champion Matt Wuorinen and six section place winners. They have six others returning with a great deal of experience. The Tigers did graduate just one senior; so look for them to challenge last years dual marks of 10-9 and be a team to be reckoned with in the GRC . They should challenge for one of the top four spots in section 6A.

Head Coach: Tim Bowland
Section 6A
Enrollment: 228
3-2 Great River Conference, 10-9 Overall
Third Great River Conference Tourney
Third Rush City Invitational
Fifth Big Lake Tourney
Fifth Ogilvie Tourney (10 Teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

OGILVIE LIONS

The Lions will be led by six returning section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. The Lions did graduate a couple of seniors last season; but look for them to continue to improve with the return of veteran coach Gary Baker. Coach Baker is a member of the teaching staff at Ogilvie. The numbers are starting to crow; look for the Lions to possibly be a surprise team in both the GRC and section 6A; if they continue to improve thru out the season.

Head Coach: Gary Baker
Section 6A
Enrollment: 179
1-4 Great River Conference, 5-12 Overall
Fourth Rush City Tourney
Seven Place Winners South St. Paul Tourney
Fifth Great River Conference Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAHAM BOMBERS

The Bombers will be led by returing state qualifier Brad Hale and three other section place winners. They also have back four others with a great deal of experience. The Bombers did graduate Omar Buckhowa; but look for them to have a solid season. They should improve on last years dual meet marks of 5-15. They should be a factor in the GRC and if they can fill in with younger wrestlers could possible challenge for a top four sport in this very balance section 6A.

Head Coach: Joe Rajkowski
Section 6A
Enrollment: 226
3-2 Great River Conference, 5-15 Overall
Tied Second Minnehaha Academy Tourney
Fourth Great River Conference Tourney
Fifth Rush City Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON JAGUARS

The Jaguars will be new to AA as they move up from A with the Coop forming with Pine City and Willow River. They will be led by two wrestlers with previous state tourney experience; Pat Stradel and Dustin Nelson. The Jaguars also four section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience returning. Look for them to make improvements with the added numbers in the wrestling room on a daily basis. The could improve on their dual meet marks from last season.

Head Coach: Jerry Perrotti
Section 6A
Enrollment: 284
0-5 Great River Conference, 4-21 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:


PARK REGION CONFERENCE

Favorites: NEW YORK MILLS EAGLES and BERTHA HEWITT VERNDALE RAIDERS

CHALLENGERS: OSAKIS SIlVERSTREAKS and BROWERVILLE/EAGLE VALLEY BRONCOS

NEW YORK MILLS EAGLES

The New York Mills Eagles will be led by returning state qualifiers Jared Hotakainen fifth and Jason Burg. They have three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience coming back from a season that showed a strong dual meet mark of 23-2 and them defending their section 7A title. Look for Jeremy Hagen, Jesse Bauck, Brandon Marsh and Devlin Hessig to have great seasons fro the Eagles. Unfortunately they were plagued with many injuries at the state tourney last season. They did graduate several good seniors; but look for them to have on injured wrestler and another to return to the squad to make them a force to be reckoned with. The Eagles look to return with a strong challenge for PRC and both 7A and state honors.

Head Coach: Eric Niemi
Section 7A
Enrollment: 182
6-0 Park Region Conference, 23-2 Overall
2X Section 7A Champion
First Park Region Conference Tourney
First Pine to Prairie Tourney (Fertile)
First Barnesville Duals
Fourth Big Bear Tourney (33 Teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BERTHA HEWITT/VERNDALE RAIDERS

The Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders will be led by returning state qualifiers Ethan Kern third; Jasper Oyster and Josh Denny. They will have seven section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience returning from a 13-9 dual meet season and a final four showing in section action. Look for the Raiders to yet very young to have a very powerful lineup. Look for Matt, Sam and Aaron Moenkedick to have outstanding seasons. The Raiders will make a strong challenge for PRC, section 7A and state honors this season.

Head Coach: Steve Techam
Section 7A
Enrollment: 130 Bertha Hewitt/110 Verndale (240)
Final Four Section 7A
5-1 Park Region Conference,, 13-9 Overall
Second Park Region Conference Tourney
First Eagle Valley Tourney
Nine Place Winners Wadena Deer Creek Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OSAKIS SIlVERSTREAKS

The Osakis Silverstreaks will be led by returning state qualifiers Eric Wiener fifth and Michael Waldvogel; plus state tourney veteran Chad Rodriquez. They have three section place winners and six others returning with a great deal of experience. The Silverstreaks should challenge for PRC honors and a top four sport in section 6A.

Head Coach: Brad Hoffarth
Section 6A
Enrollment: 176
Fourth Park Region Conference Tourney
Third Osakis Duals
Twelve Place Winners Melrose Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

OTTERTAIL CENTRAL BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs will be led by retuning Park Region Conference champion Kelly Januszewski; three other section place winners and two with a great deal of experience returning. They did graduate some very good seniors; thus they will be hard pressed to make a big improvement on last years dual meet marks. Look for Carl Stenoien and Dylan Jorgenson to have very good seasons. The return to Class AA this season after realignment. Look for their young wrestlers to make improvements over the season. Thus the Bulldogs should be pretty completive team by seasons end.

Head Coach: Kevin Anderson
Section 7AA
Enrollment:
3-3 Park Region Conference, 8-17 Overall
Third Park Region Conference Tourney
Fourth Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BROWERVILLE/EAGLE VALLEY BRONCOS

The Broncos will be led by the return of state place winner Torrey Line Fifth and state qualifier Grant Bentz. The Broncos do return four section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. Look for Jordan and Tyler Spychalla to have very good seasons. They should make a improvement on last years dual meet marks. The Broncos could be one of the top teams in the PRC and could challenge for a top four spot in section 6A if their younger wrestlers do continue to make improvement over the season.

Head Coach: Andy Lancaster
Section 6A
Enrollment: 131 Browerville/100 Eagle Valley (231)
1-6 Park Region Conference, 4-17 Overall
Third Bronco Invitational
Fifth Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney
Eight Place Winners at Park Region Conference Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MENAHGA-SEBEKA WARRIORS

The Warriors will be led by two returning state qualifiers including state place winner Kirby Anderson third and Travis Ahlf. The have two section place winners and two others returning with a great deal of experience. The Warriors have some young and very talented junior high/junior varsity wrestlers that make big improvements over the course of the season. They should make a improvement on last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Kris Koll
Section 7A
Enrollment: 174 Menagha/137 Sebeka (311)
0-5 Park Region Conference, 2-13 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

PARKERS PRAIRIE PANTHERS

The Panthers will be led by three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. They did graduate some very good seniors; but look for the Panthers to make steady improvement. They have more on staff support; so the numbers will be increasing.

Head Coach: Larry Lahmen
Section 7A
Enrollment: 184
2-4 Park Region Conference, 8-13 Overall
Second Eagle Valley Tourney (10 Placers)
Second Parkers Prairie Invitational (9 Placers)
Fifth Melrose Duals (1 and 2)
Nine Placers Park Region Conference Tourney
Fourth Foley Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


AT LARGE TEAMS

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS

The Dragons will be led by two returning state qualifiers including state place winner Beau Penk second and Blayne Johnson. They will return two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. They did lose a number of very good seniors last year; but still look for them to reload with younger wrestlers and make a strong challenge for section 5aa honors.

Head Coach: Mike Fiedler
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 534
5-2 Wright County Conference, 25-9 Overall
First Litchfield Invitational
First Milaca Duals
First Ottertail Central Duals
3-0 Little Falls Quad

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WADENA-DEER CREEK WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Norman Gallant
Enrollment: 368
4-1 Mid-State Conference, 10-11 Overall
Fourth "Big Ole" (Alexandria)
Fourth Mahnomen-Waubun Duals
Second Park Rapids Duals
Eleventh Big Bear Tourney (33 Teams)

Returning Wrestlers:

ANNANDALE/MAPLE LAKE LIGHTNING

The Lightning will be led by returning state qualifier Ben Anderson; five section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Although they graduated three good seniors look for the Lightning to improve a great deal over the course of the season with this very young team. Look for Pete Nordlie and Brad Salverson to have very good seasons. They should make a challenge for section 5AA honors.

Head Coach: Dean Jennissen
Section 5AA
Enrollment: 483 Annandale/Maple Lake 226 (709)
2-4 Wright County Conference, 14-10 Overall
Fourth Monticello Duals (4-2)
Third Grant County Tourney (12 Teams/9 place winners)
Sixth Mora Tourney
First Osakis Duals (First Dual Meet Championship)
(All Tourney Team: Pete Nordlie 103, Nick Clemence 125, Jake Anderson 130, Ben Anderson 135, Joe Nordlie 140)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE PANTHERS

The Panthers will be led by four returning section place winners and five other with a great deal of experience. The Panthers did graduate some very outstanding seniors including Nate Matousek; thus they had some great showings last season. But Look for this young team to improve over the course of the season. The Panthers could be one of the top teams in the Wright County Conference and could possibly challenge for a top four spot in section 5AA.

Head Coach: Kelly Lipinski
Enrollment: 489
5-2 Wright County Conference, 16-9 Overall
Final 4 Section 5AA
First Dual wins over Dassel Cokato and Becker
First Place Prior Lake Tourney
Second Place Red Rock Central Tourney
Second Place Lester Prairie Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRECKENRIDGE COWBOYS

The Cowboys will be led by returning state place winner Spencer Beech sixth. They will have five section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience returning. Look for the young Cowboy team to make a big improvement on their 12-12 dual meet marks of last season. Look for Tyler Ascheman and Seth Klostreich to have very good seasons. If they continue to improve they could challenge for a top four spot in this very balanced section 7A.

Head Coach: Martin Lanter
Section 7A
Enrollment: 234
4-3 Heart of Lakes Conference, 12-12 Overall
Finals Four Section 7A
Eight Wahpeton, ND Tourney (13 teams; 5 place winners)
Thirteen Paul Bunyan tourney (Brainerd; 17 teams; 5 place winners)
Fifth Minnewaska Duals
2-2 Cowboys Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

DASSEL-COKATO CHARGERS

The Chargers will be led by returning state place winner Kurt Salmen fourth; two returning section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. They graduated five good seniors last season; but look for the Chargers to bring along their younger wrestlers during the course of season. If the young wrestlers do improve as a group they could challenge last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Bryan Clemen
Enrollment: 533
3-4 Wright County Conference, 12-12 Overall
Fourth Place Saint Michael-Albertville
Fourth Place Edison Duals
Fifth Place Paynesville Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NORTH BRANCH VIKINGS

The Vikings will have five wrestlers retuning with a great deal of experience. They did graduate eight pretty solid seniors. But look for the Vikings to bring along their younger wrestlers. They should make a lot of improvement over the course of the season. They will be in a new conference, The North Suburban rather than the Rum River where they were members for several years.

Head Coach: Tony Aho
Section 7AAA
Enrollment: 846
4-4 Rum River Conference, 15-12 Overall
First Titans Tourney (St. Paul Tartan) 13 Place Winners
Third Big Lake Tourney
Third Forest Lake Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG FIGHTING SAINTS

The Fighting Saints will be led by state runner up Kevin Steinhaus and four other section place winners. The have five others coming back with a great deal of experience. Despite graduating three very good seniors they should challenge last years dual marks of 8-9. They should be a team to be reckon with in the new Camden conference. If their younger wrestlers do progress over the course of the season they should challenge for top four spot in section 4A.

Head Coach: Wes Haglund
Section 4A
Camden Conference
Enrollment: 142
2-3 212 Conference,, 8-9 Overall
Second Melrose Tourney (11 Place Winners)
Third New London-Spicer Tourney (13 Place Winners)
First Morris Area/Hancock Tourney (12 Place Winners)
Fifth Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Tourney (5 in the top 4)
Sixth Willmar Classic Tourney (9 Place Winners)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MACCRAY WOLVERINES

The Wolverines will be led by two returning state qualifiers Mitch Grussing and Tyler Steen. They will have four section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience back. Look for Nick Rosendahl to have a very solid season for the Wolverines. They graduated two very outstanding seniors last season; but if the Wolverines call fill in with some younger wrestlers they should improve on last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Wayne Coulter
Section 4A
Camden Conference
Enrollment: 212
1-5 212 Conference, 9-13 Overall
Third Plum Creek Tourney (6 in the top 4; 12 teams)
Sixth 212 Conference Tourney (8 Place Winners)
Sixth BOLD/BLH Tourney (6 Place Winners)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RENVILLE COUNTY WEST JAGUARS

The Jaguars will be led by three returning section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Jaguars to continue to bring their young wrestlers along. They should make some improvement on their dual meet marks of last season.

Head Coach: Scott Fransen
Section 4A
Camden Conference
Enrollment: 216
0-5 212 Conference, 5-18 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PEQUOT LAKE/PINE RIVER/BACKUS ROAD CREW

The Road Crew will be led by the return of four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Look for big seasons from Charlie McCoy and Marcus Hernandez. They should challenge last years dual meet marks of 7-18. Look for this young team will continue to improve thru out the season.

Head Coach: Doug Lee
Section 7AA
Enrollment: Pequot Lakes 330/Pine River/Backus 270, (600)
3-2 Mid State Conference, 7-18 Overall
Eleven Place Winners Park Region Conference
Fourth Osakis Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHISAGO LAKES WILDCATS

The Wildcats will be led by the return of three section place winners and nine others with a great deal of experience. Look for big seasons from Brian Jones, Bobby Ferrier, Mitch Anderson and Adam Gemuenden. Look for the Wildcats to challenge last years dual meet marks of 17-20.

Head Coach: Shawn Frederixon
Section 7AAA
North Suburban Conference
Enrollment: 850
3-5 Rum River Conference, 17-20 Overall
Third Prior Lake Tourney (11 Place Winners)
2-1 Hibbing Quad (W 32-31 Hibbing; W 44-29 Highland Park)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

WEST CENTRAL AREA KNIGHTS

The Knights will be led by returning state place winner Brady Schneeberger second, Pat Mitchell 3rd section and Nate Long back from injury. They four others returning with a great of experience. If the Knights continue to get the numbers out for wrestling they will continue to improve thru out the course of the season.

Head Coach: Randy Denardo
Section 7A
Enrollment: 229
0-5 Heart of Lakes Conference, 6-9 Overall

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


RUM RIVER CONFERENCE

Favorites: MILACA WOLVES AND FOLEY FALCONS

Challenger: MORA MUSTANGS

MILACA WOLVES

The Wolves will have four returning state qualifiers including state place winner Steven Vedders fourth, back to lead to way, three section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. The have in all four all conference performers returning including Chris Kragt, Andy Peterson and Chad Weyer. They did graduate eight very good seniors from last years team. But they also had very outstanding seasons on the Junior Varsity and Ninth grade levels. Look for the Wolves to challenge their 31-7 dual mark of last season and to challenge for Rum River Conference, section 6AA and state honors.

Head Coach: Randy Zimmer
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 497
7-1 Rum River Conference, 31-7 Overall, Junior Varsity 21-1, 9th Grade 13-1
Fifth Place State
Section 6AA Champion
First Paynesville Duals
First Stillwater Duals
Second Waconia Duals
Second Milaca Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

FOLEY FALCONS

The Falcons will be led by two returning state qualifiers including state place winner Jake Bowland fourth and Zach La Vigne. They will also have seven section place winners and six others back with a great deal of experience. Look for Jared Freudenberg, Mike Fouquette and Josh Gondeck to have outstanding seasons. The Falcons had a very outstanding season with a 33-6 dual meet mark, three dual meet championships and a runner-up showing at the Paul Bunyan tourney. They did graduate five very good seniors; but look for the Falcons if they stay healthy to make a very strong challenge for Rum River Conference, section 6AA and state honors.

Head Coach: Lyle Freudenberg
Section 6AA
Enrollment:
6-2 Rum River Conference, 33-6 Overall
First Foley Duals
First Buffalo Duals
First Minnewaska Duals
Second Paul Bunyan Tourney (17 Teams; Brainerd)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORA MUSTANGS

The Mustangs will be led by one returning state qualifier; James Barnes. They have five section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience returning. The Mustangs didn‚t graduate anyone; so they will be out to make a big improvement on last years 13-17 dual meet marks. Look for Chris Sawatzky, David Johnson and Brad Koehn to have very successful seasons. They could possibly challenge for a top four spot in section 6AA if the younger wrestlers continue to improve.

Head Coach: Tom Youngblom
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 473
2-6 Rum River Conference,, 13-17 Overall
First Northwestern Tournry
Third Delano Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

ZIMMERMAN THUNDER

The Thunder will be led by returning state champion Zac Neilsen; one section place winner and seven others with a great deal of experience. The Thunder graduated six very good seniors; including two state qualifiers. They had a great season for it being only their second season; look for them to continue to get more numbers out and to be a competitive team in the near future.

Head Coach: Steve Vevea
Section 6AA
Enrollment: 197
1-7 Rum River Conference, 9-19 Overall
Eight Section Place Winners Second year of Wrestling
Fourth Cannon Falls Tourney
Sixth Plainview Tourney

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:


INDEPENDENTS

WHEATON/HERMAN-NORCROSS BULLETS

The Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Bullets will be led by returning state qualifiers Shane Fickes, Brett Lennox and Jerod Lennox. They will have four section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience coming back from a 21-6 dual meet season. Look for Brady Sykora and Austin Nilson to have very successful seasons. They will be out to challenge for section 7A honors after being so close, when dropped a very close dual in the section title match last season.

Head Coach: Pat Holm
Section 7A
Enrollment: 107 Wheaton/35 Herman-Norcross (142)
21-6 Overall
Section 7A Runnerup
Second Wahpeton Tournry (12 teams)
First Valley City Tourney
Third Minnewaska Duals
Second Breckenridge Duals
Third Barnesville Duals

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MOORHEAD SPUDS

The Spuds will be led by three returning state qualifiers including state place winner Jay Thoreson fifth; Bryan Rodriques and Justin Phillippi. They will have two section place winners and two others back with a great deal of experience. Matt Langeberg and Justin LaValle should have very solid seasons for the Spuds. If they continue to build the numbers out for wrestling. Look for the Spuds to continue to improve and to be a very competitive team by seasons end.

Head Coach: Paul Larson
Section 8AAA
Enrollment: 1274
5-11 Overall
Seven Place Winners (Saint Michael-Albertville Tourney)
Fifth Fargo South Tourney
Eighteenth "Big Bear Tourney" 33 Teams
Sixth Casselton Tournry (20 Teams; 4 in the top 5)
Eight Place Winners; Two Champions "Big Ole" Alexandria

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHOKIO ALBERTA/CLINTON GRACEVILLE/BEARSLEY ROAD WARRIORS

The Road Warriors will be led by returning state qualifier Matt Benson and three others with a great deal of experience. Look for Cody Nilson and Adam Andrews to have very good season. The Road Warriors should make steady improvement over the course of the season.

Head Coach: Bruce Johnson
Section 7A
Enrollment: 66 CA/135 CGB (201)
4-9 Overall
Five Place Winners Grant County (12 Teams)
Fifth Eagle Valley Tourney (8 Place Winners)
Sixth Benson Tourney (7 Place Winners)
Eight Plum Creek Tourney (12 Teams; 5 in the top 4)
Fourth Morris Tourney (9 Place Winners)

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ORTONVILLE TROJANS

The Trojans will be led by the return of four section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Dustin Roggenbuck, Patrick Eustice, Eric Croat and Matt Koval all should have very good seasons for the Trojans. If the Trojans can fill in with some of their younger wrestlers look for them to improve and last years dual meet marks.

Head Coach: Joe Eustice
Section 4A
Enrollment: 212
5-12 Overall
Eight Place Winners Melrose Tourney
Sixth Eagle Valley Tourney (10 Place Winners)
Four Place Winners Benson Tourney
Fourth Parkers Prairie Tourney (6 Place Winners)
Fifth Place Morris Area/Hancock Tourney (5 Place Winners)

Returning Wrestlers:


MAT RATS TOP PRESEASON TEAMS

CLASS AAA

1. Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets (7AAA)

2. Brianerd Warriors (8AAA)

3. Sauk Rapids Storm (8AAA)

4. Willmar Cardinals (2AAA)

5. Monticello Magic (8AAA)

6. Alexandria Cardinals (8AAA)

7. Moorhead Spuds (8AAA)

8. Buffalo Bison (2AAA)

9. Chisago Lakes Wildcats (7AAA)

10. St. Cloud Apollo (8AAA)

11. North Branch Vikings (7AAA)

12. St. Cloud Tech Tigers (8AAA)

CLASS AA

1. Saint Michael Albertville Knights (4AA)

2. BOLD/Buffalo Lake-Hector Warriors (5AA)

3. Little Falls Flyers (7AA)

4. Milaca Wolves (6AA)

5. Foley Falcons (6AA)

6. Minnewaska Lakers (7AA)

7. Big Lake Hornets (6AA)

8. Becker Bulldogs (6AA)

9. Annandale/Maple Lake Lightning (5AA)

10.Litchfield Dragons (5AA)

11. New London-Spicer Wildcats (5AA)

12. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder (7AA)

Class A

1. Pierz Pioneers (6A)

2. Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons (5A)

3. New York Mills Eagles (7A)

4. Paynesville Bulldogs (5A)

5. Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders (7A)

6. Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles (5A)

7. Wheaton/Herman-Norcross Bullets (7A)

8. Aitkin Gobblers (6A)

9. Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines (7A)

10. Yellow Medicine East Sting (4A)

11. Breckenridge Cowboys (7A)

12. Osakis Silverstreaks (6A)

Coaches, please keep me informed of your team's success throughout the season. With each edition, I would like to share their success in The Guillotine Section Reports and the Central MN Report. Please send relevant information for Class A individual and team ratings as well. I will also report your results to The Guillotine results page if you would like. Please either fax (1-320-363-4192) or email matrat@astound.net / cmmatrat@hotmail.com those tournament brackets and your dual meet results. Thanks, The Mat Rat Roger Mischke.