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Central Minnesota Mat Rats Preseason Report (12th Annual)

By Roger Mischke

November 19, 2006

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 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@charter.net / cmmatrat@hotmail.com those tournament brackets and your dual meet results. Thanks, The Mat Rat Roger Mischke.

MISSISSIPPI EIGHT CONFERENCE

Favorites: Cambridge-Isanti Blue Jackets and Saint Michael-Albertville Knights

Dark Horses: Big Lake Hornets and Becker Bulldogs

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

The Blue Jackets will be returning ten section place winners that includes two returning state qualifiers. Matt Connor and Tony Nelson return with state tourney experience. Eleven wrestlers with fourteen or more wins and three with All Conference honors. After a rebuilding last season they should make a huge improvement on their 22-12 dual meet mark. Look for the Blue Jackets to challenge for Mississippi 8 honors as well as Section 7AAA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS

The Knights will return four state qualifiers including two state place winners David Thorn (State Champion) and Joe Grygelko (State Runner Up) All Conference performers. They will have a total of ten wrestlers returning with varsity experience this season. They will have a very difficult time duplicating last seasons banner season of a 32-2 dual meet mark and their National ranking. But they will reload and will be a force to be reckon with for Mississippi 8 Conference honors and both Section 4AA and Class AA state honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BIG LAKE HORNETS

The Hornets will be led by two state qualifiers including state place winner Aaron Stolp and Ben Brown. They have ten section place winners; that includes six all conference performers and ten wrestlers with eighteen wins or more. The Hornets should make an improvement on last years dual meet marks of 22-7. Look for them to be a force to reckon with in the Mississippi 8 Conference and to challenge for honors in section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BECKER BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs will be led by state place winner Robert Koranda and four section place winners. They will have eight wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience. They could improve on last year’s dual meet marks. Look for the Bulldogs to challenge for a top spot in the Mississippi 8 Conference and once again to be a top four team in section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BUFFALO BISON

The Bison will be led by three section place winners. They have a total of twelve wrestlers returning with varsity experience. They should improve on last year’s dual meet marks. Look for the Bison to challenge for a top spot in the Mississippi 8 Conference. They could challenge for section 2AAA honors with this young team.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTICELLO MAGIC

The Magic will be led by two returning state qualifiers Spencer Lanners and Joe Mangus and a total of six section place winners. They will have eleven wrestlers back with a great deal of varsity experience. The Magic should improve on last year’s dual meet marks and could possibly challenge for one of the top spots in the Mississippi 8 Conference. On paper they could challenge for a top four spot in section 8AAA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROGERS ROYALS

The Royals will be led by Todd Klenz and Patrick Duschane and three returning section place winners. They have eight wrestlers that are returning with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for the Royals to continue to improve this season in just their third. They should improve on the dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

PRINCETON TIGERS

The Tigers continue to try to rebuilt their numbers within their program.

CENTRAL LAKES CONFERENCE

Favorites: Sauk Rapids Storm and Willmar Cardinals

Dark Horses: Little Falls Flyers and

SAUK RAPIDS STORM

The Storm will be led by two returning state qualifiers Wes Voigt and Tyler Spiczka and ten wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience. Five return that are All Conference performers. The Storm may have taken some people by surprise last season with their Section 8AAA Championship. But look for them to make a serious challenge at repeating as Section 8AAA champions and for Central Lakes Conference honors. This young team improved a great deal over the course of last season added to that their state tourney experience.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WILLMAR CARDINALS

The Cardinals will be led by returning state qualifier Jesse Alonzo along with seven section place winners including five All Conference performers. If the Cardinals stay healthy this season look for them to make a big improvement over last years dual meet marks. They should challenge for Central Lakes Conference honors as well be a serious contender for Section 2AAA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITTLE FALLS FLYERS

The Flyers will be led by state place winner Jason Brill and four section place winners. They have a total of eight wrestlers returning with a great deal of varsity experience, including five wrestlers with twenty wins or more. They will surely be hard pressed to match last years dual meet marks; but look for the Flyers to possibly make a challenge for Central Lakes Conference honors. Look for them to challenge the top teams in section 7AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAINERD WARRIORS

The Warriors have four state qualifiers returning including Tyler Jensen, Nick Lingwall, Nate Ruben and Scott Padrnos and three other section place winners to lead the way. The Warriors should make a big improvement on last year’s dual meet marks if they stay healthy and fill their upper weights. If they do this they will challenge for both Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

FERGUS FALLS OTTERS

The Otters will be led by returning state qualifier Charlie Revering; three section place winners and four others with a great deal of varsity experience. Despite graduating three very good seniors look for the Otters to fill out their lineup with some talented Junior Varsity wrestlers. They could improve on last year’s dual meet marks, if their younger wrestlers continue to improve. They could challenge the top teams in the Central Lakes Conference and possibly challenge for a top four spot in Section 7AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALEXANDRIA CARDINALS

The Cardinals will have state place winner John Amundson to lead the way along with five section placers that are returning. This includes five All Conference performers. Look for the Cardinals to improve on their dual meet marks of last season. They could challenge for both Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA honors if they are fill their weights.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCORI SPARTANS

The Spartans will be led by returning state qualifier Brandon Helm and four section place winners. They could do as well on their dual marks of last season; if they can fill out their lineup with younger wrestlers. They did graduate six very good seniors from last year’s squad. But look for this team to make big improvements over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAINT CLOUD APOLLO EAGLES

The Eagles will be led by five returning section place winners; including Matt Spoden their top place winners. They will have three others with a great deal of varsity experience back. Look for the Eagles to improve on last year’s dual meet marks. They continue to build the numbers involved in their program; look for them to continue to improve.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SARTELL SABRES

The Sabres will be led by returning state place winners Travis Lewellyn and four other returning section place winners. Also back are five others with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for the Sabres to make a big improvement on last years dual meet marks if they can stay health and fill out those upped weights.

Returning Wrestlers:

SAINT CLOUD TECH TIGERS

The Tigers have one section place winner returning along with six others with a great deal of varsity experience. If the Tigers can fill in with some their younger wrestlers they could improve on last years dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RUM RIVER CONFERENCE

Favorites: Foley Falcons and Milaca Wolves

FOLEY FALCONS

The Falcons will be led by three returning state qualifiers; including state place winner Jacob Bowland, Brandon Seppelt and Jon Linn. They will have four section place winners and seven others returning with a great deal of varsity experience. The Falcons will have numerous younger wrestlers pushing for varsity spots back from their freshmen Individual and dual meet state championship teams. Despite graduating five very good wrestlers from last years team. look for them to challenge last years impressive dual meet marks. The Falcons should challenge not only for Rum River Conference honors but also for Section 6AA and State AA honors. This could be a huge year for this young Falcon squad.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILACA WOLVES

The Wolves return five section place winners and with a great deal of experience. They should be led by Denver Rogalla and Carter Ash, both All Conference performers and thirty match winners. Despite the Wolves graduating eight excellent wrestlers look for them to fill in with some young and talented wrestlers from their outstanding Junior Varsity team. They will have hard time matching last years outstanding season; but if the younger wrestlers improve during the season look for the Wolves to once again be a force to be dealt with in the Rum River and Section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORA MUSTANGS

The Mustangs have two state qualifiers Andrew Youngblom and Chris Sawatzky to lead the way along with three other section place winners. In all they have nine wrestlers with thirteen wins or more returning. Despite graduating three excellent seniors look for the Mustangs to improve on last years dual meet marks. If their young wrestlers continue to improve they should challenge for a top four spot in Section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ZIMMERMAN THUNDER

The Thunder will be led by returning state place winner Zac Nielsen, Drew Vevea; third in the section. They have nine others returning with a lot of varsity experience. The Thunder didn’t graduate anyone one; so look for the Thunder to improve on those dual meet marks of last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

WEST CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons and BOLD/BLH Warriors

Dark Horses: Yellow Medicine East Sting and Montevideo Thunder Hawks

ATWATER COSMOS GROVE CITY FALCONS

The Falcons will be led by state champion Jeremy Anderson and state place winners Nic Leither and Ben Meyer. They will also three other state qualifiers and section place winners, including Matt Pearson, A. J. Frederiksen and Micah Larson. They are returning from a third place finish in the state tourney and a 27-4 dual meet mark. Despite graduating state champion Matt Leither and three other very good seniors the Falcons may have their best team heading into the 2006-2007 season. Look for them to certainly be looking for honors again in the West Central South Conference and for Section 4A and Class A state honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BOLD/BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR WARRIORS

The Warriors will be led by returning State runner up Pat LeVasseur and qualifier Ross Neubauer. They will have three section place winners and six others with a great deal of varsity experience back. The Warriors did graduate a great bunch of seniors; nine to be exact including three state qualifiers. So they will be hard pressed to match last years dual meet marks; but look for the Warriors to make a big improvement over the course of the season. They should challenge for honors in the WCS and but also will be a big factor in Section 5AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING

The Sting will be led by three returning state qualifiers; Landon Cole, Casey Field and Austen Cole. They will also have five section place winners returning from a banner season for the Sting. They will be hard pressed to match last year’s outstanding dual meet marks. Despite graduating seven very good wrestlers look for the Sting to Challenge for a top spot in the WCS. They should also challenge for a top four spot in section 4A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS

The Thunder Hawks will be led by returning state qualifier Tony Klosterboer. They will have two section place winners and three others with a great deal of varsity experience coming back. The Thunder Hawks had an outstanding season during the 2005-2006 campaign. They did graduate three very outstanding seniors and along with three others with a lot of varsity experience. But look for the Thunder Hawks to be one of the top teams in the WCS and to possibly challenge for a top four spot in section 3AA.

Retuning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BENSON BRAVES

The Braves will be led by nine wrestlers returning with ten or more wins and a total of five section place winners. The Braves could make an improvement on last year’s dual meet numbers if the younger wrestlers continue to improve.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES

The Eagles will be led by ten wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience; including five with eleven wins or more. Look for the Eagles to make a big improvement on last years dual meet marks if their sophomores continue to improve.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORRIS AREA/HANCOCK TIGERS

The Tigers have four section place winners returning and one other with a great deal of experience. Look for Jonny Frank to build those numbers in Hancock and Morris Area; Spencer Yohe left the Tigers in pretty solid shape for this Wabasso native to take over. Look for the Tigers to make steady improvement in the 2006-2007 season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

WEST CENTRAL NORTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: Minnewaska Lakers and New London-Spicer Wildcats

Dark Horses: Paynesville Bulldogs and Albany Huskies

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

The Lakers will return state place winner Jon Tatro and state qualifiers Sam Goracke and Justin Frederick. They will have four other section placers plus two others with a great deal experience back. Despite graduating an excellent group of five seniors look for the Lakers to make an improvement on their dual meet marks of last season. They should once again challenge for West Central North Dual and Individual championships. The Lakers should also be one of the top four squads in the Section 7AA team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

The Wildcats will be led by returning state place winner Chad Henle along with three section place winners and eight wrestlers with thirteen wins or more returning. They had a very solid 12-6 dual meet mark last season; but look for the Wildcats to make a big improvement on that mark. They should challenge for West Central North Dual and Individual Meet Championships. Also look for the Wildcats to make a strong challenge for one of those top four sports in the Section 5AA Team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALBANY HUSKIES

The Huskies will return two state qualifiers Matt Dowell and Kurt Schlangen. Look for them to be a huge force for the Huskies, along with eight other returning section place winners. The Huskies will have four others returning also with a great deal of experience. With the Huskies impressive showing in last years section tourney look for them to make a huge improve on their dual meet marks. They will be a force to be reckoned with in the Dual and Individual championships in the West Central North. They could challenge for a top four spot in the Section 6AA team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs will be led by seven returning section place winners including All Conference performers Kevin Klein and Jon Kerzman and Jordan Christian to lead the way for the Bulldogs. They will have four others with a great deal of experience also returning from a 21-10 dual meet season. Look for them to improve on those dual meet marks as long as they stay healthy. Despite graduating a great group of seniors, the Bulldogs should be a force in the West Central North Dual meet race as well as the individual tourney. Look for the Bulldogs to also challenge for possible Section 5A honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK CENTRE MAINSTREETERS

The Mainstreeters will be led by state runner up Brian Ruegemer and five other section place winners including All Conference performers Adam Helgeson and Shane Trattles. They will also return four others with a great deal of experience. The Mainstreeters should improve on last year’s dual meet marks of last season. They could challenge for a top four spot in the section 6A team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LONG PRIARIE-GREY EAGLE THUNDER

The Thunder will be led by returning state place winner Brad Twordowski and All conference performer Daniel Schad. They will have four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience returning. After graduating some very outstanding seniors last season, look for the Thunder to make steady improvement during the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MELROSE DUTCHMEN

The Dutchmen will be led by three returning section place winners including Nathan Klaphake, Kirby Wensmann and Tyler Petermeier. They will have six others with a great deal of experience returning. After experience numerous injuries last season the Dutchmen will look to make a big improvement on last years dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PARK REGION CONFERENCE

Favorites: New York Mills Eagles and Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders

Dark Horses: Ottertail Central and Browerville/Eagle Valley Broncos

NEW YORK MILLS EAGLES

The Eagles will be led by returning state qualifiers Jason Burg; state place winner and Jeremy Hagen. They will have five section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience returning. These include Jordan Novak, Andrew Frost and Brendan Frost. Despite graduating six very good seniors look for New York Mills to possibly improve on last years dual meet marks. They should challenge for both Park Region Conference Dual and Individual championships. Look for the Eagles to once again be a force to be reckoned with in the Section 7A team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BERTHA HEWITT/VERNDALE RAIDERS

The Raiders will be led by three returning state qualifiers including State place winner Ethan Kern and Section runner-ups Zak Lambert and Tony Schul. They will also have four other section placers and two wrestlers with a great deal of experience returning. Look for the Raiders to make an improvement on their dual meet marks of last season.

They will have to fill out their upper weights for them to be able to challenge for Park Region honors. They should challenge for a top four honors in the Section 7A team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OTTERTAIL CENTRAL BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs will be led by top returning section place winners Cody Nilson and Jacob Ledding. They will also have three other section place winners and seven additional wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience. The Bulldogs should make a huge improvement on last year’s dual meet marks with all the experience they coming back. They should challenge for top honors in the Park Region Conference Dual meet and Individual meets. They could possible challenge for top four honors in the Section 7AA team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OSAKIS SIlVERSTREAKS

The Silverstreaks will be led by five section place winners including Clinton Wiener and Jordan Trisco. They will have will three others returning with a great deal of experience. Despite graduating five very good seniors look for the Silverstreaks to make an improvement on last years dual meet marks. They could challenge for Park Region Conference honors. They should challenge for a top for spot in the Section 6A Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BROWERVILLE/EAGLE VALLEY BRONCOS

The Broncos will be led by three returning state qualifiers including state champion Torrey Line and Tyler Spychalla and Juluis Stone. They will have two other section place winners and five additional wrestlers with a great deal of experience returning. Look for the Broncos to challenge for Park Region Conference honors. They should be a force to be reckon with in the Section 6A Dual meet campaign. Please note Torrey Line is dealing with some health issues at this time. The Mat Rats thoughts and prayers are with Torrey; that he will win this match and return to the mat by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

UNITED NORTH CENTRAL (MENAHGA-SEBEKA) WARRIORS

The Warriors will be led by returning state qualifier Tyler Ahlf and section place winner Larry Martini. They will have three other wrestlers with a great deal of experience also returning. Despite the fact that the Warriors graduated four very good seniors they should make an improvement on last years dual meet marks. Look for them to make steady improvement thru out the season. I believe Coach Koll will bring along some of the young talent they have in their program.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PARKERS PRAIRIE PANTHERS

The Panthers will be led by four returning section place winners including Jason Arvidson and Ryan Silbernagel. They will also have four other wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience. Look for Panthers to make steady improvement thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

More info was not available.

GREAT RIVER CONFERENCE

Favorite: Aitkin Gobblers

Dark Horse: Mille Lacs Raiders

AITKIN GOBBLERS

The Gobblers will be led by four returning state qualifiers including Nick Nadeau, Justin Chouanard, Brett Mylnar and Isaac Werner. They will also have six other section place winners returning. Those include Brad Insley, Matt Christainsen, Travis Halberg, Justin Dotzler and Keith Wasserzieher. The Gobblers will have nine wrestlers returning with twenty-one wins or more including ten All Conference wrestlers. Look for them to make an improvement on their dual meet marks from last season. They should be a favorite to repeat in the Dual meet and individual tourney in the Great River Conference. The Gobblers should make a strong challenge for both Section 6A and Class A honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILLE LACS RAIDERS

The Raiders will be led by returning state qualifiers Rob Olson and Nick Pfaff. They will have four additional wrestlers that were section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience returning. They should make a big improvement on last season’s dual meet marks. With eleven wrestlers back with double figure wins look for the Raiders to challenge for Great River Conference honors. They should also challenge for Section 6A Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

RUSH CITY TIGERS

The Tigers will be led by two returning section place winners including Tyler Leibel. They will have six other wrestlers returning with a great deal of varsity experience. Despite graduating some excellent seniors they should make some improvements on last years dual meet marks. Look for the Tigers to make steady improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON/PINE CITY JAGUARS

The Jaguars will have seven wrestlers returning with double figure wins and two others with a great deal of experience. The Jaguars did graduate a great group of seniors last season. They maybe hard pressed to improve on last year’s dual meet marks. But look for steady improvement from the Jaguars program thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAHAM BOMBERS

The Bombers will be led by four returning section place winners including Mitch Gerold and Wally Workman. They will also have four others with a great deal of varsity experience returning. Look for the Bombers to make some improvement on their dual meet marks of last season. The Bombers should make steady improvement thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OGILVIE LIONS

The Lions will be led by returning state qualifier Colton Johnston and two other section place winners. They will also have five others with a great deal of varsity experience returning. Look for the Lions to make an improvement on last years dual meet marks; they should also make steady improvement thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Favorite: Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles

Dark Horses: Pierz Pioneers and Howard Lake Waverly/ Winsted/Lester Prairie Scorpions

EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS EAGLES

The Eagles have six section place winners returning this season including All Conference performers Chris Faber, Mike Sullivan, Dustin Kramer, Paul Stommes and Ryan Sullivan should lead the way. They do have three others with a great deal of experience returning. Despite graduating an outstanding bunch of seniors, look for the Eagles to challenge last years dual meet marks. They should also challenge for Dual meet honors in the Central MN. Conference. The Eagles should be a force to be reckoned with in the Section 5A team campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PIERZ PIONEERS

The Pioneers will be led by returning state place winner and two All Conference performers including Hank Virnig, Clint Poster and Tanner Tetrick and Section place winner Scott Janson. They will also have four others with a great deal of experience returning. They did graduate a huge bunch of outstanding seniors last season; but look for the Pioneers tradition to be carried on. They should improve over the course of the season and could challenge for Central Minnesota honors. The Pierz should challenge for a top four spot in the Section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED LAKERS

The Lakers will be led by returning state qualifier Clark Ostvig and section place winners Shane Khan and Tony Horstmann. They will also have four others returning with a great deal of varsity experience. It will be tough to match those dual meet numbers from the past couple of seasons. How ever if they continue to have younger wrestlers step up they could be force to be reckoned with in the Central Minnesota Conference.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BELGRADE BROOTEN ELROSA JAQUARS

The Jaguars will be led by returning state place winner Travis Rath and four other section place winners including Austen Kampsen. They will two others with a great deal of experience also returning. Look for the Jaguars to challenge those dual meet marks of last season. They should make steady progress thru out the season; if so they could challenge for a top four spot in the Section 5A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOLDINGFORD HUSKERS

The Huskers will be led by three returning section place including Alex Huls, Lewis Lumley and Dylan Scepaniak. They will have three others with a great deal of experience returning from last season. They will have a tough time making an improvement on last years dual meet marks. But look for the younger wrestlers to make continuous improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROYALTON ROYALS

The Royals will be led by two returning state qualifiers Keith Schlichting and John Omann. They will also have section place winners Ben Presler, Hunter Guerard and Jamie Carlson to help lead the way along with five others with a great deal of experience will be returning. They should make a big improvement on last year’s dual meet marks. If they are able to fill out their upper weights they could challenge will Central Minnesota Conference honors. They could also challenge for a top four spot in the Section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

KIMBALL CUBS

The Cubs will be led by returning state qualifier John Hanley and two other section place winners. They will continue to build their numbers and thru out the season should make steady improvements. They could make an improvement on their dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCKFORD ROCKETS

The Rockets will be led by returning section place winner Noah Patnode and his brother Adam Patnode. They also have three others with a great deal of experience returning from last season. They should improve on last year’s dual meet marks. Look for veteran coach Weyer to continue to build the numbers in this once very powerful wrestling program.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

AT LARGE TEAMS

ANNANDALE/MAPLE LAKE LIGHTNING

The Lightning will be led by two returning state qualifiers Tyler Wadman and Derek Klatt a transfer from Buffalo and seven section place winners including Chase Swenson, Peter Nordlie, Jake Anderson and Joe Puncochar. They have four others with a great deal of varsity experience that will be returning. Despite the fact they did graduate two very outstanding seniors last year; look for the Lightning to Challenge those dual meet marks from last season. If these young wrestlers continue to improve they will be a force to be reckoned with. They should also for Wright County Conference Dual meet honors. Look for the Lightning for also challenge for Section 5AA and possible State honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS

The Dragons will be led by returning state qualifier Mike Knisely and All Conference performer Jared Flemming. They will have five other section placers returning including Jeremy Forster and David Malepsy. The Dragons will also return five others with a great deal of experience from last season. Despite them graduating three great seniors look for the Dragons to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They should also challenge for Wright County Conference Dual meet honors. Look for the Dragons to be a major force to be reckoned with by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WADENA-DEER CREEK WOLVERINES

The Wolverines will be led by two returning state qualifiers Tony Wegscheid and Trey Van Orsdel. They will also have three other section place winners including; Kevin Trout, Kenny Steffens and Shawn Beversluis returning this season. Ian Calrstrom was injured for the section tourney or he surely would have been a high section place as well. They will have two other wrestlers with a great deal of experience also returning. Despite graduating three very good seniors look for them to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They should be one of the favorites for Dual meet honors in the Mid-State Conference. Look for the Wolverines to challenge for Section 7A honors and possibly state honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE PANTHERS

The Panthers will have six section place winners returning that will lead the way; these include Ryan Kreisch, Alex Jenson, Chris Dahlke and Nick Larson. They will have six others with a great deal of experience that will be returning from last season. Look for the Panthers to make an improvement on last years dual meet numbers. They could challenge for one of the top four spots in the Section 5AA Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG FIGHTING SAINTS

The Fighting Saints will be led returning state place winner Kevin Steinhaus and six returning section place winners including Brad Kneisl, Spencer Almen, Alex Baker, and Cody Kinney. They will have a total of ten wrestlers back with fourteen wins or more. The Fighting Saints only had one wrestler graduate last spring; so look for them to make a big improvement on last years dual meet numbers. If their young wrestlers continue to improve they could challenge for Camden Conference honors. Look for Fighting Saints to challenge to one of the top four spots in the Section 4A Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRECKENRIDGE COWBOYS

The Cowboys will be led by returning state qualifiers Spencer Beech and Seth Klostreich. They will have seven section place winner returning from last years team along with three others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Cowboys to make an improvement on last years dual meet marks. They could possibly challenge for a top four spot in the Section 7A Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PEQUOT LAKE/PINE RIVER/BACKUS ROAD CREW

The Road Crew will be led by eight section place winners back from last year’s year’s team. They include four all conference performers Patrick Bresnahan, Nick Harrison, Jesse Hernandez and Marcus Hernandez. Coach Doug Lee did a tremendous job with the Road Crew but had to resign do to a misunderstanding. Look for former Coach Tom Demars to continue what Coach Lee started. They Road Crew should improve on last year’s dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

DASSEL COKATO CHARGERS

The Chargers will be led by returning state qualifier Kurt Salmen and three other section place winners including Will Bayuk, Brandon Opsahl and Tony Larson. They will also have six others with a great deal of varsity experience returning from last season. Look for the Chargers to improve on last year’s dual meet numbers. They should make steady improvement thru out the season and could be a force to be dealt with at the seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CROSBY-IRONTON RANGERS

The Rangers will be lead by two returning state qualifiers including section champion Lane Srock and Brandon Biever. The Rangers have two section place winners and others returning from last year with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for the Rangers to improve on their 8-8 dual meet marks of last season and possibly challenge for a top four spot in the Section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHISAGO LAKES WILDCATS

The Wildcats will be led by the return of three section place winners including all conference performer plus Mitch Anderson, Mike Welle and J. D. Ford. They will have two twenty match winners back John Hogie and Mike Michaelson. The Wildcats will also have five others with a great deal of varsity experience returning from last season. Despite the fact that they did graduate four very good seniors look for the Wildcats to possibly challenge those excellent dual marks of last season. The Wildcats should also challenge for honors in the North Suburban Conference.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NORTH BRANCH VIKINGS

The Vikings will be led by the return of two section place winners Boyd Superet and Ed Kostik and twenty-match winner Matt Newham. They will five other wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience from last year’s team. After graduating some excellent seniors the Vikings could challenge last years dual meet marks. The Vikings could challenge for honors in the North Suburban Conference.

Returning Wrestlers

Graduates:

ORTONVILLE TROJANS

The Trojans will be led by five returning section place winners including, Eric Croatt, Jason Roggenbuck, Drew Johnson, David Webster and Pat Eustice. They will have four others that will return with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for the Trojans to improve on last years dual meet numbers. They will be a member of Camden Conference this upcoming season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RENVILLE COUNTY WEST JAGUARS

The Jaguars will be led by four returning section place winners including Dakota Freiborg, Trent Novotny, Isaac Johns and Zach Frieborg. They will also have five other wrestlers returning from last year’s team with a great deal of experience. Look for the Jaguars to make a big improvement on their dual meet marks from last season. If their younger wrestlers continue to improve over the course of the season they could surprise someone by the seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MACCRAY WOLVERINES

The Wolverines will have two state place winners back to lead the way for them this season. Tyler Steen and Mitch Grussing both claimed fifth place in the state and they are also returning All Camden Conference performers as well. The other section place winners and four with a great deal of varsity experience will return this season. The Wolverines should improve on last year’s dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL AREA KNIGHTS

The Knights will be led by two returning section place winners Jake Long and Dayton Stenhagen. Look for Pat Mitchell to have a great season as well; he was injured at section tourney time last season. The Knights have others returning with a great deal of varsity experience back from last season. Look for new Head Coach Gruchow to get those numbers built up once again in the Knights program.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

INDEPENDENT

WHEATON/HERMAN-NORCROSS BULLETS

The Bullets will be led by two returning state qualifiers; state place winner Brett Lennox and Brady Sykora. They have two other section place winners Austin Nilson and Tony Roschlien and twenty match winners Nate Mord and Ryan Schwagle back from last years team. The Bullets will also return four others with a great deal of experience too. Despite graduating a couple of very good