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

Central Minnesota Mat Rats Preseason Report (13th Annual)

By Roger Mischke

November 19, 2007

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 Monticello Magic

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

Head Coach: Neil Jennissen

Enrollment: 1,154

Section: 7AAA

Look for the Blue Jackets to improve on last years dual meet marks of 21-8 with seven section place winners returning and five others with a great deal of experience. Tony Nelson will led the way after claiming third place in the state in the 2007 campaign. They did graduate five excellent seniors including five section place winners. Look for the Blue Jackets to be serious contenders for Section 7AAA and Mississippi 8 Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS

Co-Head Coaches: Greg Greeno and Dan Lefebvre

Enrollment: 730

Section: Section 5AA

The Knights will be looking for another state title with the return of five state qualifiers, including state place winners David Thorn and Kyle Schumm. They will return four others with a great deal of varsity experience. So despite graduating eight very good seniors including three state place winners look for the Knights to improve on those dual meet marks of 22-5 and to be serious challengers to defend those honors of last year; Section 5AA, State Class AA and Mississippi 8 Conference Championships.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BIG LAKE HORNETS

Head Coach: Loren Holthaus

Enrollment: 618

Section: 6AA

The 2007-2008 campaign was a huge success as well as a break thru year for the Hornets. After having the huge success that they did last season, look for that to fuel them to big things this season as well. The Hornets return five state qualifiers including three state place winners, Justin Nelson (3rd State), Matt Nelson (3rd State) and Tee Baker (5th State). They have state qualifiers Ben Brown and Justin Haag back, as well as another section place winner and three with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for them to challenge those dual meet marks of 25-4 and to challenge for a repeat in the Section 6AA Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTICELLO MAGIC

Head Coach: Matt Palmer

Enrollment: 858

Section 6AA

The Magic had a very successful campaign in the 2006-2007 season and look for them to continue to improve this season. They will be led by nine returning section place winners including state qualifier Josh Kohler. The Magic have four others with a great deal of varsity experience also returning including state qualifier from the 2005-2006 campaign Spencer Lanners. Despite the graduation of three very good seniors look for the Magic to be a force to be reckon with in the Mississippi 8 and the Section 6AA Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BECKER BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Brad Novak

Enrollment: 526

Section: 6AA

The Bulldogs will be led by three section place winners including two returning state qualifiers Kevin O’Brien and Brady Schrupp. They have three others also returning with a great deal of experience from last season. The Bulldogs will be hard pressed to improve on those dual meet marks of last season with the graduation of eight very good seniors including five section place winners. But look for this young to team to make big strides during the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BUFFALO BISON

Head Coach: Paul Arens

Enrollment: 1,229

Section 8AAA

The Bison will be led by six returning section place winners including five with twenty wins or more. Along with fours with a great deal of varsity experience returning from last season. Despite the graduation of three good seniors look for the Bison to continue to improve and very possibly challenge last years dual meet marks. Look for the Bison to be a team to possibly challenge for Section 8AAA honors by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ZIMMERMAN THUNDER

Head Coach: Matt Kraus

Enrollment: 396

Section: 7AA

The Thunder continue to improve, as they will be starting just their fourth year. They will be led by the return of four section place winners and three others with a great deal of varsity experience. Despite the graduation of six seniors including three section place winners and a State Champion, they will continue to improve. Look for them to challenge those dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROGERS ROYALS

Head Coach: Matt Leshovsky

Enrollment: 723

Section: 5AA

The Royals will be led by four returning section place winners including state qualifier Todd Klemz. They will return six other with other wrestlers with a great deal of experience. They have nine wrestlers returning with twelve wins or more, so look for the Royals to continue to improve this season. They should improve on their 12-9 dual meet marks of last season and could possibly be a force to be reckon with by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

PRINCETON TIGERS

Head Coach: Mark Hayes

Enrollment: 763

Section: 7AA

The Tigers will be led by the return of one section place winner and seven others with a great deal of experience. This includes seven wrestlers with double figure wins. The Tigers should continue to improve despite the graduation of four seniors. They should challenge those dual meet numbers from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CENTRAL LAKES CONFERENCE

Favorites: Alexandria Cardinals and Fergus Falls Otters

Dark Horses: Brainerd Warriors and Little Falls Flyers

ALEXANDRIA CARDINALS

Head Coach: Tom Ellison

Enrollment: 1,046

Section 8AAA

The Cardinals will be led by seven section place winners including state qualifiers Charlie Kirscht (4th State) and Tanner Weltzin. They will also have back John Amundson (5th State 2006) and Nate Kelly (4th Section 24-10) along with four others with a great deal of varsity experience. Look for the Cardinals to make a huge improvement on last years dual meet marks. They didn’t have any seniors graduate last season, they should fill out there weights this season. The Cardinals should challenge for Central Lake Conference and Section 8AAA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

FERGUS FALLS OTTERS

Head Coach: Mark Aho

Enrollment: 658

Section: 8AA

The Otters will be led by the return of nine section place winners including two state qualifiers Drew Ross (2nd State) and Billy Oehler. They will have Charlie Revering, Colton Thorson, Dan Revering and Josh Campion all back with twenty wins or more; along with three others with a great deal of experience. The Otters should make a big improvement on last years 12-9 dual meet marks. Look for the Otters to have one of their best seasons in many years. They should challenge for Central Lakes Conference honors and be a top four team in this very solid 8AA Section.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITTLE FALLS FLYERS

Head Coach: Mike Hendrickson

Enrollment: 741

Section 8AA

The Flyers will be led by return of four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. The Flyers graduated eight seniors last spring including four state qualifiers. They will be hard pressed to improve on last years very good dual meet marks. But look for this young team to continue to improve thru out and season and to possibly be a force in both the Central Lakes Conference and the dual meet campaign in this tuff Section 8AA.

Retuning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAINERD WARRIORS

Co-Coaches: Mike Boran and James Kath

Enrollment: 1,596

Section 8AAA

The Warriors will be led by six section place winners including three state qualifiers Nick Lingwall (4th State), Tyler Jensen and Scott Padrnos. They will also have Jake Patnode back a thirty-match winner a year ago. Four others with a great deal of experience from last years team. Look for the Warriors despite graduating three very good seniors to make a improvement on their dual meet marks of last season if their upped weights continue to improve. They should challenge for both Central Lake Conference honors and possibly for Section 8AAA Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SARTELL SABRES

Head Coach: Phil Corbett

Enrollment: 637

Section 6AA

The Sabres will be led by four section place winners including two returning state qualifiers Travis Lewellyn and Jess Coffin. They will have four others returning with a great deal of varsity experience. After having one of their very best teams in school history and the graduation of three very good seniors. Look for the Sabres to possibly challenge that great dual meet mark of last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WILLMAR CARDINALS

Head Coach: Casey Johnson

Enrollment: 949

Section 6AA

The Cardinals will be led by two returning section place winners Cody Stegeman and Nick Braun and five others with a great deal of experience. They graduated six very good seniors last spring. The Cardinals will be hard pressed to challenge last years dual meet marks of last year. Look for this young team to continue to make big improvements over the course of season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK RAPIDS STORM

Head Coach: Terry Gorecki

Enrollment: 899

Section 8AAA

The Storm will be led by four section place winners including two state qualifiers Tyler Spiczka (6th State) and Evan Warnert and the return of Wes Vogt (39-8 in 2006 and a State Qualifier). The Storm will have one other wrestler returning with a great of experience from the past couple of seasons. The Storm graduated seven very good seniors including two state qualifiers. But look for this team to make big strides during the season and to possibly be a top four contender in the Section 8AAA Dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ST. CLOUD APOLLO EAGLES

Head Coach: Tim Bengston

Enrollment: 984

Section 8AAA

The Eagles will be led by three returning section place winners including All Conference performer Matt Spoden. They have six other wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience from last years teams. Look for this young team to continue to make improvements thru the course of the season. The Eagles should challenge those dual meet numbers of 8-15 from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCORI SPARTANS

Head Coach: Paul Court

Enrollment: 624

Section 6AA

The Spartans will be led by six wrestlers with a great deal of experience back from last season. Look for this young team to continue to make improvements during the season. They could make improvements on their dual meet marks of last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ST. CLOUD TECH TIGERS

Head Coach: David Schorn

Enrollment: 1,138

Section 8AAA

The Tigers will be led by four returning section place winners and three other wrestlers will return with a great deal of experience from last season. Look for this team to continue to make improvements thru out the season. Despite graduating five good senior look for them to challenge dual their meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons and Yellow Medicine East Sting

Dark Horses: BOLD/BLH Warriors and Minnewaska Lakers

ATWATER COSMOS GROVE CITY FALCONS

Head Coach: Tim Roberg

Enrollment: 201

The Falcons will be led by six section place winners including five state qualifiers from last years State Championship team. Nic Leither (3rd State), Ben Meyer (5th State), Micah Larson (1st Section), Travis Frederickson (1st Section) and Scott Litzau (2nd Section. They should get a big boost also with the return of 2006 State Champion Jeremy Anderson, as it appears he will be back for this season. Despite the graduation of six excellent seniors, including six state qualifiers the Falcons will be a major factor in the West Central South Conference, Section 5A and potentially in the State. They will be hard pressed to improve on last seasons state championship and their 24-1 dual meet mark but look for them to have a very strong team as they will working for a repeat in 2007-2008.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING

Head Coach: David Wingert

Enrollment: 250

The Sting will be led by nine returning section place winners including three state qualifiers, Casey Field (2nd State), Austen Cole (1st Section) and Wyatt Sand (2nd Section). They will have three others also returning with a great deal of experience from last years outstanding season, the Sting will have ten wrestlers back with fifteen wins of more. Despite the graduation of three seniors, all three being section place winners, they will challenge those very good dual meet numbers of last season. Look for the Sting to make a strong challenge for West Central South Conference and Section 3A honors in 2007-2008.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

Head Coach: Wes Tessman

Enrollment: 345

Section 5A

The Lakers will be led by six returning section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience back from last season’s team. Collin Jergenson, Dan Braaten, David Bond, Brandon Manderschied and Gage Sachs will be the Laker leaders. Despite the graduation of six seniors, look for the Lakers to improve on their 12-9 dual meet mark of last season. They could challenge for honors in this tough West Central South Conference. The Lakers should challenge for a top four spot in which should be a very balance Section 5A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BOLD/BUFFALO LAKE/HECTOR WARRIORS

Head Coach: Tom Gruhlke

Enrollment: 258/135 (393 Total)

Section: 3AA

The Warriors will be led by four section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience back from last season. The Warriors did graduate seven wrestlers last spring including four state qualifiers. This young team will be hard pressed to challenge last years very good dual meet marks of 19-7. But look for this squad to improve a great deal during the course of the year. They could surprise a couple of teams by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BENSON BRAVES

Head Coach: Brian Knutson

Enrollment: 233

The Braves will be led by the return of seven section place winners and six other wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. They will be led by Ryan Thompson, Bradley Plumhoff and Brandon Berens. The Braves only graduated one wrestler from last season, so look for this to team to improve a great deal over the course of the season. The Braves should make a big improvement on last year’s dual meet marks of 6-9. Look for this team to surprise someone by the end of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES

Head Coach: Jeremy Brady

Enrollment: 281

The Eagles will be led by five returning section place winners and six other wrestlers with a great deal of experience back from last years team. Sam Hass and Matt Brehmer will their top wrestlers on this year’s team. The Eagles did graduate three seniors last spring, but look for them to continue to make continued improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

MORRIS AREA/HANCOCK TIGERS

Head Coach: Shane Tappe

Enrollment: 246

The Tigers will be lead by the return of six section place winners including two state qualifiers Travis Moser and Eric Goette. They will also have two others with a great deal of experience returning from last year’s team. Look for the Tigers to continue to make strides during the season. They should improve on those dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS

Head Coach: Chris Weber

Enrollment: 341

Section: 3AA

The Thunder Hawks will be lead by four returning section place winners and five other wrestlers back with a great deal of varsity experience. They should improve on those dual meet marks of last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL NORTH CONFERENCE

Favorites: Foley Falcons and New London-Spicer Wildcats

Dark Horses: Albany Huskies and Minnewaska Lakers

FOLEY FALCONS

Head Coach: Lyle Freudenberg

Enrollment: 420

Section: 6AA

The Falcons return seven state qualifiers and two others the claimed third places in last years section tourney. A total of ten wrestlers with eighteen or more wins, back from a very close call in the section finals in 2007. This is still a very young team, with only three seniors returning with experience. But look for this Falcon team to have one of their very best teams in during recent years. They could improve on their outstanding dual meet mark of last season of 29-4. They will be lead by two-time state place winner Jacob Bowland and Section champions Jordan Linn and Tyler Lewandowski. Look for the Falcons to challenge for both West Central North Conference, Section 6AA and possibly State honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

Head Coach: Jair Toedter

Enrollment: 405

Section: 6AA

The Wildcats will be looking a some big things from their 2007-2008 team with seven section place winners returning. Look for Chad Henle, Billy Dean, Shawn Hatlestad and Luke Reiter to led this team. They will have eleven wrestlers returning with double figure wins including nine with nineteen wins or more. This team will continue to improve thru out the season. They could challenge their outstanding dual meet marks of 14-3 during the 2006-2007 season. The Wildcats should challenge for West Central North Conference and Section 6AA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALBANY HUSKIES

Head Coach: Dan Anderson

Enrollment: 396

Section 6AA

The Huskies will have one of the better teams they have had for several years with eleven wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience. They will be lead by Kurt Schlangen, Matt Dowell, Scott Groetsch, Taylor Holthaus, John Bredeck and Jamie Holt. They should make a huge improvement on their 13-10 dual mark of last season. Look for this team to improve a great deal during the course of the season, by season’s end they could be a force to be reckoned with in the West Central North Conference and in this very tough Section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Tim Woehler

Enrollment: 277

Section: 5A

The Bulldogs will be lead by seven returning section place winners including two returning state qualifiers and eight others with a great deal of varsity experience from last years team. Their leaders will Jordan Christian (5th State) and Cory Spanier (2nd Section). This young team should make great strides during the season. They should improve on last year’s dual meet marks of 9-12. Look for the Bulldogs to be a force to be reckoned with, if they do continue to improve. They could challenge four a top four spot in the Section 5A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LONG PRIARIE-GREY EAGLE THUNDER

Head Coach: Ryan Bothun

Enrollment: 353

Section: 5A

The Thunder will be lead by six returning section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Daniel Schad and Joseph Pesta will be the leaders on this young team. The Thunder did graduate four section place winners last spring, so they could challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They should continue to improve thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK CENTRE MAINSTREETERS

Head Coach: Ken Vogt

Enrollment: 309

Section: 5A

The Mainstreeters will have two section place returning and four others with a great deal of experience from last year’s team. John Gusewelle (1st Section) and Shane Trattles will be the leaders for this very young team. The Mainstreeters could challenge last year’s dual meet marks if they continue to improve thru the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MELROSE DUTCHMEN

Head Coach: Vaughn Glasener

Enrollment: 410

Section: 6AA

The Dutchmen will be lead with the return of four experience varsity wrestlers. With the graduation of four very good seniors the Dutchmen will be rebuilding this season. Look for steady improve thru the course of the season from this young team.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Favorites: Pierz Pioneers and Howard Lake/Waverly/Winsted Lakers

Dark Horses Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles

PIERZ PIONEERS

Head Coach: Simon Waltman

Enrollment: 263

The Pioneers will be looking for some big things this season after having an injured filled campaign in 2006-2007. They will have nine section place winners returning; including three state qualifiers. They will have fours others with a great deal of experience back from last year’s team. Clint Poster, Tanner Tetrick, Alex Huls, Corey Eagan and Scott Janson will be the leaders for the Pioneers. They should make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of last season. Look for Pierz to once again challenge for Central Minnesota Conference and Section 7A Honors. They could possibly challenge for Class A State honors as well.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED LAKERS

Head Coaches: Jeff Granrud

Enrollment: 279

The Lakers will be lead by the return of seven section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience back from last years very successful season. John Long, Jason Koch, Emmett Lynch and Cameron Lehner will be the key leaders for the Lakers. Despite the graduation of three very good seniors look for the Lakers to challenge their meet marks of last season and to be looking for end of the season honors in both the Central Minnesota Conference and in 5A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS EAGLES

Head Coach: Jay Johnson

Enrollment: 208

The Eagles will lead by the return of eight section place winners including state qualifiers Dustin Kramer and Jacob Forcier. They will have two others returning from last years team with a great deal of experience. Despite the fact they graduated five seniors last spring, look for this young team to make big strides during the season. The Eagles should improve on their dual meet marks of 11-8. Look for them to challenge for Central Minnesota Conference honors and for a top four spot in the Section 5A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BELGRADE BROOTEN ELROSA JAQUARS

Head Coach: Rich Vos

Enrollment: 181

The Jaguars return six section place winners and three others with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Look for Austen Kampsen, Cole Tensen and Travis Winter to be their leaders this season. Also depending on the health of Travis Rath (State Place Winner 2006), he would be a key leader for this young squad. Look for the Jaguars to improve on those dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOLDINGFORD HUSKERS

Head Coach: Adam Johnson

Enrollment: 266

The Huskers will be lead by the return of three section place winners and five others back with a great deal of experience. Look for Lewis Lumley, Devin Scott and Matt Williams to be key leaders for this young team. I have to apology that I have no more stats on the Huskers. I did pursue a few avenues to get a season summary. Look for the Huskers to continue to make strides thru out the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

ROYALTON ROYALS

Head Coach: Kevin Presler

Enrollment: 175

The Royals will be lead by two returning section place winners and five others with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Ben Presler will be the leader of this year’s squad. The Royals did graduate six seniors, including three section place winners last spring. Thus the Royals will have a rebuilding season, but look for them to make huge improvements with veteran coach Kevin Presler back at the helm.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

KIMBALL CUBS

Head Coach: Mike Schindler

Enrollment: 226

The Cubs will be lead by four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience, including once state qualifier Derek Orbeck. Look for this young team to continue to make improvements thru out the season. They should improve on last years dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCKFORD ROCKETS

Head Coach: Nick Peterson

Enrollment: 407

Section: 5AA

The Rockets will lead by two returning section place winners and ten others with a great deal of experience back from last years team. Adam Patnode, Andrew Patnode, Noah Patnode and Taylor Bove should be the key leaders for the Rockets. Look for them to make steady improvement over the course of the season. They should make a some improvement on their dual meet marks of last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

PARK REGION CONFERENCE

Favorites: Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale Raiders and Osakis Silverstreaks

Dark Horses: Osakis Silverstreaks and Browerville/Eagle Valley Broncos

(Note: Pequot Lakes/Pine River/Backus Road Crew is invited to the PRC tourney and would be a favorite to win the Individual Tourney)

BERTHA HEWITT/VERNDALE RAIDERS

Head Coach: Mike Barthel

Enrollment: 109 Bertha Hewitt/88 Verndale (297)

The Raiders will be lead by the return of six section place winners including five state qualifiers. Their leaders will be Ethan Kern (3rd State), Zak Lambert, Sam Moenkedick, Matt Monekedick, Wade Monekedick and Jake Braaten. They will also return six others with a great deal of varsity wrestling experience from last year’s team. Look for the Raiders to make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of 12-10 from last season. Look for the Raiders to be a major factor in the Park Region Conference and Section 6A Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

OSAKIS SILVERSTREAKS

Head Coach: Brad Hoffarth

Enrollment: 168

The Silverstreaks will be lead by seven returning section place winners including three returning state qualifiers. They will also have six others returning with a great deal of experience from last years varsity season. Wendell Larson, Clinton Wiener, Isaia Duchene and Jordan Trisco will be the key leaders for the Silverstreaks. They should make a big improvement on their dual meet marks of last season if they stay healthy. Look for the Silverstreaks to challenge for Park Region Conference and Section 5A Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

NEW YORK MILLS EAGLES

Head Coach: Eric Niemi

Enrollment: 170

The Eagles will be lead by the return of seven section place winners and three others with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Andrew Frost, Brendon Frost, Jordan Novak and Jordan Vaughn should be their key leaders. The Eagles should challenge those dual meet marks of 13-5 from last season. Despite the graduation of three very good seniors looks for the Eagles once again to be a force to be reckoned with again this season. They should challenge for both Park Region Conference and Section 6A honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BROWERVILLE/EAGLE VALLEY BRONCOS

Head Coach: Andy Lancaster

Enrollment: 131 Browerville/77 Eagle Valley (201 Total)

The Broncos will be lead by four returning section place winners, including two state place winners. They will have eight others with returning with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Julius Stone, Tyler Spychalla, Brian Denny and Travis Borchert will be key leaders for the Broncos this season. Look for them to improve on last year’s dual meet marks. This young team will continue to improve thru out the season and they should challenge to high honors in the Park Region Conference and in Section 5A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OTTERTAIL CENTRAL BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Scott Hart

Enrollment: Battle Lake 136/Henning 76/Underwood 100 (302 Total)

The Bulldogs will be lead by four returning section place winners and three others are back with a great deal of varsity experience from last years season. They could challenge last year’s dual meet marks of 9-7. They graduated seven wrestlers last spring including five section place winners. Look for this young team in make steady improvement thru the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PARKERS PRAIRIE PANTHERS

Head Coach: Billy Wagner

Enrollment: 155

The Panthers will be lead by the return of three section place winners and six others returning as well with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Tyler Walsh, Jason Arvidson and Chris Birkholz should be key leaders in the success this season. They should challenge those dual meet marks of 8-17 from last season. Look for the Panthers to continue improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

UNITED NORTH CENTRAL (MENAHGA-SEBEKA) WARRIORS

Head Coach: Kris Koll

Enrollment: 138 Menagha/114 Sebeka (252)

The Warriors will lead by the return of three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience from last year’s team. Tyler Ahlf, Reid Anderson and Max Aho will be the leaders for the Warriors this season. Look for them to make some improvement on last years dual meet marks. The Warriors should continue to improve thru the course of the season. A real key for them is if they can fill all their weights.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

GREAT RIVER CONFERNCE

Favorites: Aitkin Gobblers and Mille Lacs Raiders

Dark Horses: Hinckley-Finlayson/Pine City Jaguars and Braham Bombers

AITKIN GOBBLERS

Head Coach: Dan Stifter

Enrollment: 285

The Gobblers will be lead by the return six section place winners, including five state qualifiers. They will also have one other wrestler returning with a great deal of varsity experience from last year’s team. Matt Christensen, Justin Chouanard, Andrew Halberg, Keith Wasserszieher and Nathan Cummings will be the key leaders for the Gobblers this season. They graduated five wrestlers last spring including five section place winners and two state place winners. They will have a tough time improving on last years dual meet marks of 23-7. But look for this team to fill in with some very good junior varsity wrestlers. They should again be a major factor in the Great River Conference and the Section7A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILLE LACS RAIDERS

Head Coach: Brady Hermel

Enrollment: Isle 115; Onamia 161 (286)

The Raiders will be lead by the return of three section place winners, including one state place winner. They will also have two others returning with a great deal of experience back from last years team. Chris Steffenson, Zach Olson and Ryan Jones should be the leaders on this year’s team. The Raiders had seven seniors graduate last spring including six section place winners. They will be hard pressed to make improvements on their 14-8 dual meet mark of last season. How ever look for this team to continue to make improvement thru out the season. They could challenge for Great River Conference honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON/PINE CITY JAGUAR

Head Coach: Jerry Perrotti

Enrollment: 240 Hinckley-Finlayson/Pine City 402/Willow River 92 (Total 734)


Section: 7AA

The Jaguars will be lead by the return of four section place winners and five others back from last years team with a great deal of varsity experience. Eric Nelson, Jayme Gallagher and Joe Claus will be their leaders this season. Look for the Jaguars to improve on last year’s dual meet marks and to be a factor in the Great River Conference. They will be in a new Section this season with some familiar faces, look for them to improve during the year and challenge for some honors in Section 7AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

BRAHAM BOMBERS

Head Coach: Craig Kotsmith

Enrollment:194

The Bombers will be lead by the return of four section place winners, including one state qualifier. They will also have three others back with a great deal of experience. Mitch Gerold, Adam Kelling and Eric Jokinen should be the key leaders for the Bombers this season. Look for the Bombers to make some improvements on those dual marks of last season. The Bombers should challenge for Great River Conference honors and they continue to improve they will earn some honors in section 7A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OGILVIE LIONS

Head Coach: Adam Halverson

Enrollment: 148

The Lions will be lead by the return of four section place winners including one state qualifier. They will also have three others returning with a great deal of experience back from last season. Colton Johnston, Matt Hickerson and Chris Arnold will be the key leaders for the Lions this season. Despite the graduation of six good seniors last spring look for this team to improve on last years dual meet marks. They could possibly challenge to honors in the Great River Conference.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RUSH CITY TIGERS

Head Coach: Tim Bowland

Enrollment: 222

The Tigers will be lead by the return of three section place winners and seven others back with a great deal of varsity experience. Jason Benson and Jake Welna will be key leaders for the Tigers this season. Look for this team to improve on those dual meet marks from last season. If this young team continues to improve they should challenge for honors in the Great River Conference. They could also challenge for some Section 7A honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CLOQUET LUMBERJACKS

Head Coach: Al Denmen

Enrollment: 497

Section: 7AA

The Lumberjacks will be lead by the return of five section place winners, including one state qualifier. They will also return seven others with a great deal of experience from last year’s team. Mike Land, Jordan Land, Simon Thill and Jordan Villa will be the key leaders for the Lumberjack this season. Look for this young team to continue to improve over the next season. They should make an improvement on them dual meet marks of last season, in just their second year.

Returning Wrestlers:

AT LARGE TEAMS

ANNANDALE/MAPLE LAKE LIGHTNING

Co-Head Coach: Steve Kosloski, Bryan Kulm

Enrollment: 471 Annandale/225 Maple Lake (Total 696)

Section: 6AA

The Lightning will be looking for big things again this season after having their best season in the schools history. The return six section place winners and five others with great deal of experience. After winning the Section 5AA championship in 2007 and gaining a great deal of state tourney experience they will be a huge force to be reckoned with. They could challenge those excellent dual meet marks of 24-4 and 8-0 in the WCC. They will be led by Jake Anderson, Jesse Punchocher, Joe Puncocher, Nick Clemence and Brian Redemske. Despite graduating five excellent seniors and their head coach leaving, look for the Lightning to challenge for Wright County Conference and Section 6AA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILCA WOLVES

Head Coach: Randy Zimmer

Enrollment: 445

Section: 7AA

The Wolves will be lead by the return of eight section place winners, including four state qualifiers. They will also have four others returning with a great deal of experience from last years team. Carter Ash, Dennis Taute, David Fradette, Roy Ash and Denver Rogalla will be the key leaders for the Wolves this season. They did graduate three section place winners last spring, but look for the Wolves to make improvement on those dual meet marks from last year. Many would consider last season a down year in comparison to recent years. Look for the Wolves to be a strong challenger for both Section 7AA and possible Class AA state honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG FIGHTING SAINTS

Head Coach: Wes Haglund

Enrollment:131

The Fighting Saints nine returning section place winners back, this includes six state qualifiers from an outstanding team in 2006-2007. Kevin Steinways (State Champion), Cody Kinnery (5th State), Mitchell Hagen (6th State), Brad Kneisl (2nd Section), Jacob Engler (2nd Section), Joel Bauman and Spencer Almen will be the key leaders for the Fighting Saints. Look for them to challenge those very good dual meet marks of 19-4 from last season. They graduated two seniors from last year’s team; so look for the Fighting Saints to have one of their finest seasons in school history. They should make a major challenge for both Camden Conference and Section 3A Honors and possibly Class A State honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BEMIDJI LUMBERJACKS

Head Coach: Rob Whelan

Enrollment: 1,024

Section: 8AAA

The Lumberjacks will be lead by the return of six returning section place winners including one state place winner. They will also return six others with a great deal of varsity experience back from last season. Brandon Bahr, Jake Sorby, Corey Huber, Steve Masterson, Derek Lofgren and Kyle Mason will be the key leaders for the Lumberjacks this season. Despite the fact they graduated three very good seniors look for this young team to challenge those 12-4 dual meet marks of last season. The Lumberjacks should continue to improve thru out the season, look for them to challenge once again for Section 8AAA Honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORA MUSTANGS

Head Coach: Tom Youngblom

Enrollment: 425

Section: 7AA

The Mustangs will be lead by the return of four section place winners and eight others with great deal of experience. Andrew Youngblom, Brad Koehn, Ben Besser, Seth Sanftner and Nick Muehlberg will be the key leaders for the Mustangs this season. Despite the fact that they did graduate three very good seniors, look for them to improve on those dual meet marks of 15-11 from last season. The Mustangs should challenge for a top four spot in this new Section 7AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PEQUOT LAKE/PINE RIVER/BACKUS ROAD CREW

Head Coach: Tom Demars

Enrollment: Pequot Lakes 342/Pine River/Backus 252 (594)

Section: 8AA

The Road Crew will be lead by the return of eight section place winners, including three state qualifiers. They will fours others also returning from last years outstanding team. They will have a total of ten wrestlers back with fourteen or more wins. Nic Harrison, Nathan Walaski, Cody Schrupp, Pat Bresnahan and Marcus Hernandez to be the key leaders for the Road Crew. Despite graduating five seniors including two section place winners look for them to challenge those dual meet marks of last season. The Road Crew should challenge for honors in both the Mid-State Conference dual meet campaign and the Park Region Conference Invitational Tourney. They should challenge for a top four spot in this very good field of teams in the new Section 8AA dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS

Head Coach: Robert Finneseth
Enrollment: 454

Section: 6AA

The Dragons will have six wrestlers returning with a great deal of experience including two section place winners. They will be hard pressed to improve on last years dual meet marks of 15-8. The Dragons graduated five very good seniors; but look for this young team to make great strides during the season to make a run for Wright County Conference honors. They should be a challenge for nearly anyone in this very tough Section 6AA field of teams.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ELK RIVER ELKS

Head Coach: John Peterson

Enrollment: 1267

Section: 7AAA

The Elks will be lead by the return of six section place winners including two state qualifiers. They will also have two other twenty match winners returning with a great deal of experience from last season. Tyler Stevens, Mitch Hauge and Ross Cazett to be the key leaders for them. The Elks did graduate three section place winners last season including multiply state place winner Tyler Hemmesch. Look for them to improve on their dual meet marks of 13-14 from last season. The Elks should challenge for North Suburban Conference honors. They could challenge for a top four spot in this very tough Section 7AAA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

DASSEL COKATO CHARGERS

Head Coach: Bryan Clemen

Enrollment: 483

Section: 6AA

The Chargers will have six section place winners and three other with a great deal of varsity experience returning. They did graduate two very good seniors from last years 12-12 squad, but look for this team to make big improvements on last years dual meet marks. Dan Larson, Tony Larson and Brendon Opsahl will be the Charger leaders this season. They could be a force to be reckoned with in the Wright County Conference and possibly a spoiler in this very tough Section 6AA.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

GLENCOE-SILVER LAKE/LESTER PRAIRIE PANTHERS

Head Coach: Lance Wurm

Enrollment: 440 Glencoe/Silver Lake/ 115 Lester Prairie (Total 555)

Section: 2AA

The Panthers will be lead by the return of four section place winners and five others returning with a great deal of varsity experience last years team. Alex Jensen and Stephen Dolwick will be the key leaders for them. They did graduate a very good group of seniors last spring. The Panthers will have a tough time improving on those dual meet marks of 16-11 from last season. Look for this squad to make steady improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CROSBY-IRONTON RANGERS

Head Coach: Champ Hesch

Enrollment: 301

The Rangers will be lead by eight returning section place winners including one state place winner. The will also have three other wrestlers that will be returning with a great deal of varsity of experience from last season. Brad Hofstrand, Wade Adams, Andrew Kayfes, Brandon Biever and Ben Rothstein will be the key leaders for the Rangers. After having they best season in recent years the Rangers should be very excited about the upcoming season. With the graduation of one senior last spring from this team, they should challenge those dual meet marks of from last. Look for the Ranger to challenge for honors in the Mid-State Conference. They should challenge for a top four spot in the Section 7A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

WADENA-DEER CREEK WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Norman Gallant

Enrollment: 304

The Wolverines will be lead by the return of four section place winners and fours others with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Tony Wegsheid, Trey Van Orsdal and Matt Hagen should be the key leaders for them this season. They did graduate four very good seniors last season including a state place winner. Thus they will have a tough time challenging those dual meet marks of 12-11 from last season. But look for this team to make big strides during the season and possibly challenge for some honors in the Mid-State Conference. They could surprise someone at the seasons end and challenge for a top four stop in the Section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHISAGO LAKES WILDCATS

Head Coach: Shawn Frederixon

Enrollment: 847

Section 7AAA

The Wildcats will be lead by the return of three section place winners and five other wrestlers back with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Tony Gall, Troy Montague, Travis Kammerer and Mike Michaelson will be their key leaders for this season. Despite the graduation of several good seniors including four section place winners, the Wildcats could challenge those very good dual meet numbers of 20-9 from last season. Look for the Wildcats to challenge honors in the North Suburban Conference and for a possible top four stop in the Section 7AA dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NORTH BRANCH VIKINGS

Head Coach: Tony Aho

Enrollment: 848

Section: 7AA

The Vikings will be lead by the return of four section place winners and eleven others will be with a great deal of varsity experience. Erik Kostik, Boyd Suparat, Greg Arnt and Tom Mork will be the key leaders for them this season. Look for the Vikings to make a big improvement on last years dual meet marks. This young team should continue to make improvements. If they do they could be a surprise team in the Section 7AA dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRECKENRIDGE COWBOYS

Head Coach: Martin Lanter

Enrollment: 258

The Cowboys will have two section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience returning from last years team. Alex Johnson and Luke Poppel should be the key leaders for the Cowboys this season. They graduated eight seniors including seven section place winners, two were state qualifiers. Look for the Cowboys to struggle in their effort to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They will be in a rebuilding season, but look for them to make huge strides during the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

STAPLES-MOTLEY CARDINALS

Head Coach: Gordy Thompson

Enrollment: 316

The Cardinals will be lead by three returning section place winners and six others with a great deal of varsity experience back from year’s team. Kodeiy Lind, Jordan Benson, Trent Carlson and Devin Becker will be key leaders for them this season. They graduated two section place winners including state champion Hakan Binak. The Cardinals should improve on those dual meet numbers of 8-7 from last season. Look for this team to improve a great deal during the course of the season. If they do they will be a force to be reckoned with in both the Mid-State and in new Section 6A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RENVILLE COUNTY WEST JAGUARS

Head Coach: Scott Fransen

Enrollment: 167

The Jaguars will be lead by the return of seven section place winners and three others back with a great deal of varsity from last year. Dakota Freiborg and Jake Frieborg should the key leaders for the Jaguars this season. Despite the graduation of three seniors, including two section place winners, look for them to improve on those dual meet marks from last season. Look for the Jaguars to challenge some of those top teams in both the Camden Conference and in Section 3A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MACCRAY WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Wayne Coulter

Enrollment: 200

The Wolverines will be lead by the return of five wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience from last season. Mitch Rosendahl, Joe DeGrote and Levi Berends will be the leaders for the Wolverines. Look for them to improve on those dual meet marks from last season if they can stay health during the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ORTONVILLE TROJANS

Head Coach: Joe Eustice

Enrollment:165

The Trojans will be lead by the return of three section place winners including one returning state qualifier. They will have one other wrestler also returning with a great deal of experience from last year’s team. Look for the Trojans to fill in with young junior varsity wrestlers. They should show steady strides of improvement during the course of the season.

Returning Place Winners:

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL AREA KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Brandon Gruchow

Enrollment: 197

The Knights will be lead by the return of four section place winners including one state qualifier. They will have three other wrestlers returning form last years team with a great deal of experience. Dayton Sternhagen and Jake Long will be the key leaders for the Knights this season. With just two seniors graduating look for the Knight to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Look for this team to continue to make improvement over the course of the season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

INDEPENDENT

MOORHEAD SPUDS

Head Coach: TBA

Enrollment: 1212

Section: 8AAA

The Spuds will be lead by the return of three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience back from last year’s team. They lost three section place winners to graduation last spring. In addition Justin LaValle ended up in Apple Valley this fall too. Look for the Spuds to make strides this year and to possibly challenge for some Section 8AAA honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WHEATON/HERMAN-NORCROSS BULLETS

Head Coach: Pat Holm

Enrollment: 108 Wheaton/26 Herman-Norcross (134)

The Bullets will be lead by six returning section place winners including one state qualifier. Austin Nilson, Ryan Schwagel and Will McCarthy will be the key leaders for the Bullets this season. They graduated eight very good seniors last spring including two state qualifiers. They will be hard pressed to challenge those dual meet numbers from last season. But look for the Bullets to improve during the course of the season and to challenge for a top four spot in Section 6A.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHOKIO ALBERTA/CLINTON GRACEVILLE/BEARSLEY ROAD WARRIORS

Head Coach: John Ristvedt

Enrollment: 73 CA/124 CGB (197)

The Road Warriors will be lead by three returning section place winners including two state qualifiers. They will have four others also returning with a great deal of experience from last years team. Matt Benson, Mitchell Andrews and Bryce Benson should be the key leaders for the Road Warriors this season. Look for them to continue to improve thru out the season; they could challenge those dual meet marks from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

THE MAT RATS PRESEASON RATINGS

CLASS AAA

1. Cambridge-Isanti Blue Jackets (7)

2. Bemidji Lumberjacks (8)

3. Alexandria Cardinals (8)

4. Brainerd Warriors (8)

5. Buffalo Bison (8)

6. Elk River Elks (7)

7. Sauk Rapids Storm (8)

8. St. Cloud Apollo Eagles (8)

9. Moorhead Spuds (8)

10. St. Cloud Tech Tigers (8)


CLASS AA

1. Saint Michael-Albertville Saints (5)

2. Foley Falcons (6)

3. New London-Spicer Wildcats (6)

4. Annandale/Maple Lake Lightning (6)

5. Big Lake Hornets (6)

6. Milaca Wolves (7)

7. Pequot Lakes/Pine River/Backus Road Crew (8)

8. Fergus Falls Otters (8)

9. Albany Huskies (6)

10. Monticello Magic (6)

11. Little Falls Flyers (8)

12. Mora Mustangs (7)


CLASS A

1. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons (5)

2. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fight Saints (3)

3. Yellow Medicine East Sting (3)

4. Pierz Pioneers (7)

5. Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders (6)

6. Aitkin Gobblers (7)

7. Minnewaska Lakers (5)

8. New York Mills Eagles (6)

9. Howard Lake/Waverly/Winsted Lakers (5)

10. Osakis Silver Streaks (5)

11. Paynesville Bulldogs (5)

12. Crosby-Ironton (7)