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Central Minnesota Mat Rats Preseason Report (14th Annual)

By Roger Mischke

November 19, 2008

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: SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS and the CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

DARK Horses: MONTICELLO MAGIC and BECKER BULLDOGS

CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BLUEJACKETS

Head Coach: Neil Jennissen

Enrollment: 1,154

Section: 7AAA

Look for the Blue Jackets to have another very good year, it would be very hard to improve on their 24-4 dual meet mark, due to the graduation of eleven seniors including three state qualifiers and two section place winners. They should challenge for a top four spot in this very tough Section 7AAA and for Mississippi 8 Conference honors too. They will be lead by nine section place winners including one state place winner. Their leaders should be Tony Nelson, Dalton Litledahl and Scott Gifford.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAINT MICHAEL ALBERTVILLE KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Dan Lefebvre

Enrollment: 730

Section: Section 5AA

The Knights made huge strides last season and look for them to make a big improvement on their 19-8 dual meet mark of last season. They will return nine state qualifiers and three other section place winners, this includes three state place winners. They have eleven wrestlers returning with sixteen wins or more. The fact they only graduated two seniors including a state place winner, look for the Knights to make a strong challenge for Mississippi 8 Conference, Section 5AA and State Class AA honors. Their key leaders will be: David Thorn, Jordan Campa, Jake Horn, Kraig Schumm, Dusty Kottke and Kyle Salonek.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTICELLO MAGIC

Head Coach: Matt Palmer

Enrollment: 858

Section 6AA

The Magic will look to improve on their excellent dual meet mark of 19-6 overall and 6-2 in the Mississippi 8 Conference. They will have five section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience back. Despite the graduation of four good seniors including one state qualifier and three section place winners. Look for the Magic to challenge for honors in the Mississippi 8 and the Section. Their key leaders will be Ben Schwartz, Tyler Mergen, Randy Ascher and Spencer Lanners.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BUFFALO BISON

Head Coach: Paul Arens

Enrollment: 1,229

Section 8AAA

The Bison really surprised people last season with their success in the section; they should challenge those dual meet marks of 19-14 overall and 4-4 in the Mississippi 8 Conference. Despite the graduation of four very good seniors including four section place winners and two state qualifiers they should challenge for honors at the end of the season in the very balance Section 8AAA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be David Baker, Zach Smith, Mike Simeon, Brady Maus and Timmy Ruter.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BECKER BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Brad Novak

Enrollment: 526

Section: 6AA

The Bulldogs had a very young team last season and yet had a successful season, look for the Bulldogs to turn some heads this season. With four state qualifiers returning including three state place winners, one section place winner and four others with a great deal of experience they could challenge nearly anyone if they can fill a couple of the heavier weights. They did graduate two good seniors including one section place winner, but look for the Bulldogs to improve on those dual meet mark of 10-12 overall and 3-5 in the Mississippi 8 Conference. Their key leaders will defending state champion Kevin O’Brien, state place winners Brady Schrupp and Daniel Woiwor, in addition Jay Woiwor and Kyle Andres.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BIG LAKE HORNETS

Head Coach: Loren Holthaus

Enrollment: 618

Section: 6AA

The Hornets should be looking forward to a successful season, however they will be hard pressed to match those dual meet marks of 23-6 overall and 5-3 Mississippi 8 from last season. The Hornets graduated six seniors, including four state qualifiers and two state place winners. Look for them to possibly challenge for a top four spot in the section dual meet campaign. Their leaders will be Matt Nelson, Dan Brown and Dalton Sonenstahl. They have seven wrestlers returning with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROGERS ROYALS

Head Coach: Matt Leshovsky

Enrollment: 723

Section: 5AA

The Royals had a very successful season with a 12-11 overall dual meet marks, this is yet a very young program. Look for continued improvement from the Royals after making a final four appearance last season in the section duals. Despite the graduation of seven seniors, including three section place winners and state place winner. They have four section place winners returning and five others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Royals to move up in the standings in the Mississippi 8 Conference and challenge for a top four spot in the section meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Jeremy Cole, Mike Anderson and Same Hines.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ZIMMERMAN THUNDER

Head Coach: Gary Hartman

Enrollment: 396

Section: 7AA

This young program struggled a bit last season, but look for steady improvement from the Thunder this season. They will return three section place winners, including a state place winner and four others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Jeff Nielsen, Andy Roelle, Mike Robinson and Cole Tretbar.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PRINCETON TIGERS

Head Coach: Mark Hayes

Enrollment: 763

Section: 7AA

WEST CENTRAL NORTH CONFERENCE

FAVORITES: FOLEY FALCONS and NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

Dark Horses: MILACA WOLVES and MORA MUSTANGS

FOLEY FALCONS

Head Coach: Lyle Freudenberg

Enrollment: 420

Section: 6AA

The Falcons are looking for big things this season, after claiming the Class AA Consolation title and posting dual meet marks of 35-3 and 7-0 in the West Central North Conference. Despite the graduation of six good seniors, including two section placers, one being a state place winner. They return four state qualifiers, six section place winners and ten others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Falcons to improve on those dual meet marks and defend those Conference and Section titles. They could challenge for a Class AA state championship, look for these wrestlers to be their key leaders: Jordan Linn, Justin Bowland, Kris Olson, Brandon Seppelt, Mike Siegler, Zach Jackson and Cory Foss. They have twelve wrestlers back with double figure wins, including six with thirty wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NEW LONDON-SPICER WILDCATS

Head Coach: Jair Toedter

Enrollment: 405

Section: 6AA

The Wildcats have back from their best team in school history and 19-2 and 6-1 dual meet marks three state qualifiers, four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of five excellent seniors, including three state qualifiers, look for the Wildcats to challenge for both West Central North Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders will be; two state place winners Shawn Hatlestad and John Nething, Billy Dean, Dylan Hanson, Luke Reiter and Chase Austvold. They have eight wrestlers returning with seventeen wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILCA WOLVES

Head Coach: Randy Zimmer

Enrollment: 445

Section: 7AA

The Wolves had a great season last year, back from their fourth place State Class AA showing and an overall 34-7 dual meet mark are two state qualifiers, three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of nine seniors, including five state tourney wrestlers, two section place winners. Look for the Wolves to once again challenge those dual meet marks from last season and make a strong challenge for Section honors. Their key leaders include; David Fradette, Mike Kelly, Marshal Ash and Ammoren Dohm. They return seven wrestlers with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORA MUSTANGS

Head Coach: Tom Youngblom

Enrollment: 425

Section: 7AA

The Mustangs will be looking for some big things this season, back from their 22-11 season and section runner up showing. Despite the graduation of three seniors including two section place winners they should challenge for possible West Central Conference and for section honors. They have back one state place winner, eight section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Andrew Youngblom, Dusty Thorbouer, Seth Sanftner, Jayme Gallagher, Blake Menard and Tyler Carlson. They have thirteen wrestlers back with thirteen wins or more including nine with twenty-four or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ALBANY HUSKIES

Head Coach: Dan Anderson

Enrollment: 396

Section 6AA

The Huskies had a very good season a year ago and they are looking improve on those dual marks from last season. They will return from their 15-9 dual meet campaign and top four showing in the section four section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of eight seniors including three state qualifiers and three others with a great deal of experience they will present a challenge for both West Central North Conference and possibly for a top four spot in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be; Taylor Holthaus, John Bredeck, Jamie Holt and Bryan Schlangen.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK CENTRE MAINSTREETERS

Head Coach: Ken Vogt

Enrollment: 309

The Mainstreeters really had a very young team last season, they made some strides during the season. Look for them to continue to make strides this season and maybe surprise someone along the way. They return four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. They graduated only three good seniors so look for the Mainstreeters to challenge those dual marks of 3-17 and possibly challenge for a top four spot in this very balance section 5 dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be John Gusewelle, Shane Trattles, Aaron Helgeson and Lucian Grow.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LONG PRIARIE-GREY EAGLE THUNDER

Head Coach: Ryan Bothun

Enrollment: 353

The Thunder will have back two state place winners, two section place winners and six others with a great deal of varsity experience. With the graduation of just one senior the Thunder should improve on those dual meet marks of 6-15 from last season. Their key leaders will be Daniel Schad, Joseph Pesta, Chris Callahan and Brian Reece. They have seven wrestlers back with fourteen or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MELROSE DUTCHMEN

Head Coach: Vaughn Glasener

Enrollment: 410

Section: 6AA

The Dutchmen will continue to rebuild as they will return eight wrestlers with a great deal of experience this season, including five with eleven wins or more. Their key leaders will be Kris Wensmann, Justin Harms and Ryan Barthel.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CENTRAL LAKES CONFERENCE

FARVORITES: ALEXANDRIA CARDINALS and the LITTLE FALLS FLYERS

DARK HORSES: ST. CLOUD APOLLO EAGLES and the BRAINERD WARRRIOS

ALEXANDRIA CARDINALS

Head Coach: Tom Ellison

Enrollment: 1,046

Section 8AAA

The Cardinals had a great season last year with a 20-5 overall dual meet marks and a Central Lakes Conference Championship. Had it not been for injuries they would have surely challenge for some state honors too. They will have back four state qualifiers, four section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four outstanding seniors, including four state qualifiers look for the Cards to challenge once again for Central Lakes Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders will be Tom Bouressa, Taylor Morical, Josh Betterman and Charlie Kirscht. They return six wrestlers with twenty-three wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

FERGUS FALLS OTTERS

Head Coach: Mark Aho

Enrollment: 658

Section: 8AA

The Otters had a great season despite all the injuries that they endured, back from a team with 14-4 overall dual meet marks and 7-2 in the Central Lakes Conference they one state qualifier, five section place winners and seven others with extensive experience. Despite the fact they graduated three very good seniors last three they should challenge for Central Lakes Conference honors and possibly for one of those top four spots in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Josh Campion, Colten Thorson, Ryan Jacobson, Alex Hensch and Dan Revering. They have ten wrestlers back with fourteen wins over more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITTLE FALLS FLYERS

Head Coach: Mike Hendrickson

Enrollment: 741

Section 8AA

The Flyers had a very successful season last year considing how young their team was, they will return from their 13-14 team and a top four section showing one state qualifier, six section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four good seniors, including two section place winners look for the Flyers to make a huge improvement on those dual meet marks, challenge for honor in both the Central Lakes Conference and possibly a top four spot in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Cody Bue, Dillon Kifer, Sam Marcus and Charlie Wilczek. They have nine wrestlers back with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAINERD WARRIORS

Co-Coaches: Mike Boran and James Kath

Enrollment: 1,596

Section 8AAA

The Warriors had a good season last season with a 11-5 overall dual meet and a 8-1 Central Lakes Conference. Back from that team is one state place winner, six section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of six seniors, including four section place winners and three of those were state tourney qualifiers. Look for Warriors to make a strong challenge for both Central Lakes Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders will be Brandon Mutz, Aaron Padrnos, Nick Grausam and Chad Ohman. They have seven wrestlers back with eleven wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ST. CLOUD APOLLO EAGLES

Head Coach: Tim Bengston

Enrollment: 984

Section 8AAA

The Eagles had one of their very best seasons in school history with their 12-12 overall dual meet mark and 5-4 in the Central Lakes Conference. With the graduation of just one senior look for the Eagles to continue their success. They have back three state place winners, two section place winner and seven others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Eagles to challenge for Central Lake Conference and possibly for section honors. Their key leaders are; Matt Spoden, Matt Shaver, Mitch Bengtson, Nam Nguyen and Chris Rocheleau. They have nine wrestlers back with eleven wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SAUK RAPIDS STORM

Head Coach: Terry Gorecki

Enrollment: 899

Section 8AAA

The Storm struggled many injuries last season, if they can stay healthy look for them to improve on those dual meet numbers of 9-16 from last season. They have back five section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of seven very good seniors including four section place winners, state of which were state tourney wrestlers, they should challenge for Central Lakes Conference and for possible top four honors in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Shane Fesenmaier, John Gans, Codie Lane and Jeremiah Tripp.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCORI SPARTANS

Head Coach: Paul Court

Enrollment: 624

Section 6AA

The Spartans will be looking to improve on those dual meet marks from last season of 7-19 overall and 2-7 in the Central Lakes Conference. They will return three section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Chris Braun, Jerermiah Dorf, Caramon Hansen and Alex Weiman. They will have nine wrestlers back with nine wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

SARTELL SABRES

Head Coach: Phil Corbett

Enrollment: 637

Section 6AA

The Sabres should improve on their 3-16 dual meet marks of last season with three section place winners returning and six others with a great deal of experience back. They did graduate four very good seniors last season, including one state qualifier and one section place winner. Their key leaders will be Brayde Lipp, Adam Wenkeer, Paul Plambon, Josh Halicke. They will return four wrestlers with over twenty wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ST. CLOUD TECH TIGERS

Head Coach: David Schorn

Enrollment: 1,138

Section 8AAA

The Tigers made some strides last season with their 9-18 dual meet mark, they will be looking to make a big improvement on those numbers. They will have back one state qualifier, eight section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. With the graduation of just one senior look for the Tigers to surprise one of those top teams and to possibly make a challenge for Central Lakes Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders will be; Luke Laudenbach, Mitch Voigt, Peter Kalla, Grant Forsythe and Ben Johnson. They have a total of nine wrestlers back with ten wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WILLMAR CARDINALS

Head Coach: Casey Johnson

Enrollment: 949

Section 6AA

The Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase with a 4-15 dual meet mark and 3-6 in Central Lakes Conference. They have one section place winner back and five others with a great deal of experience, so despite the graduation of four seniors from last spring look for the Cardinals to make steady improvement. Their key leaders will Cody Stegeman, Adam Fagerstram and Alex Johannes.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

AT LARGE TEAMS

KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG FIGHTING SAINTS

Head Coach: Wes Haglund

Enrollment:131

The Fighting Saints have back from a very outstanding season with 18-1 overall dual meet marks and a Camden Conference Dual meet championship four state place winners, another state qualifier, two section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three very good seniors including one state place winner. Look for the Fighting Saints to make a very strong challenge to Camden Conference, Section and State tourney honors. Their key leaders including two time state champion Kevin Steinhaus, Mitch Hagen, Brad Kneisl, Kurt Timmons, Aaron Zimmer and Klinton VanHeuveln. They return seven wrestlers with over thirty wins, so they should place a very balance team on the mat.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NORTH BRANCH VIKINGS

Head Coach: Tony Aho

Enrollment: 848

Section: 7AA

The Vikings had an outstanding season last year with 19-6 overall dual meet marks and a North Suburban Conference Championship. Back from that team they have two state tourney wrestlers, including a state champion, two section place winners and eight wrestlers with a great deal of varsity experience. Despite the graduation of four very good seniors last spring including three section place winners and a state place winner, look for the Vikings to challenge those dual meet marks and challenge for North Suburban Conference honors. They should challenge for a top four spot in this very balance Section 8AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders include Boyd Suparat, Jake Kostik, Tom Mork and John Morrison. They have seven wrestlers with fourteen or more wins that are returning.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WADENA-DEER CREEK WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Norman Gallant

Enrollment: 304

The Wolverines had an excellent season last year with their 16-4 overall dual meet mark. They have back from that team five section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience back. Despite the graduation of two excellent wrestlers look for the Wolverines to challenge those dual meet marks and for Mid-State Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders are Mitch Steffen, Jared Wegscheid, Matt Hagen and Jordan Rentz. They have nine wrestlers with ten or more wins returning.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS

Head Coach: Robert Finneseth

Enrollment: 454

Section: 6AA

The Dragons had a good season last year with a 14-11 overall dual meet mark and 5-3 in the tough Wright County Conference. They have back five section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three seniors last spring, including one section place winner, look for the Dragons to challenge those over dual meet marks and to possibly challenge for top four spot in this tough section 6AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders include; Kyle Ballard, Damien Heariet, Kody Kallbrenner and David Cox. They have seven wrestlers returning with twenty or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CROSBY-IRONTON RANGERS

Head Coach: Champ Hesch

Enrollment: 301

The Rangers had their best season in school history with their 13-6 dual meet mark and they were section runner up a year ago. Back from that team is five section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of six seniors including three state qualifiers and section place winner look for the Rangers to challenge those dual meet marks. They should challenge for a top four spot in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders are Hayden Zillmer, Andrew Kayfes and Sam Srock.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ANNANDALE/MAPLE LAKE LIGHTNING

Head Coach: Anthony Neuman

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

Section: 6AA

The Lightning will have back from their 14-11 overall dual meet marks and 5-3 showing in the Wright County Conference three section place winners and ten others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation six seniors last spring including two section place winners look for the Lightning to challenge those dual meet marks and to possibly make some improvement in the Wright County Conference. Their key leaders are Jake Anderson, Brian Redemske, Alex Couette and Pete Nordlie. They have seven wrestlers back with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CHISAGO LAKES WILDCATS

Head Coach: Shawn Frederixon

Enrollment: 847

Section 7AAA

The Wildcats had a good season with 19-13 dual meet marks and 5-4 in the North Suburban Conference. They have back from that team three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of six good seniors, including four section place of which one was a state qualifier, look for them to challenge those dual meet marks and improve in the North Suburban Conference. The Wildcats could challenge for a top four spot in the Section 7AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders include; Pao Thao, Travis Kammerer, Derek Silbernagel and Clay Olson.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BEMIDJI LUMBERJACKS

Head Coach: Rob Whelan

Enrollment: 1,024

Section: 8AAA

The Lumberjacks struggled with various issues last season, major one was injuries. They will return from their 8-10 team three state qualifiers, two section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of five very good seniors including thee state qualifiers of which two were state place winners. Look for the Lumberjack to improve on those dual marks and challenge for a top four spot in this very balance Section 8AAA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Corey Huber, Dale Norton, Colten Doty and Tyler Johnson.

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 had a very tough year dealing with injuries and yet had a 8-5 dual meet mark. They have back from that very good team three state qualifiers, three section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Despite the fact they graduated six very good seniors including two section place winners and two previous state qualifiers they should improve on those dual meet marks from last season. Look for the Road Crew to challenge for a top four spot in this very strong Section 8AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders including Nic Harrison, Dustin Campbell, Zach Humphrey, Cody Schrupp, Chris Harrison and Darien Rubner. They will return seven wrestlers with fifteen wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

STAPLES-MOTLEY CARDINALS

Head Coach: Gordy Thompson

Enrollment: 316

The Cardinals had a pretty solid season considering how young their team was, with 8-13 overall dual meet marks from last season. They will return one state place winner, five section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four seniors, including two section place winners look for the Cardinals to make a big improvement on those dual meet numbers. They should challenge for Mid-State Conference and possibly Section honors in the dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Jordan Bendson, Trent Carlson, Devin Becker, Nick Trout, Dylan Shequen and Tyler Bendson. They have a total of eight wrestlers back with thirteen wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

DASSEL COKATO CHARGERS

Head Coach: Bryan Clemen

Enrollment: 483

Section: 6AA

The Chargers had a good season with their 14-9 over dual meet mark, they have back from that team four section place winners and five others with a great deal of varsity experience. Despite the graduation of five very good seniors including two state qualifiers look for he Chargers to improve on those over all dual meet numbers and challenge for honors in the Wright Conference. They could challenge for a top four spot in this very balanced section 6AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Max Anderson, Zach Peterson, Brandon Fiedler and Brendon Opsahl.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BORDER WEST BUCCANEERS

Head Coach: Paul Frisch

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

Enrollment: 124 CGB (197)

This will be their first season as the Buccaneers, look for them to challenge for Section 6A honors with the added depth created by this coop. They have back three state qualifiers, three section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Will McCarthy, Mitchell Andrews, Jacob Poole, Zach Fridgen and Reece Hanson.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ELK RIVER ELKS

Head Coach: Paul Nelson

Enrollment: 1267

Section: 7AAA

The Elks had a good season with a 12-12 overall dual meet mark, back from that team are one state qualifier, four section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. They should challenge those dual meet marks despite the graduation of eight seniors including one state place winner, two section place winners and one twenty match winner. Their key leaders will be Wade Forde, Tyler Stevens, Eric Stevens and Holton Lubinski.

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 struggled last season with a 7-21 overall dual meet mark, back from that team is one state qualifier and five others with a great deal of experience. They will be rebuilding this season after the graduation of seven seniors including four section place winners. However look for the Panthers to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will be Alex Jenson and Stephen Delwicke.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RENVILLE COUNTY WEST JAGUARS

Head Coach: Scott Fransen

Enrollment: 167

The Jaguars had a very good season last year, they posted an overall dual meet mark of 14-9 and they were 4-3 in the Camden Conference. Back from the very successful team are four section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. The Jaguars graduated one very good senior, so look for them to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They could surprise one of those top teams in this very balanced section 3A. Their key leaders include; Cole Gigstad, Trent Novotny, Derek Helmer, Travis Holm and Tyler Fagen. They have nine wrestlers back with eleven wins or more from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL AREA KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Brandon Gruchow

Enrollment: 197

The Knights had a pretty good season last year, back from that team is one state qualifier, two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Despite the fact they graduated two good seniors last spring look for the Knights to have one of their best seasons in recent years. They should improve on those dual meet marks of 6-10 from last season. Their key leaders will be: Jake Long, Dayton Sternhagen, Seth Felland and Aaron Ray. They will have eight wrestlers back with ten or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRECKENRIDGE COWBOYS

Head Coach: Martin Lanter

Enrollment: 258

The Cowboys are in a rebuilding process, look for them show a great deal of improvement this season. Back from last years team are four section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. With the graduation of only one very good senior they should make a huge improvement on those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will be: Don Pierce, Stephen Erlandson and Greg Erlandson. They will have eight wrestlers back with nine wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

MACCRAY WOLVERINES

Head Coach: Andy Bristle

Enrollment: 200

NO REPORT

ORTONVILLE TROJANS

Head Coach: Joe Eustice

Enrollment:165

NO REPORT

INDEPENDENT

MOORHEAD SPUDS

Head Coach: Joe Gaughan

Enrollment: 1212

Section: 8AAA

The Spuds struggled a little last season, but look for them to show improvement this season, back from last seasons team are seven section place winners, including one state qualifier and six others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Mark Wychor, Ben Gaughan, Nick Cullom, Nick Langeberg and Brock Tallakson.

Returning Wrestlers

Graduates:

WEST CENTRAL SOUTH CONFERENCE

FAVORITES: ATWATER-COSMOS-GROVE CITY FALCONS and YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING

DARK HORESE: PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS and BOLD WARRIORS

ATWATER COSMOS GROVE CITY FALCONS

Head Coach: Dan Rouser

Enrollment: 201

The Falcons had a another great season last year with 24-6 overall dual meet mark, 6-0 West Central South Conference Co-Championship and the Section 5A Championship. Back from that team are four state qualifiers, three section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of six seniors last spring, including three state qualifiers and two section place winners, look for the Falcons to challenge those dual meet marks, for a conference championship and a strong challenge once again for section honors. Their key leaders will be Micah Larson, Travis Frederikson, Hayden Rouser and Scott Litzau. They had eight wrestlers back with double figure wins including six with twenty three or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

YELLOW MEDICINE EAST STING

Head Coach: David Wingert

Enrollment: 250

The Sting had another very good season with a 18-9 overall dual meet mark, their Co-Championship in the West Central South Conference and a final four appearance in this tough section. Back from that team are four state qualifiers, including three state place winners, three section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of seven seniors including four section place winners look for the Sting to challenge those dual meet marks. They should be a very strong force to be dealt with for Conference and Section honors. Their key leaders are Casey Field, Austen Cole, Evan Stock and Dylan Hoffman. They have seven wrestlers back with eighteen or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Tim Woehler

Enrollment: 277

The Bulldogs had a great season last year with an 18-8 overall dual meet mark and 4-2 in the West Central North Conference and they were the section 5A runner up. Back from that team are five section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of five very good seniors including three state qualifiers, look for the Bulldogs to challenge those dual meet marks. They should make a major challenge for both West Central South Conference and Section 5A honors. Their key leaders include Jon Kerzman, Andrew Moser, Dylan Sheridan and Justin Wendtlandt. They have seven wrestlers back with fifteen wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

Head Coach: Wes Tessman

Enrollment: 345

The Lakers struggled a little last season for most part because of several injuries that they encountered to the season. Back from their 10-10 season are three state qualifiers, two section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of five seniors, including two state qualifiers and two section place winners they should challenge those overall dual meet marks. The Lakers should also make a strong challenge for West Central South Conference and for a top four spot in the section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Collin Jergenson, Brandon Manderschied, David Cowen, Cam Schafer, Gage Sachs and Justin Frederick. The have nine wrestlers with nine wins or more returning.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BOLD WARRIORS

Head Coach: Tom Gruhlke

Enrollment: 258/135 (393 Total)

Section: 4A

The Warriors were in a rebuilding year and yet they had a good season with 14-13 overall dual meet marks and an impressive 5-2 mark in the West Central South Conference. Back from the team are seven section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three good seniors including one state qualifier they should challenge those dual meet marks from last season. They will looking for honors in both the West Central South Conference and in the Section 4A dual meet campaign. Their key leaders include; Kyle Schulte, Sam Steffel, Cody Hatch, and Brent O’Halloran. They have nine wrestlers back with nine wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BENSON BRAVES

Head Coach: Brain Knutson

Enrollment: 233

The Braves had a down year last season with a 5-11 overall dual meet record, back from that team are six section place winners, including a returning state place winners and four with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three seniors including two section place winners they should make a big improvement on those dual meet marks. Look for the Braves to possibly push for a top four spot in this very good section dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Ryan Thompson, Brett Hoffman, Brady Wersinger, Dalton Staton and Chris Carruth. They have eight wrestlers back with eleven wins or more back last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES/ DAWSON-BOYD BLACKJACKETS

Head Coach: Ross Jurgenson

Enrollment: 281 LQPV/143 DB

Section 3AA

The coop of these two teams will give both more depth, back from teams that were 10-10 and 4-20 in duals overall are three returning state qualifiers including two state place winners, four section place winners and eleven others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of several seniors including two state qualifiers they should make a big improvement on those dual meet marks. They should challenge for a top four spot in this very balanced section 3AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Ryan Swenson, Sam Hass, Jake Bothun and Dylan Croatt.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS

Head Coach: Chris Weber

Enrollment: 341

Section: 3AA

The Thunder Hawks had a good season with 7-8 overall dual meet marks and a 3-4 mark in the West Central South Conference. Back from this team is four section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four good seniors including two section place winners look for the Thunder Hawks to improve on those over all dual meet marks and possibly challenge to a top four spot in this very balance section 3AA dual meet campaign. Their key leaders will be Tim Macziewski, Jess Mijares, Josh Anderson and Garrett Norby.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MORRIS AREA/HANCOCK TIGERS/CHOKIO ALBERTA

Head Coach: Shane Tappe

Enrollment: 246

NO REPORT

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

ROYALTON ROYALS

Head Coach: Kevin Presler

Enrollment: 175

The Royals had their best season in recent years with their 12-6 overall dual meet mark and 6-1 in the Central Minnesota Conference; to take the conference championship. Back from that team are one state qualifier, seven section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four excellent seniors including four section place winners, two of which were state qualifiers. Their key leaders will be Peter Borash, Odin Guerardand and Jordan Wentland. Look for the Royals to challenge those dual meet marks and once again for a Central Minnesota Conference championship. They should make a very strong challenge to Section 7A honors in the dual meet campaign. They had ten wrestlers returning with nine wins over more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PIERZ PIONEERS

Head Coach: Simon Walton

Enrollment: 263

The Pioneers were devastated by so many injuries; yet posted a 11-18 overall dual meet mark and a very good 5-2 mark in the Central Minnesota Conference. Back from that team are three state qualifiers, three section place winners and two others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of eight excellent seniors including three state qualifiers look for them to improve on those dual meet marks if they can stay healthy. Their key leaders will be Clint Poster, Tanner Tetrick, John Oman and Sean Huls. They should challenge for both Central Minnesota Conference and Section 7A dual meet honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOWARD LAKE WAVERLY WINSTED LAKERS

Head Coaches: Jeff Granrud

Enrollment: 279

The Lakers had a pretty good season with a 11-9 overall dual meet marks and 4-3 in the Central Minnesota Conference. Back from that team are three state qualifiers, two section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four seniors, two section place winners including a state qualifier; they should improve on those dual meet marks. Their key leaders are Ton Horstmann, Cameron Lehner, John Long and Derek Youngren. Look for the Lakers to challenge for both Central Minnesota Conference and section honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

EDEN VALLEY-WATKINS EAGLES

Head Coach: Dan Berg

Enrollment: 208

The Eagles had a 10-10 overall dual meet mark and 4-3 in the Central Minnesota Conference, back from that young team are one state qualifier, two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. With the graduation of only two seniors they should improve on those dual meet marks if they can fill out the upper weights. Their key leaders will be Jacob Forcier, Joe Hodvogt, Mike Sullivan, Jeff Dockendorf and Kevin Kramer. Look for the Eagles to challenge for possible honors in the Central Minnesota Conference. They could challenge for a top four spot in this very balanced section dual meet campaign. The have eight wrestlers back with eleven wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

KIMBALL CUBS

Head Coach: Mike Schindler

Enrollment: 226

The Cubs had a much better season last season with a 7-13 overall dual meet mark and 2-5 in the Central Minnesota Conference. Back from that team are one state qualifier, four section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of seven seniors including one section place winner look for the Cubs to make steady improvement. Their key leaders will be Luke Schiefelbein, Tyler Kuechle, Tanner Meierhofer and Travis Schiefelbein. Look for the Cubs to surprise one of those top teams by seasons end.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

ROCKFORD ROCKETS

Head Coach: Nick Peterson

Enrollment: 407

Section: 5AA

The Rockets struggled in their duals primarily due to several injuries, back from that team are two state qualifiers, two section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Noah Patnode, Adam Patnode, Roy Wordlaw, John Redepenning and Zach Johnson. Look for the Rockets to continue to make some improvement on those dual meet marks.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BELGRADE BROOTEN ELROSA JAQUARS

Head Coach: Rich Vos

Enrollment: 181

The Jaguars had a fair season with their 7-11 overall dual meet marks and 3-4 in the Central Minnesota Conference. Back from that team are three section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. They did graduate three seniors last spring including two section place winners. Look for the Jaguars to improve on those dual meet marks from last season. Their leaders will be Cole Tensen, Travis Winter and Brent Goodenbour. They will have six wrestlers back from last season with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

HOLDINGFORD HUSKERS

Head Coach: Adam Johnson

Enrollment: 266

The Huskers had a very good season, their best in over ten years with a 14-12 overall dual marks and 3-3 in the Central Minnesota Conference. Back from that team are thee section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of six very good seniors including three section place winners look for the Huskers to possibly challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will be Devin Scott, Mike Jarnot and Derek Scott. They will return seven wrestlers with fourteen wins or more.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PARK REGION CONFERENCE

BERTHA HEWITT/VERNDALE RAIDERS

Head Coach: Mike Barthel

Enrollment: 109 Bertha Hewitt/88 Verndale (297)

The Raiders had a very good season with their 17-9 overall dual meet marks and 5-1 and a Co-championship in the Park Region Conference. Back from that team are three state qualifiers, four section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three very outstanding seniors including three state place winners, look for the Raiders to possibly improve on those dual meet marks. Their leaders will be Matt Moenkedick, Wade Moenkedick, Amos Schmidt and Jake Braaten. Look for the Raiders to challenge for Conference and Section honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BROWERVILLE/EAGLE VALLEY BRONCOS

Head Coach: Andy Lancaster

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

The Broncos had an excellent season posting a 17-6 overall dual meet marks and 3-3 in the Park Region Conference. Back from that team are four state qualifiers, two section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four good seniors including one section place winner, look for the Broncos to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders are Julius Stone, Travis Borchert, Tyler Spychalla, Brian Denny and Randy Shamp. The Broncos should challenge for Park Region Conference honors and should challenge for a top four spot in this very balance section 5A dual meet campaign. They have nine wrestlers back with thirteen wins over more from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OSAKIS SILVERSTREAKS

Head Coach: Kyle Kostrzewski

Enrollment: 168

The Silverstreaks had a very good year, posting a 20-7 overall dual meet mark and they were Tri-Champions in the Park Region Conference. Back from that team are one state qualifier, one section place winner and nine others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four excellent seniors including three section place winners look for them to challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will be Wendell Larson, Cole Erie, Derek Waldvogel and Jesse Becerra. The could challenge for a top four spot in this very balanced section 5A dual meet campaign. They have eight wrestlers back with thirteen or more wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

NEW YORK MILLS EAGLES

Head Coach: Eric Niemi

Enrollment: 170

The Eagles had a great season last season with their 18-7 overall dual meet showing, a piece of the Park Region Conference championship, a section 6A championship and fourth place in Class A state. Back from that team one state qualifiers, three section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. The Eagles graduated several very good seniors last spring, but look for the tradition in the Eagles program to carry over. Their key leaders will be Jordan Novak, Myrone Bell, Josh Bernu and Jarrod Norton. Look for the Eagles by seasons end to challenge one of those top teams for a top four spot in this very good section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

PARKERS PRAIRIE PANTHERS

Head Coach: Billy Wagner

Enrollment: 155

The Panthers had a good season posting 10-14 dual meet marks, back from that team are one state qualifier, four section place winners and five others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three very good seniors including two state qualifiers look for the Panthers to improve on those dual meet numbers. Their key leaders will be Jason Arvidson, Tyler Walsh, Ryan Silbernick, Chris Westerberg and Jake Fiedler. The Panthers could possibly challenge for a top four in this very balanced Section 6A dual meet campaign. They will have seven wrestlers back with double figure wins.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

OTTERTAIL CENTRAL BULLDOGS

Head Coach: Scott Hart

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

The Bulldogs had a pretty good season with their 9-9 overall dual meet marks, back from that team are six section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four seniors, including two section place winners the Bulldogs should improve on those dual meet marks. Their key leaders will be Patrick Nilson, Kyle Owings, Jacob Meder and Brendan Hart. Look for the Bulldogs to possibly challenge for a top four spot in this very balance section 6A dual meet campaign.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

GREAT RIVER CONFERNCE

AITKIN GOBBLERS

Head Coach: Dan Stifter

Enrollment: 285

The Gobblers had a very good season as they posted 20-5 dual meet marks and a Great River Conference championship. Back from the repeat section champions team will be three state qualifiers, four section place winners and four others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four state qualifiers look for the Gobblers to challenge those dual meet numbers and for Great River Conference honors. Their key leaders will be Keith Wasserzieher, Dalton Stevens, Craig Leathers and Jordan Chouanard. They should once again make a major challenge for Section 7A dual meet honors.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

MILLE LACS RAIDERS

Head Coach: Brady Hermel

Enrollment: Isle 115; Onamia 161 (286)

The Raiders had a good season with this young team, posting 15-7 overall dual meet marks and 5-1 in the Great River Conference. Back from that team are five section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four seniors; including two state qualifiers and one section place winner they should challenge those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will Chase Niesen, Zach Olson, Ian Pratt, Ryan Jones and Mark Francour. Look for the Raiders to challenge for both Conference and Section 7A honors. They have back seven wrestlers with twelve or more wins, including five with twenty-one or more.

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 had a pretty good year posting a 10-16 dual meet mark and 4-2 in the Great River Conference. Back from that team are four section place winners and seven others with a great deal of experience. They had no graduations last season, so the Jaguars should improve on those dual meet marks from last season. Their key leaders will be Cody Auers, Jared Reiser, Keegan Edgerton, Ryan Opsahl and Joe Claus. They have nine wrestlers back with eleven wins or more from last season.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

CLOQUET LUMBERJACKS

Head Coach: Patrick Deignan

Enrollment: 497

Section: 7AA

The Lumberjacks had a pretty good season with their 11-7 overall dual meet marks, back from that team are two state qualifiers and seven others with a great deal of experience. Look for the Lumberjacks to continue to make progress despite the graduation of a state qualifier. Their key leaders will be Jordan Land and Simon Thill.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduate:

OGILVIE LIONS

Head Coach: Adam Halvorson

Enrollment: 148

The Lions had a tough season with many injuries, look for them to improve those dual meet marks from last season. They will return four section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. Their key leaders will be Matt Hickerson and Keith Holznagel.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

RUSH CITY TIGERS

Head Coach: Josh Moulton

Enrollment: 222

The Tigers had a pretty solid season last year, back from that team are six section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four seniors including two section place winners look for the Tigers to improve on those dual meet numbers. Their key leaders will be Kevin Johnson and Jake Welna.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

BRAHAM BOMBERS

Head Coach: Craig Kotsmith

Enrollment:194

The Bombers had a tough season last year, they will look to rebound this season; their key leaders will be Eric Jokinen and Cole Jokinen.

Returning Wrestlers:

Graduates:

(Please note that several different types of efforts were made to get the info to write this summary, so I do apologize for not getting all of them. -RM)