Wiwrestling.com WIAA
Team Season Preview
By
Brad Baker, wiwrestling.com featured writer
In order to better
inform the Wisconsin Wrestler fans, we at wiwrestling.com sent out a
request for coaches, wrestlers, and fans to help us develop a season
preview. We gathered ten people from different areas all over the state
to help compile information from their respective areas to better improve
the rankings. We would like to thank the coaches that sent in
information, and it is obvious which ones did by the amount of information
that was put into their preview. The previews that many coaches sent in
were great and will be very helpful in developing team and individual
rankings all season long. We have decided to release the team season
preview first, and we will follow with the individual preview within the
next week or so. All weights are projected.
Division I
Division II
Division III
1. Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln
The Red Raiders head into the 2004-05 wrestling
season with a new head coach. Though Lewie Benitz will remain with the
team as co-head coach, he has named his son Scott Benitz as his
counterpart. One thing that is not new is seeing Wisconsin Rapids at the
top again as they head the list of the Wiwrestling.com Division I
preseason team rankings.
Two-Time defending state champ Josh Hansen is one of
seven returning state qualifiers for the Red Raiders. Don’t be surprised
to see two of those state qualifiers; Kevin Tritz (2nd at 140)
and Josh Chappa (6th at 103) join Hansen at the top of the
podium come February. Chappa, a seven-time kid’s national champ, has put
on fourteen pounds of body mass and will have no problem staying at 103.
Other wrestlers that should do very well at state
will be Andy Casper (130), Matt Redepenning (140), Clint Weiler (145), and
Dane Thompson (215), all of which qualified for state last year.
Redepenning took fifth in 2002. Another wrestler to keep an eye on this
season is Heavyweight Steve Virgil. Virgil has put on twenty pounds and
is much stronger than he was last season in which he compiled a 30-13
record giving up to as much as seventy pounds to his opponents. If the
Red Raiders stay healthy, it’s going to take a great effort for any team
to keep them from winning their tenth team state championship in eleven
years.
2. Arrowhead
The Hawks will field their best team ever this
season, which has some wrestling fans wondering if they can knock off
Wisconsin Rapids. I wouldn’t bet on it, but if there’s one team out there
that could do it, the Hawks are it. They return all of their starters
from last year except state champ Richie Dunn.
Max Askren returns after a great summer in which he
was a Runner-Up at the freestyle junior national championships in Fargo,
North Dakota. Askren, the 22nd best recruit in the nation
according to
http://www.intermatwrestle.com , has already committed to Missouri
where he will join his brother Ben.
Besides Askren, the Hawks also return state
qualifiers Zach LePoidevin (4th at 152), Dave Hoy (135), and
Charlie Fish (215).
Though you can’t replace a wrestler like Dunn, the
Hawks have some very talented freshman entering the lighter part of the
line-up in freshmen Arik Yde, Nick Hucke, and Chris Senner. This very
talented Hawks line-up could send up to eight wrestlers to state this
season. Both Brad Hucke (130) and Nick Ryan (HWT) took third at
sectionals last season and will be very tough this year. Kyle Hazelwood
should also make a run at state after winning conference and regionals
last season before falling short at sectionals. The Hawks should benefit
from line-up mobility in the upper weights.
3. Merrill
Merrill returns all but two wrestlers from a line-up
that made it to the semi-finals of the team state championships last
season. The Blue Jays may only return two state qualifiers, however they
return seven wrestlers with 25+ wins. They will be led by state champ and
two-time place winner Dustin Perry. Junior Matt Hoeft joins Perry as the
Blue Jays two returning state qualifiers.
Other Blue Jay wrestlers with potential to qualify
for the state championships include Mike McConnell (103), Matt Schneider
(112), Sean Dickman (125), Brandon Welter (130), Anthony Leary (152), and
Zach Swanson (HWT).
4. Stoughton
To the occasional observer, the returning division
one team state runner-ups may look a little down this year with the loss
of seven seniors including state champion Eddie Blumenthal. However, that
won’t be the case. They will field a very experienced line-up with
thirteen seniors, including state qualifier Rick Nelson (171), leading the
way. The Vikings will benefit from their team depth.
5. Kaukauna
The Ghosts hope to redeem themselves after missing
the team state championships last year for the first time in six years.
Things are looking good for Jeff Matczak’s squad as they return their
whole line-up, including 2003 Cadet All-American Jeremiah Reffke. Reffke,
who has a 3rd and 4th place state finish on his
resume, is one of five returning state qualifiers. Ross Schmidt, Nate
Coulliard, Nate Van Schyndel, and Andy Rochon hope to return to the state
championships this season with better results.
One wrestler to keep an eye on is heavyweight Paul
Wochinski. He’s had a great summer and had a great workout partner in
2000 Olympic bronze medallist Garrett Lowney. The only low note for the
Ghosts as they begin the season is a few good wrestlers have indicated
that they won’t return for another season.
The Ghosts haven’t loss a conference dual since
1998. With a very tough schedule and a lot of experience returning, that
streak of 56 should rise.
6. Wausau West
Wausau West is the third argument so far that the
Wisconsin Valley Conference is the toughest conference in the state. Led
by Jordan Hein, returning state runner-up at heavyweight, the Warriors
will fight it out with Merrill not only in the conference but also for the
Regional championship. They will do so with the help of Hein and three
other returning state qualifiers. Matt Hager, Josh Kyle, and Brandon
Marcis hope a return trip to state this year will field better results.
7. Neenah
The Rockets will be led by returning state qualifiers
James Barker (189) and Ben Engelland (171). Barker could have easily
placed higher than fifth last season if he been on the other side of the
bracket than both Eddie Blumenthal and Max Askren.
Neenah’s success this season will depend on how many
wrestlers step up. A few that should do well include Tim Schulz (112),
Adam Manteufel (119), and Blaine Hornes (215), all of which had 25 plus
win seasons a year ago.
8. Oshkosh West
The Wildcats return most of their line-up that was
very competitive last season in the Fox Valley Association. They return
seven sectional qualifiers including state qualifiers Kyle Belleville
(125) and David Leonard (152). They will have to fight in one of the
deepest sectionals to make their first ever trip to team state.
9. Manitowoc Lincoln
With nine returning seniors including three returning
state qualifiers, the Ships are looking forward to an exciting season.
They will be hurt with the loss of state champion Chase Wetenkamp at
heavyweight, however not as bad as most fans would expect. If you haven’t
heard of Jake Stebnitz, you will soon. Stebnitz is a senior heavyweight
who spent the past three seasons as Wetenkamp’s practice partner and has
beaten many state qualifiers this summer.
Along with Stebnitz, their line-up will be
highlighted by Dan Laurent, who will make the move up to 215 after
qualifying for state last season at 189.
After qualifying for the 2003 state tournament their
sophomore years, Brock Wetenkamp (152) and Derrick Koenig (130) are hoping
to redeem themselves after not qualifying last season.
10. Hartford
The Orioles will be hurt with the loss of state
champion Ryan Abbott. They return four state qualifiers including place
winners Cody Zimmerman (119) and Jon Schmidt (189) with Zimmerman placing
fifth and Schmidt sixth. Craig Becker (125) and Christian Polega (160)
hope their senior seasons will end a little better than their junior
season did.
Honorable mention
Other teams that were close to breaking the top ten
include; Pulaski, Holmen, Mukwonago, Marshfield, and Oak Creek. Retuning
team state qualifier Oak Creek will have to prove that they are still a
state-caliber team with the loss of many seniors. Mukwonago and
Marshfield could surprise some teams this season as they both return many
wrestlers including three state qualifiers. Holmen returns seven
wrestlers with 25 win season last year including state runner-up Jordan
Granum (135). Pulaski has always been one of the top teams in division
one and there’s no reason this team won’t be any different this year.
Division I
Division II
Division III
1. Luxemburg-Casco
After not winning state last year for the first time
in four years, the Spartans are the early favorite to take home the title
this year. Leading the way for the Spartans is a pair of returning state
champs. Brian Barbiaux (112), a two-time state champ, returns after a
great summer in which he placed fifth at the freestyle junior national
championships. Eric Metzler (125), a three-time state place winner, will
be one of the state’s most exciting wrestlers this season with his fine
display of takedown clinics.
In addition to Barbiaux and Metzler, the Spartans
return state qualifiers Brad Zellner (135), Eric Enderby (140), and Dennis
Reckelberg (145). After qualifying for state at 112 his freshman year,
Zellner’s jump to 130 last season ended with a third place finish at
state.
The Spartans solid line-up will include one of the
states best freshmen in Zac Cibula. Cibula, the 2004 schoolboy of the
year, won kids nationals last year in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman. He
also was a National runner-up at kids’ folkstyle nationals. Other
wrestlers that should do really well this season include Chris Siedl (119)
and Alex Cornette (215).
2. Osceola
With three returning state qualifiers including two
finalists, Osceola will once again be one of the top teams in Division
two. They are led by returning state champion Andy Geving (160) and
runner-up Joe Steffen (112). Also returning is state qualifier Kevin
Steffen (119).
3. Freedom
The Irish return all but two starters from a line-up
that sent five wrestlers to state last year. Four of those state
qualifiers are back including Josh Schumacher (189) who made a name for
himself after being one of few wrestlers to takedown two time state champ
Dallas Herbst. He returns at weight in which there are no returning state
place winners. Other state qualifiers returning for Freedom are Ryan
Vosters (119), Adam Bonikowski (171), and Brad Vandenberg (HWT).
Freedom will be hurt for the first month or two with
the loss of Bonikowski due to a knee injury obtained in football. They
also return a pair of sectional qualifiers that should do really well this
season. Kyle Van Camp (112) and Tyler Gerritts (135) should see better
results at this year’s sectionals.
The Irish have never loss a dual in the five-year
history of the Valley 8 conference, and it doesn’t look as though that
streak will end this season. With strong lower and upper weights, the key
to their success lies in the hands of their middleweights.
4. East Troy
With eleven returning starters from a line-up that
qualified for state, things are looking good for the Trojans. Braden
Mayotte (112), Andrew Cox (135), and Andrew Lang (171) hope to make a
return trip to state with better results. With strong lower weights and
six wrestlers that had 25+ win seasons a year ago, The Trojans have a good
chance of making a return trip to the team state championships.
5. Lodi
The Blue Devils will be hurt with the loss of ten
starters to graduation, eight of which were state qualifiers. However,
one thing that doesn’t graduate is tradition and you can expect the
returning team state champions to field a very respectable line-up. The
lighter weights will be the strength of this team led by returning state
finalist Nick Ziegler (125) and place winner Jake Madigan (103).
6. Seymour
With the loss of four state medallists to graduation,
one could ask how the Thunder could possibly be as tough as they have been
in the past. The answer…team depth. When you consistently have over
fifty wrestlers in your room ever year, there are always some junior
varsity wrestlers waiting to make their mark.
The Thunder return three outstanding individuals that
will be the backbone of this time. Those include three time state
qualifier Max Sevald (125) and 2003 state qualifier Les Cornette. The
Thunder also returns Johnny August who had 35 wins last year as a freshman
at 103.
7. Campbellsport
Justin Schmidt’s bid to be a four time state champion
may have fell short last season, however the senior is back to highlight
Campbellsport’s line-up for one final year. Besides Schmidt (152), they
also return two state qualifiers in Garrett Stevens (145) and Spenser
Rodenkirch (119). Also returning is sectional qualifiers James (103) and
Josh Stukenberg (125) along with Adam Gassner (160). If they can fill a
few wholes, they could make their eighth trip to the team state
championships.
8. Prairie du Chien
The Blackhawk’s will be led by returning state
qualifiers Zach Elliott (112) and Mike Lenzendorf (HWT). Lenzendorf is
the top returning heavyweight in Division II. In addition to Elliot and
Lenzendorf, the Blackhawk’s return eight more letter winners.
9. Clintonville
The Truckers will be led by two-time state qualifier
Brandon McAuly (152) who took fifth place at the state championships in a
loaded weight class last year. Along with McAuly, the Truckers return
state qualifiers Ben Lehman (135) and Kyle Sweitzer (140). Sweitzer’s
2003-04 season was cut short before the conference tournament with a
season ending injury. He qualified for state in 2003. Justin Berger
(119) had some big wins last season against quality opponents as a
freshman at 103.
10. Stanley/Boyd
Stanley Boyd will be led by returning state champion
Jon Lechleitner (145). Lechleitner will be joined by state qualifier Jake
Wozniak (152) and a strong group of returning letter winners.
Honorable Mention
Other teams that could make strong arguments for a
spot in the top ten include Lomira, Nekoosa, Valders, Medford,
Adams-Friendship, and Viroqua. Lomira returns three state qualifiers from
a team that was a few points away from qualifying for their first ever
team state championships. Nekoosa returns most of their line-up including
a pair of wrestlers in Zac Bartlett (119) and Jordan Penney (171) that
should make strong runs at individual state championships. Valders
returns all five state qualifiers from a year ago. Those five hope a
return trip to the state championships this season will prove better
results as not one of them won a match (at state). Medford will be down a
little this year with the loss of the Crass twins and Jason Higgins. They
do however return a solid group of wrestlers including runner-up Joe
Poehls (215). Adams-Friendship returns a pair of state qualifiers
including runner up Joey Cuarenta. Their strong lightweights will be the
strength of the team. Viroqua should be pretty solid with most of their
wrestlers returning including state qualifiers Matt Sisbach (125) and Orry
Hanson (135).
Division I
Division II
Division III
1. Iowa-Grant
The Panthers began last season as not even a blimp on
any team’s radar screen. It wasn’t even until after they won the
Mid-States tournament that half the wrestling fans knew they were located
in Wisconsin. However, the majority of the state knew Iowa-Grant had the
Division three state championship wrapped up when they defeated Mineral
Point at the regional tournament.
They return all but three wrestlers from their
championship team including sophomore sensations Cade Sarbacker (119) and
Rory Edge (189). Both had a combined 71-2 record heading into the state
tournament last year. In addition to the duel, they return three more
state qualifiers. Darrin Hampton (119), Travis Halverson (160), and Clint
Moen (HWT) all placed in the top five at the state championships last
season.
The Panthers, under co-head coaches Tim Sarbacker and
Jason Matthys, will benefit from a much tougher schedule that includes the
Wisconsin Rapids Duals and the Cheesehead tournament.
2. Mineral Point
It looks as though for the second straight year, the
division three team state championships could be decided in the regional
tournament. The Pointers return most of their line-up from last season
including six state qualifiers. They will be led by a pair of state
runner-ups in Curtis Fiedler (125) and Matt Gevelinger (171). Joining the
two are state place winners T.J. Burke (152), Luke Fitzsimmons (189), and
Tyler Terrill (215). Brandon Schaaf (140) also qualified but did not
place.
3. Wrightstown
If there’s one team that can make a strong argument
that the best team in Division three isn’t from the southwest part of the
state, it’s the Tigers.
The Tigers are on a mission after not qualifying for
the team state championships for the first time in seven years. They
return six state qualifiers including state champion Chris Klister (119).
Chris’s twin brother Casey (125) also returns after placing second at 119
last season. Joining the Klisters will be state qualifiers Riley Schreurs
(130), Cody Klopp (135), Kurt Bloemer (140), and Mitch Nooyen (145).
If the Tigers want to compete with Iowa-Grant and
Mineral Point for the state championship, they’re going to need their
upper weights to step up big.
4. Stratford
The Tigers will
begin the season a little down from last year as they lost eight wrestlers
to graduation. They do however return many strong individuals including
returning state Brandon Karl (103) and Dustin Skaya (160). Dustin Bauman
(189) should have an outstanding year after his season was cut to five
matches last year after a season ending injury. Expect the Tigers to move
up the ranks as their younger wrestlers gain more experience.
5. Coleman
The Cougars return three state qualifiers from last
year’s sectional runner-up team. Jason Champagne (152), Justin
VanderBloomen (130), and Matt Szwet all return will try and lead the
Cougars to their first trip to team state since 2000. Szwet was a
qualifier in 2003. Returning letter winners Paul Nowak, Josh Cherney, and
Chris and Shane Gould should make a big impact on this team.
6. Cadott
Cadott will be led
by returning state runner-up Greg Sonnentag (112). Also returning is
state qualifiers Jerimiah Burish and Patrick Peterson (145). Peterson
placed sixth last season at 140 pounds.
7. Cashton
With the loss of
only two wrestlers, Cashton should have another strong season. Leading
the way will be Andrew (112) and Alex Dahl (112). Alex placed fourth last
season as a freshman at 119 and is Cashton’s lone returning state
qualifier.
8. Manawa
The Wolves were having a great season last season,
one of their best seasons ever until an unfortunate sectional let down.
If there was one other low point for the Wolves last season it was their
four open weight classes. Things should be different this season with
almost their whole line-up returning and no open weight classes.
Cody Dean (152) is the Wolves lone returning state
qualifier after taking sixth place as a freshman last year at 145 pounds.
Along with Dean, Ric Anaya (171), Justin Hartwig (189), and Jeremy
Dunnihoo (215) return to solidify the upper weights for the Wolves. All
three were just shy of qualifying for state last season. Luke Wheeler
(125) and Brad Johnson (140) should also have great seasons.
9. Boyceville
Boyceville returns three state qualifiers including
place winners Aaron Kersten (119) and Andy Schoonover (HWT). Brandon
Heifner (130) is Boyceville’s remaining state qualifier.
10. Ozaukee
A year after qualifying for their first ever team
state tournament, Ozaukee returns three state qualifiers from a line-up
that placed second in the state. They will however be a little down from
last year as they lose six wrestlers to graduation. Returning for Ozaukee
is state qualifiers Greg Lapinski (135), Craig Watry (140), and Tom Wetor
(215).
Honorable Mention
A few other teams that should be very respectable
this year are Edgar and Riverdale. Both teams return a solid core of
wrestlers with one state qualifier. Edgar returns Andrew Lukaso (145),
who took third place last season as a freshman at 135 pounds. Riverdale
returns fifth place finisher last season Anthony Spies. |