Wrestling Pre-season write-up
A few of the things that I believe go into building a strong team are a returning state place winner, a returning State Qualifier, and a never give up attitude, along with a group of young men that are willing to put the time in required to be the best This year I think we have all that. We lost some tough seniors making us a little young but I believe at the end of the year we will be going full boar.
Weight by weight look:
103-This is a battle between freshman sensation Brad Klobassa (never lost a match in Junior High) and a vastly improved sophomore Brian Rance.
112- Caleb Cray mans this weight, a returning state qualifier ,and is really working hard. Looking over his shoulder is a very Talented Nick Lepa ,a freshman, who has great potential. Also vying for a position at this weight is senior Jeff Lansing. Jeff led the JV in wins last year with 15, also led the JV in near falls, reversals, and was 2nd in pins.
119- Mark Jensen -a crowd favorite will control this weight as he looks to improve upon a 3rd place finish at sectionals as a freshman.
125- A couple of freshman will battle for this weight. Justin Sovereign and Tyler Pierce. Justin has put in a lot of time in the off-season to be the best he can be and Tyler Pierce has put on nothing but muscle over the last year. Tyler is only getting better each day. I am sure we will hear from these two plenty over their HS careers.
130-Tylor Burke (10) is much improved from a 3rd place finish at sectionals as a freshman and 17 wins, watch out for Tylor this year.
135-Scott Truka (11) returns at this weight with a 5th place state medal. Scott is a tremendous leader. He led the team in wins last year with 35 to give him 60 for his career. He also led the team in Takedowns with56, Near Falls 3 point with 21, Technical Falls with 4 and Team Points with 176. Andy Stinson a tough hard-nosed freshman and Tim Moen a sophomore will also be at this weight.
140- Danny Kraft (9) will be in charge of this weight. Danny went to camp and wrestled tough for us. Freshman Chris Weigert and John Malanaphy will also challenge here.
145- Sophomore wonder Eric Pedretti is manning 145 for the cadets. Eric missed going to state by 1 point last year and looks to improve upon that this year.
152- Dustin Watt a sophomore with great natural feel will be here. Dustin missed most of last year with an injury. Dustin is a very exciting wrestler.
160-Senior Matt Beck will start the season here and is another fan favorite. Affectionately known as "Goo" he will give you all he has. Also challenging here is a big part of the Cadets future in Evan Carmen. I believe we will hear big things from Evan over his high school career. Junior Drew Zahasky is also at this weight. Drew led the JV in wins, pins and near falls last year. We hope eventually we can squeeze him into the line-up.
171- Mike McCabe will make a run at some substantial goals from this spot. Mike is another great leader on this team. Mike was 14-6 last year and came on like gangbusters last year. Sophomore Robert Fisher and Freshman Brad Sovereign also will challenge.
189- Jerry Slifka (12), a very strong wrestler fills this weight with Robert Painter (10) backing him up.
215- Dan Runyan will go here. Dan is working very hard and also getting better each time out.
275-"Scuba" Steve Hughes finishes off the cadets. Steve is still young in his experience but that will be hard to tell. Steve is really coming along great this year.
