Division 2 Team Preview

By Steve Widzinski
MI Grappler High School Analyst
Steve@michigangrappler.com



#1 St. Johns

Ranked Wrestlers – 11

Key Returners: Zac Hall (#1 125, 2X State Champion), Jacob Schmitt (#1 135, 2X State Champion), Logan Massa (#1 140, State Runner-Up), Brant Schafer (#2 145, State Champion), Josh Pennell (#1 145, 3X State Placer), Ben Whitford (#1 152, State Champion), (Drew Wixson, 152), Payne Hayden (#1 189, State Runner-Up), Blake Cooper (#9 285)

Key Losses: Rory Bender (130, State Placer), Cam Bender (135, 2X State Qualifier), Travis Curley (152, State Runner-Up), Jordan Wohlfert (160, 2X State Champion), Taylor Massa (171, 4X State Champion), CJ Dominguez (215, 3X State Qualifier)

Impact Newcomers: Ian Parker (#6 103, Freshman), Mark Bozzo (#9 145, State Qualifier), Angus Arthur (#1 171, State Placer)

Outlook: The 2012-2013 season marks the commencement of new a chapter in the history of the St. Johns wrestling program.  Not only do they lose four-time state champion Taylor Massa, one of the best high school wrestlers to ever to come through the state of Michigan, but the team also graduates five additional key seniors, and will be led first year head coach Derek Mills following the resignation of Zane Ballard.  As dramatic and abundant as these changes are, there is one aspect of the Red Wing’s
program that remains constant, and
that is the incredible talent level. 
Despite losing two multiple-time
state champions, a state runner-up,
a state placer, and two multiple-time
state qualifiers, St. Johns still enters
the season ranked and widely
regarded as the state’s top team,
and recognized as the #9 team in
the country by Intermat.  The lineup
features five seniors who have
committed to continue their careers
at Big 10 universities next fall, and
Flowrestling currently ranks six
Red Wings among the top twenty
wrestlers across the country within
their weight class.  Furthermore, the
team adds a pair of high impact
transfers, along with one of the state’s top freshman.
From top to bottom St. Johns is absolutely loaded, and it’s difficult to distinguish any one segment of the lineup as a strength because the team is so good across the board.  Nonetheless, the Red Wing’s middleweights posses the most firepower of any such group across the state, and possibly the country.  From 135-152lbs the Red Wings have four #1 ranked wrestlers, another who is ranked #2, and one who is ranked #9, giving the team six ranked wrestlers between four weight classes.  Needless to say, if ever there was an ideal example of matchup flexibility, it can be found in this lineup.  Initiating this stretch is top-ranked Jacob Schmitt, a senior who recently committed to continue his wrestling career at Northwestern University.  Currently ranked #5 nationally at 132lbs, Schmitt is a two-time state champion as well as being one of Michigan’s most established wrestlers on the national circuit, and will probably see time at both 130 and 135lbs this season.  Up next is sophomore Logan Massa, who will look to continue to build upon the momentum he established this offseason.  Among his many accomplishments since last March are All-American performances at FILA Nationals, USAW Nationals, and Super 32 as well as winning a GFC championship.  This substantial success has earned Massa a #9 national ranking at 138lbs via Flowrestling, and makes him the favorite to win an individual state title at 135 or 140lbs this season.  Following Massa in the lineup is Brant Schafer, one of four defending state champions on the Red Wing’s roster.  A recent Indiana University commit, Schafer begins the season with a #2 ranking at 145lbs, but could very well wind up competing at 140lbs by the time the postseason rolls around.  Also ranked at 145lbs is Josh Pennell, a Michigan State University signee who is currently slotted #1 at his weight class across all divisions.  This season will mark Pennell’s final run at an individual state title following three consecutive top-three finishes.  Additional depth will be provided at 145lbs by Mark Bozzo, a transfer and state qualifier who carries a #9 ranking to begin the season.  The firepower continues at 152lbs, where the Red Wings feature Ben Whitford; a wrestler that many would argue to be the top Class of 2013 prospect in the entire nation.  There is very little Whitford hasn’t accomplished in his high school career, and the recent University of Michigan commit is ranked as the nation’s #9 pound-for-pound wrestler regardless of class by Flowrestling.  Although he will probably wind up competing at 145lbs this postseason, it is most likely that Whitford will see a lot of time at 152 or even 160lbs for dual meet purposes.
While it’s hard to match the cumulative credentials of St. John’s middleweights, they have plenty of other studs up top and down low.  At 171lbs the team gains the services of Angus Arthur, one of seven Red Wings who holds a #1 preseason ranking.  Arthur is coming off a breakout summer in which he earned double USAW All-American status, and is ranked as the country’s #19 wrestler at 170lbs.  The team features another nationally ranked wrestler at 189lbs, where senior #1-ranked Payne Hayden will compete.  Another University of Michigan recruit, Hayden is Flowrestling’s #12-ranked 195lbr, and will be making his final run at an individual state title this March.  Rounding out the key returners up top is big man Blake Cooper, who begins his senior season with a #9 ranking at 285lbs, and was one of the state’s most improved wrestlers in 2011-2012.
In the lighter portion of the lineup St. Johns returns one of the country’s most highly regarded juniors, and adds an immediate impact freshman.  Already a two-time state champion, Zac Hall begins the 2012-2013 season ranked as Michigan’s #1 125lbr across all divisions, and is an overwhelming favorite to win his third consecutive individual title.  While it remains to be seen whether he chooses to compete at 125 or 130lbs this postseason, it is hard to imagine anyone in D2 being able to match up with Hall.  This summer Hall posted his most impressive achievements yet, finishing as a runner-up at FILA Cadet and USAW Junior Freestyle nationals, earning a #6 national ranking at 126lbs by Flowrestling.  Filling the 103lbs spot will be Ian Parker, a well established freshman who holds a #6 D2 preseason ranking.  A 3rd place finisher at the GFC this October, Parker caps off an impressive total of eleven ranked wrestler on the Red Wing’s roster.

#2 Lowell

Ranked Wrestlers – 9

Key Returners: Derek Krajewski (#7 112, State Qualifier), Bailey Jack (#2 125, 2X State Placer), Jordan Hall (#3 135, State Placer), Kanon Dean (#9 160, State Qualifier), Garret Stehley (#2 189, 2X State Placer), Josh Colegrove (#1 215, State Placer)

Key Losses: Nate Limmex (125, State Placer), Kalvin Meyer (125, State Qualifier), Gabe Morse (140, 2011  State Champion), Angus Arthur (145, State Placer), Andrew Morse (152, 2X State Champion), Jake Stehley (160, 2011 State Qualifier), Gabe Dean (189, 2011 State Champion), Luke Stephens (285, 2011 State Qualifier)

Impact Newcomers: Lucas Hall (#5 103, Freshman), Zeth Dean (#4 112, Freshman), Max Dean (171, Freshman), Taylor Kornoely (#3 215, State Placer)

Outlook: For those who have followed high school wrestling in Michigan over the past decade and a half, the words “Lowell” and “success” are virtually synonymous.  The past fourteen seasons have seen the Red Arrows win three Division 2 state championships, and earn five additional runner-up finishes, not to mention claiming an incredible nineteen individual state titles.  While very successful and filled with accomplishment, last season ended in disappointment for Lowell, who achieved a top twenty-five national ranking , but fell to #1 St. Johns in the state finals by a score of 41-18.  Now with the 2012-2013 season just weeks away from competition, the team has a challenging transition ahead of them.  Between graduation and transfers the Red Arrows lose more established talent than any other team across the state of Michigan, and their lineup will feature quite a few new starters. Along with graduating three individual state championships, the Red Arrows also lose a pair of talented sophomores to transfer; both of whom are ranked #1 within their division to begin the season.  However, despite their immense losses, Lowell begins the season with a #2 ranking, and will once again be among the state’s elite teams.  In addition to the return of four state placers, the Red Arrow’s losses will be eased by the arrival of three high impact freshman, as well as an all-state transfer.
While the team has no apparent weakness, their strongest stretch
will be in the upperweights.  Leading this group is D2’s top-ranked
215lbr, Josh Colegrove, who enters his sophomore season after
posting one of the most impressive debut seasons of any big man in
recent memory.  Last March Colegrove placed 3rd in an absolutely
stacked 215lbs weight class at the state meet, and now following a
strong offseason is ranked #10 nationally at his weight class by
Intermat, and #13 by Flowrestling.  Also returning to the upperweights
is junior Garret Stehley, who has been one of D2’s best big men since
hitting the mats a freshman, and is ranked #2 at 189lbs to begin the
season following a strong outing at the GFC last month.  Further
bolstering the top of the lineup #2-ranked is Taylor Kornoely, an all-state
transfer who projects at 215lbs, and is the only senior among the nine
Red Arrows featured in the D2 preseason rankings.  The addition of
Kornoely not only provides another stud in the upperweights, but also
affords Lowell the flexibility to use Kornoely and Colegrove
interchangeably at 215 and 285lbs in order to secure the most favorable dual meet matchups.  Furthermore, highly touted freshman Max Dean is expected to break the lineup at 171lbs, and is
ranked as the state’s #6 pound-for-pound wrestler in the class of 2016.
In the lowerweights Lowell brings back a pair of ranked starters
from last years squad, and also gains the talents of two of the state’s
most highly regarded freshman.  Leading off the Red Arrow’s lineup is
newcomer Jordan Hall, who begins his high school career slotted as
D2’s #5 wrester at 103lbs.  Any doubts in regard to Hall’s ability were
answered at last month’s GFC, where he dominated a strong field to
win the 98lbs division.  Following Hall in the lineup is Derek Krajewski,
a junior who currently holds a #7 ranking, and fell one match shy of
earning all-state honors last March.  Also ranked at 112lbs for the Red
Arrows is Zeth Dean, yet another freshman expected to make a
significant and immediate impact.  Slotted #4 in the Division 2 preseason
rankings, Dean’s arrival gives the team valuable flexibility down low.  Rounding out Lowell’s stellar fleet of lowerweights is junior Bailey Jack.  Already a two-time state placer, Jack is one of the Red Arrows most seasoned wrestlers, and carries a #2 preseason ranking at 125lbs.
The middle of the lineup is where Lowell is hit the hardest by their offseason losses, as they lose state champions Gabe and Andrew Morse at 140 and 152lbs, in addition to all-state 145lbr Angus Arthur who departs by way of transfer.  Despite these dramatic losses, a pair of ranked returners should keep the Red Arrows solid in the middleweights.  Looking to follow up on a spectacular freshman season is Jordan Hall, who will the 135lbs spot.  Ranked #3 in Division 2, Hall earned a top-six in finish in his first appearance at The Palace last March.  Also key to Lowell’s success in the stretch of the lineup is Kanon Dean.  A two-time state qualifier for the Red Arrows, Dean is slotted as D2’s #9 160lbr in the preseason rankings.

#3 Tecumseh

Ranked Wrestlers – 6

Key Returners: Ricky Azelton (#4 103, State Qualifier), Luke Liuzzi (130, Regional Qualifier), Wyatt Camdus (135), Anthony Lesko (#8 145, State Qualifier), Cole Amstutz (#6 171, State Qualifier), Preston Pelham (#10 215), Joe Rebottaro (#2 285, State Placer)

Key Losses: Chase Lewis (112, 4X State Placer), Joe Butler (130, Regional Qualifier), Ronnie Bechtol (135, 2X State Placer), Christian Shelby (152, State Qualifier)

Impact Newcomers: Landon Pelham (#9 189, Freshman)

Outlook: Following a pair of consecutive semifinals appearances, Tecumseh has officially established itself among Division 2’s elite programs.  Expect nothing to change in 2012-2013, as the Indians should once again should once again be highly competitive in Battle Creek this February.  Although their graduation losses seem severe on the surface, Tecumseh is a very deep program and the core of the team
remains largely intact.  Furthermore, their road to the finals is a
quite favorable one, with their toughest competition likely coming
from a New Boston Huron team they bested by 45 points in last
year’s regional final.  Certainly several wrestlers will have to step
up and assume bigger roles, but the talent, depth and experience
is in place for Tecumseh to make their third consecutive
appearance in the semifinals, where they should be far more
competitive than they were in last year’s 59-6 loss at the hands of
#1 St. Johns.
The strength of this year’s Tecumseh squad is their
upperweights, where all of last year’s starters return, and they
add nationally heralded freshman Landon Pelham.  Currently
ranked as one of the country’s top twenty-five freshman at any
weight class by both Intermat and Flowrestling, Pelham projects
at 189lbs where he currently holds a #9-ranking in D2, and will be
a strong contender to earn all-state honors this March; an
extremely rare feat for a freshman 189lbr.  The most highly ranked
Indian is Joey Rebbotaro, who currently holds a #2-ranking at
285lbs.  A state placewinner last March, Rebbotaro should now
be among Michigan’s elite big men in his senior season.  Once
again filling the 171lbs spot for Tecumseh will be Cole Amustz; a
returning state qualifier who holds a #6 mark in the preseason rankings.  Capping off this stellar group of big guys is junior 215lbr Preston Pelham.  After posting over thirty-five wins in his sophomore year Pelham carries a #10 ranking to begin the season.
Veteran Ricky Azelton returns to the 103lbs spot, and will be the Indian’s top wrestler down low.  Following a strong sophomore season in which he narrowly missed out on all-state honors, Azelton is slotted #4 in the D2 preseason rankings.  Another key returner in the lowerweights is Luke Liuzzi, who came within a single match of qualifying for last March’s individual state tournament.  Now a senior, Liuzzi is expected to compete at 125 or 130lbs for the Indians.  Capping off Tecumseh’s ranked wrestlers is Anthony Lesko, who begins his senior season pegged as D2’s #8 145lbr.  A returning state qualifier, Lesko will be the top wrestler in the middle of Tecumseh’s lineup.  Others young wrestlers such as 135lbr Wyatt Camdus return after posting solid win totals in 2011-2012, and will be expected to assume bigger roles in order for this Indian squad to match the success of the previous two seasons. 

#4 Allegan

Ranked Wrestlers – 5

Key Returners: Liam Noble (112), Andrew Kelley (#2 130, 2X State Placer), PJ Cole (135, Regional Qualifier), Kyle Simaz (#3 145, 2X State Runner-Up), Drew Huff (#3 152, State Placer), Chance Gorby (189, 2011 State Qualifier), Jon Kracatovich (#8 285, Regional Qualifier)

Key Losses: Ryan Pinnell (140, Regional Qualifier), Taylor Simaz (145, 2X State Champion), Tyler Gorby (152, Regional Qualifier), Andrew Kelley (171, State Runner-Up), Jerry Duesterberg (189, State Qualifier), Devin Hinds (215, State Qualifier)

Impact Newcomers: Foster Karmon (#3 103, Freshman)

Outlook: A perennial factor in the Division 2 state title picture, this year will be no different for the Tigers, who over the past seven years have accounted for six regional titles, two-runner up finishes, and a team state championship.  This year’s squad is tough from top to bottom, and while they feature a few high profile studs, it is their depth that makes them favorites to reach the semifinals for a second consecutive season.  While the Tigers suffer some notable graduation losses, over the years Coach Murray Rose and the Allegan program have continually proven themselves capable of filling holes and compensating for their losses.  Additionally, the team begins the season in an excellent spot, and have one of the better regional draws in Division 2.  While up and coming Byron Center is a rock solid team that should not be overlooked, the Tigers are clear favorites to emerge from their region and make their fifth consecutive appearance in Battle Creek this February.
While the Tigers are balanced throughout their lineup, most of their firepower lies in the middle between 130-152lbs.  Up first in this stretch is veteran Austin Kelley, who is projected to compete at 130lbs after wrestling at 119lbs for Tigers last season.  Slotted #2 in the Division 2 preseason rankings, Kelley has placed 3rd at the state meet in both of the past two seasons, and will be aiming for an individual state title in his final season.  The next stud in the lineup is Kyle Simaz, who will most likely fill Allegan’s 145lbs spot.  A two-time state runner-up, Simaz will be eager to get over the hump as a junior, and win his first state title after falling just short
the previous two season.  Another highly ranked Tiger in this
stretch is Drew Huff, who currently is slotted as D2’s #3
152lbr.  A state-placer last March, Huff returns to the lineup
after experiencing a breakout season in 2011-2012, in
which he achieved all-state status.  Additionally, sophomore
PJ Cole projects at 135lbs, and will be a potential state
placer after falling just short of qualifying as a freshman.
In the lowerweights Allegan will benefit from the
addition of Foster Karmon, one of the state’s premier
freshman.  Currently ranked #3 in D2 at 103lbs, Karmon will
be a serious contender to win an individual state title in his
debut season, and was a GFC Champion in 2011.  Also
returning to the lowerweights is 112lbr Liam Noble, who
posted over thirty-five wins last season, and fell just short of
advancing from a district that yield three all-staters.  On the
heavier side of the lineup, the Tigers will lead by senior
#8-ranked senior Jon Kracatovich, who will once again man
the heavyweight spot.  Last year was a strong one for
Kracatovich, who accumulated over thirty-five wins and fell
two points short of being an individual state qualifier. 
Rounding out the team’s key returners is Chance Gorby,
who begins his senior season on the cusp of breaking into the D2 rankings, and is expected to be the teams 189lbr.  Last season Gorby failed to advance from a district that was among D2’s strongest, but was a state qualifier at 171lbs in 2011.

#5 Stevensville Lakeshore

Ranked Wrestlers – 4

Key Returners: Aaron Ward (#4 119, State Qualifier), Noah Hanau (#5 125, State Qualifier), Patrick Blommel (#9 130, State Qualifier), Dustin Clapp (140), Gunner Harrison (135, 2011 Regional Qualifier), JP McDougall (#10 160, State Qualifier)

Key Losses: Travis Dragomer (140, 2X State Placer), Kyle Spear (215, 2X State Placer), Kyle Carlson (285, State Placer)

Outlook: Every year the Stevensville Lakeshore program seems to be struck by some sort of adversity.  Whether it be injuries, illness, conduct issues, or any combination of the lot, Coach Bittenbender always seems to find a way to pull his squad together and earn a spot at the team finals in Battle Creek come February.  The Lancers have won five consecutive regional championships, and they enter the season as favorites to claim number six.  Three studs depart from last year’s squad, but they return a lot of talent, and will be a threat to reach the semifinals after losing a heartbreaking quarterfinals dual to Allegan last season.  However, up and coming #10 Niles will also be competing to emerge from Lakeshore’s region, and will be hungry to make their first trip to Kellogg Arena in quite some time.
After graduating all-staters at 215 and 285lbs, the strength of the year’s 2011-2012 Lakeshore team will be in the lowerweights.  The highest ranked Lancer is sophomore Aaron Ward, who is projected to be the team’s 119lbr.  Last March Ward came within a match of placing at the state meet in his debut season, and begins the year slotted #4 in Division 2.  Up next in the lineup is Noah Hanau, another sophomore, who will most likely compete at 125lbs. Like Ward, Hanau  managed to qualify for the state meet as a freshman, and he holds a #5 ranking to begin the season.  Capping of this strong stretch for Lakeshore is Patrick Blommel, a returning state qualifier who begins his junior season pegged as D2’s #9 130lbr.
The Lancers should be rock solid in the middle of the lineup as well, where they lose an all-stater at 140lbs, but return the majority of their starters.  The squad’s final ranked wrestler and returning state qualifier is JP McDougall.  One of just a few seniors on Lakeshore’s roster, McDougall carries a #10 ranking at 160lbs to begin the season.  Other key components in the middle of the lineup are Gunner Harrison at 135lbs, and Dustin Clapp.  In 2011 Harrison was a regional qualifier, while Clapp posted over twenty wins for the Lancers last season.  Additionally, Sebastian Aviello returns to the upperweights, and is projected to compete at 189lbs.  A twenty-plus match winner last season, Aviello will be an important member of an upperweight core that suffers some critical graduation losses.

#6 Mason

Ranked Wrestlers – 3

Key Returners: Matt Koenig (103), Hugh Brayton (125), Connor Clark (135), James Starzec (140, Regional Qualifier), Rylen Droscha (#7 145, 2X State Qualifier), Sean Houghton (#5 152, State Qualifier), Jacob Clark (160), Austin Droscha (#8 189, State Qualifier), Noah McGinthy (215, Regional Qualifier)

Key Losses: Nick Starzec (152, 2011 State Runner-Up), Thomas Beebe (160, State Qualifier), Bobby Albert (189, State Qualifier), Adam Robinson (285, State Runner-Up)

Outlook: Consistency has been a strong suit for the Mason program for well over a decade, which time and time again finds itself in the hunt for a regional championship, and oftentimes far more.  While some seasons have certainly been stronger then others, there is a certain threshold of competition that seems to be met on an annual basis.  Over the past fifteen years the Bulldogs have accounted for nine regional titles, and also claimed three Division 2 team state championships in 2003, 2005 and 2006.  Entering the 2012-2013 season the team is once again among Division 2’s best, and another late-February trip to Kellogg Arena appears to be well within the team’s capabilities.  The competition will be strong however, with #9 Fowlerville and a tough Lansing Eastern squad both vying to emerge from the same region.  Although the team graduates some serious firepower, they return a large number of starters who will have the potential to be regional or state qualifiers, and will provide ample balance across the board.
With no returning state placers this Bulldog’s team will not feature as much firepower as many year’s past, but that will be mitigated by their impressive combination of depth and balance.  They are particularly tough on the heavier side of the lineup, where all three of their ranked wrestlers reside.  Leading off this stretch is 145lbr Rylen Droscha, a two-time state qualifier who enters his junior season with a #7 mark in the D2 rankings.  He is followed by senior Sean Houghton, another returning state qualifier, and D2’s #5 ranked 152lbr.  The Bulldog’s third and final wrestler to appear in the preseason rankings is #8-ranked Austin Droscha, a senior who projects at 189lbs, and came within a match of all-state status last season.  Another key upperweight in Mason’s lineup will be Noah McGinthy, who will once again fill the 215lbs spot, where he qualified for regionals last season.  Rounding out the key returners up top is Jacob Clark, a sophomore who projects at 160lbs, and posted over twenty wins in his debut season.
Although not quite as established as the heavier side of the lineup, Mason should be pretty solid down low where nearly all of last year’s starters return.  Projected to compete at 140lbs this season, senior Austin Starzec is the team’s top wrestler in this half of the lineup.  Last year Starzec fell one match short of qualifying for the state meet, and is currently on the fringe of breaking into the D2 rankings.  Several others return after posting winning records in the 2011-2012 season, and will be expected to assume bigger roles in order to counteract last year’s graduation losses. Members of this group include Matt Koenig at 103lbs, Hugh Brayton at 125lbs and Connor Clark at 135lbs.

#7 Holly

Ranked Wrestlers – 4

Key Returners: Trevor Hatfield (112, Regional Qualifier), Mason Cleaver (#1 130, State Runner-Up), Anthony Gonzales (#2 135, 2X State Champion), Zack Jones (#3 140, 2011 State Placer), Jesse Torres (145, Regional Qualifier), Kyle Pepper (145, Regional Qualifier), Andrew Scott (#6 152, State Qualifier)

Key Losses: Tyler Gibson (119, State Placer), Blake Cuthbert (171, Regional Qualifier), Shawn Scott (215, State Champion)

Outlook: The past few seasons have been impressive ones on the part of the Bronchos, who are coming off two consecutive regional titles, and have accounted for six individual state championships in the past four seasons.  This year’s squad returns some serious firepower and should be every bit as good as the regional championship teams of the past two years, but a colossal road block stands between the Bronchos
and Kellogg Arena.  Fortune has been fair to Holly in the past few
seasons, granting the team favorable regional draws.  However, that is
far from the case this year, as the Broncho’s will see #1 St. Johns prior to
the team finals.  While the Holly program is among the state’s best, and
this year’s team likely deserves a spot in Battle Creek this February, it is
hard to imagine the Bronchos being able to compete with St. Johns from
top to bottom.  The Red Wings are the #9 team in the nation according to
Intermat, and the three-time reigning Division 2 state champions.  Still,
with so much returning talent there is plenty of reason for optimism in
Holly, and the Bronchos will only focus on matters within their control.
The middle of the lineup is straight up scary, and from 130-140lbs
they have three seniors who will all be serious threats to earn individual
state titles.  Up first in this run is #1-ranked Mason Cleaver, who is
expected to compete at 130lbs for his senior season.  A rare three-time
state placer, Cleaver will make one last run at the top of the podium this
March after earning runner-up honors last time around.  Anthony
Gonzales, who is possibly the most decorated wrestler in school history
even prior to beginning his senior year, will fill the 135lbs spot.  Already a
two-time state champion, Gonzales is one of top senior recruits across
the country who has yet to make a commitment.  Capping off this stretch is
Zack Jones, who enters his senior season slotted as D3’s #3 140lbr.  A
5th place finisher at the 2011 state tournament, Jones missed last year’s
postseason, and should be eager to make his return to The Palace this
March.
In addition to the three aforementioned studs, Holly has several other key returners that will make the middle of their lineup extremely potent.  The team’s fourth and final ranked wrestler is Andrew Scott, another member of the Broncho’s fantastic senior class.  Expected to compete at 152lbs, Scott is a returning state qualifier who enters his final high school season holding a #6 ranking in D2.  Additionally, regional qualifiers Jesse Torres and Kyle Pepper both return, and project as 145lbrs.  This wide array of returning talent in the middle of the lineup will give Holly valuable flexibility that will make their lineup very difficult to match up with in dual meet situations.  However, it will be imperative that the team gets contribution from the top and bottom of their lineup, where 112lbr Trevor Hatfield is the only returning regional qualifier.

#8 Greenville

Ranked Wrestlers – 2

Key Returners: Nate Baker (112, Regional Qualifier), Mike Schmidt (#9 119, 2X State Qualifier), Alec Ward (#4 135, State Placer), Will Parmelee (140), Kyle Reamer (145), Reed Cox (160, Regional Qualifier), Dakota Sherrick (189, Regional Qualifier), Carter Magirl (215, State Qualifier)

Key Losses: Devon Lehman (140, State Placer), Luke Gilmore (160, 3X State Placer), Kaleb Bell (171, Regional Qualifier), Jordan Thomas (189, 3X State Champion), Luke Laidlaw (285, Regional Qualifier)

Outlook: Few programs across the state can match the success that has been enjoyed by Greenville over the past several seasons.  Since the 2005 season the Yellow Jackets have accounted for a Division 2 team state championship, two runner-up finishes, and two additional regional championships.  In fact, the only two occasions Greenville has failed to reach the team finals over this stretch have both came in years where the Yellow Jackets suffered extremely close losses to powerhouse Lowell teams at regionals.  This year’s squad loses a phenomenal senior class that was highlighted by three-time state champion and current University of Michigan starter Jordan Thomas, and also included three-time state placer Luke Gilmore and last year’s 3rd place finisher at 140lbs Devon Lehman.  Although these vast losses will take the Yellow Jackets out of contention for a state title, the cupboard is fare from bare, and Greenville enters the season as distinct favorites to emerge from their region and make yet another late-February appearance at Kellogg Arena.
While not laden with big names, the Yellow Jackets have a nice distribution of talent and quite a few wrestlers who are capable of qualifying for the state meet.  The team’s top-ranked wrestler and only returning state placer is junior Alec Ward.  Currently slotted as D2’s #4 135lbr, Ward earned a 5th place finish in his first trip to The Palace last March.  The second and final Yellow Jacket featured in the preseason rankings is Mike Schmidt; a two-time state qualifier who carries a #9 ranking at 119lbs to begin his junior season.  Carter Magirl rounds out the team’s returning state qualifiers, and is once again expected to compete at 215lbs.
In addition to their three state qualifiers, three regional qualifiers also return to Greenville’s lineup.  The lightest of this group is Nate Baker, who is projected to return at 112lbs for his sophomore season.  Expected to be the team’s 160lbr, Reed Cox came within a match of being a state qualifier last season.  Capping off this group is senior Dakota Sherrick, who most likely retains his spot at 189lbs.  Others to watch out for on the Yellow Jackets roster are Will Parmelee and Kyle Reamer; a pair of wrestlers who posted impressive win totals and fell just short of qualifying for regionals last season.

#9 Fowlerville

Ranked Wrestlers – 4

Key Returners: Dalton Roberts (#8 103, Regional Qualifier), Dean Roberts (103), Ausitn Makins (125, Regional Qualifier), Anthony Ziegman (130, Regional Qualifier), Austin Harvey (140,  Regional Qualifier), Austin Cottongim (#5 145, 2011 State Placer), Mason Litz (171, Regional Qualifier), Brian Moran (#2 215, 2011 State Runner-Up), Adam Coon (#1 285, 3X State Champion)

Key Losses: Chris Choate (171, Regional Qualifier), Joe Sparks (189, Regional Qualifier)

Outlook: With nearly all of last year’s district championship squad back in the mix the Gladiators will have their sights set on Kellogg Arena this February.  The past few years have been strong ones for Fowlerville, but they have yet to get over hump and win a regional title.  Now with most of their top wrestlers in their final year of high school eligibility, the 2012-2013 season will entail a “Do or die” mentality.  While their road to the team finals in Battle Creek is by no means an easy, it is a fairly manageable one.  In order to accomplish their team goals and win a regional title the Gladiators will likely need to avenge last year’s loss to #6 Mason, and also will have to get by a very tough Lansing Eastern squad. 
This year’s Fowlerville team should be one of their deepest in recent memory, and features an impressive total of eight wrestlers who were regional qualifiers last year.  Although balance is a strong suit for the Gladiator’s, their upperweights will once again be their most valuable asset.  Back for his senior season is Adam Coon, the #1 ranked heavyweight across the state of Michigan, as well as the United States of America.  A three-time state champion, Coon made a seamless transition to the 285lbs weight class last season, and is coming off a remarkable offseason in which he joined elite company by becoming one of a select few wrestlers to ever win a USAW Junior triple crown.  Furthermore, Coon is not the only nationally distinguished big man in Fowlerville’s lineup.  Senior Brian Moran will once again occupy the Gladiators 215lbs spot, where he is currently ranked #2 across all divisions, and is also ranked as the nation’s #15 220lbr by Intermat.  A 2011 state runner-up, Moran, along with Coon, will give Fowlerville the best 215/285lbs combination of any team in Michigan, and possibly the country.  Additionally, sophomore Mason Litz will be another key upperweight for the Gladiators, and projects at 171lbs after reaching the bloodround of regionals as a freshman 160lbr last February.
Although it is hard to match the aptitude of Fowlerville’s upperweight, the lighter portion of their lineup should be rock solid as well.  Leading off in the 103lbs spot is #8-ranked Dalton Roberts, a highly decorated veteran of the USAW and FILA freestyle and Greco-Roman circuits.  This summer Roberts earned one of the most prestigious honors in amateur wrestling by winning a FILA Cadet National Championship at 42kg, and subsequently earning a spot on the Cadet Greco-Roman world team.  Although he has been undersized the past few years Roberts has grown into the 103lbs weight class, and will be a strong contender to earn all-state honors.  Additionally the Gladiators will also benefit form the presence of Dean Roberts at 103, Dalton’s brother, and a USAW Cadet Folkstyle All-American.  Other key lowerweights will be Austin Makins at 125lbs and Anthony Ziegman at 130lbs; both of whom were regional qualifiers last season.  Fowlerville will be tough in the middle of the lineup as well, where they are led by #5-ranked Austin Cottongim.  Projected to compete at 145lbs in his senior season, Cottongim is a 2011 state placewinner that fell just short of making it onto the podium at The Palace last March.  Rounding out the Gladiators key returners is junior Austin Harvey, a returning regional qualifier expected to fill the 140lbs spot.

#10 Niles

Ranked Wrestlers – 3

Key Returners: Brendan Meek (#10 112, State Qualifier), Nick Zimmerman (119, Regional Qualifier), Derek Mills (125, Regional Qualifier), Noah Hall (135), Casey Burandt (#6 145, State Qualifier), Fritz Findieson (152, State Qualifier), Ryan Casey (#5 189, State Qualifier), Derek Scott (285, Regional Qualifier)

Key Losses: Cole Allison (130, Regional Qualifier), Donte Stevens (145, State Placer)

Outlook: With three ranked wrestlers and three additional regional qualifiers distributed between 112-285lbs Niles should be among D2’s most balanced teams.  Only three starters graduate from last year’s district championship squad, and the Vikings look to be legitimate contenders to knock off perennial power #5 Stevensville Lakeshore, which would earn them  a spot at the team finals in Battle Creek.  Last year marked the program’s first regional title since 2007, and with such a large portion of the team returning 2012-2013 has the potential to be one of the Viking’s best seasons ever.
As mentioned previously Niles biggest strength is their balance from top to bottom, and no stretch of the lineup stands out as a liability.  Their highest ranked wrestler is 189lbr Ryan Casey, who begin the year slotted #5 in D2 after falling a single point shy of all-state honors last season.  Also ranked highly for the Vikings is Casey Burandt, another returning state qualifier who holds a #6 mark at 145lbs following a strong outing at the GFC last month.  Rounding out the ranked wrestlers is Brendan Meek, a sophomore pegged as D2’s #10 112lbr after qualifying for the state tournament last season.  Additionally, Fritz Findieson was a state qualifier for the Vikings in 2011-2012 that begins the season right on the cusp of breaking into the rankings.  Among the others expected to make big contributions are regional qualifiers Nick Zimmerman at 119lbs, Derek Mills at 125lbs and Derek Scott at 285lbs.

Honorable Mention

Byron Center

Ranked Wrestlers – 2

Key Returners: Jake Busing (#3 112, State Placer), Tony Phung (112, Regional Qualifier), Nolan Waddell (125, 2011 State Qualifier), Michael Huyser (130), Jaxon Smith (135), Collin Tomkins (#5 135, State Placer), Tom Riermersma (145)

Key Losses: Zak Baumer (135, State Qualifier), Jake Fuller (145, Regional Qualifier), Zack Gnass (171, 2X State Placer), Austin Stedman (215, Regional Qualifier)

Outlook: The past season was strong one for the Byron Center program, which brought in an excellent freshman class that helped propel the team into the Division 2 team rankings for much of the season.  The Bulldogs caught a tough break at regionals where they ran into an Allegan squad that was among D2’s best, but not before they soundly beat a good Middleville TK to win a district title the previous week.  Although they lose some key seniors, the impact made by last year’s freshmen has the Bulldogs surging with positive momentum to begin the season.  In the lower half of the lineup they will be dangerous due to a great deal of skill along with valuable flexibility.  The top wrestler in this stretch is Jake Busing, a key component of last year’s aforementioned freshman class.  Busing begins his sophomore season with a #3 ranking, and is a serious contender to win an individual state title after placing 3rd in his first experience competing at The Palace last March. Byron Center also has a stud in Collin Tomkins who is currently pegged D2’s #5 135lbr after an all-state sophomore season.  Other regional qualifiers returning to the Bulldog’s lowerweights are senior Tony Phung who projects at 112lbs, and 2011 state qualifier Nolan Waddell at 125lbs.  Additionally, Michael Huyser and Jaxon Smith are both potential state qualifiers in this range that round out a very impressive stretch form 103-140lbs. However, the Bulldogs upperweights will be filled with new faces, and it will be imperative that they get production out of their big guys if they intend to compete with #4 Allegan at regionals.

Lansing Eastern

Ranked Wrestlers – 2

Key Returners: Shukarani Nybenda (112, Regional Qualifier), Charles James (125, Regional Qualifier), Aaron David (#8 135, 2X State Qualifier), Juaquin Sanchez (135, Regional Qualifier), Diego Molina (140), Eli Dennis (#5 160, State Qualifier), Jon Sarmiento (171, Regional Qualifier)

Key Losses: Guibenson St. Jean (152, Regional Qualifier)

Outlook: For the past few seasons the Lansing Eastern program has steadily improved to the point where they are now on the cusp of breaking into the D2 team rankings, and the Quakers will attempt to use this season as a platform to reach new heights and claim a regional championship.  While they may not have many big names or familiar faces, this is a rock solid team from top to bottom that will be laden with experience, and the Quakers will be right in the mix this February when they attempt to get by #6 Mason and #9 Fowlerville to punch their ticket to the team finals in Battle Creek.  A pair of Lansing Eastern wrestlers are featured in the preseason rankings, both of whom have made multiple appearances at the individual state tournament.  Once again starting at 160lbs for the Quakers will be Eli Dennis, a #5-ranked senior who came within a match placing at last season’s state meet.  The other ranked Quaker is Aaron David, who begins his senior year ranked #8 at 135lbs, and will be intent on earning all-state status after qualifying the past two seasons.  With four additional regional qualifiers spread between 112-171lbs, balance should not be an issue for Lansing Eastern.  The previously mentioned regional qualifiers are Shukarani Nybenda at 112lbs, Charles James at 125lbs, Juaquin Sanchest at 135lbs and Jon Sarmiento at 171lbs.

Middleville Thornapple Kellogg

Ranked Wrestlers – 4

Key Returners: Chris Poland (#6 112, State Placer), Ryan Flynn (#6 119, Regional Qualifier), Nick Flynn (#10 130, Regional Qualifier), Paul Haney (135), Cole Gahan (160, Regional Qualifier), Dan Dykstra (#4 171, State Qualifier), Paul Westra (189)

Key Losses: Nate Iveson (140, State Qualifier), Oscar Cardoza (152, Regional Qualifier), Arian Foster (285, 2X State Placer)

Outlook: With a strong balance of talent and experience across the lineup, Middleville TK has the potential to be one of Division 2’s top ten teams in 2012-2013.  The Trojans enter the season equipped with four ranked wrestlers, and have several others with a shot at being state qualifiers.  However, the prospects of a regional title don’t look good as the team has been placed in the same region as #2 Lowell.  Still, there is plenty of reason for optimism, and the upcoming season should be the program’s best since reaching the team finals in 2006.  The Trojans are stacked in the lowerweights, and feature three ranked wrestlers between 112-130lbs.  Projected to fill the 112lbs spot is #6-ranked sophomore Chris Poland, the teams only returning state placer.  Brothers Ryan and Nick Flynn return to the lineup, and both are ranked to begin their season after narrowly missing out on qualifying for last March’s state tournament.  Ryan is currently slotted as D2’s #6 119lbr, while Nick begins the year ranked #10 at 130lbs.  Rounding out the ranked wrestlers is Dan Dykstra, who currently holds a #4 mark.  A 171lbr last season, Dykstra is expected to return at this weight where he came within an overtime match of earning all-state honors as junior.  Among the other top wrestlers in the Trojan’s lineup are Paul Haney at 135lbs, Cole Gahan at 160lbs and Paul Westra at 189lbs.

New Boston Huron

Ranked Wrestlers – 4

Key Returners: Jon Wellman (#9 103, Regional Qualifier), Brandon Brooks (112, 2011 Regional Qualifier), Joe Ferguson (#5 130, State Placer), Ryan Skura (152, Regional Qualifier), Logan Ritchie (#2 160, State Placer), Deion Copley (215, Regional Qualifier)

Key Losses: Devon Pauwels (135, Regional Qualifier), Shawn Brewer (152, 2X State-Placer), Marcus Copley (160, State Placer)

Impact Newcomers: Judah Caballero, (#7 103, D3 State Placer), Eli Caballero (119, D3 State Qualifier)

Outlook: Despite a few hefty losses in the middle, New Boston Huron’s stellar fleet of lowerweights should put them in the hunt for a regional title this season.  From 103-130lbs not only do the Chiefs have immense talent, but they also possess flexibility that will make the team very tough to match up with in duals.  Sitting atop this stretch is D2’s #5-ranked 130lbs Joe Ferguson, one of three returning state placers in the lineup.  Other key returners down low are Jon Wellman who begins the year ranked #9 at 103lbs, and two-time regional qualifier Brandon Brooks who projects at 112lbs.  Additionally, the Chiefs will benefit from the addition of a pair of talented transfers; brothers Judah and Eli Caballero, formerly of Grosse Ile.  Judah begins the year ranked #7 at 103lbs after an all-state freshman season, and Eli is a returning state qualifier expected to compete at 119lbs.  New Boston will also have a big time stud at 160lbs, where Logan Ritchie is ranked #2 in Division 2 to begin the year.  Following a monster freshman season in which he established himself among the state’s elite wrestlers in the class of 2015, Ritchie will be a serious state title contender in his sophomore campaign.  Another Chief to watch for is Deion Copley, a junior expected to fill the 215lbs spot where he qualified for regionals last season.

























































































































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