Division 4 Team Preview
By Steve WidzinskiMI Grappler High School AnalystSteve@michigangrappler.com#1 Hudson
Ranked Wrestlers – 6
Key Returners: Roddy Hamdan (#2 103, State Placer), Isaac Dusseau (#2 112, 2X State Placer), Tyler Roberts (#7 119, State Qualifier), Cole Weaver (#1 130, State Champion), Wyatt Spengler, (135, Regional Qualifier), JD Waters (#1 140, State Placer), Jacob Morgan (215, Regional Qualifier), Zach Rieger (#2 285, 3X State Placer)
Key Losses: Luke Sparapani (135, State Placer), Joel Varney (152, 2X State Champion), Devan Marry (160, 3X State Champion), Cody Walden (189, State Qualifier), James Herron (189, 2X State Placer)
Impact Newcomers: Kyle Johnson (152, Freshman)
Outlook: The 2012-2013 season will be an interesting one for the four-time reigning state champions who bring back some considerable talent, but also lose arguably their best senior class in team history. Coach Scott Marry’s Hudson program has achieved unparalleled success within their division, and the Tigers have certainly proved themselves capable of reloading with young talent. However, with such a vast array of firepower removed from the lineup the team will have to make a tough transition, and there could potentially be some growing pains early in the year. Among those departing are three-time state champion Devan Marry, and two-time state champion Joel Varney who gave the Tigers a virtual lock for bonus points at 152 and 160lbs last season. The Tigers still have nationally ranked state champion Cole Weaver at 130lbs who should be D4’s top wrestler this year, but they will need others to step up and fill the void left by last year’s stellar group of seniors in order to claim their fifth consecutive state title.
The lowerweights should Hudson’s be strongest asset this season, where three state title contenders should account for a ton of bonus points. Roddy Hamdan returns at 103lbs, where he carries a
#2 preseason ranking. Succeeding Hamdan in
the lineup is Isaac Dusseau, a junior who is also
ranked #2 for the Tigers. Dusseau returns
following a 3rd place finish at last year’s state
tournament, and will be one of several Hudson
wrestlers expected to assume a bigger role
following the team’s sizable graduation losses.
Tyler Roberts is the next in line in this highly
potent group of lowerweights, and enters the
season with a #7 ranking at 119lbs after falling a
match short of all-state honors last March.
In the middle of the lineup Hudson will feature several new starters, but will also benefit
from the return of two top-ranked juniors. Leading
this year’s Hudson squad is the aforementioned
Cole Weaver, who enters the high school season
following monster performances on the national
circuit this summer, which earned him a #11 national ranking at 126lbs on Flowrestling. The other top-ranked Tiger in the middle of the lineup is JD Waters, who carries his #1 ranking at 140lbs following a breakout sophomore season that culminated with a 3rd place finish at the state meet. Incoming freshman Kyle Johnson will be another key wrestler in the middle of Hudson’s lineup, and is expected to compete at 152lbs debut season. A former MYWA state champion and GFC Middle School champion, Johnson should have a legitimate shot at reaching all-state status this March.
Hudson’s graduation losses will hurt them the most in the upperweights, and the Tigers will feature all new starters between 152-189lbs. However, senior Zach Rieger will provide the team with a huge asset at heavyweight. Over the past three year’s Rieger has been one of the biggest contributors to Hudson’s team success, and has earned all-state honors in each of the past three seasons, an extremely rare feat for a heavyweight. Ranked #2 to begin his final high school season, Rieger will be intent on reaching the top of the podium at this year’s state meet after a 3rd place finish last March. The only other returner in Hudson’s upperweights is Jacob Morgan, a regional qualifier who will be a key contributor at 215lbs.#2 New Lothrop
Ranked Wrestlers – 8
Key Returners: Patrick Carnahan (125, Regional Qualifier), Trevor Copes (130, Regional Qualifier), Jacob Perrin (#1 135, State Champion), Josh Wendling (#2 140, 2X State Placer), Aaron Bauman (#2 145, State Placer), Clayton Simmons (#2 152, 2X State Champion), Taylor Krupp (#2 160, State Placer), Dakota Clark (#7 171, State Qualifier), Cody Symons (#3 189, State Placer), Owen Wilson (#3 285, State Placer)
Key Losses: Steven Chapelle (119, Regional Qualifier), Wade Erhardt (171, 2X State Placer), Austin Severn (189, 2X State Champion), Spencer Gross (189, State Placer)
Impact Newcomers: Cole Hersh (112, Freshman), Johnny Robinson (119, Freshman)
Outlook: Despite losing a few key studs the Hornets bring back an immense collection of talent, and while Hudson is the four-time reigning champion, New Lothrop is right in the rearview mirror. Down the middle of the lineup they have a murderer’s row that no team in D4 can match up with, and the Hornets are also equipped with an all-state heavyweight along with a pair of immediate impact freshman in the lowerweights. For the past two years Coach Jeff Campbell’s squad has been knocking on the door, and based on their returning talent the 2012-2013 season should present New Lothrop with their best opportunity at D4 supremacy
since claiming back-to-back state titles in 2003
and 2004. However, as the past four years have
shown, it is going to take a colossal effort if anyone
is going to unseat #1 Hudson.
As mentioned previously, New Lothrop features a stretch in the middle of the lineup that is
downright scary. Each Hornet starter from 135
-160lbs is ranked #1 or #2 in the D4 preseason
rankings, and will be a threat to post bonus points
every time they hit the mat. Up first is Jacob Perrin,
who enters his senior season with a #1 ranking,
and will have a target on his back after earning an
individual state title at 130lbs last March. He is
followed by #2-ranked Josh Wendling at 140lbs, a
junior who has placed in the top four at the state
meet in both of his previous seasons, and will be
seeking a state championship in his third trip to the Palace. Once again manning New Lothrop’s 145lbs spot will be Aaron Bauman. Another member of the Hornet’s stellar junior class, Bauman will be a serious contender at this weight after placing 6th here a year ago. The most accomplished wrestler on the roster is senior Clayton Simmons, who begins the year ranked #2 at 152lbs. An individual state champion in each of the past two seasons, Simmons makes the move up from 140lbs and will be in search of state title number three. Capping of this fearsome stretch is Taylor Krupp, who is projected to move all the way up from 135lbs, and begins his junior season with a #2 preseason ranking.
While not quite as high-powered as the middleweights, New Lothrop’s upperweights are by no means a weak point. In fact they are one of D4’s elite groups of big men, and feature three ranked wrestlers. Expected to fill the 171lbs spot is junior Dakota Clark, a returning state qualifier slotted #7 in the preseason rankings. Succeeding Clark in the lineup is #3-ranked junior Cody Symons. After a top-six finish at last season’s state tournament, Symons will make the move up to 189lbs, and should be among D4’s top big men. Once again occupying the heavyweight spot is Owen Wilson, yet another highly regarded junior on the Hornet’s roster. Currently ranked #3 in D4, Wilson will have high expectations following an all-state sophomore season in 2011-2012.Due to a large number of wrestlers moving up in weight, several spots in New Lothrop’s lowerweights have been vacated. However, this is not an issue, due to the addition of two talented freshman. Stepping into the 112lbs spot will be MMWA state champion Cole Hersh, and Johnny Robinson, another MMWA state champion, will take over at 119lbs. Both wrestlers enter the high school ranks with impressive youth accomplishments, and solidify New Lothrop’s status as D4’s most balanced team from top to bottom. Rounding out the lowerweights will be a pair of returning regional qualifiers; Patrick Carnahan at 125lbs and Trevor Copes at 130lbs.#3 Hesperia
Ranked Wrestlers – 6
Key Returners: Corey Argens (#7 112, State Qualifier), Chase Siersema (#3 125), 2011 State Runner-Up), Zack Yates (#2 130, State Runner-Up), David Jacobs (#9 135, Regional Qualifier), Cash Bolles (#4 145, State Placer), Lee Siersema (#4 152, 2X State Qualifier), Eldon Graham (215, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Travess Smith (130, State Qualifier), Dillon Sibley (152, 2011 State Placer), Brett Martin (285, State Champion)
Impact Newcomers: Damian Gowens (103, Freshman)
Outlook: This year’s Hesperia squad should be a very hungry one after falling short of the team finals last season for the first time since all the way back in 2004. Although a couple of studs depart from the lineup the Panthers return an onslaught of talent, and should be in the hunt for a team title this February. Last year they had the misfortune of drawing eventual runner-up Shelby at team districts, but with the Tigers now back in D3 the Panther’s road to Battle Creek looks to be far more clear. There are tough rising programs such as Leroy Pine River and Sanford Meridian in their region, but it will take some very unforeseen to prevent Hesperia from making their return to Kellogg Arena this winter. Five Panthers are ranked #4 or higher to begin the season, and given the longevity of their success under Head Coach Doug Baird, Hesperia should be capable of filling their open spots with quality
wrestlers.
In the lowerweights Hesperia will be excellent, beginning with highly touted freshman Damian Gowens. Last March Gowens
was a runner-up at the MYWA state championships, and is a strong
candidate to break into the next series of Division 4 rankings.
State qualifier Corer Argens is expected to man the 112lbs spot,
and begins his junior year with a #7 preseason ranking. While he
is currently ranked #2 at 130lbs, it has since been reported that
Zack Yates intends to compete at 119lbs in his
junior season. With this being the case, Yates should take over the
#1 spot in the next set of D4 rankings, and will be a heavy favorite to
claim an individual state title after finishing runner-up at the same
weight last season. Another Hesperia who has had a reported
weight change since the release of the preseason ranking is
Chase Siersema, who now projects as a 130lbr. A 2011 state
runner-up at 103lbs, Siersema joins Yates as a serious state title
contender, and rounds out a high-powered fleet of lowerweights.
While not quite as well equipped as the lower portion of the lineup, Hesperia is rock solid down the middle as well. Expected
to fill the 135lbs spot is David Jacobs, a #9-ranked junior who fell
one match shy of qualifying for the state tourney last season. At
140lbs the team suffers the loss of state qualifier Travess Smith,
who reportedly has moved and will be wrestling for Mason County
Central next season. However, this loss will be eased thanks to a pair of #4-ranked wrestlers at 145 and 152lbs. Senior Cash Bolles is projected to start at 145lbs, and has the potential to compete for an individual state title after earning all-state honors at 140lbs the past two seasons. The 152lbs spot will most likely be occupied by senior Lee Siersema, a two-time state qualifier who will make his final run at achieving all-state status.
The biggest question in regard to Hesperia’s ability to contend for a team state title lies in the upperweights, where they are noticeably thin. The Panthers will sorely miss graduated 285lbs state champion Brett Martin, and will need some new faces to emerge in order to compete with New Lothrop and Hudson. As of now the top returner up top appears to be Eldon Graham, a regional qualifier from last year who is projected to compete at 215lbs this season.#4 Constantine
Ranked Wrestlers – 7
Key Returners: Rogelio Segundo (112, Regional Qualifier), Will Ryan (#8 130, Regional Qualifier), Andreas Montoya (#8 145, Regional Qualifier), Ben Mallo (#4 152, State Qualifier), Jeremiah Waterman (#9 160, State Qualifier), Dominick Rogers (#5 171, State Qualifier), Phil Van Zile (#10 189, Regional Qualifier), Martin Montoya (215), Andrew Turner (#6 285, State Qualifier)
Key Losses: Zack Creager (103, Regional Qualifier), Seth Stears (215, Regional Qualifier), Aaron Turner (285, Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: Constantine enters the season seeking to further an impressive run which has included consecutive regional titles in the past three seasons, and has established the Falcons among D4’s best programs. With each of their three trips to Battle Creek ending in a quarterfinals defeat this year’s squad will have their sights set on reaching the semifinals and beyond. Considering that the squad is equipped with seven-ranked wrestlers, this objective should be a very attainable one. However, before focusing too much on reaching the semifinals, the Falcons must first concentrate on winning another regional championship. Both #5 Bronson and #7 Decatur have been placed in Constantine’s region, and will also be intent on reserving a spot in Battle Creek.
The balance on this team is tremendous, and what the Falcons lack in firepower they make up for with a plethora of wrestlers capable of qualifying for and placing at the state tournament. Constantine’s most prominent strength will be the upper half of their lineup, which features a total of six ranked wrestlers. Commencing this stretch is Andreas Montoya, D4’s #8 ranked 145lbr, and a former state qualifier who has fallen in the bloodround of regionals each of the past two postseasons. Montoya is succeeded by 152lbr Ben Mallo, the most highly ranked Falcon. The team’s lone returning state placer, Mallo is a three-time state qualifier ranked #4 to begin his final high school season. Following Mallo is Jeremiah Waterman, another returning state qualifier, and Division 4’s #9 ranked wrestler at 160lbs.Continuing the trend established from 145-160lbs, Constantine has another returning state qualifier at 171lbs. Senior Dominick Rogers is projected to return at this weight, and holds the #5 spot in the D4 preseason rankings. Following Rogers in the lineup is D4’s #10-ranked 189lbr Phil Van Zile, which gives the Falcons a daunting stretch of five consecutive ranked wrestlers. The heavyweight spot will be occupied by Andrew Turner, yet another returning state qualifier, and the #6 ranked 285lbs in Division 4. Another big man on the Falcon’s roster to keep in mind is 215lbr Martin Montoya, who posted over twenty-five wins as a freshman last season.The lower half of Constantine’s lineup does not return anywhere near as much established talent as the upper half, but this should not be too big issue considering how strong the team is from 145-285lbs. The only ranked Falcon in this stretch is Will Ryan, who is projected to compete at 130lbs in his senior year. Slotted #8 in the preseason rankings, Ryan was one match shy of being a state qualifier last season. The other key returner down low is sophomore Rogelio Segundo, who also reached the bloodround of regionals last season, and is expected to fill the 112lbs spot.#5 Bronson
Ranked Wrestlers – 6
Key Returners: Wes Disbro (112, Regional Qualifier), Jake Littlefield (#6 119, State Qualifier), Hunter Machus (#1 125, 3X State Placer), Kahle Scheenks (#7 135, State Qualifier), Taylor Williams (#9 140, Regional Qualifier), Brandon Losinski (#6 145, State Qualifier), Joe Allbarran (152, Regional Qualifier), Leo Mora (#8 171, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: None
Impact Newcomers: Brett Burtrum (215, Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: Last year the Vikings did not have a single senior on their roster, and still managed to reach the regional finals where they fell to current #4 Constantine in a tightly contested dual. Now with the entire squad returning along with the addition of a talented transfer, Bronson should be a serious force in D4 this year. The Vikings feature six ranked wrestlers distributed throughout the lineup, and should be extremely eager to appear at the team finals in Battle Creek after losing in the regional finals each of the past three seasons. However, this objective will not be easily fulfilled, as the Vikings have been placed in what appears to be D4’s toughest region. The team will have to get by a #4-ranked Constantine squad that has ended their season the past two dual meet seasons, and #7 Decatur will also be vying to emerge from the same region.
Entering the season there are no apparent weaknesses in the lineup, and the Vikings appear to have one of Division 4’s most balanced teams. The team’s top wrestler is veteran Hunter Machus, a senior who has been among D4’s top competitors in each of the past three season. Following two consecutive 4th place finishes, Machus begins his senior year with a #1 ranking at 125lbs, and will make his final run at an individual state championship this March. Another Bronson lowerweight included in the preseason rankings is Jake Littlefield, a two-time state qualifier pegged as D4’s #6 119lbr to begin his final high school season. Rounding out Bronson’s key returners down low is Wes Disbro, who is expected to fill the 112lbs spot after coming within a match of reaching the state tournament as a freshman last postseason.Continuing the trend established in the lowerweights, the middle of the Viking’s lineup is rock solid, and includes multiple wrestlers who qualified for the state meet last March. Leading off this stretch is Kahle Scheenks, a sophomore projected to compete at 135lbs. Scheenks is slotted #7 in D4 to begin the year following an excellent freshman season in which he won an individual district title and earned a berth to the state tourney. Up next is 140lbr Taylor Williams, who begins his senior year with a #9 mark in D4 after falling one match shy of being a state qualifier this past season. At 145lbs the team features their third consecutive ranked wrester; senior Brandon Losinski. Currently slotted #6 in Division 4, Losinski represents the fourth and final member of the lineup to qualify for the state tourney in 2012. Capping of this portion of the lineup is 152lbr Joe Allbarran, a regional qualifier for the Vikings last season.Although the Vikings are not quite as deep in the upperweights as they are in the rest of the lineup, this segment of their lineup is far from a liability due to two wrestlers expected to contend for all-state honors. First is regional qualifier Leo Mora, a member of Bronson’s impressive senior class, and D4’s #8-ranked 171lbr to begin the season. Additionally, they will benefit from the arrival of impactful transfer Brett Burtrum. Last season Burtrum posted a very impressive freshman year, coming a match away from qualifying for the state tourney in Division 2. He followed up with an impressive outing at the GFC last month, and should be among D4’s elite young big guys this season.#6 Addison
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Jacob Voss (#4 103, State Placer), Jason Richardson (#2 119, State Placer), Mason Groenhout (135), Jared Bruner (#1 152, State Champion), Justin Schroder (160, Regional Qualifier), Josh Betts (189), Matt Murphy (215)
Key Losses: Ty Defay (130, State Placer), Coty Kimble (135, 2X State Placer), Drew Jackson (171, State Qualifier)
Impact Newcomers: Marcus Richardson (#9 103, Freshman)
Outlook: No team has been hindered more by #1 Hudson’s dominance in D4 than Addison, who seems to wind up in Hudson’s district or region on an annual basis. If not for their geographic proximity to the four-time reigning state champions the Panthers could have very well accounted for far more than the single regional championship they have won since claiming a Division 4 state title in 2007. Unfortunately this season Addison once again finds themselves having to go through Hudson in order to reach the team finals in Battle Creek. While the odds are stacked against them, this year’s squad has the firepower to be very good, and they will strive to play the role of spoiler at regionals this February.
In the lower weights Addison is absolutely loaded, and also has the flexibility to be very strategic in dual meets. Once again The 103lbs spot will be filled by veteran Jacob Voss, currently slotted #4 in Division 4 following an all-state sophomore season. Also ranked at 103lbs for the Panthers is talented freshman Marcus Richardson, who enters his debut season in holding the #9 spot in the D4 rankings. Projected to fill the 119lbs spot is state placer Jason Richardson, currently ranked #2 in D4 after an exceptional freshman year that concluded with a 5th place finish at the state tournament.Addison has some slots to fill in the middle of their lineup, but they will benefit immensely from the return of senior Jared Bruner. For the past two years Bruner has been among Division 4’s elite wrestlers, earning a 3rd place finish at the state meet as a sophomore, and following up with a state championship last March. Now Bruner will look to claim his second consecutive state title, and should be among the state’s most sought after senior recruits this spring. Another key wrestler for Addison in this stretch is Justin Schroder, a senior, and a regional qualifier from last season. Other starters expected to return to the lineup and make significant contributions are Mason Groenhout at 135lbs, Josh Betts at 189lbs and Matt Murphy at 215lbs.#7 Decatur
Ranked Wrestlers – 2
Key Returners: Hunter Bell (#1 119, State Placer), Mitchell Jacobs (130), Jason Nash (#9 171, Regional Qualifier), Nathan Gerhold (189, Regional Qualifier), Cole Southworth (215, Regional Qualifier), Austin Kennedy (285)
Key Losses: Luke Bell (112, 3X State Champion), Ryan Smit (125, State Placer), Jason Karasch (135, Regional Qualifier), Reuben Chavez (215, Regional Qualifier), Zach Kennedy (285, State Qualifier)
Impact Newcomers: Thomas Horvath (145, 2011 Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: The past two seasons have been very strong ones for the Decatur program, which will aim to win its third consecutive regional championship in 2012-2013. However, this will be no easy task for the Raiders, who lose an excellent senior class headlined by three-time state champion Luke Bell. Additionally, their path to Battle Creek is not a particularly favorable one, with #4 Constantine and #5 Bronson both slated to compete in their region. Although Decatur only begins the season with two ranked wrestlers, they return quite a few wrestlers who posted winning records last season, and should be capable of being regional or state qualifiers this year.
The top wrestler in Decatur’s lineup is also Division 4’s top-ranked 119lbr; sophomore Hunter Bell. After placing 4th at the state tourney last March, Bell enters his sophomore season as a state title favorite thanks to some very impressive wins this offseason. In the middle of the lineup the Raiders will get a boost from the addition of Lawrence Horvath, a former regional qualifier projected to fill their 145lbs spot. Another to watch out for here is 130lbr Mitchell Jacobs, who posted over thirty wins as a sophomore last season.Although their star wrestler resides in the lowerweights, the upperweights will be the strength of this year’s Decatur squad. From 171-285lbs the Raiders should be very solid, beginning with the second and final ranked wrestler on their roster; Jason Nash. After coming within a match of reaching the state tournament last season, Nash begins his junior year with a #9 preseason ranking at 171lbs. Senior Nathan Gerhold at 189lbs, another wrestler who narrowly missed out on being a state qualifier last season, follows Nash in the lineup. Cole Southworth should be one of D4’s top young upperweights, and is projected at 215lbs after winning nearly forty matches and qualifying for regionals as just a freshman. Rounding out this stretch will be Austin Kennedy, who will fill the 285lbs spot formerly occupied by his older brother Zach.#8 Sand Creek
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Mike Peete (112, Regional Qualifier), Ryan Knox (119, Regional Qualifier), Roger Fox (#3 140, State Qualifier), Trevor McDormitt (145, Regional Qualifier), Masen Moore (152, Regional Qualifier), Nick Garza (#4 160, State Runner-Up), Garrett Miller (#4 215, State Qualifier), Gage Beaubien (#4 285, State Qualifier)
Key Losses: Dan Hall (145, Regional Qualifier), Sam Mehan (160, 2011 State Champion), Isaac Hawkins (171, State Qualifier)
Outlook: Over the past couple seasons Sand Creek has established themselves as one of the state’s up and coming programs, appearing in back-to-back regional finals and enjoying a great deal of individual success as well. On the surface their losses appear great due to the departure of the three-time state finalist and 2011 state champion Sam Mehan. However, the Aggies return a wide array of talent across the board, and 2012-2013 has the potential to be the program’s best year yet. The timing could not be more perfect for Sand Creek, as they have a great regional draw and enter the season as clear-cut favorites to earn a spot at the team finals in Battle Creek.
The Aggies’ have a very nice distribution of talent, but the strongest facet of their team will be the be the middle weights. From 140-160 Sand Creek is loaded, and will also have the flexibility to shift around their lineup when needed in dual meet situations. At 140lbs Roger Fox returns after coming within a match of all-state status, and is the team’s highest ranked wrestler, currently slotted #3 in Division 4. Projected to return at 145lbs is Trevor McDormitt, who reached the blood round of regionals as sophomore last season. Following McDormitt in the lineup is another wrestler who came within a match of qualifying for the state meet last March, senior 152lbr Masen Moore. Capping off this strong stretch is #4-ranked senior Nick Garza, who is coming off of a breakout runner-up performance at the state tournament last March.Another key asset for the Aggies will be big men Garret Miller and Gage Beaubien. Both return to the Sand Creek lineup for their final season after coming within a match of achieving all-state status as juniors last March. The #4-ranked Miller is expected to once again fill the 215lbs spot, and Beaubien, who is ranked #4 as well, will be the Aggies’ 285lbr. Rounding out the top returners for Sand Creek are a pair of returning regional qualifiers in the lowerweights; Mike Peete at 112lbs and Ryan Knox at 119lbs.#9 St. Ignace
Ranked Wrestlers – 3
Key Returners: Bill Bentgen (119, Regional Qualifier), Dakota McLennan (125, Regional Qualifier), Richard Bentley (#5 130, State Qualifier), Jason Brown (140, Regional Qualifier), Jesse Halberg (145, Regional Qualifier), Joe Krause (152, Regional Qualifier), Galloway Thurston (#1 189, State Champion), Joe Ostman (#1 215, 2X State Champion)
Key Losses: Lou Radecki (145, State Placer), Levi Thompson (152, Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: Over the past few seasons St. Ignace has quietly had a ton of individual success as well as being quite solid in duals, and in 2012-2013 the Saints should have their best team in quite some time. They certainly have the firepower with a pair of returning state champions, and a total of eight wrestlers who were at least regional qualifiers last year should make this a very good team from top to bottom. The Saints also have a favorable regional draw, but will have to get by far north foes Rogers City and Iron Mountain, a pair of teams who have gotten the best of St. Ignace in recent seasons.
At 189 and 215lbs the Saints will benefit from a duo better than any other across the entire state at these two spots. Back for his senior season at 189lbs is #1-ranked Galloway Thurston, a defending state champion and two-time state finalist. Joe Ostman, who enters his senior season on a mission to win his third consecutive state title, will man the 215lbs spot. Both Ostman and Thurston are ranked among the top twenty senior recruits across the state of Michigan, and are the first two wrestlers from the upper peninsula to win state titles since the state tournaments were combined.The rest of the St. Ignace doesn’t feature much in the way of big names, but they have a rock solid stretch from 119-152 that will be extremely effective. Leading off this portion of the lineup is 2011 state qualifier Bill Bentgen who will fell the 119lbs spot. In the 130lbs spot the Saints have their third and final ranked wrestler, Richard Bentley. A match away from placing at last year’s state meet, Bentley begins the season slotted #5 at 130lbs. Four other regional qualifiers from a year ago round off this strong stretch; Dakota McLennan at 125lbs, Jason Brown at 140lbs, Jesse Halberg at 145lbs and Joe Krause at 152lbs.#10 Rogers City
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Cameron Urban (#8 103), Noah Sobeck (119), Jake Sobeck (125, Regional Qualifier), Evan Lamb (#3 135, 2X State Placer), Caleb Pommerenke (#5 189, 2X State Qualifier), Andrew Selke (#6 215, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Joe Sobeck (119, State Placer), Blaise Ryan (152, Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: The 2011-2012 season was a great one for the Hurons, who toppled tough opponents from St. Ignace, Iron Mountain and Onaway to earn a regional championship. The upcoming season looks bright as well for Rogers City as the team retains the majority of last year’s key contributors. The Hurons begin the year ranked among D4’s top teams, and will surely have their sights set on a second consecutive trip to the team finals in Battle Creek. However, they will have to get by a very good #9-ranked St. Ignace squad in what should be a great upper peninsula showdown at regionals.
This year’s lineup has nice balance across the board with four ranked wrestles distributed between 103 and 215lbs. Leading off the Huron’s lineup is Cameron Urban, who is projected to once again fill the 103lbs spot where he holds a #8 ranking. Rogers City’s next ranked wrestler is veteran Evan Lamb, a two-time state placer, and Division 4’s #3 ranked 135lbr. The team also has a pair of talented upperweights who are both featured in the preseason rankings. At 189lbs senior Caleb Pommerenke returns for his senior season with a #5 ranking after qualifying for the state meet on two previous occasions. Following Pommerenke in the lineup is Andrew Selke, a junior who begins the season pegged as D4’s #6 215lbr.
Honorable Mention
Blanchard Montabella
Ranked Wrestlers – 2
Key Returners: Dustin Scott (119, Regional Qualifier), Dalton Kukalewski (125), Tristan Viglianco (130), Zach Taubitz (140), Joey Durham (152), Logan Burns (#8 160, State Qualifier), Jonny Durham (#6 189, State Qualifier)
Key Losses: None
Outlook: In 2011-2012 Blanchard Montabella quietly had a very nice season, and now with nearly the entire team returning and a much better regional draw the Mustangs appear poised for their best season in quite some time. While they don’t have many big names, the lineup is solid throughout and filled with wrestlers who have the potential to qualify for the state meet. Two Mustangs are ranked to begin the year; Logan Burns at 160lbs and Jonny Durham at 189lbs. Both return after qualifying for last year’s state tourney, and will be expected to contend for all-state honors. Returning regional qualifier Dustin Scott will be another key wrestler at 119lbs, and Tristan Viglianco at 130lbs and Joey Durham at 152lbs will be among several other Mustangs expected to be strong contributors. Expect to see Montabella in the regional finals where they are likely to clash against Dansville with a trip to Battle Creek on the line.
Dansville
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Ethan Myer (#10 119, State Qualifier), Foster Bunce (#4 135, 2X State Placer), Joey Stid (#2 171, State Placer), Jacob Stid (189), Jared Byers (285)
Key Losses: Cole Ragon (125, State Qualifier), Luke Ragon (130, State Qualifier), Lantz Miller (189, State Runner-Up)
Impact Newcomers: Dresden Simon (#5 112)
Outlook: In recent year’s the Aggies have been among D4’s top programs, consistently competing for regional championships, and making appearances at the team state finals in 2009 and 2011. This year’s squad should once again be very competitive, and the team enters the season among a short list of favorites to emerge from their region. A few studs depart from the lineup including state runner-up Lantz Miller, but Dansville features a solid group of returners dispersed evenly across the lineup. The highest ranked Aggie is state placer Joey Stid, who enters his senior season ranked #2 at 171lbs. Also ranked highly is senior Foster Bunce, a two-time state placer currently slotted as D4’s #4 135lbr. Dansville’s final returning state qualifier is Ethan Myer, a sophomore who returns to the lineup ranked #10 at 119lbs. The Aggies' lineup will also get a boost from the addition of talented freshman Dresden Simon. After placing at last month’s Grappler Fall Classic, Simon begins his high school career with a #5 ranking at 112lbs. As previously mentioned Dansville’s road to Battle Creek is a manageable one, with their stoutest competition likely to come from Blanchard Montabella.
Holton
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Logan Lutrull (112, Regional Qualifier), Jordan Whitener (#9 112, State Qualifier), Garrett Martin (#4 119, State Placer), Grant Younts (#9 125, State Qualifier), Hayden Cregg (135, Regional Qualifier), Jacob Moreen (#10 152, State Qualifier)
Key Losses: Sheldon Cregg (152, State Qualifier), Derek Sova (189, Regional
Qualifier), Chet Atkins (215, State Placer)
Outlook: Holton enters the 2012-2013 season charged full of positive momentum after making their first appearance at the team finals in Battle Creek last February. Once again the Red Devils have a very reasonable regional draw, and although they sustained some significant losses Holton enters the season as favorites to repeat as regional champions. In order to do this they will need to find some production in their upperweights, which will be extremely tough considering the team returns just a single wrestler who posted a winning record between the weights of 135-285lbs last season. However, with that being said, the Red Devils are loaded with talent in the lowerweights. Between 112-125lbs Holton will feature a stretch of three consecutive ranked wrestlers including state placer Garret Martin, the teams top returner and D4’s #4 ranked 119lbr. Representing the other two-thirds of this stretch is Jordan Whitener at 112lbs and Grant Younts at 125lbs; both of whom enter the year with ranked #9 after qualifying for last year’s state tournament. Also ranked for Red Devils is Jacob Moreen, another state qualifier who begins his final high school season slotted #10 at 152lbs. Rounding out Holton’s top returners are Logan Lutrull at 112lbs and Hayden Cregg at 135lbs, a pair of wrestlers who qualified for regionals as freshman last February and will be expected to assume bigger roles in the upcoming season.
Iron Mountain
Ranked Wrestlers – 2
Key Returners: Alex Edwards (#5 103, Regional Qualifier), Ryan Jones (112 Regional Qualifier), Jared Gauthier (#5 119, State Qualifier), Jake Weslin (135, Regional Qualifier), Corbin Henkel (140, Regional Qualifier), James Ritzenheim (145, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Ryan Gauthier (119, 3X State Placer), Chase Gendron (145, State Qualifier)
Outlook: In recent years Iron Mountain has been among northern Michigan’s elite programs, and prior to last year had won three consecutive regional titles. Now after falling to Rogers City at last year’s regional meet the Mountaineers will be intent to make their return to the team finals in Battle Creek. They lose a stud in three-time all stater Ryan Gauthier, but return ample talent to compete with #9 St. Ignace and #10 Rogers City for a regional championship. As was the case last year they are a bit thin in the upperweights, but a stellar core of lowerweights will make them tough. At 103lbs the team returns Alex Edwards, a sophomore who holds a #5 preseason ranking. The only other ranked wrestler and returning state qualifier on the roster is Jared Gauthier, enters his sophomore season ranked #5 at 119lbs. Four other regional qualifiers will make the lighter portion of this lineup rock solid; Ryan Jones at 112lbs, Jake Weslin at 135lbs, Corbin Henkel at 140lbs and James Ritzenheim at 145lbs.
Kent City
Ranked Wrestlers – 5
Key Returners: Jayson Ellicott (#8 140, Regional Qualifier), Jared Freeland (#7 145, Regional Qualifier), Shane Rodenburg (#1 171, State Placer), Konner Wolter (#4 215, State Qualifier), Tom Devos (#8 285, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Alex Kenney (130, State Qualifier)
Outlook: Last season Kent City had one of their best seasons in recent memory, and reached the regional finals where they fell to #9 Holton in a closely contested dual. Now with nearly all of last year’s squad returning and a manageable regional draw, a trip to the team finals in Battle Creek appears to be a very attainable goal for the Eagles. They will need improvement in the lowerweights in order to achieve this, but their firepower in the upperweights is substantial. The team’s top wrestler is Shane Rodenburg, Division 4’s #1 ranked wrestler at 171lbs. Rodenburg is coming off of an extremely impressive freshman campaign in which he earned all-state honors, and established himself as one Michigan’s elite wrestlers in the class of 2015. Kent City’s other returning state qualifier is Konner Wolter who enters his senior season with a #4 ranking at 215lbs, a weight at which he came a match away from placing at last year’s state meet. Three other Eagles all came within a single match of being state qualifiers last season and are featured in the preseason rankings; #8 Jayson Ellicott at 140lbs, #7 Jared Freeland at 145lbs and #8 Tom Devos at 285lbs.
Leroy Pine River
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Kyle Nixon (#6 135, State Placer), Maverick Martin (#9 140,
Regional Qualifier), Larry Kissinger (#10 145, Regional Qualifier), Carson Rawson (#7 152, State Qualifier), Justin Seeman (160, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Abel Langworthy (130, State Placer)
Outlook: A strong contingent of returners from last year’s successful squad will make Leroy Pine River a force within D4 this season. The Bucks enter the year with four wrestlers featured in the preseason rankings, and should be hungry for success after falling to eventual runner-up Shelby in last year’s regional final. The team’s strength lies in the middle of the lineup, where they will be extremely difficult to matchup with from 135-160lbs. Leading off this stretch is Kyle Nixon, the team’s lone returning all-stater, and D4’s #6 ranked wrestler at 135lbs. The Buck’s stellar middleweight core continues at 140 and 145lbs where they have a pair of ranked seniors who a came a match away from qualifying for last year’s state tournament; #9 Maverick Martin and #10 Larry Kissinger. Projected at 152lbs is Carson Rawson, who joins Nixon as Pine River’s other returning state qualifier. Rawson enters his senior season marked as D4’s #7 152lbr after reaching the blood round of last year’s state meet. Rounding out this portion of the lineup is Justin Seeman, a regional qualifier from last year expected to compete at 160lbs. While the Bucks certainly have the talent to be a top ten team in 2012-2013, their road to the team finals is not a favorable one with #3 Hesperia standing directly in the way.
Sanford Meridian
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Chase Robinson (#4 112, State Qualifier), Damon Walter (#6 125, State Qualifier), Eric Fader (#3 215, State Placer), Kaine Sturgeon (#9 285, Regional Qualifier)
Key Losses: Shane Parisi (112, State Placer), Garrett Bowland (130, Regional Qualifier)
Outlook: One of several rising D4 programs that will look to make the leap to the next level in 2012-2013, Sanford Meridian brings back the majority of last year’s district championship squad. Both their lowerweights and upperweights should provide some firepower, and they have several returning starters in the middle as well. The team’s only returning state placer is Eric Fader, who will once again fill the 215lbs spot where he holds a #3 preseason ranking. Joining Fader in the upperweights is Kaine Sturgeon, a regional qualifier who begins year ranked #9 at 285lbs. The Mustangs lowerweights feature a pair of ranked wrestlers as well, beginning with returning state qualifier and #4 ranked Chase Robinson at 112lbs. Junior Damon Walter is expected to man the 125lbs spot, and he enters the season slotted #6 in D4 after coming within a single point of earning all-state honors last March. The talent is certainly in place for Sanford Meridian to make a run this year, but their road will not be an easy one as they share a region with #3 Hesperia.
Watervliet
Ranked Wrestlers – 4
Key Returners: Pat Lynch (#8 112, State Qualifier), Marcus Rodriguez (#9 119, State Qualifier), Bock Thumm (#2 135, State Champion), Weston DeHaven (#7 171, State Qualifier)
Key Losses: Jared Goodrich (135, Regional Qualifier), Dan Isbrecht (140, State Placer), Travis Martin (145, State Placer), Brett Thumm (171, State Placer), Brad Thomas (189, State Qualifier), Jaxon DeHaven (285, 2X State Placer)
Outlook: Following the departure of a monster senior class the Panthers will have plenty of spots to fill in 2012-2013. However, they return some serious firepower, and have a manageable regional draw that should afford them an opportunity to reserve a spot in Battle Creek for the team finals. Watervliet’s top wrester is Brock Thumm, who returns following an exceptional sophomore season that saw him capture a state title at 125lbs. He will be complimented in the lowerweights by two other returning state qualifiers; #8 Pat Lynch at 112lbs and #9 Marcus Rodriguez at 119lbs. The top upperweight for the Panthers will be Weston DeHaven, who enters his sophomore season with a #7 ranking at 171lbs. After ending last season in disappointing fashion Watervliet should be especially hungry for a regional title, but in order to pave their way to Battle Creek they will need to get by #9 Holton or up and coming Kent City.
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(Ian Maule | MLive.com)
