High School Division 4 Team Previews
Top Contenders...
#1 - Hesperia
Returning state qualifiers: 6
Individuals ranked preseason: 5
Collin Zeerip (103), Brandon Zeerip (135), Adam Wiseman (145), Dan Yates
(152), Rudy Spaulding (285)
Key losses: Justin Zeerip (160), Phil Khozein (140), Mark Ackerberg (130),
Derek Shineldecker (135)
Impact newcomers: Jordan Bosman, Jordan Bates, Brandon Bordeaux,
Robert Grundel, Cody Wiseman, Jared Warner
Outlook: Hesperia has been a contender in Division 4 since Justin Zeerip hit the high school scene a few years ago, however, the D4 state title has always evaded them. The last three years they lost to eventual champion Addison, including a loss in last year's quarterfinals that was decided by tiebreaker criteria. They lost a strong senior class last year, including 4x undefeated Mr Everything Justin Zeerip and 2x state champ Phil Khozein, who now wrestle at Michigan and Michigan State, respectively. Although these losses will hurt them, they return a tough regime led by Dan Yates, Rudy Spaulding, and the remaining Zeerip bros., Brandon and Collin. Yates broke through with a state title last year while B.Zeerip and Spaulding were that close the past couple years. These three are all ranked #1 in their weights. Hesperia should be consistently tough from top to bottom. Collin Zeerip as well as fellow state qualifier Jon Hren will provide power in the bottom of the lineup, Zeerip, Yates, and state placer Wiseman all return in the middleweights, and Spaulding is one of the best heavyweights in the state. While they return alot, what makes Hesperia dangerous is how deep their middle school program is right now. They should have a few tough freshman who step in this year to fill voids for their departed seniors. If Hesperia's young guys can step in and contribute they may finally get to hoist that championship trophy this year.
#2 - Manchester
Returning state qualifiers: 7
Individuals ranked preseason: 5
Jimmy Hamilton (103), Mike Garrison (130), Bill Cloke (160), Jason Alber (171), Kyle Ritter (215)
Key Losses: Dan Lobbestael (215)
Outlook: Manchester only lost 1 from last year's state semifinal squad and they return a group of 3 seniors all ranked #1 preseason in Alber, Ritter, and reigning state champ Cloke. If Hamilton is back at 103 he will be a serious threat to make a run, as should Garrison. State placer Cevin Walker, state qualifier Coyle Render, and regional qualifer Scott Conway should also provide some punch in the lower weights. Along with Cloke, Alber, and Ritter, regional qualifier Will Rickert could help soldify the upperweights. Manchester definetely has the studs to hang with Hesperia and the other perennial D4 powerhouses, but they will have to be able to fill in around thsoe studs if they want to win it all.
#3 - Hudson
Returning state qualifiers: 7
Individuals ranked preseason: 5
Zeb Hilyard (103), Taylor Smith (112), Kevin Vanderpool (119), Derrick Marry (130), Kyle Hillard
(189)
Key Losses: Josh Butts (145)
Outlook: Hudson returns a ton of depth this year with 9 regional qualifiers, 7 state qualifiers, 4
state placers, 2 state finalists, and 1 state champ. Smith, a runner up last year, and Marry, a
state champ last year, both enter the year ranked #1 and, along with Hilyard and Hillard, should
all be in the running for state titles this year. Vanderpool was a placer last year and should also
place high this year as well could big man Gabe Elliot who was a match away from all-state last
year. Hudson got knocked out of districts last year and they should be amped and ready for a run
deep into this year's tournament. With their strong returning class that mixes firepower with depth,
Hudson could easily contend with anyone in Division 4.
#4 - Addison
Returning state qualifiers: 3
Individuals ranked preseason: 2
Mykel Sumner (125), Nate Elston (130)
Key Losses: Zack Phillips (140), Corey Kratzer (152), Chet Green (171), Tom Schneider (189), Tim Reichel (215), Wes Schroeder (285)
Outlook: Addison has been the D4 champ for 3 years running now, however, their graduation losses make them resemble returning champs Allegan in Division 2. They lost everything their killer upperweights that carried them with the graduation of 3 state runners up (Kratzer, Green, Schneider) and 1 champ (Schroeder). They do return 3 state placers with Sumner, Elston, and Brandon Douglass. Sumner and Elston are both proven upperclassmen that will contend for individual titles and will have to lead this year's team. Another senior on this year's team that should provide some stablilty is regional qualifier Gage Marshall, who will likely be around 171 this year. While Addison will still be very strong this year and capable of winning alot of matches against anyone, they will need some real March magic if they want to make if 4 in a row.
#5 - Rogers City
Returning state qualifiers: 4
Individuals ranked preseason: 4
TJ Sobeck (112), Tharin Wilk (135), Chase McClennan (171), Devin Pommerenke (285)
Key Losses: Tyler Schuitemen (152)
Impact Newcomers: Devin Pommerenke, freshman
Outlook: After making it to Battle Creek last year, Rogers City returns a good group of studs
from last year's squad that could score them some big points in most duals. Sobeck, Wilk,
and McClennan are all returning state placers that will contend for state titles this year.
Pommerenke is a very highly touted freshman that many believe will contend for a state title as
a freshman, something that not many frosh can do at HWT. They also return 112lb state
qualifier Jacob Vogler as well. Rogers City have some firepower that could get them back to
the state tournament, however, they appear to lack the depth and consistency to knock off
Hesperia, Manchester, or Hudson.
Others to watch out for:
New Lothrop
New Lothrop made an impressive run to the state finals last year, however, they lost a very good group of seniors that will be hard to replace. The state championship brothers Roger and Dennis Emmerdofer are gone as is Ryan Confer. They do return some as state champ Allen Krupp and state placer Black Birchmeier should both be in the hunt for a title this year. State qualifiers Marc Confer, Kyle Trent, and Ethan Bishop will provide depth and NL usually puts a pretty good team on the mat year in and year out, therefore, you will still need to keep an eye on New Lothrop as the end of the season nears.
Bronson
New Lothrop, Addison, Hudson....Bronson. You cant talk D4 without mentioning all the traditional powerhouses. Bronson will be led by their great group of juniors, led by former runner up Zac Chantrenne. Along with Brad Losinksi, Preston Lucas, and Shayden Weaver, this group makes up the core of Bronson. They also return a couple of 40-win seniors in Chris Swift and Bryant Byler. Bronson may not be on everyone's list of top contenders for this year, but they have the firepower and depth to make a run come March, watch out for Bronson.
Don’t forget about:
Pine River – Top 8 as a team last year, they return 4 state qualifiers and 3 ranked wrestlers: Tom Webster (#3 @ 119), Luke Jones (#5 @ 130), Robert Morris (#5 @ 135)
Martin - Good nucleus returning led by Mena. 4 state qualifiers back from last year and 3 state placers: Steve Mena (ranked #1 @ 145), TJ Berridge (ranked #4 @ 112), and Travis Biskirk. State qualifier Casey Rickli also returns and 215lber Billy Bourdo reportedly moved to Marin from Delton Kellogg which makes them even tougher.
Copyright 2007 Michigan Grappler LLC
