Returnees Give Scotties Seasoned Leadership

Although Freeman must shore up several weights in its wrestling lineup, seven returnees will help keep the Scotties competitive.

“We have some holes in our lineup,” said coach Ted Lundgren, “But we’ve got some real good quality kids who will do the job.”

The weight classes where the team appears strongest, said Lundgren, are at 122-pounds, manned by sophomore Eric Fulkerson, at 129 with senior Dan Ross, at 135 with senior Matt McCormick, at 148 with junior Brian Hagelin, at 168 with junior Josh Brown at 190 with senior Greg Dahlstrom and at 215 with senior David Aman.

All are returnees except Ross, who transferred from Monroe, Wash. Dahlstrom was a team member ineligible to compete on varsity last year because he had transferred from an area school.

Another returnee is 141-pound senior Jeremy McSpadden.

“I think those kids are going to show a lot of leadership for the team this year,” said Lundgren. “All will be very strong contributors.”

New to the lineup this year are sophomore Ryan VanValkinburg at 101 pounds and Bobbie Donnelly a freshman who will wrestle at 115.

“Even though she’s female she’s still one of the guys,” said Lundgren. “I try to discount sex. She’s just a wrestler.”

Ross is being challenged at 129 by freshmen Jeff Wigen and Wade White. Sophomore Craig Stolle is a 141-pound candidate and junior Ken Beeler is competing at 148.

In addition, junior Bud Fairbanks and freshman Chris Hodl are at 158 pounds, junior Roger Booth is at 178 and at 275 are freshman Daniel Van Voorhis and sophomore Zach Broili.

“I think individually they’ll do a really good job,” said Lundgren. “They’re great kids and are working hard. I have no complaints.”

, DataTimes