Wrestlers Hoping To Get A Lock On Strong Seasons
There is something mystical about Spokane wrestling, but the spirit has moved North Side Greater Spokane League coaches more than usual.
North Central coach Randy Cloke must yet deal with the loss of his emotional leader and standout wrestler, Eddie Jones, who was killed last year in a four-wheeling accident.
“Not only was he a great wrestler, but so dynamic,” said Cloke. “We will miss his presence in the room, his spirit and enthusiasm.”
Ken Pelo thought he would have a title-contending team at Rogers High School until several returning starters left the team for various reasons.
“I hope the Holy Spirit will descend on them and these kids will have a change of heart,” said Pelo.
The Pirates and Mead, which has a storied wrestling tradition, finished third and second, respectively, in league last year and would like to contend again.
“We have young men with not as much mat time, but they are quality wrestlers who will be forged in the heat of the season,” said ever-colorful Panther coach Cash Stone.
NC will be improved, but Shadle Park is starting over.
Area wrestlers, including those in the newly added 215-pound weight class, begin competition this weekend.
The GSL season kicks off in a week when the Pirates travel against defending champion University in the feature match.
State runner-up leads Panthers
State runner-up Jon Rugan is one of three Mead wrestlers with regional or state experience.
In addition, four other athletes competed in the district meet.
Rugan is now at 115 pounds, a weight that could feature at least four of the state’s best athletes.
“I’m sure he sees it as a great challenge,” said Stone. “He’s the kind of kid who, the better the wrestler, the better he likes it.”
Also back are state qualifier James Clark, up two weights to 148, and regional participant Lyle Beerbohm, who will wrestle at 141.
District veterans are Brett Anderson at 129, Joel Edminster at 148, Steve Fish at 190 and Joe Collier at 275.
Clark, Fish and Edminster are seniors, the others juniors.
The Panther lineup will include sophomore Tony Contablie at 101, junior Steve Bailey at 108, and junior Tom Nelson and sophomore John Crosby at 122.
Senior Joe McClellan is at 129, and senior Chris Oliver and sophomore Keith Riddle are at 135.
Joining Beerbohm at 141 is senior Luke Johnson.
Senior Dan Besser and sophomore John Potter are at 158, and junior Isaac Franklin and senior Alvin Shaler are at 168.
Seniors Erik Strom and Merrill Alley man 178.
Senior Mike Dircks is at 190, junior Spencer Smith and sophomore Eric Turnidge are at 215, and Arthur Avalon is a junior 275-pounder.
“We’ve got some kids used to wrestling behind other varsity guys,” said Stone. “They’ll get reality therapy really quick.”
Pirates have holes to fill
Before the season, Pelo was excited. Now he’s concerned.
“What I thought was going to be strong team now is very, very questionable,” he said.
Several who would have started, including regional qualifiers Mark Rinde and Terry Swan, are gone. Rinde is back at North Central.
Junior varsity performers who would have helped didn’t turn out.
“We still have some great kids,” said Pelo.
Among them are district 108-pound champion Daryl Groom, up this year to either 115 or 122 pounds, sixth-placer Darren Steeneck, up to 129, and regional performer James Dawe at 135.
Elsewhere, freshman Anthony Kelp is at 101, and junior Dan Gibson could possibly go to 108.
Several athletes are at 122, including sophomores K.C. Harman and John Smith and junior Derek Houck.
Also at 129 is junior Nick Fuller.
Sophomore “blue-chipper” Kris Clarke is at 141, and Ryan Shaw is at 148.
Filling the 158- through 168-pound classes will be either Ivan Harris or Brandan Lang.
Shaun McMackin is back and at 178 pounds. Jameus Hutchens, James Carson and Tristan Beeman are junior 190-215 pounders.
Rogers is looking for a 275-pounder.
Highlanders lose veterans
When second-year coach Bill Saye talks about his Shadle Park team, it is, he said, a tale of woe.
After sharing the job with Randy Gleasman last year, Saye is going solo. His new assistants are Mike Littrel and former NC state-placer Jason Conley.
“I think Shadle will be no ball of fire,” said Saye, “but we’ll give it our best shot.”
Five wrestlers graduated, two didn’t come out, and two transferred from last year’s varsity team.
Among those back are regional performer Shawn Howard at 122 pounds, and district wrestlers Casey Laughary at 135 and Sabino Hernandez at 178.
Varsity veterans are Mark Forni at 101 and Kevin Eng at 122. NC transfer Jeff Weaver is a welcome addition.
Varsity hopefuls include Scott Close at 101, sophomore Ross Anderson at 108, freshman Adam Peterson at 129, junior Chris Roy or Mead transfer Josh Mylnar at 141, senior Drew Sullivan at 158, sophomore David DeMoss at 190 and freshman Brandon Taylor at 275.
“Underclassmen are going to have to step up,” said Saye. “Realistically we’re aiming for individual awards at the end of the season.”
NC hopes to overcome adversity
Previously a fixture at the top of GSL wrestling, North Central last year won just one dual match.
Then district 122-pound runner-up Jones, a sophomore, died the week after finishing sixth in regional.
“It was a somber place,” Cloke said of the first day in the practice room. “I kept waiting for him to walk into the room.”
The Indians will be improved, perhaps dramatically, although they are still young. Thirteen district veterans are in the lineup.
“Last year we threw in seven freshmen,” Cloke said. “You don’t know if you’re stoking the fire or picking up tough kids.”
Three of those veterans reside between 108 and 115 pounds. They are Josh Bocook, Josh Knox and Nick Stuart.
Returnee Adam West is at 129. Brian Largent returns and is at 141.
Between 148 and 158 are veterans Casey Beville and Mike Roberts and Rogers transfer Rinde.
Likely 168-pounders are district wrestlers Mike Caballero and Jason Gregerson. Also back with district experience are Fred Siedel and David Sandberg at 178 and 190 pounds.
Another varsity returnee, Brian Burrow will probably go at 215.
Freshmen will fill 101, and sophomores Rob Kautchman, injured last year after a strong early showing, and Ryan Keeney are at 122.
Sophomores Josh Neumiller and Josh Keon are at 135, and junior newcomer Travis Hanson is at 275.
“A year’s experience is worth something,” Cloke said. “Looking down the road, maybe we can get a win or two, and I’m hoping a lot can mature by the district tournament.”
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