Freeman Wrestling Gets Freshman Influx

Freeman’s wrestling team this year is young. More than half of the 30 wrestlers who turned out are freshman.

But coach Ted Lundgren is undismayed.

“It’s a building year but we’re excited,” he said. “I really believe the kids will compete well.”

The turnout is one of the largest Lundgren has had, giving his wrestlers plenty of competition in the practice room.

“The only weight class I’m concerned about is 101 and there’s one young man who might make it,” he said.

Returning from last year’s team are junior Eric Fulkerson at 135 pounds, sophomore Jeff Wigen at 148, sophomore Chris Hodl at 168 pounds, senior Josh Brown and junior Josh Harty at 178, senior Roger Booth at 190 and junior Zach Broili at 275.

Other upper classmen vying for spots are senior A.J. Koedding at 108 pounds, junior Ben Hawk back after a year’s absence at 158, junior Justin Gray at 135, junior Phil Kopczynski and sophomore Bill Morphy at 148, junior Mike Davis at 168.

Sixteen freshmen will fill or back nearly every weight, particularly from 101 through 129 pounds.

Among them are Jesse Knight at 108, Nick Dahmen, Gabe Martinez, Brady Foster, Matt Reeves and Pete Mattfeldt at 115.

The 122-pounders are Ryan Jacot and Travis Duncan.

Chris Fulkerson and Chris Mills are at 129.

Other freshmen are 141 pounders Lucas Arneson and Cory Miller. Andy Duncan is at 148, Alex Broili at 158, Brandon Marchand at 168 and Jason Ruchert at 215.

“Even some of the upper classmen are new names, kids who weren’t eligible or didn’t turn out last year,” said Lundgren. “We’re looking down the road for the young kids, but we’ve got some who will do a real good job for us this year.”

, DataTimes