Wrestlers Prepare For Another Successful Season On The Mats

If wrestling fans thought last year’s Greater Spokane League season was exciting, this year may prove even better.

Gonzaga Prep shared its first league title and returns much of its lineup. Mead finished one match behind and has a solid stable of veterans in coach Cash Stone’s final year.

North Central, a surprising 4-4 team, returns virtually everybody.

And these teams aren’t necessarily league championship favorites.

“I think there are going to be some great dogfights,” said NC coach Randy Cloke. “There will be some gray hairs by the time the season is over.”

New coaches at Rogers and Shadle Park are establishing their programs in a league filled with talent and experience.

Walt Arnold replaces Pirate legend Ken Pelo. Mark Miller gives Shadle an in-building coach who can keep athletes in the wrestling room.

“We will look for individual improvement and places at the tournament,” said Miller. “You have to be realistic about being in the (title) hunt at all in this league.”

State veterans lead Bullpups

Three state veterans, who helped the Bullpups to their league championship, lead the way again.

Former state champion, senior Cory Brannon, was fourth at 122 pounds. Junior Chris Montgomery, was fifth at 108, and seventh-placer junior, Nick Bliss, is up a weight to 148.

They are among a number of regulars back in the lineup.

“Last year we had a lot of luck and things went right,” said coach Phil McLean. “If things fall in place we could be right in there.”

Regional qualifier, senior Tom Brown, is at 129 pounds.

Varsity veterans are seniors Mike Goularte at 115, Pat Rusca at 141 or 148, Ryan Turner at 168, Nick Sullivan at 190 and juniors Louis Peyron, who is battling Montgomery at 108, and Matt Betts at 275.

In addition, sophomore Sean Malone, 135 pounds, Justin Dahman, 178, and Jason Francis, 215, have varsity experience.

Hopefuls include juniors Aaron Troy and Matt Walter at 141, Don Weiber and sophomores Matt Largent and Kyle Gleason at 158.

At 101, sophomores Evan Volk and Travis Kays are being contested by Montgomery’s brother, freshman Brandon Duke.

Mead wants last year to be best

There’s incentive for Mead wrestlers and their coach to go out on top.

Mead will divide into two high schools next year. Cash Stone is retiring.

“If I haven’t done it in 38 years, I won’t,” said Stone of his decision. “It’s a good time to launch a new era with two new guys.”

Back is two-time state runnerup Jon Rugan at 115 pounds, sixth-place state finisher Lyle Beerbohm at 141 pounds and state qualifier Joe Collier at 275.

“Joe’s up to 250 pounds,” said Stone. “He’s a handful.”

Five others wrestled in district.

“They are not unfamiliar with good tough competition,” said Stone.

Included is 101-pounder junior Tony Contablie, 129-pound senior Tom Nelson, 135-pound junior Keith Riddle, 148-pound junior Josh Sicilia, 158-pound senior Shawn Gumke, 168-pound junior Keith Stamps, 178-pound senior Nic Kuhta, 190-pound junior Chris Mattingly and 275-pound senior Art Avalon.

Contablie right now is behind sophomore Mark Denholm. Sicilia has moved up from 129 pounds. Avalon, said Stone, “is tremendously improved.”

In addition, Stone is happy with his sophomore group. Several of the 50 who turned out will make the lineup.

Among them is Jesse McCarty at 108 pounds, a Mead Tournament of Champions runnerup wrestling unattached last year. Sophomore Adam Soyanac backs him.

Sophomores Robbie Loft and Kevin Klaus are at 122, Ryan Dunford is at 158 and Travis Smith is at 215.

Senior Bryan McKay at 178, juniors Gary Murell at 190, Brian McKay at 178, Matt Beal at 168, Nick Trefry at 148 and Tony Curtis at 141 are other varsity prospects.

NC veterans can think big

A strong showing last year has excited veteran North Central.

“If you told me last year we’d have been 4-4, I’d have said, no way,” said Cloke. “We’ve got experience, now. That’s the important thing.”

Two wrestlers, junior David Sandberg and senior Brian Thatcher have state experience, Sandberg placing seventh at 190 pounds.

Mike Caballero was district runner-up, and with Thatcher, is in the 168-78 range.

Brian Burrow, at 215 or 275, is another regional veteran.

NC brings back district people in practically every weight.

Juniors Nick Stuart, Joel LeBret and sophomore Jack Baker are in the 108-115 pound classes.

Juniors Josh Knox, Josh Bocook and Rob Kutchman are at 122-129.

Between 135 and 148 classes are juniors Josh Neumiller, Josh Keon and Jeremy Shay.

Junior Jason Gregerson returns and will move into his regular weight of 158 pounds.

New to the program is first-time wrestler, senior Brett Jordan at 275.

Bunch back at Rogers

Except for the upper weights, experience abounds at Rogers.

Fifteen athletes who competed in the district tournament last year are back. Included is regional qualifier Daryn Steeneck who this year will wrestle at 141 pounds. Former state placer Daryl Groom remains at 122.

“We’re not changing a lot,” said Arnold, who served as interim head coach for part of last season. “I visit with Ken (Pelo) when I need advice. We’re still good friends.”

Junior Andy Dahl returns at 101 pounds. Sophomore Anthony Kelp is now 122. Senior Dan Gibson will be at 115, sophomore Ben Houk will likely stay at 108.

Juniors Derek Houk and John Smith are now at 129 pounds, senior Nick Fuller will go to 135.

Seniors Matt Burnham and Gabe Davis are at 141 or 148 pounds, along with junior Kris Clarke. Junior Brandon Lang remains at 168, senior Aaron Evans at 178 and junior Kevin Biem at 275.

Others with promise are Joey Thornton, who will wrestle at 148 or 158 pounds, and two freshmen, Ryan Anstrom at 148 and Zac Depue at 108.

“I’m extremely pleased,” said Arnold. “This is a mature team with some great second stringers who are almost as strong as the number ones.”

Returnees form program base

Returning varsity wrestlers form the base of new coach Miller’s Shadle Park era.

Among them are senior Mark Forni and junior Ross Anderson at 122 or 129 pounds, Casey Laughary, now at 158, senior Kevin Eng, junior Adam Peters at 135 and junior Drew Sullivan, now at 178 pounds.

“Last season they were looking for him to do something at district and he stuck his hand through the window in a door the day before,” said Miller.

Younger athletes will man many of the middle weights from 115 pounds through 168, including freshman Scott Doughty, and sophomores Chris Wallace, Brandon Taylor, Pete Carlson and Kevin Olson.

Juniors Matt Adams and Mac McIntosh are 148-pound candidates and senior Breccon Holland is at 158.

Junior Trevor McCain will go at 215 pounds. Seven freshmen or sophomores weigh 200 pounds or more.

“The future looks wonderful,” said Miller.

, DataTimes