Veterans Wrestle For G-Prep

GSL wrestling

Last year, with ample help from three state placers, Gonzaga Prep won a piece of its first-ever league wrestling championship.

Former state champion and last year’s fourth-place 122-pounder, senior Cory Brannon, returns.

So, too, do fifth-place 108-pounder Chris Montgomery and seventh-placer Nick Bliss, who will wrestle at 148. Both are juniors.

Several other regulars will help Prep contend again.

“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 Tom Brown remains at 129 pounds.

“He’s really improved,” McLean said of Brown. “I think he’ll be a good surprise.”

Other 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, and Justin Dahman, 178, have varsity experience.

Varsity hopefuls include Jason Francis, who came late to the team last year and will be at 215 pounds.

Juniors Aaron Troy and Matt Walter are at 141, and senior Donald Weiber and sophomores Matt Largent and Kyle Gleason are at 158.

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

, DataTimes