U-Hi, CV And Prep Muscle Each Other In Gsl Wrestling

If you’re looking for the strength of Greater Spokane League wrestling, look no farther than the three teams being previewed here.

University, Central Valley and Gonzaga Prep shared the league championship a year ago. It was the third straight year the Titans have had at least a share of the title, and the second in a row for the Bullpups.

And there’s no reason to expect less this year.

In an early season biggie tonight at 7:30, the Titans open the season at Gonzaga.

Favored Central Valley is at Mead next Wednesday.

“We could be phenomenally tough if things go right,” said Bear mentor Dale Ethridge. “The worst-case scenario is we’ll have a good strong team.”

University coach Don Owen isn’t sure about his team’s chances.

“We have some nice kids who will work hard and be competitive,” he said. “But we just don’t have the ponies this year.”

The upper echelon of the GSL expects to be more crowded. Mead and Ferris will also bid for titles in what promises to be a spirited season.

“I think we’ll be competitive,” said Bullpup coach Phil McLean. “I just think the league will be more competitive as well.”

Titans have holes to fill

With much of its tournament strength graduated, the Titans have some holes to fill in their lineup.

But Owen seems to find a way to juggle his wrestlers and make them competitive in duals.

And this team has as many as seven post-season aspirants.

Tommy Owen, a freshman transfer from Coeur d’Alene and the coach’s nephew, is a national freestyle cadet age-group champion. He will be at 101 pounds.

Seniors Gordon Bash at 115 and Josh Vande Vanter at 148 are state veterans. Regional qualifying juniors are Conor Jordan at 135 and Reggie Lee at 178.

Also returning are 108-pound sophomore Magellan Laurich, who was 5-1 in league last year, Curtis Bash at 122, and 141-pounder Ben Osborn, who was sixth in district last year. Ed Pospisil at 215 is coming off knee surgery and serious injuries from an auto accident. T.J. Dowling is back at 275.

Other candidates are juniors Zach Ewers, Nick Peterson, both 141, Grant Shelly and senior Alex Apodaca at 158, sophomores Taylor Cosby at 129, Heath Pulver at 168 and Gordon Moore at 190.

“We are very inexperienced in the middle weights,” said Owen. “The kids are not proven yet. I hope they can surprise me.”

CV grapplers battle the obstacles

Last year was bittersweet for the Bears, who were expected to contend for a state championship but fell victim to myriad stumbling blocks.

The pressure to succeed, injuries and ineligibilities ruined the year.

This year, two starters, one a regional qualifier, didn’t turn out and the effects of Central Valley’s long football season will be felt.

“Last year was no fun. It’s more work when you have expectations,” said Ethridge. “Hopefully we’ll weather the speed bumps better. We’re crossing our fingers and counting on lady luck.”

Wil Beck at 275, state veteran Brandon Bouge at 215, 1996 placers Tyree Clowe at 190 and 1996 state qualifier and 1997 regional veteran Courtney Brown were instrumental in the football team’s state title and are being counted on heavily in wrestling.

Even without them, CV’s lineup is formidable. State runnerup Shane Cunanan at 129 pounds and fifthplacer John Reese at 122 are back.

Regional qualifiers back are sophomore Kyle Bush at 101, seniors Shawn Conlon at 108, Brandon Brown at 148 and junior Blair Alderman at 178.

Additionally, the Bears have district placer Matt Applegate at 115, veterans David Burnette, another football player, and Brandon Bishop, Jared Wilson and Brandon Brown in the 135- through 148-pound range.

Senior Andrew Steen and Andy Bishop are other experienced 158 pounders and Loren Kitner returns following a year’s absence to fill 178 pounds.

“Most of them were with us when we were second in state in 1996,” said Ethridge. “Last year left a sour taste in our mouths. We’re having a lot more fun and approaching the season with an underdog feel.”

Can Bullpups make it three straight?

Gonzaga Prep has shared the last two GSL wrestling championships. Can they make it three in a row?

“I think we might be a better tournament team than dual team,” said McLean.

There’s good reason.

Last year’s state runnerup, Chris Montgomery, and two-time state placer Nick Bliss, both from the Valley, return at 115 and 158 pounds. They are joined by Lakeland transfer and Idaho state runnerup Travis Pascoe.

“He’s got pretty high goals,” said McLean of the 168-pound sophomore. “He was second in nationals last summer.”

Additionally, regional veterans Kyle Gleason at 178 and Sean Malone, at 141 return along with district placers Louis Peyron and Evan Volk, at 108, Paul Koehler at 148, and Peter Foltz at 190.

Those with varsity experience are senior 129-pounder Chris Healey, 135-pound Tim Ulmen and 215-pound Doug O’Coyne.

Newcomers capable of breaking into the lineup are sophomore Jeff Zappone at 101, sophomore Danny Pearson at 135, Dom Severino at 178, Wyat Treat and sophomore Eli Hansen at 190, Ben Coffman and 215 and Joe Gumaer at 275.

Most untested weight is 122, where freshman Rob Durland, whose dad, Terry, was a state champion at North Central High in 1973, and sophomore Brett Roberts are battling.

“We’ll be solid,” said McLean. “But it will be a battle all the way through league.”

, DataTimes