State Allotment Reduces Odds In Weight Classes
GNL wrestling
Great Northern League wrestlers, among the state’s best, find themselves at a disadvantage this year.
Their state allotments have been reduced from three to two wrestlers per weight class in a league with 11 returning state placers and where most teams bring back 10 or more district veterans.
“It is really unfortunate,” said Riverside coach Scott Friedman. “A lot of good guys will be staying home this year.”
Among returnees are defending state champions Matt Westenfelder from Lakeside and Joben Nuesse from Riverside.
The Eagles, second at state as a team last year, should be in the hunt once more despite reduced odds.
“It’s one of those years I wish we got more out than just the top two,” said coach Scott Jones. “We’re going to be pretty tough for another year.”
They bring back 10 top four district placers among 13 varsity veterans.
Primary challenger should be Colville, with 16 district veterans and five top four placers.
Riverside, said Jones, could be a league surprise.
“I think Colville’s pretty tough,” said Jones, “but Riverside trained with us and I really liked what I saw.”
Lakeside sets sights high
A team that has won and finished second at state the last two years has good reason for optimism.
Not only does state champ Westenfelder return at 168 pounds, but the team brings back fourth-place 275-pound finisher Chad Charbonneau, fifth placers Adam Christen at 141, Robert Paintner at 108 and seventh placer Kris Matthews at 101.
“Four kids are dreaming about championships at state,” said Jones. “I think those kids are not unrealistic to be thinking that way.”
Returning state veterans are sophomore Justin Belyea at 115 pounds, and senior Adrian Laughery at 178. Additionally, district champion Jason Cummings missed state because of shoulder problems, but returns to wrestle at 215.
District placers are sophomore Austin Laughery, 122 pounder and senior Todd Kenny at 135.
Ben Dinsmore is another 122-pound hopeful, freshman Taylor Galvin will wrestle at 129, Shawn Close is at 148, Brandon Hopkins is at 158, and Jake Roney and Shane Fuller are at 190.
“My goal is to get nine kids through to state,” said Jones. “I know who they should be and hope to have a couple of surprises.”
Riverside has things going
Things are moving in the right direction at Riverside where every weight is filled with a blend of eight veterans and promising youngsters.
Nuesse, at 129, leads the way.
“It’s always tough to defend, but he’s talking about it,” said Friedman. “His work ethic has been good. He’s setting an example in the room.”
Others with high hopes are 141 pound Brandon Morris, eighth at state last year, state veteran Damon Tokarz, district placers, junior 135-pound Casey Bullen and 178-pound Craig Alexander, plus sophomore 190-pounder Spencer Murphy.
Murphy last summer set an age group world record of 314 pounds in the bench press.
“He has big goals,” said Friedman.
Other veterans are 168-pound junior Dwight Kasinger and 215-pound Greg Petropolus.
Newcomers are freshmen Travis Spackman, 101, Ehrin Clerc, 108, Doyle Kasinger, 115 and Adam Morris, 122.
Sophomores Mike Norton and Joe Jordan, both at 158, plus senior Cliff Hostutler, 275, complete the lineup.
“Everyone’s chasing Lakeside and Colville again,” said Friedman. “But we’ll strap our boots up and give it a go.”
Key for Deer Park is its seniors
Seniors are key if the Stags are to improve on last year’s fifth-place league finish.
“Our seniors,” said coach Steve Meuer, “are going to have to get quite a bit better. They figured it out after this weekend.”
State veteran Jon Waunch at 148 or 141 pounds and district placer Ryan Pilgrim at 115 lead the way.
Two other seniors, Tony Nazzal at 141 and Seth McLean at 275 are other key players.
District veterans include Travis Berger, 115 pounds, Ryan Dearing, 148, and Brad Martin, 178.
“He came out at the end of last season from basketball,” said Meuer. “He’s improved considerably.”
Other varsity veterans are Brian Balfour and Joe Palmer at 129 and 135, Orin Davis at 168 and Jake Stillman at 215.
New prospects are freshmen twins Kash and Kody Kender at 101 and 108, Casey Jennings at 135, Scott Palmer and Brent Small at 158, Willie Salter at 168 and first-year senior Pat Wise at 190.