MAT RATS CLASS 2A PREVIEW 2011-2012

FAVORITES: JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL HUSKIES and the NEW RICHLAND-HEARTLAND-ELLENDALE-GENEVA PANTHERS

The Huskies should be a strong favorite to repeat as section champions. Back from their 26-1-1 state championship campaign are three state qualifiers, five section place winners and eight others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four section placers including three state qualifiers they should once again challenge for section, conference and possibly for state honors. Derick Vancura, Cooper Moore, Paden Moore and Elliot Jurries will be their key leaders.


The Panthers of New Richland-Heartland-Ellendale-Geneva should make a strong challenge for honors this season. Back from their 13-9 campaign are five state qualifiers, seven section place winners and one other with a great deal of experience. With no one graduating and assuming the Panthers will continue to improve thru out the season they should be a force to be reckoned with at the end of the season. Look for Dustin Esplan, Seth Patronek, David Lassahn, Jacob Staloch and Brandon LeBlanc to lead the way for the Panthers.


DARKHORES: BLUE EARTH AREA BUCCANEEERS and the UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL REBELS

The Buccaneers of Blue Earth Area should be one of the top four teams in the section. They have back from their 16-10 dual meet campaign two state qualifiers, seven section place winners and three others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of four that included four section place winners; two of which were state place winners. They should make a great improvement over the course of the season. Look for the Bucs to make a challenge for both conference and section honors. Look for Carter Hanson and Josh Johnson to be their key leaders thru out the season.

The Rebels of United South Central have back from their 10-11 dual meet campaign two state qualifiers, seven section place winners and six others with a great deal of experience. Despite the graduation of three including two state qualifiers the Rebels should make steady improvement over the course of the season. Look for Dylan Herman and Brady Thisius to be their key leaders.

Look for the Eagles of Maple River and Tigers of Medford to push for a top four spot in this section. There are three state medal winners back from last season that include: Curt Maas and Tyler Keller of Medford, Dustin Esplan of New Richland-Heartland-Ellendale-Geneva and Derick Vancura of Jackson County Central. Also a returning medal winner from two years ago Brad Maas of Medford. There a total of fifteen state qualifiers that are returning. Those not mentioned above are: Zach Kuhns of Maple River.

Look for the following wrestlers: Alex Tewes, Pat Hanson, Kyle Edlen and Keegan Moore of Jackson County Central, Nathan Krohn, Cody Ripka and Todd Erickson of New Richland-Heartland-Ellendale-Geneva, Jesse Alleven, Michael Ankeny and Kystan Zirke of Blue Earth Area, Colten Carlson and Jake Gonsalez of United South Central, Aaron Trio, Russel Cardwell, Seth Barkoksy and Mitch Stoltzman of Maple River, Chance Oftedahl of St. Clair and Adam Driessen to challenge for medals at the end of the season.


JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL HUSKIES


Head Coach: Randy Baker
Enrollment: 310

26-1-1 Overall
6-0 South West Conference Duals
Class A Co-State Champions
Section 2A Champions
Twelve Section Place Winners/Five State Qualifiers
First Place Janesville "Fasnacht Memorial" Tourney: 228.5 Pts. (12 Placers)
Second Place Fargo "Rumble on the Red" Tourney: 182.5. Pts. (5 Placers)
Second Place Hutchinson "Tigers" Tourney: 190 Pts. (13 Placers)
Fifth Place Rochester "Minnesota Christmas" Tourney: 190 Pts. (13 Placers)
Fourth Place Blue Earth Area "Dick Maher" Tourney: 133 Pts. (8 Placers)
Third Place Kasson-Mantorville "Swalla" Duals: (3-1)

Returning Wrestlers:
Cooper Moore 12th 39-2 1st Sec./Injured/AC
Derick Vancura 11th 41-8 2nd Sec./2nd State/AC
Alex Tewes 12th 32-12 3rd Section/AC
Pat Hanson 12th 23-12 4th Section/AC
Paden Moore 9th 36-10 2nd Section/AC
Elliot Jurries 11th 36-11 3rd Section/AC
Keegan Moore 8th 26-19 6th Section/AC
Jordan Biehn 10th 13-11 3rd Section
Kyle Edlin 11th 18-10 AC
Tanner Manke 11th 17-12
Luke Norland 9th 18-8
Dylan Riggle 11th 19-14
Dakota Rossow 10th 7-22
Kyle Edwards 12th 3-5
Ryan Timko 9th 5-5
Kyle Kapplinger 9th 3-5

Graduates:
Bronson Steuber 36-3 1st Sec./State Champion (215-39 Career)
William Baker III 40-4 3rd Section/AC (170-50 Career)
Jordan Phipps 35-11 1st Section/AC
Brandon Pygman 24-19 3rd Section/AC



NEW RICHLAND HEARTLAND ELLENDALE GENEVA PANTHERS

Head Coach: Paul Cyr
Enrollment: 264

13-9 Overall
4-0 Gopher conference Champions
Section 2A Runner Up
Thirteen Section Place Winners/Five State Qualifiers
Fourth Place Hutchinson "Tigers" Tourney: 135 Pts (11 Placers)
Fifth Place Minnehaha Academy "Knight Hawk" Tourney: 95 Pts (10 Placers)
Fifth Place Faribault "Dick Shields" Tourney: 103.5 Pts. (7 Placers)
Eight Place Redwood Valley "River Riot" Tourney; 97 Pts. (4 Placers) (24 Teams)
Sixth Place Stewartville "Tigers" Tourney: 99 Pts. (10 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Dustin Esplan 12th 33-8 1st Sec./3rd State
David Lassahn 12th 37-8 2nd Section
Seth Patranek 12th 33-11 1st Section
Jacob Staloch 12th 26-14 2nd Section
Brandon LeBlanc 12th 23-17 2nd Section
Nathan Krohn 10th 26-12 3rd Section
Cody Ripka 11th 22-14 4th Section
Todd Erickson 9th 19-15 3rd Section
Tyler Logan 10th 18-15 5th Section
Matt Dahle 12th 14-16 5th Section
Dillon Parpart 10th 9-21
Geoff Ramaker 12th 4-7 4th Section
Jet Wayne 9th 2-18 6th Section


BLUE EARTH BUCCANEERS

Head Coach: Randy Wirtjes
Enrollment: 322

16-10 Overall
3-2 South Central Conference
Thirteen Section Placer Winners/Four State Qualifiers/Two State Placers
Third Place Martin County West "Maverick/Subway" Tourney: 148 Pts. (11 Placers)
Third Place South Central Conference Tourney: 147.5 Pts. (14 Placers)
Fifth Place Blue Earth Area "Dick Maher" Tourney: 132.5 Pts. (8 Placers)
Fourth Place Luverne "Cardinals" Duals: (3-1)

Returning Wrestlers:
Carter Hanson 11th 31-9 2nd Section
Josh Johnson 12th 19-9 2nd Section
Jesse Alleven 11th 22-18 4th Section
Michael Ankeny 9th 22-16 6th Section
Kystan Zierke 10th 20-17 4th Section
Alex Hurber 10th 15-20 4th Section
Isaac Vasquez 12th 14-20 6th Section
Dylan Johnsrud 11th 11-28 6th Section
Martin Granados 9th 8-27 5th Section
Mitch Hiernoimz 12th 4-9
David Franta 10th 4-3
Chris Rames 11th 3-4
Ryan Gronewald 10th 1-0
Trey Wigand 9th 1-3
Jacob Johnson 9th 2-11

Graduates:
Jake Wirtjes 35-6 1st Sec./2nd State (124 Career Wins)
Joe Franta 39-2 1st Sec./4th State (142 Career Wins)
Travis Hegedorn 27-15 4th Section
Devon Jahnke 19-20 6th Section



UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL REBELS


HEAD COACH: Marcus Eytcheson
Enrollment: 210

10-11 Overall
2-2 Gopher Conference Duals
Eleven Section Place Winners/Four State Qualifers
Third Place Hayfield "Vikings" Tourney: 169 Pts. (11 Placers)
Second Place Montgomery-Lonsdale "Coyote" Tourney: 173.5 Pts. (8 Placers)
Third Place Blue Earth Area "Dick Maher" Tourney: 141 Pts. (7 Placers)
Fourth Place Zumbrota-Mazeppa "Cougar" Duals: (1-2)

Returning Wrestlers:
Dylan Herman 10th 32-6 1st Section/AC
Brady Thisius 12th 25-10 2nd Section/AC
Colten Carlson 10th 25-7 3rd Section/AC
Jake Gonsalez 11th 22-11 5th Section/AC
Derek Herman 8th 19-17 4th Section
Ben Johnson 10th 12-21 5th Section
Seth Olson 10th 12-14 4th Section
Logan Sonnek 11th 8-23 5th Section
Travis Brown 10th 5-13 5th Section
Dom Alger 10th
Skylar Peterson 12th 7-15
Lucas George 11th 2-5
Colin Wegner 9th 7-9
Matt Harpestall 9th 5-5
David Mertens 12th
Madan Buschlack 10th 1-2

Graduates:
Dustin Dylla 36-2 1st Sec./2nd State/AC/(Career Record 142-45)
Tony Willette 27-6 1st Section/AC
Jay Staloch 6-2 (Injured)


MEDFORD/EL SHADDAI TIGERS


Head Coach: Dennis Whitman
Enrollment: 215

5-11 Overall
0-3 Gopher Conference Duals
Eight Section Place Winners/Two State Qualifiers/Two Place Winners
Third Place Maple River "Eagles" Tourney: 136 Pts. (9 Placers)
Fourth Place Le Center " Bezdichek" Tourney: 117 Pts. (9 Placers)
Fifth Place Eden Prairie "Eagles" Tourney: 138 Pts. (10 Placers)
Sixth Place Osseo "Ken Droegemueller" Tourney: 101 Pts. (8 Placers)
Eight Place Lake City "Tigers" Tourney: 88 Pts. (5 Placers)
Eight Place Kenyon Wanamingo "Knights" Tourney: 80.5 Pts. (4 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Curt Maas 12th 37-0 1st Sec./State Champion/AC
Brad Maas 12th 28-3 Hurt/AC(35-8 2nd Sec./6th State/2010
Tyler Keller 10th 37-6 1st Sec./5th State
Andrew Keller 12th 19-19 5th Section
Dan Larson 12th 18-21 3rd Section
Nate Elzen 9th 10-22 5th Section
Alec Schauer 12th 5-26 6th Section
Dane Elwood 12th 8-14
A. J. Chappuis 9th 7-28
Nick VanRuden 9th 7-27 6th Section
Tate Colwell 12th 5-20
Jon Wageman 11th 9-25
Seth Elwood 9th 2-5
Trevor Grams 9th 2-16 6th Section


MAPLE RIVER EAGLES

Head Coach: Jeff Soma
Enrollment: 295

12-7 Overall
5-1 Valley Conference Duals
Twelve Section Place Winners/Two State Qualifiers
Second Place Valley Conference Tourney: 154.5 Pts. (12 Placers)
Second Place Maple River "Eagles" Tourney: 155 Pts. (11 Placers)
Second Place Plainview-Elgin-Millville "Bulldogs" Tourney: 166 Pts. (14 Placers)
Fifth Place Redwood Valley "River Riot" Tourney: 121 Pts. (6 Placers)
Sixth Place Blue Earth Area "Dick Maher" Tourney: 122 Pts. (9 Placers)
Ninth Place Northfield "Raiders" Tourney: 50 Pts. (6 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Zach Kuhns 11th 35-8 2nd Section/AC
Aaron Trio 10th 17-`3 5th Section/AC
Russell Caldwell 9th 28-12 3rd Section/AC
Seth Barkoksy 12th 26-14 3rd Section
Mitch Stoltzman 11th 22-14 3rd Section
Paul Sonnek 12th 20-18 6th Section
Tyler Olson 10th 19-22 4th Section/AC
Aaron Wittrock 12th 11-25 6th Section
Bryce Woitas 11th 7-11
Zak Walters 11th 5-4
Owen Shuck 12th 2-5
Trevor Leagjeld 11th 3-11
Casey Decker 10th 3-3

Graduates:
Jesse Jaeger 34-6 1st Section/AC (107-49 Career)
Scott Schoneck 23-14 6th Section (69-89 Career)
Dylan Dietz 8-17
Nick Kruger 5-25
Brandon Doering 3-17


SAINT CLAIR CYCLONES

Head Coach: Brandon Greiner
Enrollment: 175

4-13 Overall
1-4 Valley Conference Duals
Seven Section Place Winners/State Qualifier
Fifth Place Valley Conference Tourney: 62 Pts. (5 Placers)
Sixth Place Rochester Century "Panther" Tourney: 100 Pts. (9 Placers)
Sixth Place Plainview-Elgin-Millville "Bulldogs" Tourney: 94 Pts. (7 Placers)
Sixth Place Glencoe/SL "Don Hall" Tourney: 110 Pts. (6 Placers)
Fifth Place Montgomery-Lonsdale "Coyote" Tourney; 129.5 Pts. (11 Placers)
Sixth Place Janesville "Fasnacht Memorial" Tourney: 79 Pts. (6 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Chance Oftedahl 10th 21-11 3rd Section
Dylan Boettcher 10th 21-15
Ben Johnson 12th 12-26 5th Section
Bryce Flowers 8th 14-23 5th Section
John Goebel 10th 17-17 5th Section
Gage Thom 9th 4-20
Chris Gabauer 11th 2-15
Lane Warzecha 9th 2-7

Graduates:
Ryan Sieberg 35-7 1st Sec./5th State/AC (148-83 Career)
Derek Kruse 22-15 4th Section (71-73 Career)
Badger Flowers 26-13 4th Section (94-90 Career)


BLOOMING PRAIRIE BLOSSOMS


Head Coach: Kevin Driessen
Enrollment: 198

2-17 Overall
0-4 Gopher Conference Duals
Four Section Place Winners/One State Qualifier
Seventh Place Montgomery-Lonsdale "Coyote" Tourney: 86 Pts. (8 Placers)
Ninth Place Lake City "Tiger" Tourney: 59.5 Pts. (5 Placers)
Tenth Place Kenyon-Wanamingo "Knights" Tourney: 57 Pts. (5 Placers)
Tenth Place Faribault "Dick Schiels" Tourney: 51 Pts. (3 Placers)
Tenth Place Stewartville "Tiger" Tourney: 45 Pts. (5 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Adam Driessen 12th 23-12 3rd Section/AC
Jarrod Grunklee 11th 19-15 5th Section
Blake Arett 11th 16-18 4th Section
Adam Wanous 11th 10-25
Dylan Prokopec 10th 9-19
Zach Nirk 9th 10-15
Tyler Cozine 11th 7-26
Derek Drees 12th 5-27
Jon Hansen 8th 2-14

Graduate:
Seth Johnson 35-7 1st Section/AC (58-55 Career)


SOUTHLAND REBELS

Head Coach: William Feuchtenberger
Enrollment: 212

No Dual Meet Records Available
Three Section Place Winners/Two State Qualifiers
Seventh Place Rochester Century "Panther" Tourney: 74 Pts. (5 Placers)
Seventh Place Plainview-Elgin-Millville "Bulldogs" Tourney: 70.5 Pts. (6 Placers)

Returning Wrestlers:
Christian Padilla 12th
Max Klingerman 10th
Alex Pitzen 12th
Corey Hemingurey 10th

Graduates:
Grant Hegge 44-3 1st Sec./4th State/AC (190-35 Career)
Michael Churchill 34-10 2nd Section/AC
Ethan Sorenson
Cody Smith