I've taken a look at who some of the top teams across the state in Class AA could be this coming season, based on who's back and who is new. The teams are ordered starting with last season's state finish, if applicable. It's a pretty substantial list, but of course, there will probably be a surprise team or two that's not on here.
UPDATE on November 10: I have added some notes on many of these teams.
UPDATE on November 10: I have added some notes on many of these teams.
Reynolds
2013-14: District 10 champion, State 2nd place
Returnees:
Gage Bayless, 39-7 at 106
Seth Hogue, 37-11 at 113, State 4th
Chaise Hauck, 27-15 at 120
Mike Bartolo, 34-11 at 126
Alec Reiter, 2-4 at 126
Joel Leise, 24-17 at 132
Damion Gearhart, 3-5 at 145
Mike Millero, 41-10 at 170
Cole Rickert, 31-9 at 220
Gene Ringer, 38-15 at 285, State 8th
Promising Newcomer: Cole Matthews (PJW 3rd place in 2014, previous PJW champion)
NOTES: The defending state team runner-up likely comes into the new season as one of the Class AA favorites, with Bethlehem Catholic up in AAA. Hogue had a solid state tournament last season that included a quarterfinal win over Southmoreland's Austin Griffiths. Millero, Rickert, and Ringer give the Raiders as good of an upperweight group as probably anybody. The question mark may be the middle of the lineup, which is likely where we'll see the debut of another Matthews in Reynolds' varsity colors. This one, Cole, is very accomplished already with six PJW state medals and wins this summer in the ASICS Freestyle and Greco-Roman Nationals. Reynolds will wrestle at the Powerade Tournament in late December, a new addition to its schedule.
NOTES: The defending state team runner-up likely comes into the new season as one of the Class AA favorites, with Bethlehem Catholic up in AAA. Hogue had a solid state tournament last season that included a quarterfinal win over Southmoreland's Austin Griffiths. Millero, Rickert, and Ringer give the Raiders as good of an upperweight group as probably anybody. The question mark may be the middle of the lineup, which is likely where we'll see the debut of another Matthews in Reynolds' varsity colors. This one, Cole, is very accomplished already with six PJW state medals and wins this summer in the ASICS Freestyle and Greco-Roman Nationals. Reynolds will wrestle at the Powerade Tournament in late December, a new addition to its schedule.
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Burrell
2013-14: District 7 champion, State 3rd place
Returnees:
Dean Edwards, 12-23 at 106
Dillan Jeffery, 21-17 at 113
Jason Roberts, 11-25 at 120
Anthony Marra, 28-18 at 126
Damon Greenwald, 15-11 at 138
Jason David, 7-6 at 145
Alex Moses, 14-9 at 182
Robert Scherer, 32-19 at 195
Allan Beattie, 44-6 at 285, State 3rd
NOTES: Burrell had a great finish to its team season last winter. After losing to Hamburg in its PIAA Duals opener at Hershey, the Bucs reeled off five straight wins to finish third. That included avenging a loss to Chestnut Ridge at the Brookville Duals, before beating Huntingdon and then ripping both Hamburg in a rematch, then Boiling Springs in the consolation final. Burrell did lose state champion Steven Edwards, but a nucleus of experience is back, led by heavyweight Allan Beattie, third in the state as a junior.
NOTES: Burrell had a great finish to its team season last winter. After losing to Hamburg in its PIAA Duals opener at Hershey, the Bucs reeled off five straight wins to finish third. That included avenging a loss to Chestnut Ridge at the Brookville Duals, before beating Huntingdon and then ripping both Hamburg in a rematch, then Boiling Springs in the consolation final. Burrell did lose state champion Steven Edwards, but a nucleus of experience is back, led by heavyweight Allan Beattie, third in the state as a junior.
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Boiling Springs
2013-14: District 3 champion, State 4th place
Returnees:
Jonathan Day, 18-21 at 106
Devin Crum, 3-18 at 113
Korbin Myers, 44-2 at 120, State Champion
Grant Bond, 41-7 at 126, State 5th
Kyle Shoop, 39-9 at 132, State 2nd
A.J. Kostyak, 15-7 at 138
John Vaughn, 35-13 at 145
Tyler Kauffman, 20-15 at 152
Travis Wickard, 32-16 at 170
Nathan Gouhin, 24-18 at 182
NOTES: The defending District 3 champion Bubblers should be very strong again in the 2014-15 season. The middle of the lineup is very strong, with Myers, Bond, Shoop, and Vaughn leading the way. Likely challenging Boiling Springs locally will be Bermudian Springs, who you can view below.
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Hamburg
2013-14: District 3 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Romeo Eaddy, 16-22 at 106
Mike Eicher, 4-25 at 113
Sean Stanish, 43-12 at 120
Dylan Miller, 2-2 at 138
Andrew Kochel, 23-22 at 145
Matt James, 13-19 at 152
Ronnie Lavigne, 18-19 at 160
Tyler Herber, 18-24 at 170
NOTES: On paper, it looks like Hamburg might not match last season's output. Then again, who thought Hamburg would have reached the state team semifinals? The District 3 school upset Burrell and Brookville in consecutive matches before running into the Bethlehem Catholic buzzsaw.
NOTES: On paper, it looks like Hamburg might not match last season's output. Then again, who thought Hamburg would have reached the state team semifinals? The District 3 school upset Burrell and Brookville in consecutive matches before running into the Bethlehem Catholic buzzsaw.
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Brookville
2013-14: District 9 champion, State qualifier
Returnees:
Jacob St. Laurent, 5-5 at 106
Gavin Park, 28-7 at 106
Taylor Ortz, 38-4 at 113, State 3rd
Cole Aaron, 25-12 at 120
Devin Joiner, 10-13 at 126
Cole Clever, 20-14 at 126
Dalton Zimmerman, 26-10 at 132, State 6th in 2013
Dane Clever, 2-6 at 152
Jimmy Miller, 27-15 at 160, State 8th
Dominic Palmer, 5-5 at 170
Noah Cielseski, 9-15 at 182
Jake Keesecker, 2-3 at 195
Bryce Town, 29-12 at 220
Promising Newcomer: Caleb Hetrick (PJW placewinner in 2013)
NOTES: Brookville should be another top contender if things line up. Ortz and Miller won state medals a season ago, while Zimmerman didn't but he did the year before. The District 9 champs have a number of other quality people, including Town, who I saw did a lot of offseason wrestling.
NOTES: Brookville should be another top contender if things line up. Ortz and Miller won state medals a season ago, while Zimmerman didn't but he did the year before. The District 9 champs have a number of other quality people, including Town, who I saw did a lot of offseason wrestling.
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Huntingdon
2013-14: District 6 champion, State qualifier
Returnees:
John Kline, 2-27 at 106
Collin Glorioso, 40-4 at 113, State 5th, State 3rd in 2013
Tyler Scott, 33-8 at 120
Seth Baney, 4-0 at 145
Jacob Oliver, 41-5 at 145, State 4th
Jon Wagner, 34-11 at 152
Logan Fisher, 31-10 at 170
Matt Norris, 30-8 at 182
NOTES: Huntingdon should be one of the favorites if not the top dog in District 6 this season. Glorioso and Oliver front a lineup that has a good bit of talent even if the other names aren't household ones yet. The Bearcats did add the King of the Mountain Tournament to their schedule, giving their studs another top event to shine in.
NOTES: Huntingdon should be one of the favorites if not the top dog in District 6 this season. Glorioso and Oliver front a lineup that has a good bit of talent even if the other names aren't household ones yet. The Bearcats did add the King of the Mountain Tournament to their schedule, giving their studs another top event to shine in.
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Saucon Valley
2013-14: District 11 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Jack Hill, 33-10 at 106
Harley Lau, 2-1 at 113
Jarred Kyra, 7-19 at 113
Ty Drukenmiller, 18-22 at 120
Bret Svites, 17-21 at 126
Justin Propsner, 11-11 at 132
Dylan Yonney, 27-18 at 132
Nathan Harka, 23-21 at 145
Nick Schneider, 14-10 at 145
Blayne Hirshbeck, 18-13 at 152
Devin Fontenez, 35-11 at 160
Jason Lynch, 40-13 at 170
Brandon Blobe, 24-7 at 182
Sam Scheetz, 19-6 at 285
Promising Newcomer: Jason Jones (PJW qualifier)
NOTES: The banner in District 11-AA this year could come from Saucon Valley, which has had a good team in recent seasons, but has been overshadowed by the dominance of Bethlehem Catholic. Saucon has a lot of returning kids, led by Fontanez, Lynch, and Blobe in the upperweights.
NOTES: The banner in District 11-AA this year could come from Saucon Valley, which has had a good team in recent seasons, but has been overshadowed by the dominance of Bethlehem Catholic. Saucon has a lot of returning kids, led by Fontanez, Lynch, and Blobe in the upperweights.
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Chestnut Ridge
2013-14: District 5 champion, State qualifier
Returnees:
Aaron Burkett, 38-8 at 106, State 6th
Blake Dunlap, 22-11 at 113
Luke Hobson, 5-4 at 120
Morgan Deremer, 18-13 at 126
Derrick Claar, 32-8 at 138
Trent Crouse, 30-8 at 145
Brandyn Beaver, 6-9 at 152
Colby Hillegass, 23-16 at 160
Josh McGill, 2-4 at 160
Conner Buttry, 36-9 at 182
Jon Heming, 9-17 at 195
Shane Davis, 13-9 at 220
Promising Newcomer: Justin McCoy (PJW 3rd place in 2014, previous PJW champion, five-time PJW placewinner)
NOTES: As long as the weight classes shuffle out, Chestnut Ridge should be loaded in the lower and middle areas of its roster, with Buttry leading the upperweights for the Lions. Burkett, Claar, and Crouse are the top winners there with others having a good bit of experience. Certainly, McCoy is going to be a youngster to watch as he brings a strong resume to the varsity room. If things play out well and Ridge can get through District 5, meaning likely Berlin and maybe Somerset, it could mean another state team medal for the Lions.
NOTES: As long as the weight classes shuffle out, Chestnut Ridge should be loaded in the lower and middle areas of its roster, with Buttry leading the upperweights for the Lions. Burkett, Claar, and Crouse are the top winners there with others having a good bit of experience. Certainly, McCoy is going to be a youngster to watch as he brings a strong resume to the varsity room. If things play out well and Ridge can get through District 5, meaning likely Berlin and maybe Somerset, it could mean another state team medal for the Lions.
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Towanda
2013-14: District 4 champion, State qualifier
Returnees:
Nate Secules, 14-22 at 106
Mike Alberico, 2-0 at 113
Brian Westbrook, 3-1 at 120
Clay Mosier, 11-21 at 126
Steven Yates, 22-8 at 138
David Knolles, 16-14 at 145
Dayton Wickwire, 36-9 at 160
Breycin Fulmer, 25-14 at 170
Kalob Benjamin, 4-4 at 182
Dakota Manning, 35-13 at 195
NOTES: Towanda's lineup has some tough spots, especially with Yates, Wickwire, and Manning.
NOTES: Towanda's lineup has some tough spots, especially with Yates, Wickwire, and Manning.
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Fort LeBoeuf
2013-14: District 10 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Steve McGarvie, 2-0 at 106
Abe Guarriello, 29-16 at 106
Isaac Bengel, 16-9 at 113
Logan Kuzma, 12-4 at 113
Jarrette Carter, 31-10 at 120
Tyler Kuzma, 31-15 at 126
Shane Newell, 16-14 at 132
Sam Adams, 3-9 at 138
Jacob Lathrop, 5-16 at 160
Lane Reinwald, 3-10 at 170
Andrew Rose, 6-11 at 170
Garrett Reinwald, 40-10 at 195
Gabe Dylewski, 5-7 at 220
NOTES: Fort LeBoeuf's expected returnees resemble that of Saucon Valley, a lot of unknown names but a lot of names back means returning experience. FLB is usually a strong bet to get to Hershey, and if so, usually wrestles very well on the Giant Center mats.
NOTES: Fort LeBoeuf's expected returnees resemble that of Saucon Valley, a lot of unknown names but a lot of names back means returning experience. FLB is usually a strong bet to get to Hershey, and if so, usually wrestles very well on the Giant Center mats.
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Redbank Valley
2013-14: District 9 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Ryan Kube, 21-15 at 106
Scott Drenning, 5-8 at 113
Tanner Altobelli, 32-10 at 126
Kolbin Altobelli, 6-10 at 126
Austin Schreckengost, 2-10 at 132
Luke Gallo, 22-16 at 138
Jake Hopper, 5-15 at 152
Keshon Truitt, 19-14 at 160
Devin Schimp, 5-17 at 170
Brylee Shumaker, 22-11 at 195
Cal Haines, 27-6 at 220
Pat Crawford, 2-3 at 285
NOTES: Redbank Valley lost to district mate Brookville in a consolation match in Hershey last season. The top wrestlers on paper appear to be Tanner Altobelli and Haines.
NOTES: Redbank Valley lost to district mate Brookville in a consolation match in Hershey last season. The top wrestlers on paper appear to be Tanner Altobelli and Haines.
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South Fayette
2013-14: District 7 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Andrew John, 34-15 at 106
Jasper Wolfe, 20-12 at 113
Scott Rzepecki, 14-17 at 126
Mike Carr, 44-2 at 132, State 5th
Shane Ging, 29-19 at 138
Ben Previte, 14-10 at 145
Brett Beltz, 35-11 at 145
Camden Hoover, 2-1 at 145
J.J. Walker, 43-2 at 160, State 2nd, State 7th in 2013
Rausaun Culberson, 17-14 at 220
Jeremy Carter, 11-22 at 285
Promising Newcomer: Mike Cusik (PJW 4th place)
NOTES: South Fayette is led by returning state medalists Carr and Walker. John, Wolfe, Ging, and Beltz also have good wins to their names in the past. I think the race in D7 should be interesting between Burrell, South Fayette, and Jefferson-Morgan.
NOTES: South Fayette is led by returning state medalists Carr and Walker. John, Wolfe, Ging, and Beltz also have good wins to their names in the past. I think the race in D7 should be interesting between Burrell, South Fayette, and Jefferson-Morgan.
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Montoursville
2013-14: District 4 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Morgan Comini, 23-12 at 106
Cortland Stahl, 5-15 at 120
Jacob Strassner, 20-21 at 126
Keith Batkowski, 41-4 at 132
Nolan Ott, 32-13 at 138
Bryce O'Connor, 6-19 at 145
Michael Forney, 13-19 at 152
Triston Choate, 17-15 at 160
Garrett Hoffman, 44-5 at 170, State 6th
Ben Cerney, 37-10 at 220
Promising Newcomer: Gavin Hoffman (Four-time PJW champion, six-time PJW placewinner)
NOTES: Montoursville fell to local Chestnut Ridge in the first day of the state duals last season. Batkowski was part of a very strong 132-pound bracket at the state tournament one month later, and was eliminated by Bedford's Ryan Easter in the consolations. My sources tell me that Gavin Hoffman is the real deal coming into varsity, and I've been told he's better than his brother, who finished sixth in the state at 170.
NOTES: Montoursville fell to local Chestnut Ridge in the first day of the state duals last season. Batkowski was part of a very strong 132-pound bracket at the state tournament one month later, and was eliminated by Bedford's Ryan Easter in the consolations. My sources tell me that Gavin Hoffman is the real deal coming into varsity, and I've been told he's better than his brother, who finished sixth in the state at 170.
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West Branch
2013-14: District 6 2nd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Joey Couteret, 32-8 at 106
Hunter Parks, 14-18 at 120
Nathan Kristofits, 9-14 at 132
Kris Smeal, 7-5 at 152
Luke Slippey, 20-4 at 152
Clayton Green, 25-11 at 160
Conor Myers, 19-13 at 170
Vincent McDowell, 23-11 at 195
Buzzy Maines, 38-2 at 220, State 2nd
NOTES: West Branch should still be a player in the District 6 race, with a number of pretty good wrestlers back. That group is undoubtedly led by Maines, who was second in the state last season.
NOTES: West Branch should still be a player in the District 6 race, with a number of pretty good wrestlers back. That group is undoubtedly led by Maines, who was second in the state last season.
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Jefferson-Morgan
2013-14: District 7 3rd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Damon Belford, 13-18 at 106
Brendan Howard, 35-10 at 113
Aaron Mylan, 11-22 at 120
Austin Goldsberry, 8-18 at 132
Trevor Kniha, 29-22 at 152
Jeremy Mayfield, 7-10 at 152
Parker Woodring, 2-9 at 160
Bill Bowlen, 40-6 at 170
Anthony Patterson, 18-9 at 195
Ian Wolfe, 32-11 at 285
Promising Newcomer: Gavin Teasdale (Two-time PJW champion, four-time PJW placewinner)
NOTES: Jefferson-Morgan should be one of the top WPIAL AA programs. Howard was a state qualifier two seasons ago, and he, Bowlen, and Wolfe make up the strong points of the returning group of wrestlers. Teasdale, likely at 106, is a can't-miss stud I've been told. JM will be attending the Powerade Tournament in late December, switching from the Southmoreland Holiday Classic.
NOTES: Jefferson-Morgan should be one of the top WPIAL AA programs. Howard was a state qualifier two seasons ago, and he, Bowlen, and Wolfe make up the strong points of the returning group of wrestlers. Teasdale, likely at 106, is a can't-miss stud I've been told. JM will be attending the Powerade Tournament in late December, switching from the Southmoreland Holiday Classic.
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Wyalusing Valley
2013-14: District 4 3rd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Taylor Schum, 4-9 at 106
Josh Haley, 38-7 at 106
Jacob Sandfort, 5-15 at 113
Tracey Brown, 16-18 at 120
Charles Stretch, 12-21 at 126
Collin Edsell, 38-5 at 132
Nevin Nolte, 3-3 at 138
Ryan Force, 14-12 at 138
Justin Haley, 30-8 at 145
Ryan Kipp, 16-20 at 160
Warner Mendoza, 17-17 at 195
Dylan Otis, 44-5 at 220, State 4th
Dalton Chilson, 44-8 at 285
NOTES: Wyalusing has good records in both Haley's, Esdell, Otis, and Chilson.
NOTES: Wyalusing has good records in both Haley's, Esdell, Otis, and Chilson.
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Greenville
2013-14: District 10 3rd place, State qualifier
Returnees:
Michael Lineman, 39-8 at 106
Jase Paxton, 37-12 at 113
Brandon Moss, 19-15 at 126
Blake Reynolds, 36-14 at 132
Gavin Wilkerson, 39-9 at 138
Gage Gladysz, 40-4 at 160
Zach Miller, 35-8 at 170
Mason Horne, 13-17 at 285
NOTES: Greenville, in a good District 10 with Reynolds, Fort LeBoeuf, and Saegertown, brings back six wrestlers with at least 35 wins each.
NOTES: Greenville, in a good District 10 with Reynolds, Fort LeBoeuf, and Saegertown, brings back six wrestlers with at least 35 wins each.
Other Potential Contenders
Berlin - District 5
Returnees:
Kyle Boyce, 13-20 at 106
Emil Kiesnowski, 2-4 at 113
Joey Swank, 33-6 at 120
Kane McKenzie, 25-18 at 132
Storm McDonald, 20-19 at 138
Braden Fochtman, 36-7 at 145
Taylor Cahill, 40-6 at 152
Bryce Fochtman, 35-8 at 160
Brody Moore, 8-5 at 170
Trevor Moore, 11-11 at 170
Shane Pepper, 22-13 at 182
Toby Cahill, 29-11 at 195
Anthony Collins, 27-11 at 285
NOTES: Berlin has another solid season shaping up and is expected to be Somerset County's top entry. Swank, both Fochtman's, and both Cahill's are the studs, while Collins is a tough heavyweight, and most of the others are proven commodities.
NOTES: Berlin has another solid season shaping up and is expected to be Somerset County's top entry. Swank, both Fochtman's, and both Cahill's are the studs, while Collins is a tough heavyweight, and most of the others are proven commodities.
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Bermudian Springs - District 3
Returnees:
Austin Clabaugh, 30-10 at 106
Bayley Oberlander, 25-8 at 113
Jarod Miller, 18-21 at 120
Ashton West, 12-10 at 126
Noah Fleshman, 5-4 at 132
Jason Townsend, 2-10 at 132
Phoenix Russell, 3-9 at 152
Briton Shelton, 41-4 at 160, State 4th, State 8th in 2013
Cody Rowland, 8-10 at 170
Sid Stauffer, 5-7 at 170
Colton Dull, 38-7 at 182, State 7th
Sam McCollum, 36-9 at 220, State 8th
Brady Linebaugh, 26-8 at 285
NOTES: Bermudian Springs should be really good and a contender to take the District 3 crown from rival Boiling Springs this season. Bermudian appears to be strong in the lower and upper areas of its lineup, with three state medalists back.
NOTES: Bermudian Springs should be really good and a contender to take the District 3 crown from rival Boiling Springs this season. Bermudian appears to be strong in the lower and upper areas of its lineup, with three state medalists back.
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Saegertown - District 10
Returnees:
Dillon Auck, 12-17 at 106
Jarrett Ruhl, 19-16 at 113
Bingbong Elizon, 25-14 at 120
Jude Mattocks, 8-14 at 126
Tyler Vath, 37-8 at 132, State 4th, State 8th in 2013
Nick Monico, 37-12 at 138, State 6th, State 8th in 2013
Garrett Zuver, 27-17 at 152
Lance Neusscheler, 21-18 at 160
Daniel Simmerman, 11-18 at 170
Donald Baron, 5-6 at 170
Dylan Reynolds, 41-5 at 182, State 3rd, State 4th in 2013
Zach Stafford, 20-17 at 195
Joseph Boylan, 5-13 at 220
Jason Nageotte, 2-6 at 285
Dalton Gaerttner, 4-13 at 285
Promising Newcomer: Cody Mulligan (PJW champion in 2014, four-time PJW placewinner)
NOTES: Vath, Monico, and Reynolds are all multiple state medalists and certainly lead Saegertown into battle this season. I said it last year and will say again - think if Spencer Lee and Devin Brown were still there. That would make the team even more formidable.
NOTES: Vath, Monico, and Reynolds are all multiple state medalists and certainly lead Saegertown into battle this season. I said it last year and will say again - think if Spencer Lee and Devin Brown were still there. That would make the team even more formidable.
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Southern Columbia - District 4
Returnees:
Shane Casey, 23-9 at 106
Noah Carl, 14-12 at 113
Todd Lane, 37-5 at 120, State 2nd
Kent Lane, 28-2 at 138, State 2nd, State 6th in 2013
Bryce Hager, 5-9 at 138
Blake Marks, 35-6 at 152, State 2nd, State 8th in 2013
Carter Houseknecht, 3-17 at 160
Connor Houseknecht, 16-10 at 160
Steve Toczylousky, 17-13 at 182
Chase Tillett, 5-10 at 182
Matt Fabian, 10-11 at 285
Transfer: Billy Barnes, 42-1 at 145 for Williamson, State 2nd, State 6th in 2013
Promising Newcomer: Jaret Lane
NOTES: Southern Columbia has a lot of top notch talent back and could be a sleeper, if not the favorite, in District 4. Todd Lane, Kent Lane, and Marks gave SC three state finalists last season. Throw in transfer Barnes from Williamson, and now the Tigers have four runner-ups.
NOTES: Southern Columbia has a lot of top notch talent back and could be a sleeper, if not the favorite, in District 4. Todd Lane, Kent Lane, and Marks gave SC three state finalists last season. Throw in transfer Barnes from Williamson, and now the Tigers have four runner-ups.
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