Michigan Grappler's 2009-10 High School Previews
Division 1 Team Preview
This year's Division 1 team race is shaping out to be one of the most intrigueing of recent years. The State Champions and Runners-Up from Division 2, Lowell and Oxford, both move up into what is already widely considered the toughest division in the state.
Now returning D1 Champs Rockford, along with traditional powerhouses Hartland and Detroit Catholic Central, who all return at least 5 state qualifiers, are mixed in with Lowell and Oxford. Lowell returns a ton of guys and Coach Dave Dean is really start to turn them into one of the state's premeire programs and Oxford returns almost as much depth as anyone in the state.
Rockford and Lowell are two of the state's most significant programs and they are also two of the best programs on the west side of the state. Due to their geographical similiarity, they were paired into the same Regional, so they will be meeting up prior to the state tournaement and one of those two teams will not be making the trip to Battle Creek.
Hartland and Detroit Catholic Central return a ton of depth, as well as some major firepower, which makes them both viable candidates to challenge Rockford or Lowell at the State Meet. If I were to make a very early prediction I would say that the Rockford/Lowell winner is the #1 seed at states, followed by Hartland and DCC at #2 and #3 which should be a nice semifinal matchup, but it is very early to tell how things will shake out.
D1 juggernauts like Holt, Temperance Bedford, and Clarkston, in addition to up and coming teams Canton, Jenison, and Westland John Glenn, to name a few, make the Division 1 team picture very interesting heading into the start of the season.
Read below to see what the top Division 1 teams are working with as they pursue Battle Creek glory this February.
Heaviest Hitters:
1. ROCKFORD
Returning State Qualifiers: 5
Individuals ranked Preseason: 8 - Tyler Vanrooyen (103), Jacob
Scholten (119), Jake Byers (125), Austin Scogg (135), Bruce Carlstrom
(152), Jake Johnson (160), Jake Dorulla (171), Joe Stefanski (215)
Key losses: Kyle Waldo (119), Zach Johnson (140), CJ Scholl (152),
Jesse Somsel (285)
Impact Newcomers: Jacob Scholten (Transfer-119)
Outlook: The returning champs graduated a good group of seniors, led by
4x state champ Kyle Waldo and a pair of other state finalists in Somsel
and Johnson, however, they bring back a lot of firepower throughout their
lineup, including two state champs in Jake Dorulla and Joe Stefanksi, as well as two state runners-up in Jake Johnson and Jake Byers. Then throw in the addition of 2x All-Stater and 2008 State Runner-Up Jacob Scholten who transferred from Grandville and there is no doubt that Rockford still has one of the most expierenced and star-studded lineups in the state. If Regional Qualifiers Tyler Vanrooyen, Austin Scogg, and Bruce Carlstrom build off their strong season last year they could fill in around the other big guns nicely and make this a tough lineup to deal with, and they will need to be as Division 1 is as tough as ever this year with addition of D2 champs Lowell and D2 Runners-Up Oxford thrown into the mix.
2. LOWELL
Returning state qualifiers: 6
Individuals ranked preseason: 7 - Gabe Morse (130), Dan Fleet
(140), Andrew Morse (145), Jackson Morse (160), Gabe Dean (171),
Ryan Olep (189), Connor Kruse (285)
Key Losses: Ryan Dean (140), Rocky Pabon (145), Tim Gingerich
(160)
Outlook: After climbing the top of the Division 2 mountain last year,
coach Dave Dean and the Lowell program will have a new challenge
to face this year as they will expierence their first season in Division
1 competetion. Lowell has the depth and talent to compete at this
level, however, after graduating a trio of strong seniors, they will
need to have some new faces step up if they want to compete with
the likes of Rockford. Jackson Morse is arguably the best wrestler
in the state and he, along with 2x state placer Ryan Olep, should
lead the way for them this year. The Red Arrow sophomore class is as good as any in the state with the younger Morse brothers Gabe and Andrew, along with the returning state qualifier Gabe Dean. Jackson Morse, Dean, Olep, and all-state heavyweight Connor Kruse give Lowell one of the best groups of upperweights in the state and should make for some interesting matchups when they meet up Rockford and their Johnson-Dorulla-Stefanski upperweight fleet. While their middle to upperweights are intimidating, it could be their ability to fill in the lightweights that determines their success in big duals.
3. HARTLAND
Returning State Qualifiers: 7
Individuals ranked Preseason: 8 - Alec Bain (103), Ross Kantola (112), Nick
Monitz (125), Chase Snider (130), Jeff Lopez (135), Doug Baughman (135), Matt
Ostermiller (160), Nick McDiarmid (215)
Key losses: Bryan Hughes (135), Kyle Summerfield (171), Brandon Kesterson
(285)
Impact Newcomers: Alec Bain (Freshman-103), Nick McDiarmid (Transfer-215)
Outlook: With the addition of freshman Alec Bain at the bottom of their order and
transfer Nick McDiarmid at the bottom, Hartland may have all the pieces to make a
run this year. The Eagles are solid from top to bottom with returning state
qualifiers and placers scattered throughout. Nick Monitz, Jeff Lopez, and
McDiarmid are all state title contenders and McDiarmid is one of, if not the best
big man in the state. Hartland's best quality is without doubt their depth as they
had 8 wrestlers ranked in the preseason Division 1 rankings. Anytime you fill over
half your weights with ranked wrestlers, your looking at something special. Guys
like Kantola, Snider, Baughman, and Ostermille just add depth to this very tough team. They should, without doubt, be in the hunt to win it all in Battle Creek come this March.
4. DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Returning state qualifiers: 6
Individuals ranked preseason: 8 - James Demember (103), Todd Melick
(112), Kenny Bade (112), Alec Mooradian (119), Justin Melick (130),
Doug Eldridge (135), Charlie Joseph (135), Mike Kinville (215)
Key Losses: Trevor O'Connor (152)
Impact Newcomers: James Demember (Freshman-103), Kenny Bade
(Freshman-112)
Outlook: DCC continues to improve each year that Mitch Hancock is
under helm and this year should be no different as he may have his best
overall team since taking over the reigns three years ago. The
Shamrocks only major loss is state placer Trevor O'Connor and they
return state champ Alec Mooradian as well as state placers Todd Melick,
Justin Melick, Doug Eldridge, and Mike Kinville. In addition, state
qualifier Charlie Joseph and freshman stud Kenny Bade provide even
more punch. Their lightweight fleet is one of the best in division 1 and could be a real force against Lowell and Rockford, who are stronger towards the top of their lineups. Time will tell if they have all the pieces to win it all, but DCC is definitely one of the big dogs in Division 1 this year.
Top Challengers:
5. HOLT
Individuals ranked preseason: Freddie Rodriguez (112), Ben Matthieson (125), Seth Hanton (152), Mike Andring (189)
Key Losses: Kyle Hanton (130), Koort Leyrer (152), Zach Shaw (160), Corbin Boone (189), James Mireles (215)
Outlook: After making the Division 1 Finals the last two seasons, Holt will have their work cut out for them this year with the loss of 5 state qualfying seniors. However, they still have some of very talented guys including state champ and nationally ranked Freddie Rodriguez. Ben Matthieson and Mike Andring are both state title contenders who provide some punch in this lineup as well. They will need regional qualifiers Seth Hanton and Mike Jones, as well as freshman 103lber Shayne Wireman to step up this year, and some others will have to come out of the woodwork for the Rams to make another run this year.
6. OXFORD
Individuals ranked preseason: Jacob Peasley (103), Matt Frisch (130), Ben Ralston (145), AJ Logan (160), Prescott Line (285)
Key Losses: Calvin Cavanaugh (112), Mike Myer (152), Josh Villareal (189), Dylan Smith (285)
Outlook: Oxford showed the depth of their program last year, making a run to the D2 state finals, and while they graduated a good group of seniors they return a pretty nice group this year in their first season competing in Division 1. If they fill in their holes they could be a sleeper in this division with four or five legitimate all-state contenders.
7. CLARKSTON
Individuals ranked preseason: Zak Roberson (112), Jeff Sloney (125), Matt Dietz (145), Evan King (160), Matt Vandemeer (171)
Key Losses: Alex Popp (145), Sloan Hadsall (189)
Outlook: It seems like every year you have to keep Clarkston in mind. They remain one of the top teams in Oakland County and they return a lot of firepower this year with Roberson, Sloney, Dietz, King, and Vandemeer all being almost sure things to qualify for the state meet and contend for a spot on the podium.
8. TEMPERANCE BEDFORD
Individuals ranked preseason: Mike Peck (140), Tyler Romijn (160), Mason Cole (285)
Key Losses: Billy Osborne (140), Nick Whitenburg (189)
Outlook: After a rare non-appearance in Battle Creek last year, Bedford will have some work to do this year after losing their senior duo of Osborne (state champ) and Whitenburg (state runner-up). You can't forget about the Mules, however, as they have a storied tradition and solid guys like Peck, Gibbs, Romijn, and Cole anchoring their lineup.
9. JENISON
Individuals ranked preseason: Doug Furness (140), Jordan Alvarez (152), Aaron Strelecki (152),
Key Losses: Tommy Bassett (285)
Outlook: Jenison was quietly a very strong team last year, however, they often get overshadowed by the skyscraper program that is Rockford and their road gets even tougher this year as Lowell is now in the mix of the west side D1 picture. They return state qualifiers Trent Samuels, Jordan Alvarez, as well as Furness and Strelecki who are capable of competing in Auburn Hills, so keep Jenison on your D1 radar.
10. CANTON
Individuals ranked preseason: Waleed Faraj (119), Don Watkins (140), Brent Winecoff (152), Keith Zech (171), Anthony Abro (189)
Key Losses: Carl Lucke (119)
Outlook: Canton is starting to emerge as one of the premiere D1 programs as they have been very solid the past few years and coach Corey Mancuso appears to have things moving in the right direction. They have a dynamic duo of seniors in state placers Watkins and Winecoff who anchor the middle of this lineup and Faraj, Abro and company only further confirm their ability to win alot of matches against almost any team.
Don't Forget About:
HOWELL
Howell returns three All-State wrestlers with Kyle Pillars (103), Alex Calandrino (112), and Travis Rife (135). In addition, D2 state placer Travis Kern has transferred over from Fowlerville and Chad Czerneski, who is ranked as one of the Top 10 freshman in the state, make for key additions as they look to challenge KVC Juggernaut Hartland.
ROSEVILLE
Roseville returns as one of the strongest D1 teams coming from the Macomb County area. This year they return 5 state qualifiers and 2 All-State Wrestlers from last year's sqaud that made a trip to Battle Creek. They look primed to make another run to Kellogg Arena this year as all-staters Chris Nash and Josh Roberts lead a very deep squad that has a relatively un-daunting road to State Tournament.
WESTLAND JOHN GLENN
John Glenn made some noise last year as a team that is capable of contending in Division 1 as they knocked off Bedford to advance to Battle Creek. This year they could be dangerous as they build off that State Tournament trip from last year. They return 5 state qualifiers including All-Staters Steve Wakeford (112), Anthony Pavlich (130), and Dustin Gajowski (285). The loss of state placers Jimmy Mann and Jared Stephens will tough to replace, however, this year's John Glenn squad still packs some punch.
ANCHOR BAY
The graduation of 5 state qualifying seniors is going to hurt Anchor Bay this year, especially state placers Robbie Bidlinmaier, Joey Yost, and Nick Licari. They return one placer in Steve Sattler (145), one other qualifier in Larry Rybarz (1135), and a regional quailfier in Ben Donovan. While they lost most of their senior leadership, Anchor Bay seems to have a pretty deep program and should have some quality kids ready to step in this year, so they are worth keeping an eye on.
LAKE ORION
Lake Orion returns two state qualifiers in AJ Fligger (140) and Willie Stewart (215). They have dropped off a bit from the team that was a legit contender to challenge for a state title a couple years ago, however, they still have a lot of talented and expierenced kids.
DAVISON
While Davison is not the powerhouse they used to be, they will likely always be worth mentioning. Coach Roy Hall is a legend in this state who not long ago developed the Davison program into one of the most notable high school wrestling squads in the country, so you always have to keep them in mind. Hall returns two state qualifiers with state placer Brandon Shuart and Jacob Saldana. The addition of Cody Robbins could help as well. Robbins was a state placer two years ago for Davison and has been M.I.A for a while, if he can come back it could give them some much needed firepower.
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Dorulla
Andrew Morse
McDiarmid
Mooradian
