Editor’s Note: This is the first of a five-part series previewing the local high school wrestling season. In the coming days, the Reporter will also have previews on Kent-Meridian, Kentlake, Kentridge and Kentwood.
SPSL NORTH WRESTLING: AT A GLANCE
• FAVORITE: Auburn.
• CONTENDER: Tahoma.
• ON THE RISE: Kentridge, Kentwood, Kentlake, Kent-Meridian.
• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: It isn’t likely that anybody catches Auburn this season. The tradition-rich Trojans are relatively stacked with returning state champion Dylan Rutledge (189) and powerful heavyweights Nick Conlan (second at state in ‘10) and Danny Shelton (sixth). Throw in Willie Pineda (135 pounds) and Adam Garcia (152 pounds) and the Trojans have more ranked wrestlers than any team in the North. Auburn hasn’t won the SPSL North since 2006. Expect Tahoma, which has won the last two league titles, to give Auburn a slight run. Like Auburn, the Bears have plenty of tradition and seldom rebuild, but instead reload. Tahoma will have a tough time filling the holes left by graduation as Tyler Lamb, Nick Bayer and Konner Knudtsen all have moved on. Regardless, the Bears still return state champion Steven Hopkins (119) and Mat Classic participants Dan Haniger (145) and Tanner Mjelde (140), so the cupboard is hardly empty. Kentwood, which won the North in 2008, isn’t as deep as Tahoma or Auburn, but still packs a punch, particularly with star Ruben Navejas back in fold. Navejas is a three-time state placer and will bump up to 112 this season. Joining Navejas among state veterans will be Hayden Peterson (119) and Jose Hernandez (125). Meanwhile, expect James Hatfield (189), Daniel Park (215/285) and Lucas Kelly (171) to make considerable impacts. Kent-Meridian also felt the impact of graduation, losing Nick Lemmon, Jesus Valdez, Thomas Reinhart and Andrew Smith. However, with state-tested veterans Luke Barzie (189) and Jean-Claude Atkinson (285) back on the mat along with Joshua Smith (140) and Thomas Kemp (160), the Royals should remain a threat. Kentlake didn’t win a league dual last season, but certainly should make itself felt this winter with state competitors Sean Farr (125), Colton Marlowe (130) and Samir Faizoullin (135/140) back on the mat. All three have a strong chance of placing top eight at state in February. The biggest jump among any SPSL North team, however, could come from Kentridge, which has more wrestlers out than in previous years, led by state participant Jeff Seid (171) and Nick Aliment (125), who took eighth at state two years ago. Also, expect Billy Johnson (130/135), who took fourth in league last winter, to make a strong step up.
• GIRLS ON THE MAT: The number of girls competing on the SPSL North mat remains a bit lean this winter, though Kentwood’s Cassidy Meyers (119), who took sixth at state last year, could challenge for a state crown. Meyers will be joined by Sophia Choi (103), who competed at state last season, but did not place. Elizabeth Stone, a two-time state qualifier, and Jacklyn Nagy (171) also have returned for Kent-Meridian and could find themselves at the Tacoma Dome once again. Seven Royals will be taking the mat this winter, more than any other team in the North.
• NORTH WRESTLERS ON COLLEGE MAT: Jake Swartz (Auburn/Boise State/184 pounds); Kurt Swartz (Auburn/Boise State/165); Michael Mangrum (Auburn Riverside/Oregon State/141); Shane Onufer (Auburn/Wyoming/174); Eric Jones (Auburn Riverside/Highline CC/157); Kevin Tao (Tahoma/Columbia University/125); Nick Bayer (Tahoma, Northern Colorado/197); Konner Knudtsen (Tahoma/Northern Colorado/285); Thomas Reinhart (Kent-Meridian/Highline CC/174).
• BOOKMARK ON THE WEB: There is no better wrestling web site than www.washingtonwrestlingreport.com. There isn’t a prep sport around that has a better, more thorough and comprehensive place to turn. Wrestling enthusiasts receive rankings for every weight class and school classification in the state. Results of tournaments from around the state — and, in many cases, around the Northwest — can be found as well.
WRESTLERS TO WATCH
NAME/YEAR/SCHOOL/WEIGHT
Ruben Navejas Senior Kentwood 112
Notable: First in 2009, second in 2010; Enters season with 119-7 overall mark.
Dylan Rutledge Senior Auburn 189
Notable: Defending state champ at 171 posted 39-1 mark last year.
Steven Hopkins Junior Tahoma 119
Notable: Lanky mat technician won 103-pound title last year.
Jeff Seid Junior Kentridge 171
Notable: Physical Charger came into his own last year, earning state berth.
Colton Marlowe Junior Kentlake 119
Notable: Lightweight emerged last year as one of area’s best.
Luke Barzie Senior Kent-Meridian 189
Notable: Wiry, strong Royal posted 30-10 mark and qualified for state.
Nick Conlan Senior Auburn 285
Notable: Muscled way through perfect regular season, finished 27-2 overall.
Hayden Peterson Senior Kentwood 119
Notable: Got stronger as season wore on last year, posting 29-13 record.
Nick Aliment Senior Kentridge 125
Notable: Took eighth at state in 2009, just missed cut last season.
Sean Farr Junior Kentlake 119/125
Notable:Dominated Decatur Invitational last weekend, winning the 130-pound title with ease.
Samir Faizoullin Junior Kentlake 135/140
Notable: Another one of the Falcons’ deep and talented wrestlers of the junior class. Look out.
Cassidy Meyers Soph. Kentwood 119
Notable: Area’s top-returning female wrestler took sixth at state last season.
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
Auburn at Tahoma, Jan. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Of all the meets to be at this season, this is the one. Tahoma has won the last two league titles, but Auburn entered the season as the heavy favorite. Expect a packed house for a meet between two of the richest programs in the state.
Kentwood at Kentlake, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.: The Cov-Town Throwdown. Plenty of talent on hand for this rivalry.
SPSL All-Division Championships at Auburn High, Dec. 29-30: This is the first year of the tournament, which could blossom into one of the Northwest’s finest showcases of the sport. Every team from the SPSL (Class 2A, 3A, 4A) both girls and boys, junior varsity and varsity will be on hand. More than worth the price of admission.
SPSL Sub-Regional, Feb. 4-5, Auburn High: This event will showcase all the top wrestlers from the SPSL North.
State tournament, Feb. 18-19, Tacoma Dome: The top tournament of the year with championships slated for 5-9 p.m.
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