Prep wrestling: 2015-16 Area Teams to Watch

CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSON — The J-Hawks placed third at the 2015 State Duals tournament and return plenty of individual talent from a team that was seventh at the traditional tournament. Two-time state medalists Brenden Baker and Kyle Briggs and two-time state qualifier Tavian Rashed provide a strong nucleus that includes seven wrestlers with winning records last season. Five had more than 30 wins. The J-Hawks will need to develop some newcomers to solidify the lineup that was 9-0 in Mississippi Valley Conference duals last season.

CEDAR RAPIDS KENNEDY — Coach Dennis Hynek turned the Cougars into one of the top programs in the area during his first tenure. In his second year back after a nine-year hiatus, Hynek could have the Cougars clawing at the competition again. The Cougars have a deep and accomplished squad with state qualifiers Nolan Hromidko, a two-time state medalist, Logen Rodriguez, Dalles Jacobus and Ben Sarasin. Garrett Kubovec and Sarasin earned All-American honors at Fargo, N.D., this summer. Sophomores Cam Shaver and Dylan Ironside made contributions a year ago, which should be greater this season.

CEDAR RAPIDS PRAIRIE — The Hawks have won three straight Mississippi Valley Conference tournament titles. The Hawks enter a new era with Kane Thompson replacing Blake Williams, who returned to coach Solon. Thompson is a proven winner, leading Alburnett to two traditional state titles and one state duals crown. A strong group of senior leaders pave the way, including state medalists Sam Uthoff, Marcus England and Taylor Mehmen. Tyler Pasker and Trenten Wennermark have state experience. Prairie was fourth at state duals in February, going 23-6.

MOUNT VERNON — The Wamac Conference could be a highly competitive field with balanced teams vying for the top spot. Expect the Mustangs to be in the mix. Mount Vernon went 19-3 last season, including 7-1 in the conference. The Mustangs have a competitive squad from top to bottom, including state qualifiers Tristan Wirfs and Tony Garcia. Seven wrestlers have advanced to the district meet, Charlie Engelbrecht posted 37 victories last season, leading a team that brings back 10 with winning records. A couple newcomers should provide a boost.

INDEPENDENCE — The Mustangs are coming off a season where they won their ninth Wamac Conference tournament title and 13th conference dual crown. Independence lost a big part of that with Chase Straw's graduation but have more than enough pieces to pick up the slack. With five ranked wrestlers to open the season, the Mustangs are led by conference champions Jake Juhl, who was fourth at state, Drew Davis and Matt McMillan, who had 40 wins as a junior. Jarrett Orr and Nicholas Holt, a standout football player, will be key figures on a team that was fifth at State Duals and tied for ninth at the 2A traditional state tournament.

ALBURNETT — The Pirates have become a Class 1A power since 2010, placing third or higher at the traditional state tournament each season with titles in 2013 and 2015. They have also added five state duals appearances, getting third the last two years after a 2013 championship. Coe NCAA champion Clayton Rush has taken over the program and brings a wealth of knowledge and even more energy. He has a strong core to work with, including state champ Bryce Paul and state runner-up Conner Shulista. Ben Moyer, Drake Halblom and Tanner Sloan earned state medals as well. Alburnett should contend for another crown with a balanced and talented roster.

LISBON — The resurgence of the Lions program under Brad Smith, who is also in his second stint, continues. It helps to have two big guns in three-time state champion Carter Happel and two-time state medalist and 2014 state champ Nick Williams. Chase McLaughlin received a taste of state competition and returns as another leader for Lisbon. The Lions will have some new faces stepping in the lineup, but expect them to improve last year's ninth-place state finish. Lisbon has five top-10 finishes the last six seasons and this could be its best in that stretch.

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