2014-15 Gazette area Prep Wrestling Teams to Watch

ALBURNETT - The Pirates have become regular contenders at the state meet under head coach Kane Thompson. Alburnett should find itself among the best in Class 1A again, after finishing second last season. Seven returning starters return with state experience, including state runner-up Bryce Paul, two-time state medalist Conner Shulista and state placewinners ben Moyer and Robbie Carrothers.

C.R. JEFFERSON - Co-head coach Matt Orton said the J-Hawks will field the most experienced team they have had in years. Jefferson had a strong season a year ago, going 14-3, including 12-1 in the Mississippi Valley Conference to sit atop the Mississippi Division, and finishing seventh at the State dual meet. The J-Hawks return six state qualifiers and eight wrestlers with winning records, including state medalists Brenden Baker, Kyle Briggs and Tavian Rashed, who was a win away from the podium.

C.R. PRAIRIE - The Hawks have a strong nucleus to build around from a team that finished fourth at the State duals and fifth at the traditional tournament. Prairie is the defending MVC Super Meet champion, adding the MVC Valley Division title to its credit. The Hawks have a whopping 10 wrestlers with 22 or wins from a year ago, including three-time state medalist Josh Wenger, two-time state placewinner Sam Uthoff and state qualifiers Marcus England and Taylor Mehmen. Prairie has good depth.

INDEPENDENCE - The Mustangs were a formidable dual team, placing third at the Class 2A State Duals and claiming the Wamac Conference dual title. Independence has a lot of depth this season. Seven Mustangs return with at least 32 wins from last season, including two-time state placewinner Chase Straw and state qualifiers Mitch Evens and Matt McMillan. Coach Michael Doyle will try to push a young, but experienced, team. A key will be to stay injury free and spread talent over the weight classes.

IOWA CITY WEST - The Trojans have been one of the top programs in Class 3A since 2001. Don't expect that to change much this year. West returns a wealth of talent, including eight starters from last year's squad that placed fifth at state duals and seventh in the individual tournament. The Trojans have 10 letterwinners back, including state placewinners tanner Rohweder, John Milani and Donovan Doyle. Jakeb Bakken and Nate Kelsay add state tournament experience, and freshman Nelson Brands could add a boost to a solid dual team.

LINN-MAR - The Lions lost some talented wrestlers due to graduation and will have big shoes to fill from last year's team that placed fourth at the traditional state tournament and reached the State Duals for the fourth straight time. The talent exists to maintain a spot among the best in the MVC and the state, including 2012 state champ Matt Wempen, state medalist Noah Ajram, and state qualifiers Shea Hartzler and Toby Northrup. If young talent develops, the Lions strength will grow as the season progresses.

LISBON - The Lions have the individual talent in its room to build around and you can't overlook them. Lisbon made a run at a Tri-Rivers conference title last year, finishing second to Alburnett. The Lions were sixth at the 1A state meet, returning state champs Carter Happel and Nick Williams and state qualifier Jordan Woodward. Chase McLaughlin is another solid performer that could contribute again this season.

UNION COMMUNITY - The Knights have the individual talent to make a big impact at the traditional state tournament, looking to improve a fifth-place finish a year ago. Union boasts two state champions in Max Thomsen, who is attempting to become the state's 24th four-time state champion, and Jacob Holschlag. Derek Holschlag and Trevor McLaughlin also made the podium. Add upperweight Jace Hadachek and the Knights have a solid core to their lineup. Union might need more balance to return to the State Duals.

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