High School practices begin today and my take on the Metro

All is right with the world. The prep wrestling season begins today with the start of official practices. My favorite time of year is now until mid-March (the conclusion of the college championships). Pull up the Neoprene, fasten the headgear and set the clock for some six minute GO's.

Since practice begins today, Here is a quick preseason ranking of the Cedar Rapids/Marion Metro teams:

1. C.R. Prairie

Still should be the top dog, led by state qualifiers Jake RIzzio, Trevor Hardin, Tim Fischer, who is better than his 19-19 record last year would indicate, and Cole Schulte. The Hawks lost eight wrestlers from last year's team to graduation. This could be a big test for Coach Blake Williams and where he has the program. My guess is Prairie will reload instead of having to rebuild.

2. Linn-Mar

Linn-Mar lost its top two wrestlers in Matt McDonough and Luke Goodson. They return some strong wrestlers, including seniors Jeremy Severin, Greg Keating, Zach Garman and Jacob Pederson. That senior leadership will be key to a successful season for the Lions. Never underestimate Doug Streicher's coaching ability either.

3. C.R. Kennedy

Last year was forgettable for the Cougars, who went 0-8 in the MVC's Valley Division and 2-16 overall. Kennedy is led by sophomore state qualifier Ryan Sheldon and upperweights Cody Moenk and Jason Schupp. An influx of some strong freshmen in the lower weights should give the Cougars a stronger team, which should be drastically better in February than in December.

4. C.R. Jefferson

The J-Hawks have a good core of wrestlers to build around, but the team's season will depend on how they complement those established returning wrestlers. Jefferson's leader is Jason McCormick, who placed eighth at the state last year. Casey DeHoedt and Conner Herman help solidify Jefferson's upperweights. Brice Lukasko and Vince Mulnix highlight the lower weights.

5. Marion

The Indians find themselves in the middle of an ultra-competitive Wamac Conference with the addition of Clear Creek Amana, Mount Vernon, Solon and Williamsburg. Austin Weisinger, Alex Conway and Curtis Ette lead the way for Coach Bruce Weisinger. The Indians should improve from a year ago, barring injuries and illness.

6. C.R. Washington

Washington just can't seem to get over the hump and it's doubtful this is the year for it to happen. The Warriors had two starters from last year not go out, which hurts when you need all the numbers and experience you can get. They do return state qualifier Brandon Burrell at heavyweight, but they are still trying to cement the foundation.

7. C.R. Xavier

Xavier, dating back to Regis days, is a basketball school, but had a winning dual record last year. This year's squad returns just two wrestlers with winning records, and one other with a .500 record. Gabe Brown, who was third in the MVC last year and just missed qualifying for state, leads the way with Dane Mehring. It could be a tough season for the Saints.