Eastside Catholic has 12 total returners for the 2011 season, but only 16 total wrestlers.
The bright side of the small turnout, is the Crusaders’ deep junior class.
Anthony Roy (152) participated at state last season and is looking to build on his experience.
Joe Stoutt (215) and Drew Beggs (140) are two wrestlers who made the regional tournament and junior Dentin Garrett (160) and sophomore David Hurdle (215) have also both started their seasons out strong.
Newcomer Matt Beggs is also expected to make an impact right off the bat.
“(We) still expect a winning season even with all of the holes in the lineup,” third-year head coach Dennis Reddinger said, noting he thinks the Crusaders can finish strong in the Metro.
Issaquah displays depth
The Issaquah wrestling team returns 17 athletes from last season, providing plenty of depth for the 2010-2011 season.
The Eagles are led by returners Max Tickman (112), Almen Thorpe (135), Sean Novak (140) and David White (152).
Newcomer Louden Ivey (103), Caleb Pearson (125) and Jonathan Norris (275) should also be crucial to team success.
Ninth-year head coach Kirk Hyatt hopes for a top-three in KingCo this season and to send a handful of competitors to regionals and state.
Skyline shows heart early
The good news — Skyline sent three wrestlers to state last season, and they all placed.
The bad news — all three athletes graduated in 2010.
That hasn’t ruined head coach Gus Kiss’ optimism for 2011.
“We’re a young team with just three seniors, but the kids have shown a lot of heart and potential,” he said. “We’ll get better as the season goes along.”
Seniors Collin Ehret (130) and Jordan McCaslin (152) will provide senior leadership. Freshmen newcomers Joe DeMatteo (103) and Tristan Steciw (119) are also expected to make immediate impacts.
Eastlake brings back strong group
Eastlake returns experience this season with state competitor Max Benjamin (130), and Adam Nakinishi (125).
Newcomers Sabrina Handlon (103), Michael Rosado (135), Eric Harper (160) are also expected to be key to a successful season.
