11/12/09
District 5 Wrestlers to Watch
Lightweights
Nick Roberts
Nowhere better to start than with defending state champion Nick Roberts of North Star. Roberts has been busy since taking the Class AA 103-pound title in March, winning his second pair of Cadet National championships over the summer in Fargo, North Dakota. Roberts is expected to remain at 103 for his sophomore season and should be a force again statewide.
Cory Thomas
Bedford's Cory Thomas was a state qualifier in the 08-09 season with over 30 wins to his credit. The Bison senior is likely to cross the 100-career victory mark early in the season and will set his sights on his first state medal come postseason.
Middleweights
Trey Easter
Easter returns along with Thomas to form a tough duo in the early part of Bedford's lineup. However, he is rumored to be jumping from 112 as a junior to maybe 130 or 135 this winter. If that works out, Easter is one of the most dangerous pinners in District 5.
Levi Hosselrode
Hyndman senior Levi Hosselrode is a darkhorse in District 5. Hosselrode has battled a shoulder injury for two years, but if he's healthy, expect a strong season from the Hornet grappler.
Dillon Troutman
Like Hosselrode, Troutman has flirted with injuries. Should he stay on the mat, Troutman is a solid wrestler with several pinning combinations. He will be a key cog in the Black Panthers' lineup.
Tanner Ripple
Ripple was perhaps the best wrestler from the district not to advance through to the state tournament last year. The Bedford senior was undefeated for a large portion of his junior campaign before bowing out at the Cambria County War Memorial.
Upperweights
Brian Gibbons
Another big contributor to Bedford's 08-09 season was Brian Gibbons, who placed second at regionals as a sophomore. Gibbons finished last year at 145 pounds but could start this season as high as 171.
Kyle Dunmeyer
Along with Roberts, Dunmeyer was the only other wrestler from Somerset County to claim a District 5 title. Dunmeyer is good from the top position and has good athleticism for a bigger wrestler.
Joel Suter
Northern Bedford junior Joel Suter stepped into varsity action for the first time last winter and did very well. Suter lost to Dunmeyer at 189 in districts last year. If they are at the same weight again, expect a rematch.