2010-11 Individual
103
Last season's champ & state qualifier, T J Brandt (ALT) will open the season at 112, but drop to 103 in January when the 2lbs kick in. Chris Rocco (PO) & Brandon Folk (IV) may return at this weight. Noah Perryman (BEL) is a longshot to make this weight, but would be a factor. Travis Giedroc (BEA) probably gets the nod for the early rankings top spot, but I'm told Logan Blackburn (WH) is one to keep an eye on.
Projected D6 Champion - T J Brandt (Altoona)
112
While Brandt will open the season top ranked, in the end it will be between Justin Giedroc (BEA) and Logan Bechdel (CM) for the top spot on the podium. In addition to the above at 103, other contenders include Mike Lewis (BEL) and Amedeo Perini (ALT).
Projected D6 Champion - Justin Giedroc (Bald Eagle)
119
A top weight with 2x state medal winner Josh Polacek (WH) and 2x medal winner Tom Traxler (BEL) leading the way. Probably will be both the district & NW regional finalists. Could get an early preview at POWERade. Others of note here include Cole Hanley (CM), Tyler Baney (BEA), and whoever wins the weight at LEW (Lucas Besch or Kevin Bair).
Projected D6 Champion - Tom Traxler (Bellefonte)
125
Another tough weight that features state medalwinner Tanner Hough (WH) and 2x state qualifier Kaleb Loht (IV). Expect to see both in Hershey again. 2x regional qualifier Jacob Hines (ALT) will be in the hunt. Other contenders for regional spots include Matt Dillon (BEA), Joey Miller (CM), Joe Powers (SC), & Cody Hower (LEW).
Projected D6 Champion - Tanner Hough (Westmont)
130
This weight could be wide open. Ian Helsel (WH) and Malcolm Harris (JO) would appear to be the early leaders. Expect to see Cody Fisher (BEL) emerge from the shadow of Traxler/Port and have a breakout season. Other contenders here include Wendell Myers (ALT), Mason Grove (IV), Josh Kunig (SC) & Cody Buchannan (PO).
Projected D6 Champion - Ian Helsel (Westmont)
135
Looks like a three way race here between Dylan Gavlock (CM), Kenny Myers (PO), and Leo Wortman (BEL). Could get an early read here, as Wortman may wrestle Gavlock in the season opener and Myers two days later. Others include Mike Walsh (WH) and Dustin Yeater (LEW).
Projected D6 Champion - Dylan Gavlock (Cent. Mtn.)
140
Jake Schultz (LEW), a state qualifier last season, is the clear favorite here. He should return to Hershey this season and could make the podium. Connor Lesniak (ALT) and Tanner Patton (WH) will be among those competing for regional spots.
Projected D6 Champion - Jake Schultz (Lewistown)
145
Scott Bosak (SC), a 2x state qualifier, will control this weight class and return to states. Nate Alterio (BEL), back from injury, will head a group that includes Stephen Popchak (WH), Kyle Granite (BEA), and Derek Diehl (PO) for the remaining three regional spots.
Projected D6 Champion - Scott Bosak (State College)
152
Look for state medal winner Brian Brill (CM) to move up two weight classes this season and return to the podium in Hershey. This looks like a very solid weight class that includes Logan Walstrom (PO), Jake Taylor (BEA), and Andrew Spickler (IV)
Projected D6 Champion - Brian Brill (Cent. Mtn.)
160
State qualifier Damian Lascoli (HOL) and former state qualifier Coleman Hoffman (BEA) are the leading contenders here. Others in the mix for regional spots include Nick Shawley (BEL), Javon Vuckovich (JO), and Jared Fleck (PO)
Projected D6 Champ - Damian Lascoli (Hollidaysburg)
171
State qualifier Tyler Buckwalter (CM) and 2x regional qualifier Brad Grieb (BEL) head the field here. Each could make it to Hershey. Others in the ranking mix include Nick Taylor (BEA), Joe Kelly (SC), and Nik Christine (IV)
Projected D6 Champ - Tyler Buckwalter (Cent. Mtn.)
189
This weight looks to have talent and balance. State qualifier Ryan Burnheimer (WH) leads the field followed by regional qualifier Gervon Simon (JO), Blaze Buckwalter (CM), Jake Perryman (BEL), and James Grieb (BEA)
Projected D6 Champ - Ryan Burnheimer (Westmont)
215
With graduation taking all last year's studs, Tyson Searer (LEW) will dominate this weight and return to Hershey looking to medal. Several new names will contend for the remaining regional spots including Eric Kowalewski (WH) and Aaron Varner (BEA)
Projected D6 Champion - Tyson Searer (Lewistown)
285
Led by state medal winners Zach Corl (CM) and Josh Duplin (WH), this weight class is stacked. Others contending for the final two regional spots include regional qualifier Braeden Luciano (ALT), PJW state finalist Garrett Poorman (BEL), and Dejour Morris (GO)
Projected D6 Champion - Zach Corl (Cent. Mtn.)
2009-10 Preview
103

T J Brandt (9)
Altoona
This weight is always the toughest to project, since most of the wrestlers will be newcomers, if the school even has one. Altoona's T J Brandt stands out here. Brandt claimed the PJW State title(82) this year, and has been a 3x PJW State medalwinner. TJ is also a PAWF Cadet state champion this year. He was a two year starter on the PA team at Schoolboy National Duals and will be this year's starter (91) for Cadet National Duals. If he can bulk up to a legit 103, he projects as a state qualifier his freshman season.
Updated 9/29
Other names to look for here include Cole Hanley (CM) and Mike Lewis (BEL)
Updated 10/13
Brandt won the Fall Classic at 100..looks like he'll be a legit 103
119

Tom Traxler (10)
Bellefonte
Bellefonte's Tom Traxler is coming off an excellent freshman season that produced 39 wins and a PIAA medal (6th) in Hershey. He figures to dominate his weight again. Regional qualifiers Wendell Myers (ALT) and Joey Miller (CM) also return here, as well as Mason Grove (IV)
130

Jordan Rich (12)
Central Mountain
Central Mountain's Jordan Rich, often overshadowed by the Alton twins, will look to join them as CM's only 4x PIAA medalwinners. Rich should open the season ranked #3 in PA (behind Sherlock & Spearman). He enters the season with 121 career wins, and will retire #3 alltime at CM. This weight could also include Erik Galloway (SC), but I currently have him at 135. Other contenders here are regional qualifier Dan Dreibelbis (BEL) and former regional qualifier Gage Smith (IV).
Updated 10/13
Erik Galloway won the Fall Classic at 135, and is entered in the Super 32 at 130..he's the new #1 at 130
140

Scott Bosak (11)
State College
This is the closest weight class in D6. State College's Scott Bosak and Central Mountain's Dylan Caprio are near dead even. Each is a returning state qualifier, and they split their two meetings last season (each winning a low scoring shutout). I gave the nod to Bosak for earning All-America honors at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals. Lewistown's Dion Holland will also contend here.
Updated 9/29
Huge changes here. Brian Brill has transferred from Wellsboro to Central Mountain and will open the season ranked #1. Scott Bosak has transferred from State College to Kiski Prep.
Updated 10/13
Brian Brill won the Fall Classic at 150, but is entered in the Super 32 at 145 and should make 140 for the season..Nick Grimm, 145 last season, wrestled 140 at the Fall Classic
152

Dylan Alton (12)
Central Mountain
Central Mountain's Dylan Alton is the #1 ranked 145lber in the nation, and rated 5th best senior in Intermat's recruiting rankings. His undefeated season last year included winning his 2nd PIAA state title. Expect another undefeated season producing his 3rd state title. Other regional contenders figure to include Nicholas Grimm (IV) and Damian Lascoli (HOL).
171

Brad Grieb (11)
Bellefonte
Bellefonte's Brad Grieb was one point (1-0 loss in consi finals) away from being a state qualifier last season. He followed that up by earning All-America status at NHSCA Sophomore Nationals, and was a medalwinner at MAWA Eastern Nationals. Expect to see him in Hershey this year. With most of the top 160 lbers being seniors last year, look for some new names among the contenders including Gervon Simon (JO), Nic Christine (IV), and Jared Fleck (PO).
Updated 9/29
Add Tyler Buckwalter to the mix here.
215
Jon Gingrich (12)
Bald Eagle Area
Bald Eagle Area's Jon Gingrich should open next season ranked #3 in PA behind only Gaffney & Myers. He'll be favored to reach the top half of the podium again this year. The main competition will come from Tyson Searer (LEW), who handed Gingrich one of his defeats. Searer had 25 wins as a freshman, and followed that by winning another PJW state title. Andrew Mann (PO) should contend for a regional spot.