District 6 AAA

2010-11 Preview

from the desk of

Bfly

 Editor - Bfly Wrestling

Editor - District 6 AAA Rankings

My picks for the top wrestlers at each weight

Wrestlers up a weight from last season in most cases

9/23/10

With the beginning of practice just a few months away, and the major pre-season tournaments about to start, it's time to look ahead to what we may see in the 2010-11 season. Last year I just projected the individual weights. This season, I'll add the top four teams to the preview. The following is an overview of the upcoming season

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.

2010-11 Team

Westmont-Hilltop

Expect to see Westmont Hilltop make a major impact in their first season at the AAA level. The Hilltoppers return most of last season's starting lineup including three state medal winners (Josh Polacek, Tanner Hough & Josh Duplin) and a state qualifier (Ryan Burnheimer). Regional qualifier Ian Helsel also returns. WH has been successfully competing in high profile tournaments such as POWERade & Mount Mat Madness, so they don't figure to be intimidated at the AAA level. Solid coaching & a deep pipeline of talent should keep them competitive for years to come

Key Losses - Trevor Kushner

Key Returners - Josh Polacek, Tanner Hough, Josh Duplin, Ryan Burnheimer, Ian Helsel

Key Needs - Improvement from the middleweights

Projected season - District Duals final four & post-season top four

Bald Eagle Area

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After some down years, Bald Eagle Area appears poised to regain their spot among the AAA elite. They're coming off a winning season and return 12 starters from last year's lineup. In addition, BEA has several top wrestlers coming up from their Jr High team. Some of last season's starters may struggle to hold their spot this season. The key will be getting all the best wrestlers spread out in the lineup at the same time. Top upperweight newcomers include Ben Verbitsky, Aaron Varner, Nate Sharkey, and Dave Gawryla. Another Giedroc (Travis) joins the lineup and probably starts at 103. Lots of reason for BEA fans to look forward to the season.

Key Losses - Jon Gingrich, Brandon Coakley

Key Returners - Coleman Hoffman, Justin Giedroc, Jake Taylor, Kyle Granite, James Grieb, Matt Dillon

Key Needs - Get replacements for Gingrich & Coakley from among the new upperweights

Projected season - District Duals final four & post-season top four

 Central  Mountain

Last year's powerhouse Central Mountain team took a bigger hit to graduation than any team in the state. Andew Alton, Dylan Alton, Dylan Caprio, Cody Dolan, & Jordan Rich were a big part of a lineup that hammered opponets by 50+ points per dual meet. Despite the losses, the team still returns enough firepower to be one of the better teams in the district next year. In addition to state medal winners Brian Brill and Zach Corl along with state qualifier Tyler Buckwalter, CM also brings back three regional qualifiers. Central Mountain needs to get their best wrestlers all in the lineup, and get some help from the Jr High. If so, they'll again contend for the district title.

Key Losses - Andrew Alton, Dylan Alton, Dylan Caprio, Cody Dolan, Jordan Rich

Key Returners - Zach Corl, Brian Brill, Tyler Buckwalter, Logan Bechdel, Cole Hanley, Dylan Gavlock

Key Needs - Middleweights to go with Brill, and lightweights

Projected season - District Duals top four & post-season top four

 Bellefonte

Bellefonte's losses include state champion Mitchell Port as well as regional qualifiers Dan Driebelbis, Nick Bernier, & Jake Mueller. However they return a very solid core led by 2x state medal winner Tom Traxler. Losses will be softened by the return of Nate Alterio from injuryand the addition of Cody Fisher as a regular lightweight starter. The team will need improvement from last year's freshman starters (Mike Lewis, Nick Shawley, & Garrett Poorman) who each finished 4th at Districts. Biggest problem could be a familiar one, finding a steady 103lber.

Key Losses - Mitchell Port, Dan Driebelbis, Nick Bernier, Jake Mueller

Key Returners - Tom Traxler, Brad Grieb, Nate Alterio

Key Needs - Get everyone spread out in the lineup & a 103 lber

Projected Season - District Duals top four & post-season top four

2009-10 Preview

112

J R Wert (9)

Bellefonte

This should be a strong weight in D6. Kaleb Loht (IV) is a returning state qualifier, and claimed both the District & Regional titles. Justin Giedroc (BEA) is a regional qualifier who barely (consi finalist) missed making states. However, Bellefonte's J R Wert is the early favorite here. Wert followed up a great Jr High career (including a win over Loht) by winning PJW States (107) and MAWA Eastern Nationals (110). Look for a Traxler-like freshman season from him. His only issue is holding weight and not getting in a weight logjam with Traxler & Port. He projects as a probable State qualifier & medalwinner.

Updated 10/13

Wert won the Fall Classic at 108..could see him cert at 105, if not 103

125

Mitchell Port (12)

Bellefonte

Bellefonte's Mitchell Port will enter his senior season probably ranked top two (w/ Tyler Rauenzahn) in PA and top ten nationally. Port, a 3x state qualifier and 2x medalwinner, was 4th in PIAA (two one-point losses) last season, and followed that up by becoming the NHSCA Junior National champion. He'll end his HS career as Bellefonte's all-time wins leader. State qualifier Nick Gurol (PO) also returns here. Regional qualifier Dylan Gavlock (CM) and former regional qualifier Jacob Hines (ALT) also will contend.

135

Erik Galloway (12)

State College

The next few weights could change, depending where the Altons go. I have them up a weght, although, at this time they're still at 140 & 145. That said, the leader here is State College's Erik Galloway. He was a state medalwinner in 2008, and barely missed qualifying (2-1 OT loss in consi finals) last season. Galloway should dominate the weight this year and return to Hershey. Other contenders here include regional qualifier Jake Schultz (LEW) and Kyle Granite (BEA).

Updated 9/29

I'm told Jordan Rich has grown and will move up two weight classes (135) this season. 

Updated 10/13

Jordan Rich wrestled 140 at the Fall Classic and is entered there for the Super 32..still should make 135 for the season

145

Andrew Alton (12)

Central Mountain

Central Mountain's Andrew Alton is the #1 ranked 140lber in the nation, and rated by Intermat as the 2nd best senior in their recruiting rankings. He has only lost once since his freshman year, and is a huge favorite to have another undefeated, state title season. Coleman Hoffman (BEA) was a state qualifier last season, and will be looking to repeat this year. Chris McCarthy (ALT), Nate Alterio (BEL), & Logan Walstrom (PO) will also contend at this weight.

Updated 10/13

Chris McCarthy at 160 for the Fall Classic, and could be 152 this season

160

Colton Spade (12)

Lewistown

Lewistown's Colton Spade was a state qualifier last season, and will likely return to Hershey next year and challenge for a spot on the podium. Tyler Buckwalter (CM) was a regional qualifier and district finalist last year, and will contend for a trip to Hershey this season. With most of last season's 152lbers being seniors, look for some new names at this weight. Among them could be LaQuinn Stephens-Howling (JO) and Kyle Phillips (BEL).

Updated 9/29

Dylan Caprio has grown and, with the arrival of Brian Brill, will jump all the way to 160 after wrestling 135 last season. This also puts Tyler Buckwalter up a weight to 171

Updated 10/13

Dylan Caprio all the way to 170 for the Fall Classic

189

K J Walters (12)

Altoona

Altoona's K J Walters was a District 6 champ and state qualifier last season. He figures to repeat next year, and contend for a spot on the podium in Hershey. Other contenders will be Brandon Coakley (BEA), Steve Rusnak (PO), and Jasper Ocker (IV). This weight will get better if Central Mountain's Cody Dolan returns.

Updated 9/29

Cody Dolan will not be wrestling, and will focus on baseball exclusively.

Updated 10/13

K J Walters won the Fall Classic at 215/285 and now projects at 215

285

Zach Corl (11)

Central Mountain

Central Mountain's Zach Corl should open next season ranked #2 in PA behind only Evan Craig. Corl, a PIAA medalwinner last year, will totally control this weight at the District & Regional levels and could be a state finalist. Jared Kreider (IV), 4th in D6 last year, will look to move up. Garrett Poorman (BEL), Coltyn Wrye (PO), & Mark Bonsell (BEA) will also be in the mix.

Updated 9/29

Word from some BEA people has Jon Gingrich at HWT for his senior season. If so, Gingrich-Corl will be marquee matchups