The poll: Wrestling

Sun staff

December 5, 2007

1. MCDONOGH
Last season: 17-3, ranked No. 1

The two-time defending Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference champion Eagles have 13 starters back, including five league titlists, making them a clear choice for the top spot.

2. ARCHBISHOP CURLEY

Last season: 14-2, No. 2

The Friars will count on a mix of experienced returnees and promising newcomers to stay close to McDonogh in the tough MIAA.

3. GLENELG
Last season: 16-1, No. 5

The Gladiators could have a bunch of wrestlers standing atop the Class 2A-1A podium at season's end, led by state runner-ups Brian Marcoux (125 pounds), Chris Stinnett (130) and Dan Bichner (135).

4. MOUNT ST. JOSEPH
Last season: 10-1, No. 3

With 10 starters back, the Gaels can have the final say in the tough MIAA if everything falls into place.

5. NORTH CARROLL
Last season: 16-1, No. 10

The Panthers, who went undefeated in Carroll County and won Class 4A-3A North regional dual and tournament titles, bring back eight starters to make another run at a state title.

6. HEREFORD
Last season: 15-2, No. 6

The Bulls, winners of the past two Baltimore County tournament titles, have 10 of their 14 starters back from last year's team, led by three-time state champion Josh Asper.

7. MILFORD MILL
Last season: 17-5, No. 8

Charles Blue and Adeleke Ibironke set the tone for the Millers, who plan to have a say in the Class 2A-1A ranks.

8. SEVERNA PARK
Last season: 10-4, No. 9

Returning five state qualifiers, the Class 4A-3A East regional champion Falcons are ready to pick up where they left off and are pegged as the favorites in tough Anne Arundel County.

9. CALVERT HALL
Last season: 19-8, unranked

All the MIAA talk is centered around McDonogh, Curley and Mount St. Joseph, but the Cardinals also have a solid lineup and will make some noise.

10. OWINGS MILLS
Last season: 14-2, No. 7

The Eagles' lineup has strong points from top to bottom, with senior state champion Tony Mack the catalyst at 160.

11. ATHOLTON
Last season: 12-5, unranked

With six state qualifiers back from last year, the experienced Raiders are primed to make a jump in Howard County.

12. JOHN CARROLL
Last season: 40-8, No. 11

The Patriots, MIAA B Conference champions in 2006, are poised to make a successful jump to the A Conference with a deep team and demanding schedule.

13. SOUTH CARROLL
Last season: 14-6, No. 14

The Cavaliers' starting point is the talented one-two senior punch of Tyler Mullen (189) and Zac Stavish (171).

14. CHESAPEAKE-AA
Last season: 23-12, unranked

Senior Zach O'Keefe anchors the deep and talented Cougars, who have 11 starters back from last year.

15. RIVER HILL
Last season: 8-4, unranked

The Hawks had a number of upper weights still playing football at the start of practice, so they will lean on state champion Scott Mantua (112) and runner-up Nathan White (130/135) early and look to peak late.

OTHERS CONSIDERED: Loyola (21-8, No. 15), Oakland Mills (9-5, unranked), Old Mill (13-3, No. 4), St. Mary's (15-6, unranked), South River (12-10, unranked).

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