Aberdeen Eagles
Coach: Dick Slutzky, 20th season.
Assistants: Dave Easter, Brent Slutzky, Jerry Lacey, Karl Edwards, Kerry North.
Last year's record: 15-2, county champs, fourth in state Class 1A/2A.
Top returnees: Matt Slutzky (sr., 140), Zack Fowl (jr., 112), Brett Johnson (sr., 119), Mike Taylor (sr., 171), Aaron Wanless (jr., UNL), Todd Jones (sr., 152), Frank Johnson (so., 125), David Mumpower (jr., 135).
Key newcomers: Mike Davis (so., 103),Chris Nicholes (so., 112), Richard Shapiro (jr., 145), Chad Guerrera(so., 145/152), Charles Shannon (sr., 189), Kit Doran (fr., 125/130).
Coach's outlook: "I don't think we're going to be as dominant aswe have been. Everybody's got two or three good kids. I think it's going to be spread out a lot more than it has been. The thing that would help us is maybe we can take more seconds, thirds and fourths thaneveryone else."
Harford County Sun's outlook: As usual, the Eagles are the overwhelming favorite. They are coming off their 13th county title season -- the seventh in a row. This year, the Eagles move upto Class 3A/4A, but that won't affect their dominance in Harford County. Matt Slutzky (32-1 last year) will try to become the first ever to win four straight state titles. He is ranked No. 1 in his weight class by the Maryland State Wrestling Association. Fowl (31-2) goes after his second straight title. He is ranked No. 2 by the MSWA. Brett Johnson and Wanless were also county champs last year while Jones andTaylor were second. With 52 guys on the team, the Eagles have more depth than anyone else.
BEL AIR BOBCATS
Coach: Gene Blizzard, second season.
Assistants: Bruce Reilly, Doug Dempsey.
Last year's record: 7-5-1.
Top returnees: Scott Birth (sr., 125), Rob Smallwood(sr., 152), Franklin Jones (jr., 103/112), Anthony Pasko (jr., 130),Hana Chong (jr., 140), Brandon Barrett (jr., 160), Chris Kruse (jr.,171), Sean McGraw (sr., 189), Andy Clark (jr., UNL).
Key newcomers: Lucas Vanderwerff (fr., 103), Brian Stewart (fr., 119), Matt Birth(fr., 119/125), Dan Skurdal (so., 112), Ken Stork (so., 119), Joe Strazzire (so., 130), Steve Thomas (so., 145/152), Harry Ivers (jr., 145), Greg Bardour (so., 112).
Coach's outlook: "We have something we haven't had in the past -- we have a lot of depth. We have 55 kids and a lot of them have rec experience. We've been able to start off at a little bit faster pace than we have in the past."
Harford County Sun's outlook: The Bobcats finished third in the county last year,and Blizzard will have them battling for a spot in the top three again this season. Defending county champ Scott Birth (26-3) was third in states last year at 119. He is ranked No. 4 at 125 pounds by the Maryland Wrestling Association. Birth won his class at the Bel Air Tournament, but the Bobcats also had three other winners -- Pasko, Smallwood and Vanderwerff. Bel Air came within two points of winning the team title. The Bobcats have improved their depth with the addition of three talented freshmen, although Matt Birth, Scott's brother, has missed the early season with a lower back injury. With their combination of strong veterans and talented newcomers, the Bobcats should improve easily on last year's mark.
C. MILTON WRIGHT MUSTANGS
C. MiltonWright Mustangs
Coach: Carl Holston, fifth season.
Assistants:Ken Bryant, Mark Jacovitte, Mike McWhorter.
Last year's record: 8-7.
Top returnees: Aric Schwab (jr., 125), Chris Miller (sr., 140), Vince Pucciarella (so., 103), Ron Lentz (sr., 119), Gordon Reilly (jr., 135), Ethan Kushner (jr., 145), Kevin McGovern (sr., 152), Ryan Arist (sr., 189), Jason Joines (sr., UNL).
Key newcomers: Steve Stallard (sr., 130), Will Hanks (fr., 189), Rick Denny (so., 160), Barry Mitchell (so., 171), Jim Greene (so., UNL), Tim Politowicz (jr., 160), Dave Poole (jr., 112), Mike Schmidt (so., 135).
Coach's outlook: "We just made a big jump. We have everybody back, and we're loaded. We have a full jv team and the rec program up here is going full throttle. I'm really happy with what we have and with what we have coming up."
Harford County Sun's outlook: Looking for the most improved team in the county? Look no further than the C. Milton Wright. Withnine starters back, Stallard moving over from Aberdeen and new talent to fill in the holes, the Mustangs should move up with a bullet. Inthe early weeks of the season, however, the Mustangs are hobbling along. Four top wrestlers -- Schwab, Miller, Lentz and Poole (an experienced transfer from Oregon) -- will have to sit until the new year after discipline problems got them suspended from meets for the rest of1991. Once these four are back on the mat, the Mustangs should challenge for a spot in the top two in the county. Holston expects Schwab,Miller, Lentz, Stallard, Reilly and Joines to be in the battle for individual county titles.
EDGEWOOD RAMS
Coach: Chris Burns, fourth season.
Assistants: Matt Zvitkovitz, Denny Miller.
Last year's record: 12-3.
Top returnees: Minh Dang (jr., 119), Ty Long (sr., 125), John Lamancusa (sr., UNL), Billy Carr (jr., 130), Tim Beach (jr., 152), Greg Watchinsky (sr., 145).
Key newcomers: Dave Schimmel (fr., 112), Noel Heuer (jr., 140), John Cephalis (fr., 160), Matt McMahon (so. 135), Robert Mister (fr., 140), Andy Zawadski (sr., 160), Wade Greason (jr., 171).
Coach's outlook: "I was really satisfied with the team we had last year. We had some solid performers. At the North East tournament this year, we had three kids in the finals, whichis more than we've ever had. But overall, I don't think we're as strong as last year. It depends on these guys coming in and filling the holes."
Harford County Sun's outlook: The Rams' strength starts with Dang and Long, both 20-2 last year. Long is ranked fifth in the state at 125 pounds by the Maryland State Wrestling Association. Burns is also counting on Beach, Lamancusa and newcomers Schimmel, fourth at North East, and Greason, a rapidly improving first-year wrestler. Despite the talent the Rams have at a lot of weight classes, they are still missing proven wrestlers at 103 and 189. Burns is hoping some youngsters will come along quickly to fill those holes, but in the meantime, he may have to forfeit one or both. Even though the Rams may not have the top-to-bottom strength of last year's sqaud, don't look for them to fall too far in the county.
FALLSTON COUGARS
Coach: John Conley, first season.
Assistants: Len Petrey, Andy Amasia.
Last year's record: 9-6.
Top returnees: Tom Brazier (jr., 112), Derek Schwartz (sr., 140), Max Dodd (jr., 145), Tom Gnade (sr., 171), Doug Johnson (so., 189), Russell Cook (so., UNL).
Key newcomers: ToddParadise (fr., 160), Chad Taylor (so., 103), Patrick Elliott (fr., 119), Jarod McCarthy (so., 152), Doug Mackey (so., 135).
Coach's outlook: "One of my goals is to fill all the weight classes eventually.Other than that, I'd just like to see kids go out and wrestle to thebest of their ability and win a handful of matches. If we can fill all the weight classes, we could be comparable to last year."
Harford County Sun's outlook: Conley's biggest problem is numbers. He has only 15 guys out for the team, and that leaves him with a lot of gaping holes. He has nobody to wrestle at 125 and 130 pounds. Tuesday night, the Cougars lost to Mount Hebron, 42-28, but they gave away 18 points by forfeiting three weight classes. With no depth whatsoever, the Cougars can't expect to win many matches especially against tough Harford County competition. Individually, Conley expects a strong season from Brazier, Schwartz and Dodd while newcomers Paradise and Taylor could also do well. Brazier (16-14 last year) was second in the county at 103 pounds. He was also a regional champion. Brazier should again challenge for a county title and some of the Cougars' other top wrestlers could also crack the top two.
HARFORD TECH COBRAS
Coach: Gary Siler, second season.
Assistants: Bob Moore.
Last year's record: 9-7.
Top returnees: Albert Nichols (sr., 119), Mike Copenhaver (sr., 130), Brian Johnson (sr., 135), Paul Barlow (sr., 171), Jason Snyder (jr., 160), Chip Weiman (jr., UNL), Duane Williams (jr., 140), Greg Mull (jr., 145).
Key newcomers: Kevin Smeltzer (fr., 103), Jeremy Adams (fr., 103), Jeff Thomas (so., 112), Paul Melton (sr., 189), Mike Kramer (so., 130), Billy Smith (so., 145), Aaron Little (fr., 125), Rob Hash (so., 140), Troy De Board (sr., 140), Harold Ball (jr., 160).
Coach's outlook: "We only lost two to graduation, which I didn't think was so bad. But we have a couple kids who haven't come out yet, and I know they're good. If we hit .500, we'll be lucky."
Harford County Sun's outlook: Siler expects his returning seniorsand Snyder and Weiman to do well in dual meets. Nichols and Johnson were champs at the Bel Air Tournament and they should be among the county's best in their weight classes. Snyder also won at Bel Air and Barlow was second. The Cobras posted a winning record last year, even though they were rebuilding, but they don't have the kind of depth tochallenge the top squads this year. Beyond their top six, the Cobrasare inexperienced. However, the Cobras won't give away any points. They can fill every weight class. If Siler can coax a few more out forthe team and the Cobras can overcome a team-wide flu epidemic, they could move into the middle of the county pack.
HAVRE DE GRACE WARRIORS
Coach: Greg Long, first season.
Assistants: Bob Hickey.
Last year's record: 2-9.
Top returnees: Jim Ervine (sr., 125), Tom Burdsall (sr., 160), Ricky Boggs (sr., 119), Sami Zaman (sr., 130), George Dorbert (jr., 145), Jim Andrews (sr., 171).
Key newcomers: Sokhen Pin (jr., 103), Corey Pascuzzi (fr., 112), Jamie Gullett (sr., 135), Leonard Ferguson (so., 140), Waylon Wesley (sr., 152), David Lambert (sr., 171).
Coach's outlook: "It'll be a struggle, but I think we can do better than 2-9. Almost everybody's a senior, so we'll behurting next year. I'm shooting for .500, but I don't know if we canget it. This county is pretty strong."
Harford County Sun's outlook: There has been a big turnover in the Warriors' program, not only in coaching but in wrestlers. Still, the Warriors are already halfwayto matching last year's win total after a 44-22 victory over BohemiaManor. But without much depth, the Warriors will be in a lot of trouble against most county teams. They will forfeit two or three weight classes. Long has nobody to wrestle the heaviest two classes, and that will cost the team at least 12 points a match. He still is hoping to recruit a 152-pounder. However, Havre de Grace has two of the county's best in Ervine (28-3 last year) and Burdsall (22-9). Ervine won the county title at 125 last year and Burdsall was second at 160. Eachcurrently is ranked No. 3 in his weight class by the Maryland State Wrestling Association. Look for both to challenge for county titles again this year. Boggs could come on strong at 119.
JOHN CARROLL PATRIOTS
Coach: Bill Reichert, third season.
Assistants: Bob Buthod.
Last year's record: 2-11, MSA A Conference.
Top returnees: TomScannell (sr., 130), Jake Holland (sr., 189), Matt Muraro (sr., 135), Chris Lattin (jr., 145), Jason Reid (sr., 152).
Key newcomers: John Cohen (fr., 119), John Trancucci (so., 125), Andrew Dunn (fr., 140).
Coach's outlook: "Based on the level of competition we face, and we only return three full-time varsity starters, I don't anticipate having an outstanding dual-meet record. I don't want to say anything discouraging, but I want to be realistic. When I look at the numbers we lost and what other teams have kept, it's hard to imagine havinga much better record than that."
Harford County Sun's outlook: The Patriots will have their work cut out for them in the MSA A Conference, which offers some of the top competition in the state. Reichert expects a strong season from Scannell (22-5-1 last year) as well as Holland. Both could contend for MSA individual crowns. Scannell was third at the North East Tournament. A third returning starter, senior 160-pounder George Moore, is already lost for the season with broken ribs. However, the Patriots have plenty of hope for the future with a squad of 26 including many talented youngsters. Reichert will work toget his top wrestlers in their best shape and to bring the youngsters along. With an abundance of freshmen and sophomores, the Patriots are too inexperienced to make much headway now, but they could be a team to contend with in a couple of years.
JOPPATOWNE MARINERS
Coach: Larry Swift, third season.
Assistant: Dave Rose.
Last year's record: 4-13-1.
Top returnees: Matt Gross (sr., 125), Dave DeBord (sr., 171), Dan Mick (sr., UNL), Mike Wells (sr., 130), Keath Cummings (sr., 140), Jason Wilson (jr., 140), Matt Winkler (jr., 119), ChrisWinkler (jr., 125), Tony Ianneo (jr., 119), Bill Lasley (jr., 140), Matt Miller (jr., 189), Jason Lablonski (so., 119), Darren Swift (so., 112), Rich Tempel (so., 189).
Key newcomers: Brian McCarthy (jr., 119/125), Jamie Hunter (so., 135).
Coach's outlook: "I expect usto do much better. Last year, we lost some matches in the county by two or three points. We won't lose those this year. I think this teamis going to do well enough to go over .500."
Harford County Sun'soutlook: Coach Swift is cautiously optimistic about this group. Justthree years ago, the Mariners were a club team. Now, they have the potential to grapple their way to the middle of the county pack. Although the Mariners are heavy at the lower middle weight classes, they will have to forfeit only at 103. Mick, Wilson, both Winklers, Ianneo and Darren Swift went to camp and worked hard in the off-season, and Coach Swift expects that to pay off. Wilson was the only Mariner to place in the county last year, but Coach Swift expects Wilson and Darren Swift to finish near the top this year. McCarthy, a transfer who was 23-0 and a regional champ in West Virginia last year, should be a pleasant surprise. In most of the upper weight classes, the Mariners are inexperienced.
NORTH HARFORD HAWKS
Coach: Richard Perrine, fourth season.
Assistants: Fred Holtz, Dean Petty, Charles Ewers.
Last year's record: 6-9.
Top returnees: Marc Perrine (sr., 160), Jason Frith (sr., 130), Bryan Isaacs (sr., UNL), Brandon Moore (jr., 103), Matt Petza (sr., 140), Jim Ritt (sr., 152), Eric Warfield (jr., 119/125), Ted Wiley (so., 171).
Key newcomers: Brent Barbacane (fr., 135), Jaysson Eicholtz (fr., 145), Tim Richmond (fr., 119), Zach Rose (fr., 125/130), Paul Conschak (fr., 140).
Coach's outlook: "Wehave a few more guys than last year. We're not deep, but we're better. Last year, forfeits cost us a match or two, but now we have every weight class covered except 189. The guys who are back are a little bit better, so I think we can do better as far as our record is concerned."
Harford County Sun's outlook: The Hawks are led by Marc Perrine, 28-6 and second in the county last year. Already, Perrine is 5-0and won his weight class at the North East Tournament. He is ranked No. 2 at 160 pounds by the Maryland State Wrestling Association. Coach Perrine also expects strong seasons from Moore and Petza, who are off to good starts,including second-place finishes at North East. The Hawks have some experience in their other upperclassmen, but Coach Perrine is also high on his freshmen. It is probably too soon for the youngsters to make much of an impact on the league, so the Hawks won'tbe a threat to the top contenders this season. However, Coach Perrine hopes the influx of new talent puts the Hawks in contention in a few years.