Calvert Hall Cardinals
1993-94 record: 0-10. Coach: Henry Franklin.
Top wrestlers: Gino Amasia, Sr., 119; Brian Kapp, Sr., 130; Barry George, Sr., 145; Brian George, Sr., 152; Jerome Knights, Sr., 160; Tom Leroux, Sr., 189; Anthony Angelone, Jr., 135; Peter Angelone, Soph., 125; Chris Hanlon, Fresh., 103; Rob Johns, Fresh., 112.
Outlook: The youthful Franklin, in his first season, and assistants Todd Crandell and Dane Rianhard are enthusiastic about this year's squad. "We have a guy for every weight class, and we could make a big step up from last year if the upper weights come through," Franklin said.
Carver A & T Wildcats
1993-94 record: No team. Coach: Pete Skeels.
Top wrestlers: Brian Hampton, Jr., 171; Josh Friedman, Jr., 125; Shawn Allen, Soph., 145; Josh Brooks, Jr., 130; Joel Brooks, Jr., 135.
Outlook: The Wildcats will be very young in their first varsity season. They have no seniors and five juniors and a brutal early schedule, but their junior varsity did well last year and Skeels is hopeful.
Catonsville Comets
1993-94 record: 9-5. Coach: John Leslie.
Top wrestlers: Shawn Ohl, Jr., 125; Josh Walker, Sr., 171; Glen Williams, Sr., 160; Chester Bowser, Soph., 145.
Outlook: Despite losing four starters, more experience could make the Comets stronger. They lack depth, but if the younger wrestlers develop, Catonsville should find success.
Chesapeake Bayhawks
1993-94 record: 1-9. Coach: Todd Abramovitz.
Top wrestlers: Frank Buchacz, Sr., 171; Dominic Yori, Sr., 125/130; Gene Skeens, Sr., 135; Barry Thornton, Jr., 152; Derek Wilson, Jr., 112.
Outlook: The Bayhawks have more experience and a good nucleus for first-year coach Abramovitz. The team worked hard in the preseason, but still must fill some holes. Thornton captured a junior varsity regional championship last year and Yuri also did well, and Chesapeake needs help from both.
Dulaney Lions
1993-94 record: 2-12. Coach: Pete Chakmakas.
Top wrestlers: Alex Leanos, Sr., 135; Scott Kopalchick, Soph., 152; Brian D'Anna, Jr., 145; Patrick Kopalchick, Fresh., 140; Damon Holmes, Jr., 160.
Outlook: The Lions should be much closer to .500. Leanos (35-3) won the region title and made the state finals, and Holmes qualified for the states (at Owings Mills). Several others show promise, and the team boasts much more experience. Add in the fact that the Lions lost three matches by eight points, and the picture appears brighter.
Dundalk Owls
1993-94 record: 3-9. Coach: Bob Hutsler.
Top wrestlers: Dan Simancek, Jr., 119; Travis Williams, Soph., 125; Chris Nixon, Jr., 140; Dan Dehn, Sr., 135; Mark Thorpe, Jr., 189.
Outlook: The rebuilding continues for Hutsler. Simancek (first in region, third in county and fourth in state) and Williams should lead the way. The Owls need to fill spots in the lower weights and hope younger wrestlers come on by season's end.
Eastern Technical Mavericks
1993-94 record: 11-2. Coach: Joe Gast.
Top wrestlers: Joe Catlin, Sr., 119/125; Rex Marshall, Sr., 160; Matt Jones, Sr., 112; Bernie Roloson, Jr., 130; Ryan Dolly, Sr., 135.
Outlook: Catlin and Marshall, both county champions and state tournament participants, return as captains to lead the Mavericks. Seven starters come back -- and four made the states -- to give Gast a great nucleus. In addition, some good junior varsity wrestlers help, and how well they adapt could decide how far the team goes.
Franklin Indians
1993-94 record: 9-3. Coach: John Tartal.
Top wrestlers: Avi Meier, Jr., 103; Son Nyugen, Jr., 119; Sean Groszkowski, Sr., 140; Chris Termotto, Jr., 160; Mike Hartman, Sr., Hwt.
Outlook: Eight starters return to give the Indians a solid core. Meier (region champ), Nyugen (second in region), Groszkowski and Hartman (both third in region) make Franklin strong in the lower and middle weights. Depth, some questions in the upper weights and a rough early schedule are the Indians' biggest questions.
Hereford Bulls
1993-94 record: 12-3. Coach: Jim Long.
Top wrestlers: Glenn Warner, Sr., Hwt.; Roy Collins, Sr., 171/189; Jason Misterka, Sr., 171/189; Craig Coleman, Sr., 130/135; Chris Copenhaver, Sr., 119.
Outlook: The Bulls have plenty of experience with several seniors. Warner and Collins -- both of whom made the states -- should help upperclassmen carry much of the load. Long said he hopes some new wrestlers will fill some possible holes in the middle of the lineup.
Kenwood Bluebirds
1993-94 record: 10-5. Coach: Len Patrick.
Top wrestlers: Brad Thomas, Jr., 103; Terry Hagy, Jr., 135; Rick Strong, Sr., 140; Chris Schaub, Sr., 130.
Outlook: The team's first seven weight classes look very tough, led by tri-captains Thomas, Hagy and Strong. And, the Bluebirds should benefit from some strong junior league talent coming in. Patrick still needs to fill some holes in the upper weight classes, but this could be a big season.
Lansdowne Vikings
1993-94 record: 3-7. Coach: Damon Royster.
Top wrestlers: Josh Kincaid, Sr., 189; Josh Trail, Sr., 160; Nick Shockney, Jr., 152; Joe Patterson, Soph., 152.
Outlook: First-year coach Royster walks into a tough situation. The turnout was low, but he's hoping for more. The Vikings have some experienced wrestlers, but they need to fill some spots and their best times are a year or two away.
Loch Raven Raiders
1993-94 record: 6-5. Coach: Anthony Menegatti.
Top wrestlers: Matt Sweeney, Sr., 145; Seung Yang, Sr., 103; David Svoboda, Sr., 135; James Caminis, Jr., 125.
Outlook: Experience and strength in the lower weights should help the Raiders. New coach Menegatti said the team looked good in the preseason, and he hopes to compete with the bigger 1A-2A schools.
Loyola Dons
1993-94 record: 7-2. Coach: Dennis Frazier.
Top wrestlers: Nick Hollick, Sr., 135; Jeremy Smith, Sr., 145; Mark Lilly, Sr., 160; Owen Kerney, Sr., 189; Nick Marsalak, Jr., 125; Dave Riley, Jr., 140; Adam Baker, Soph., 112; Scott Smith, Soph., 130; Greg Miller, Fresh., 119; Dan Cunnane, Fresh., 152-160.
Outlook: Experience and balance should carry the Dons, who return eight starters and add a couple of solid performers up from the junior varsity. "We need a 103-pounder and a heavyweight, but we have some quality wrestlers in the lineup," said Frazier.
McDonogh Eagles
1993-94 record: 4-5. Coach: Pete Welch.
Top wrestlers: Martius Harding, Sr., 171; Albert Gibson, Sr., 189; Brad Bondroff, Sr., 152; J.R. Plienis, Jr., Hwt.; Dave Trudil, Jr., 135-140; Mickey Moore, Soph., 130-135.
Outlook: Because of inexperience in some weight classes, McDonogh's six best wrestlers will be under pressure to perform nearly to perfection in every match. "We're young all over, but three or four kids will win every match," said Welch. "Overall, our team is much improved, but we'll have to get those key wins to stay in the big matches."
Milford Mill Millers
1993-94 record: 1-10. Coaches: Tyrell Gordon, Gerard Johnson.
Top wrestlers: Chester Harris, Jr., 135/140; Gregory Ford, Soph. 189; Marc McQuay, Jr., 119.
Outlook: The new coaches have some building ahead of them. The team is very young but has some depth. Gordon said he hopes the Millers peak later in the season, but its best success could be a year or two away.
Overlea Falcons
1993-94 record: 8-6. Coach: Bruce Malinowski.
Top wrestlers: Cory Scott, Jr., 119; Eric Langley, Sr., 135; Carlos Lindsey, Sr., 145; Leif Barstad, Sopn., Hwt.; Nat Poloma, Jr., 125.
Outlook: Young wrestlers need to develop for the Falcons to be strong. Scott and Langley took third and fourth, respectively, in last year's regionals, but lack of experience and some holes worry Malinowski.
Owings Mills Golden Eagles
1993-94 record: 14-1. Coach: Guy Pritzker.
Top wrestlers: Steve Kellner, Soph. 112; Adam Fink, Sr., 119; Josh Ellin, Sr., 130; Jimmy Hudson, Sr., 135; Steve Kessler, Soph., 145; Paul Schulman, Sr., 152; Josh Ezrine, Sr., 160; Willie Broadnax, Jr., 171; Kirk Lurie, Sr., 189
Outlook: The Golden Eagles bring back nine varsity wrestlers and will gain some strong junior league and junior varsity talent to fill the rest of the spots. Kessler (36-0) had a perfect freshman year, winning the state title at 130, and Fink and Ellin were regional finalists as Owings Mills took its fourth straight region title.
Parkville Knights
1993-94 record: 3-7-2. Coach: Mark Anelli.
Top wrestlers: Paul Kretchmer, Sr., 135; Matt Sisson, Sr., 160; Jim Phillips, Sr., Hwt.
Outlook: Parkville forfeited as many as six weight classes in the past few years, but this year will be different. Several experienced wrestlers return, but the lower weight classes feature young wrestlers that could help if they develop.
Patapsco Patriots
1993-94 record: 2-11. Coach: Dave Ingle.
Top wrestlers: Derrick Richter, Sr., 135; Mark Lasek, Soph., 140; Nick O'May, Jr., 125.
Outlook: Ingle hopes the Patriots will be competitive in their league. Lots of returnees help Patapsco -- namely Richter and O'May, who made the regionals -- as will depth. A tough schedule could make things more difficult.
Perry Hall Gators
1993-94 record: 16-1. Coach: Jeff Langrehr.
Top wrestlers: Steve Boothe, Sr., 130; Rich Hanzevack, Sr., 145; Steve Page, Sr., 140; Nick Sidiropoulos, Soph., 112; Austin Kim, Jr., 160; Mike Atwell, Sr., 189.
Outlook: The combination of talent, experience and good incoming junior leaguers should make the Gators strong for Langrehr, who replaces longtime coach Al Miller. Boothe (first in region) and Hanzevack (first in county) lead the way as the Gators boast plenty of depth. Perry Hall, which lost to Frederick in the state dual-meet semifinals, has a tough schedule and some questions at heavyweight, but few other concerns.
Pikesville Panthers
1993-94 record: 5-6. Coach: Joel Weber.
Top wrestlers: Chad Hipsley, Jr., 171; Brad Sopher, Sr., 140; Erin Kelman, Sr., 130; Mike Kurman, Sr., 119.
Outlook: Weber takes over a young team from longtime coach Curt Boushell, who retired after last year. The team is top-heavy with sophomores and juniors -- including over half of the starting lineup. If the younger wrestlers come through, the Panthers could surprise a few. Next year could be even more fun for Pikesville.
Randallstown Rams
1993-94 record: 6-7. Coach: Solomon Carr.
Top wrestlers: Derrick Thomas, Jr., 112; Sean Wiggins, Sr., 119; Matt Rausch, Jr., 130; Anthony Rudolph, Jr., 135/140; William Thomas, Sr., 145.
Outlook: Despite losing state champion Gary Harris, the Rams have plenty of strength thanks to several returnees. The Rams look strong in lower weight classes but have holes in spots and their depth is questionable.
Sparrows Point Pointers
1993-94 record: 7-7. Coach: Jim Pfeiffer.
Top wrestlers: Tom Free, Soph., 103; Greg Maynor, Sr., 112; Mike Young, Soph., 119; Sean Myrnza, Sr., 125.
Outlook: Sparrows Point's lower weights are monsters. Free (19-1) lost his state title bout to Oakland Mills' Juri Freeman by 2-1 as a freshman last year, while Maynor (23-2) won the county and region. Myrnza sat out last year, but won a Maryland Scholastic Association championship two years ago for Curley, and Young was third in the county, first in the region and fourth in the state. The Pointers have holes in the upper weights, but this could be a breakthrough year tournament-wise.
St. Paul's Crusaders
1993-94 record: 6-5. Coach: Desi McNelis.
Top wrestlers: Ned Kissinger, Sr., 171; George McCulloch, Sr., 145; Bill Bond, Jr., 189; Baruke Griffin, Jr., 130, Mike Kernan, Soph., 140.
Outlook: McNelis lost two of his best wrestlers, both MIAA champs, to graduation, and another quit this year's team. But there is experience in spots with Kissinger, McCulloch (fourth in the MIAA) and Griffin. "We match up well with some teams," said McNelis, who has 17 freshmen among a turnout of 26 wrestlers.
Towson Generals
1993-94 record: 8-6. Coach: Glenn Hyman.
Top wrestlers: Ryan Haden, Sr., 103/112; Josh Perloff, Sr., 171; Zach Kaminsky, Sr., 135; Karsten Russell-Wood, Hwt.; Sr.
Outlook: Hyman said he hopes his younger wrestlers come on quickly. The Generals' lineup has holes and forfeits will hurt and could cause a slow start, but talent is there. Haden and Perloff both made the states last year, and Towson does have experience in spots.
Western Tech Wolverines
1993-94 record: No team. Coach: Kirk Kucharski.
Top wrestlers: Richard Smith, Jr., 135; Bo Schweitzer, Soph., 171; Chris Pierson, Jr., 125; Ryan Shutt, Jr., 189.
Outlook: This looks like a typical first-year team, loaded with youth and inexperience. Western did well, however, last year on the junior varsity and Kucharski said this will be the first year of the building process.
Woodlawn Warriors
1993-94 record: 3-5. Coach: Scott Jeffery.
Top wrestlers: Mykol Thomas, Sr., 160; Robin Watkins, Jr., 152; Mark Pierpont, Jr., 152/160; Nathan Rosenberg, Fresh., 103.
Outlook: Woodlawn looks young and inexperienced in spots, but is strong through the middle. Thomas (30-2) helps there, as he won the county and region titles and took third in the state. Woodlawn lost four matches last year by 10 points or fewer so if the young wrestlers step up, the Warriors should improve.