Aberdeen
Head coach: Kyle Brown (second year)
Top returning wrestlers: Daniel Velez, So., (126); Jasaan Beck, Sr., (152)
Key newcomers: Travis Hubler, Jr., (132); Zack Hoffman, Fr., (145)
Outlook: "We have a young team this year, but I expect us to become more and more competitive as the season progresses," coach Brown said.
Bel Air
Head coach: Craig Reddish (19th year)
Top returning wrestlers: Jeff Taylor, Sr., (132); William Holder-Moore, Jr., (170); John Cross, So., (152); Ryan Beveridge, So., (126); Ben Ludwig, Sr., (285)
Key newcomers: Cameron Watts, Fr., (138); Brady Staffort, Fr., (120); Christian Svoboda, So., (160); Cyler Crawford, So., (195)
Outlook: The Bobcats are very young, according to coach Reddish. There is a possibility of 10, ninth- and 10th-graders who will make the varsity line-up. "Our goal is always to compete at the highest level possible starting with the UCBAC," Reddish said. "We will be a much better team at the end of the year than the beginning with steady work and effort. The future is bright for the Bobcats."
C. Milton Wright
Head coach: Mike Zacharda (seventh year)
Top returning wrestlers: Mike Zito, So., (120); Elliott Creamer, Sr., (126); Doug Thier, So., (170)
Key newcomers: Not available (N/A)
Outlook: The Mustangs are a young, but well rounded team, according to coach Zacharda, who feels confident the Mustangs will have a successful year with a couple wrestlers placing in the county tournament and moving onto the regions. "I predict we will move from the Susquehanna Division to the Upper Chesapeake Division as well," Zacharda said. "The motivation of the wrestlers is outstanding, they cannot wait to get on the mat."
Fallston
Head coach: Andy Amasia (19th year)
Top returning wrestlers: CJ Austin, Jr., (145/152); Joe Medicus, Jr., (106/113); Garrett Coburn, Jr., (138/145); Will Shipley, Jr., (126/132); Ridge Myers, Jr., (195/220); Jesse Harmon, Jr., (220/285); Austin Rutkowski, So., (170/182)
Key newcomers: Zack Cullison, Sr., (126/132); Gordon Reilley, So., (145)
Outlook: Coach Amasia says the Cougars have solid returners and a great transfer, but low numbers (15 total wrestlers). Cullison, the defending Class 1A-2A, 119-pound state champion is that transfer. Amasia believes the Cougars are a better tournament team than a dual meet team.
Harford Tech
Head coach: Gary Siler (24th year)
Top returning wrestlers: Nathan Haskell, So., (113); Tyler Granese, Sr., (113/120); Bret Blevins, Sr., (126); Jimmy Cosgrove, Sr., (138); Tim Torre, Jr., (152); Colin Riley, Sr., (160); Dillon Brush, Sr., (170/182); Nathan Cook, Jr., (170/182); Will Hughes, Sr.,(285)
Key newcomers: Hunter Printz, Fr., (106); Simon Guo, Sr., (132); Tyler Butler, Fr., (138); Andrew Butler, Fr., (145); Amari Jones, Jr., (182/195); Cody Roth, Sr., (195)
Outlook: The numbers are way down for the Cobra Wrestling Team (28 total) from years past. "We have some experienced wrestlers returning and lots of senior leadership. Hopefully this will help our low turnout," coach Siler said. "I see the team winning close duals and we should finish over the .500 mark." Siler says look for Dillon Brush to make some noise for his quest at a state title. He has worked hard in the off season and is ready to make his mark. Siler also says Bret Blevins, Tyler Granese, Jimmy Cosgrove, Colin Riley and Will Hughes will bring their "A" game this year. The addition of the Butler twins, make Tech a decent dual team for the season while Hunter Printz brings some rec experience to help along the way. "Time will tell, very tough schedule will help in the post season," Siler said.
Havre de Grace
Head coach: Josh Foy (second year)
Top returning wrestlers: Daniel Peters, Jr., (138); Jesse Vancheri, Sr., (285); Nick Scarborough, Jr., (170); Josh Nuce, Jr., (126); Jacob Nuce, So., (120); Ryan Wilson, Jr., (132)
Key newcomers: Cody Southerland, Fr., (152); Kylee Barber, So., (113); Ryley Armstrong, Fr., (106)
Outlook: "We're continuing to build and trying to return Havre de Grace to the upper echelon of wrestling programs in the area," coach Foy said.
John Carroll
Head coach: Keith Watson (ninth year)
Top returning wrestlers: Devin Davis, Jr., (113); Artie Milner, Jr., (120); Josh Moscati, Jr. (126); TJ Centi, Sr., (138); Zach Donato, Sr., (160); Dan Kleble, Jr., (195)
Key newcomers: CJ Skokowski, Fr., (106): Zach Dwyer, Fr., (106); Steven Jernigan, Fr., (126); Philip Venanzi, Fr., (132); Christian Scott, Fr., (138); Christian Almony, Fr., (152); Hunter Ritter, Fr., (170); Ben Swanson, Jr., (145); Jay Etkins, Jr., (182); Andy Reininger, So., (220); ChrisTruitt, So., (285)
Outlook: The Patriots are a very young team with lots of talent, says coach Watson. The lineup is anchored by returning Prep All Americans, junior Scott Strappelli (132) and junior George Weber (145).
Patterson Mill
Head coach: Ryan Arist (fifth year)
Top returning wrestlers: Mark Mossa, Jr., (120); Nick Roney, Sr., (152); Devakar Sinha, Sr., (160); Tyler Mackenchnie, Sr., (170); Corey Myers, Sr., (182)
Key newcomers: Chase Tallon, So., (106); Jake Nikkila, Fr., (126); Jason Noss, Jr., (132); Thomas Trzeciak, Jr., (138); Brian Miser, Jr., (145); Eric Eckstein, So., (220); Mark Reuter, So., (285)
Outlook: Coach Arist says the Huskies are small, but that a solid group of seniors coming back, mixed in with some experienced JV guys coming up from last year, will help the team. "We have some key injuries early so it will be after Christmas break until we are 100 percent," Arist said. "We have solid numbers in the room which will help with so many injuries early. Seniors Nick Roney and Corey Myers along with freshman Jake Nikkila should keep our team competitive."
(Preview information for Edgewood, Joppatowne and North Harford was not received by presstime for publication).