Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Randy Hussar believes that this could the year for his team to challenge for the league’s top spot.
“This year we have just one goal,” said Hussar. “We want to win the league. We’re focusing on just that. We’ll worry about everything else that comes after that once the leagues are done.”
The Bulldogs actually were picked to be second in the Northern Buckeye Conference behind Elmwood at the league’s coaches meeting, but Hussar believes his team has the tools to make a title run. “We should have the talent to challenge for the championship,” he added.
One factor in the Bulldogs’ favor is depth, a rare luxury Hussar has not had in a number of years. This year’s team has 41 wrestlers on the roster. Hussar also sees them as being the most athletic team he has coached.
“We have so many key components.” He is pleased that for the first time in years, the Bulldogs will boast a full lineup at matches and have enough to also compete in freshman and JV events. By having such large numbers, the Bulldogs will be busy.
“We had to add JV matches, something we haven’t had to do, and we couldn’t have gotten it done with out the work of new athletic director Brian Smith,” said Hussar. “He’s been a breath of fresh air for our program.”
Key returners for the team are sophomore Caleb Beckwith at 106 lbs. and Ayden Wilson, a talented junior who placed at the district meet last year, at 157 lbs.
Hussar believes Wilson has enough speed and athleticism to reach the state meet if things fall the right way. He is joined by fellow juniors Dylan Eckhart at 150 lbs. and Ryan Weisbrod at 175 lbs.
Senior Justin Hire, who surprised last year as a firsttime wrestler, returns at 165 lbs. and should continue to make strides. Nevan Hanthorn, another solid athlete should hold down either the 138 lbs. or the 144 lbs. class.
Hussar said he too could make some noise when it comes to the league tournament. Logan Bieganwoski, also a senior, returns at 190 lbs. and should provide some leadership for the whole team.
Hussar pointed out there could be some surprises as well. Avontae Jackson and Sam Wilburn will compete for the heavyweight position, and the team has a brace of athletes in the 170s, all of which could challenge for victories at the varsity level.
Junior Ty Klocko has impressed early on and should compete with Chase Martin and Zak McLane. Grant Eckel has proven to be a hard worker in his first year as a wrestler, and Brock Queen put in time during the off-season that could pay dividends at the 190 lbs. class.
The team has several promising freshmen, but the Ronnie Hawkins at 132 lbs. and Joey Foels at 144 lbs. seem to be the current standouts.
To be successful, Hussar said the Bulldogs will first need to get into better wrestling shape. This task has proven more daunting with having more kids in the room.
“I’m forced to break them up more so that we have more space on the mat,” said Hussar.
“We need to get the new guys to learn a few basic moves, and that alone will win us a lot of matches. But with the athletes in the room and the competition during practice, we will continue to get better.”
Hussar believes the match against Elmwood will be one to watch. “They have a big roster, too,” he added.
But he noted that Otsego and Woodmore both have some key individuals, including Otsego’s Lee Border, who is state-ranked at 157 lbs. Hussar said even as talented as Border is, he will have his hands full when wrestling Ayden Wilson.
The Bulldogs open the season on Friday, December 2 when they compete at the twoday Derr Invitational at Northwood. The coaching staff will split duties on Saturday since Rossford also is sending a team to a freshman tournament in Maumee.