AZPreps365 caught up with Liberty's dominant wrestling program Tuesday during its second team varsity match of the season.

The Division I power dropped just one varsity individual match during its visit to Canyon View in Waddell. 

 

Team wrestling previews

Basha High School

Head coach name: Michael Garcia.

2019-20 record: 7-7.

Number of years as school's head coach: 17.

Number of years as a head coach: 25.

Overall career record: 310-166.

Top returning letterwinners: Kayden Galauneau, 12/122, State contender/ Senior experience / State Qualifier. … Eli Haney/ Senior/ State Qualifier.

Benson High School

Head coach: Kieran Maakastad.

2019-20 record: 19-8.

Number of years as school's head coach: 0.

Top returning letterwinners: Colton Tyra, 10/128; Conner Curtis, 10/138.

Brophy College Preparatory

Head coach name: Wayne Catan.

2019-20 record: 16-5.

Number of years as school's head coach: Six.

Number of years as a head coach: Seven.

Top returning letterwinners: Cesar Avelar, Senior (138) returning state runner-up. Should win state title this year. … David Sweetman, sophomore (195). Should be a state finalist this year.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Ty Trickle, freshman (126). Top 6 in the state.

More about the program: Wayne Catan was a three-time NCAA Division I All-American for Syracuse University. He was a two-time NCAA Division I finalist. Prior to his post at Brophy Prep, he coached at Blair Academy in NJ. Cesar Avelar, returning state finalist, is the brother of Andres Avelar, a two-time state champion from Cesar Chavez.

Early season expectations: We could have four guys place at state. Add Ryan Lin (120) if he gets healthy. So Avelar, Lin, Trickle, and Sweetman should score a lot of points for Brophy at the state meet.

Campo Verde High School

Head coach name: Chris Bishop.

2019-20 record: 16-5.

Number of years as school's head coach: 12.

Number of years as a head coach: 16.

Top returning letterwinners: Jake Dunham, 12/126. Connor Calloway, 11/195.

Season expectations: Top 8 finish at State - Top 3 Finish at Section.

Casteel High School

Head coach name: Bob Callison.

2019-20 record: 23-0.

Number of years as school's head coach: 5.

Overall record at school: 93-19.

Number of years as a head coach: 24.

Overall career record: 425-115.

Top returning letterwinner: Ramon Ramos, 12th grade 138/145. 2019 USA Wrestling National Champ, 2018 State Champ. … Jackson Rustad, 10th grade 106/113. 2020 State Runner up. … AJ Valle, 11th Grade 182/195. 2020 State Runner up. 2019 State 6th, NHSCA All-American. … Will Effinger, 11th Grade 126/132. 4th State 2019 & 2020. … Xylyx Abele, 11th Grade 138/145. 4th State 2020. … Jacob Done. 10th grade 160/170. 6th State 2020. … Raychon Cardona, 220/285. 6th State 2020. … Sergio Ramos. 11th grade 126/132. State Champs and All-American

Wrestlers being recruited: Ramon Ramos, committed to Arizona State University. … James Maheras, committed to Arizona Christian University. Brennan Callison, Jr. 170-182, state Qualifier 138 lbs 2020, NCAA Div. 2, NAIA schools.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: James Maheras, 12th Grade 120/126 lbs. 3 x State Qualifier. … Alejandro Torres, 11th Grade 152/160. State Qualifier 2019, injured 2020. … Zach Young, 12th grade 182/195. 2020 State Qualifier.

More about the program: I have either coached or coached with head coaches at Red Mtn, Skyline, Highland, Williams Field, Pinnacle, Dobson, assisted at various places.

Early season expectations: We are ranked #2 in Division 2 with Marana Mtn View ranked #1 (They have 10 place winners coming back. Tough.)

Approaching milestones: 7 wins away from program’s 100th win in 5th year! I am at 425. Was hoping to get to 500 before I retire, but Covid 19 will make that harder.

Big matches: Liberty. Was set for Jan 29th Original schedule. Had Marana Mtn View, Ironwood Ridge as well.

Chandler Prep

Head coach name: Drew Hayes

Number of years as school's head coach: 7th.

Top returning letterwinners: Samuel Mallonee, Soph. / 106. One match away from state qualifying as a freshman. Hoping to break through this year.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Creon Fulgham, Fr. / 145. Brings a calm confidence to the mat, very self-aware. Potential to be first freshman state qualifier in school history.

More about the team: We'll see what develops, but this year's freshman class has the potential to emerge as a solid core as we continue to build our relatively new and small program. We are the only charter school in the Great Hearts network with a wrestling program, entering our seventh year of competition. In our program's short history, we have had three state qualifiers, but have not yet had a state placer. We expect that to change within the next year or three.

Early season evaluation: We have a young team (no seniors, 1 Jr, 2 Soph, 4 Freshmen) this season, but all with experience and potential to be successful at the high school level sooner than expected. We have had plenty of time to train and should definitely be ready to compete when Jan. 23 rolls around.

Chino Valley

Head coach name: Kevin Giese.

2019-20 record: 33-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 2.

Overall record at school: 66-8.

Number of years as a head coach: 2.

Overall career record: 66-8.

Top returning letterwinners: Colby Evens. 12th , 120. Dakota McMains, 11, 195.

Wrestlers being recruited: Colby Evens, ND State University.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Hunter Lane, 11th, 106. State placer. … Craig Stephenson, 12th 138. State placer. … Damen Nielson, 10th, 145. State placer.

Season expectation: Top 5 at state.

Big matches: Yuma, Coconino.

Combs

Head coach name: Travis Miller.

2019-20 record: 25-7.

Number of years as school's head coach: 11.

Overall record at school: 218-77.

Number of years as a head coach: 11.

Top returning letterwinners: Taniela Taunima, 12/285. He is expected to defend his state title. His skill and ability to move as a big wrestler is unparalleled. Plus he is just a great kid! …. Seth Fernandez, 12/152. He is expected to win the state title after taking second last season. He is a very strong and talented young man with loads of experience on the mat. He brings a great attitude and demeanor to practice that we love on the team. … Cody Owen, 11/170. Cody is a returning sectional champion who has put in a lot of work in the offseason. His own expectations are very high, and we believe he is going to a have a tremendous season. … Michael Davenport, 11/145. Mikey is strong and quick. He is a returning state qualifier, and we expect a lot of wins and points towards the team score from Mikey. … Collin Strebeck, 12/182. Collin has been a mainstay on our team for many years, and he has been a big part of our team points. We expect him to continue his contributions point-wise. … Chase Ferrin, 10/106. Chase is returning at the same weight class, and is expected to increase a lot in the contribution from last year.

Wrestlers being recruited: Taniela Taunima, Southern Virginia University.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Mason Monnier, 11th/160. His talent and skill is improved. He is by far one of the best wrestlers in the room. We expect him to do a lot at the state tournament. … Zavier Fernandez, 10th/126. Zavier is a returning state qualifier last year as a freshmen. He is night and day different regarding his skill and ability. We believe he will be a major factor in our success as a team. … Alvaro Ramos, 12/120. Alvaro is finally in a position to showcase his hard work and efforts. We expect him to qualify for the state championships.

Early season expectations: We hope to be able to qualify the majority of our varsity squad for the state championships. Right now we are falling nicely in to the proper weight classes, and they are healthy. Even though there has been late starts, restrictions and all kinds of hurdles we are excited for this year. We've been able get in to good practice and training, even with certain restrictions.

Copper Canyon

Head coach name: Kenny Stringer.

2019-20 record: 3-12.

Number of years as school's head coach: 3.

Overall record at school: 20-24.

Number of years as a head coach: 36.

Overall career record: 298-151-2.

Season expectations: Not sure as we will probably not have a season this year due to COVID in our district. If we do should be competitive in the middle weights will be the strength of our team.

Desert Ridge High School

Head coach name: Travis Jackson.

Number of years as school's head coach: 6.

Number of years as a head coach: 13.

Top returning letterwinners: Joe Kisting, 12 145/152. 4th at state 2020. … Dante Smith, 12 HWT. 2nd at state 2020. … Gabe Corrales, 10 120/126. 5th at state 2020.

Dobson High School

Head coach name: Jake R. Allen.

2019-20 record: 26-6.

Number of years as school's head coach: 3 years.

Overall record at school: 48-17.

Top returning letterwinners/expectations: William Durbin, Junior / 197 lbs. State Champion. … Isaiah Martin, Senior / 147 lbs. State Champion. … Marcus Seiter, Senior / 120. State Placer.

Estrella Foothills High School

Head coach name: Garth Benson.

2019-20 record: 20-10.

Number of years as school's head coach: 14.

Overall record at school: 150 -120.

Number of years as a head coach: 14.

Overall career record: 150-120.

Early season expectations: We are inexperienced this year. A number of varsity returners did not come out and we have had practice interrupted a few times now out of precaution. With all of this, we feel that we will continue to be competitive in our matches. We are hopeful to have a few state qualifiers this year and use this year as a building block for next year.

Fountain Hills

Head coach name: Luke Salzman.

2019-20 record: 15-15.

Number of years as school's head coach: 13.

Overall record at school: 140-95.

Number of years as a head coach: 13.

Overall career record: 140-95.

Top returning letterwinners: Dom Flynn, 12/154. State placer. … Hector Leon, 11/HWT. State Placer. … JT Despain, 11/184. State Placer.

Higley

Head coach name: Rand Baker.

2019-20 record: 28-5.

Number of years as school's head coach: 7.

Overall record at school: 123-77.

Number of years as a head coach: 16.

Overall career record: 304-138.

Top returning letterwinners: Brandon Guzman, 12/160, State Place Winner/3x State qualifier. … Harrison Hunter, 12/182. State Place Winner/2020 State Qualifier. … Ryan Nardozzi, 12/195, State Place Winner/2020 State Placer. … Matt Engle, 12/132. State Place Winner. … Roanin Richardson/2020 State Qualifier, 11/145. State Place Winner. … Nick Carroll, 11/152. State Place Winner

Horizon

Head coach name: Chris Hawes.

2019-20 record: 14-7.

Number of years as school's head coach: 5.

Overall record at school: 52-16.

Number of years as a head coach: 5.

Overall career record: 52-16.

Top returning letterwinners: Dante Oliverio, 12/120. 4th in state last year, State title contender. … Ethan Madson, 10/113. 4th in state 2020. … Parker Cirone, 11/132. 6th in state 2019. … Micah Madson, 10/106. Should contend for a state medal. … Dylan White, 11/138. Should contend for a state medal

Wrestlers being recruited: Dante Oliverio, Coast Guard, Air Force and Army.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Micah Madson, 10/106. Wasn't able to crack the line up last season with his twin brother placing at state in his weight class. Should be a big contributor this season.

More about the team: Dante has had a lot of adversity in his high school career and a lot of success. He is the clear leader on our team and is trying to win a state title this season. As a team we've had a new senior state champ 3 years in a row, and he has a very good chance at making it 4.

Season expectations: Our numbers are way down this year, so I don't think we'll have the best dual meet record. We do have 3 returning state placers and about three other wrestlers ready to make that jump onto the state podium. We've finished in the top-10 3 years in a row and I hope to make it 4.

Big matches: Our district duals against pinnacle and PV should be fun. Desert Ridge and Dobson should both be very competitive.

Program milestones: Trying to make it 4 years in a row with a state champion and at least 4 state placers.

Kofa High School

Head coach name: Airam Moreno.

Number of years as school's head coach: 0.

Top returning letterwinners: Damien Moreno, Sophomore 106. Returning state placer. … Nicolas Moreno. Senior HWT. Returning State Placer. … Bryan Guzman, Junior 195. Determined, strong and learning every day. … Erick Campoy, Sophomore 138. In great shape, physical and getting better every practice.

More about the program: The Kofa wrestling team currently has 3 returning starters from last year and it does not look like it in the room. They are working hard and reloading.

Early season expectations: Our team has high expectations every year. We will work hard and let everything else take care of itself.

Big match: Sunnyside. To be the champ you have to beat the champ.

Kofa High School

Head coach: Chris Polanco.

2019-20 record: 3-3.

Number of years as school's head coach: 3.

Overall record at school: 6-6.

Top returning letterwinners: Carolina Moreno, 12th, 126. Repeat state championship Continue winning percentage to level recruit.

Wrestlers being recruited: Carolina Moreno, Grandview University, Southern Oregon, Colorado Mesa.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Hannah Daniels, 10th, 145. Depth to program and experience. Transfer from Gila Ridge sectional placer. … Ravine Nerva, 11th, 138. Athleticism possible, sectional placer.

More on program: Carolina Moreno will be going for her 3rd state title in 3 years. She is undefeated at her weight class in female wrestling at 36-0.

Early season team evaluation: The athletes are dedicated wrestlers. There is the experience on the team and the potential to have all 3 athletes place in sectional and possibly move on to state outside of Carolina, who is returning state champion.

Liberty

Head coach name: Eric Brenton.

2019-20 record: 23-2.

Number of years as school's head coach: 15.

Overall record at school: 263-25-1.

Number of years as a head coach: 15.

Overall career record: 263-25-1.

Top returning letterwinners: Tyler Sauter, 11/152. Returning State Cham. … Carson Coy, 11/138. Finalist '19 as a freshman. … Jonathon Rodgers, 11/132. 3rd in '19. … Roman Provanzano. 11/126. 4th '20. … Gavin Dodge, 11/195. 5th '20. … Jayson Flener, 10/126. 5th '20. … Sara Schmoker, 12/145. Runner-up '20. … Bella Bocanegra, 10/106. Placed in National Tournaments.

Wrestlers being recruited: Sara Schmoker, Lindenwood University, Grey Harbor, St. Andrew's, Southern Oregon, Emmanuel.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Mikee Trujillo, 9/120. Strong wrestler with lots of national tournament experience. … Taylor Colangelo, 9/113. Placed in national tournaments. … Aidan Moffit, 10/145.

More about the program: Sara Schmoker- 1st girls state placer is returning for senior year. Women's team is 9 deep with 6 returners Men's team deep in lower weights and junior heavy.

Early season expectations: We are excited where we stand at this moment. Our room has been tough and every athlete has risen to adversity that this year has thrown at us since the spring. I feel we will continue to be strong throughout line up and really excited to see how are line up stacks up against the state's best.

Big matches: Casteel 1/29, Cibola 2/6, Boulder Creek 3/3.

On wrestling: Any time you write about wrestling youth, MS, HS men's and women's helps our sport to grow. Growing our sport is always a great story.

McClintock High School

Head coach name: Anthony Bello.

2019-20 record: 22-9.

Number of years as school's head coach: 4.

Overall record at school: 51-61.

Number of years as a head coach: 15.

Top returning letterwinners: Ezequiel Bello, 12/132. State Champion - Skill level is advanced. … Noah Sanchez, 11/285. State Champion - Skill level is above average.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Ricardo, 10/220. State placer.

More about the program: I started my wrestling career here at McClintock when I was about 6 years old. The original Head coach Dennis Johnson ran a holiday wrestling clinic and tournament. I then wrestled here at McClintock for Johnson. Now I am the head coach with one of my past wrestlers as my assistant Mike Hernandez.

Season expectations: Finish with the small group with all winning records.

Program or coaching milestones approaching: Last year we have had a winning team record of 22-9.

Mesa High School

Head coach name: David DiDomenico.

2019-20 record: 22-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 6 (32 yrs coaching overall).

Overall record at school: 92-37 at Mesa High (249-89).

Number of years as a head coach: 12.

Overall career record: 249-89.

Top returning letterwinners: John Jarman, Sr. 134. 2x State Placer tough on top. … Joseph Jarman, Soph. 120. State finalist as freshman tough on top. … Austin Gray, Sr. 140. Returning state qualifier tenacious. … Kaiden Cisneros, Jr. 197. Returning State Qualifier good on feet Multiple sport athlete. … Collin Ensing, Sr. 220. Returning State Qualifier strong with bursts of explosion Multiple sport athlete. … Rowan Gneiting, Soph. 162. Returning State Qualifier Tough and tactically diverse. … Aldo Sanchez. Jr. 147. Returning State Qualifier dynamic and athletic.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Mitch Houston, Jr. 162, physical. Boe Houston, Fr. 115, skilled and athletic. Mason Ennen, Jr. 220. Big, strong multiple sport athlete.

More about the program: Jarman brothers, John and Joseph, both vying for state titles of their own in a family of state medaled wrestlers!

Early season expectations: If we stay healthy, Mesa will field a tough, competitive, complete lineup. The team has multiple wrestlers returning with varsity and state experience. Could be a Top 5 team.

Milestones approaching: After spending half his career as a top assistant coach, David DiDomenico is one win from win #250 as head coach of 3 Programs (Amphi, Red Mountain, Mesa High) and 8 wins from win # 100 as head coach at Mesa High.

Big matches: State! Can't give bulletin board fodder for our opponents! :)

About Mesa: Program is like the Statue of Liberty for students at Mesa High. Many students feel welcomed and are brand new to the sport as they enter the program. Mesa High wrestling has an extremely high academic and citizen success rate, using wrestling as a vehicle and supportive coaching to develop student-athletes into model citizens and achieve success in their academic classes.

Mt. View HS (Mesa)

Head coach name: Corey Anderson.

2019-20 record: 26-0.

Number of years as school's head coach: 4.

Overall record at school: 100-3.

Number of years as a head coach: 12.

Overall career record: 196-24.

Top returning letterwinners: Gunnar Luke, 11/170. … James Huber, 12/220. … Jarrett Huber, 10/182

Early season expectations: We are a young group and should see progress over the year. Our kids are working hard and do things right.

Big matches: Every match is a big match when you only have 14 matches before state qualifying.

Mountain Pointe High School

Head coach: Greg Dayoob.

Number of years as school's head coach: 9.

Overall record at school: 121-44-2.

Number of years as a head coach: 11.

Overall career record: 142-59-2.

Top returning letterwinners: Chase Beyer, junior 138 lbs. Expected to be a State Placer. … Ryan Fierro, Senior 160 lbs. Good chance at being a State Placer. … Kyle Caliendo, Senior 170. Expected to be a State Placer. … Jack Baker, Junior 132 lbs. Good chance at being a State Placer. Tyler Yurmanovich, Senior 182 lbs. Good chance at being a State Placer.

Dayoob returns: I am returning to the team this year as head coach after a year of battling off stage 4 cancer. After many surgeries and chemotherapy, I am back and cancer-free.

Early season team evaluation: With Covid this year, no expectations. Just have fun and do your best.

Peoria high school

Head coach name: Elmar Cobos.

2019-20 record: 16 -4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 7 yrs.

Overall record at school: 110-20.

Number of years as a head coach: 7.

Overall career record: 110 -20.

Top returning letterwinners: Isaac Castro, 12 grade 132. 3 rd state last year.

More about the program: We are very young.

More about the program: Next year will be the 55th year of the Peoria Invitational.

Pinnacle

Head coach name: Chris Reid.

Number of years as school's head coach: 4.

Number of years as a head coach: 4.

Top returning letterwinners: Nick Hughes, Senior/160. 2020 State Qualifier, Wrestling Team Captain, Varsity Swim Captain. … Jake Dillon, Junior/220. 2020 State Qualifier. … Brady Alexander, junior/126. 3 years on varsity. Luke Despres, senior/152. 4 years on varsity. … Tomoki Inoue, senior/132. … Ben Kaplan, senior/113.

Poston Butte

Head coach name: Traston Yates.

2019-20 record: 29-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 5.

Overall record at school: 81-56.

Number of years as a head coach: 5.

Overall career record: 81-56.

Top returning letterwinners: Hayden Gerritson, JR. 138 lbs. Returning State Qualifier, Returning Section Champion. … Kalob Holzinger, SR 220lbs. Returning State Qualifier. … Chris Fowler, SR 195lbs. … Miles Hammond, SR 170lbs. 70 career wins, 3 year starter, 3 sport athlete. Kale Riggs, SR 106lbs. 75 career wins, Wickenburg Tournament champion.

More about the program: This team was Wickenburg Dual tournament and Apache Junction Dual team champions last season. My challenge for them is to learn how to wrestle in post-season, non-dual competition to take the next level as a team.

Early season expectations: Our expectations are to qualify 10+ for the state tournament and compete for the D-3 state title.

Milestones approaching: Poston Butte is currently working towards building our first state champion. We have won tournaments and had state placers, but no Bronco has yet won the AZ State Title in wrestling.

Big matches: Coach Miller and I are going to really create an exciting atmosphere for the Combs vs. Poston Butte dual. We have created a yearly series and are looking forward to a rivalry match that can get all of our kids excited.

Sahuarita High

Head coach name: Paul Vasquez.

2019-20 record: 21-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 2.

Overall record at school: 37-21.

Number of years as a head coach: 4.

Overall career record: 81-38.

Top returning letterwinners: Christian Lopez, 10/126. Will compete for an individual state championship/ State finalist as a freshman. … Jayden Rael, 11/106. Will compete for an individual state championship/4th @ state tourney last year, 5th @ preseason nationals. … Gabe Elias, 12/145. Will compete for an individual state championship/ 6th @ state tourney last yr. … Levi Pannell, 11/220, Will compete for a state medal/returning state qualifier. … Justin Fox, 10/113. Will compete for a state medal/ returning state qualifier. … Caesar Lopez, 11/285. Will compete for a state medal/ returning state qualifier. … Isaiah Miller, 10/126. Will compete for a state medal. … Jackson Lathom. 10/195. Will qualify for state tournament.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Julian Prieto, 10/170. Will compete for a state medal. … Adrian Nemer, 10/152. Will compete for a state medal. … Trajan Rios, 10/182. Will compete for state medal.

About the program: In 2019, we finished in last place at the state championship with 0 points. in 2020 we finished in 2nd place at the state championship, we are shooting for our 1st state title in school history this year. I don't know that there has ever been a turn around that quick as a program.

Early season expectations: We finished in 2nd place last year and return 90% of our team. We are shooting to win our 1st state championship in school history.

Approaching milestones: Was thinking of getting to 100 dual meet wins, but with limited duals this year I don't think I will get there.

Big matches: Our rival dual with Walden Grove, currently scheduled for Feb 3.

Shadow Ridge

Head coach name: Theron Frazer.

2019-20 record: 25- 17.

Number of years as school's head coach: 12.

Number of years as a head coach: 20.

Top returning letterwinners: Brain (bear) Horgan, 145 junior. Good skill he should place this year. … Caden Harrison, 138 junior. Good skill he should place this year. … Carson Mcnutt, senior 285. She should be top 3 this year. … Enzi Hillis, 106 Junior. We are hoping he will place he is stronger this year.

St. Johns

Head coach name: Brandon Crosby.

2019-20 record: 18-9.

Number of years as school's head coach: 13.

Number of years as a head coach: 13 at SJHS, coached our middle school team for 21 years.

Top returning letterwinners: James Thomas, 11 170. State placer 2x, team leader, expect big things, title contender, very experienced. … Slade Nevin, 12, 195. Lots of work in the off season, state placer. … Peter Casey, 12, 145. Tough on his feet, will contend for region crown. … JT Richardson, 10, 140. Put in lots of work in the off season. expect state placer or better.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Dion Perry, 12, 132. Has a lot of experience though he's been away a few years, state placer. … Nick Patterson, 12, HVY. Extremely strong, if he learns a few things he'll score points for us at state.

Early season expectations: We are very young in experience but have some very good wrestlers who will score points at State. We are working hard and really wish we could have more than 14 matches because we usually improve most towards the end of our traditional season because of the schedule we follow.

More about the team: Disappointed we lost our team leader, Gage Heap, to a bad knee injury during football. He really paid the price in the off-season and won't be able to compete this season. Great kid, tough to replace.

Tempe HS

Head coach name: Alex Pavlenko Sr.

2019-20 record: 29-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 5.

Overall record at school: 96-27.

Number of years as a head coach: 5.

Overall career record: 96-27.

Top returning letterwinners: Jesus Rivera, 12/152. … Mark Sanchez, 12/132. … Dante Kostelney, 11/113. … David Wambali, 12/126.

Wrestlers being recruited: Mark Sanchez, Dickinson State University, ND.

Safford

Head coach name: Herman Andrews Jr.

2019-20 record: 30-7.

Number of years as school's head coach: 26.

Overall record at school: 686-137-4.

Number of years as a head coach: 26.

Overall career record: 686-137-4.

Top returning letterwinners: Zion Granados, 11. 2019-20 State Placer. … Karson Zimmerman, 11. 2019-20 State placer. … Fernando Gonzales, 11. 2019-20 State Placer. .. Dominic Johnson, Class11. … Ray Granados, 11. … Braxon Young, 10. … Chris Vetrees, 12.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Anthony Garrabo, 9. Andy Rios, 9. Kaleb Cordova, 9.

Season expectations: Grow as a team.

Walden Grove H.S.

Head coach: Victor Gonzalez Jr.

Number of years as school's head coach: 6.

Top returning letterwinners: David Villareal 11th, 128. Should place high at state this year and has a great engine. … Esteban Carillo, 10th, 140. Should place very high at state and is very tough on the mat. … Hector Mendoza, 12th, 195. Should be a state placer and us very knowledgeable and full of confidence this season. … Channing Porter, 11th, 115. Should also place in state and is very tough on his feet. … Rey Martinez, 11th, 134. Qualify for state and be a state placer. Quality wrestler with a tough mindset. … Jasek Lewis, 10th, 128/134. Qualify for state and place. Tough wrestler with good technique. … Christian Gallardo, 11th, 147. High placement at sectionals and qualify for state.

New wrestlers expecting to contribute: Zach Bates, 9th, 108. Looking to qualify for State and have a placing. … Jack Warren, 9th, 108. Looking to place at sectionals and qualify for state. … Gabe Smith, 9th, 154. Looking to place high at sectionals and qualify for State

It’s early, but evaluate where your team is at this point and what your season expectations are for your squad.

Early season team evaluation: We are currently very young and with some wrestlers not coming out we are trying to get all the experience we can.

Season’s big matches: Feb. 3rd vs. Sahuarita H.S. Feb. 6th vs. Marana MT VIEW.

Williams Field High School

Head coach name: Travis Fentress.

2019-20 record: 23-3.

Number of years as school's head coach: ninth season.

Overall record at the school: 258-42.

Number of years as a head coach: 8.

Top returning letterwinners: Allyn Tuey, 12/170. She is a 2-time placer and should place again. …. Todd Prince, 12/160. Placed sophomore year, 3 time qualifier, should place. … Angelo Ramat, 12/182. Returning state qualifier, could finish top 6. … Kellen St. Louis, 10/126. Returning qualifier, could be top 6

Top returning wrestlers: Tyler Tuey, 10/ 182 or 195. State qualifier and score points for us at state. … Samuel Kisting, 9/ 106. State qualifier and contributor at state. … Caleb Ash, 11/ 140. State qualifier and contributor at state.

Early season expectations: Our team continues to work hard to put a good product on the mat. We hope to continue to be a top tier team in our division at State.

Approaching milestones: Our program has an 86% winning percent in duals since 2012. My coaching record is 258-42 in duals, which is currently good enough for No. 30 on the All-Time winning coaches list.

Big matches: We have them all circled, and are just hoping to have a season this year.

Willow Canyon

Head coach name: Shane Tamez.

Number of years as school's head coach: 8.

Top returning letterwinners: Sean Hardy, JR. 182. State Placer. Has great knowledge of his offensive and defensive position. … Jaden Berner, SR. 145. State Driven. Aggressive, Confident, great in neutral, top and bottom. … Bryson Plueger, SR. 195. State Driven. Confident and a great top attack. … Breeona Puckett, JR. GIRLS 128. State Driven. Double, single leg attack is strong and aggressive. … Marisa Alvarez, SR. GIRLS 122. State Driven with a good single finish. … Jazmine Rivera. SOPH. GIRLS 108. State Driven, Great Neutral attack with a good front headlock. … Jonny Lerner, JR. 138. State Driven. Great work ethics, determined and confident. … Jimmy Garritano, JR. 132. State Driven. Great work ethics, calm and good under pressure.

Wrestlers being recruited: Jaden Berner, Nebraska Wesley, Ottawa, Concordia Wisconsin, ACU.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Jimmy Garritano, JR. 132. Great Practice Partner really push himself and his teammates. Determined to place at State. … Andrew Manore, SOPH 145. Compete at the Varsity Level in the rotation. … Allysandra Garritano, Fresh GIRLS 113. Compete at the Varsity Level.

More about the program: We are a young group of wrestlers that wrestle with passion and grit Our coaching staff really pushes the kids to work hard be competitive and be well rounded student athletes.

Early season exectations: We have very high expectations of our wrestlers and that each wrestler both boys/girls should set their goals to be state a qualifier and placer.

Winslow High School

Head coach name: Scott Larsen.

2019-20 record: 20-4.

Number of years as school's head coach: 9.

Overall record at school: 123-39.

Number of years as a head coach: 9.

Overall career record: 123-39.

Top returning letterwinners: Max Foy, 12/106. State placer/ shots and top position. … Gage Thomas, 11/195. State placer/ Shots and top position. … Cylis Gonzalez, 12/220. Top 3 placer at state.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Bryan Larsen, 10/138. Was state qualifier last year and the expectations are for him to place at state this season. Has spent time in the off season getting stronger and working out to improve skill. … Zach Shumway, 9/182. Was a Jr. High State Champion Last year.

Early season expectations: I feel that our team expectations are that we will be ready to wrestle when the time presents itself. They are more focused than they have been in the past with the understanding that they need to be ready for the matches when it shows up.

Big matches: The matches we always look forward to is St. Johns. St. Johns always has a quality program and they give us a chance to measure where we are at and give us the things we need to do to prepare for sections and State.

Yuma Catholic High School

Head coach name: Derek Beck.

2019-20 record: 32-3.

Number of years as school's head coach: 10.

Top returning letterwinners: Josh Rodriguez, Easton Jones, Devin Deupree, Jose Macias, Tevon Mellor, Seth Stoner, Lorenzo Duran, Cameron Lawseth.

New wrestlers expected to contribute: Freshmen Trenton Blomquist, Max McVicker.

Early season expectations: We are working hard every day towards being prepared to leave everything on the mat whenever we step onto it. Our success will be determined on how well we prepare for those moments and how we compete in difficult situations.