Only one senior back for A-J wrestling team

The Anna-Jonesboro High School wrestling team will sport a young squad for the 2009-2010 season.

“We’re going to  be young,” A-J wrestling coach Rick Bittle said. “But the kids have worked real hard in the off-season.”

The Wildcats return only one senior from last year in Alex Gonzales, who will compete in the 285-pound bracket.

Sophomore Mike Dillman, who had a 14-14 varsity record last season will be at 215 pounds.

At 189 pounds, junior Taylor Fitzgerald and freshman Jordan Lemke will vie for the spot.

 A foursome will be competing at 171 pounds. Returning junior starter Brett Turner leads the way. Others in that weight class are junior Kemo Martin, sophomore Cole Grass and freshman Logan Tripp.

Sophomore Andrew McMahan will be at 160 pounds.

Sophomore Travis Flute, who had a 16-10 varsity record last season, will be at 152 pounds.

Junior David Dowley and sophomore Preston Brimm will battle for the 145-pound class.

At 140 pounds will be junior Chase Hargrave.

Junior Brandon Cerney and freshman Brandon Crosser will vie at 135 pounds.

Freshman Austin Noble could be at 130 pounds.

At 125 pounds, could be sophomore Forrest Palis or Noble.

Palis or Ryan Brown could be at 119 pounds.

Brown and sophomore Andrew Adams could battle at 112 pounds.

The lone state qualifier returning from last year’s squad is Daniel Heath at 103 pounds.

“You can’t fault their effort,” Bittle said.

Bittle said the Wildcats have improved their scheduled by adding competitive tournaments at Litchfield and Quincy this year.

Wrestling assistant coaches are Michael DeLashmutt and Kevin Stevens.

The Wildcats open their season in the Gator-Aide Inter squad scrimmage in the Union Hall gymnasium at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.

A-J opens its regular season at West Frankfort Monday, Nov.  30.