By ROB HAMILTON
With five letter winners with a good deal of post-season success returning, the Northmor wrestling team will be looking to defend their Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference championship from last year.
Jake Neer finished 36-14 last year, was a league champion and advanced to the state meet to highlight the team’s returnees. Griffin Jenkins, Jake Farley and Conan Becker all were one match away from making the state meet, placing fifth at districts to be alternates. Farley also claimed league and sectional titles, while Becker was tops in his sectional, as well. Also back is district qualifier Aaron Kitts.
The Knights will have to replace a trio of decorated graduates. Kyle Johnson was a two-time state qualifier who won both the MOAC and sectional last year, while Lane Foster was a league champ who advanced to the state meet and Sam Neer was a state alternate who won 100 matches during his career.
Head coach Scott Carr noted that freshman lightweight Kyle Price is one newcomer he is expecting to help contribute points during meets.
The coach has high hopes for this year’s team, noting he is hoping to get a fourth straight Blue Division title, win a sectional championship and make it to the state duals after falling short of the final eight in the past two years.
In the MOAC, Carr feels that several teams in both divisions could provide tough challenges to his squad.
“Highland was second in the Blue Division last year and returns five district qualifiers,” he said. “In the Red, River Valley was second overall (last year) and are always solid. Pleasant was young last year, but will be a real contender this season.”
Rob Hamilton can be reached at 419-946-3010, ext. 1807. Connect with him on Twitter at @SportsMCS
