H.S. WRESTLING: Florence primed for more honors

The recipe for a state wrestling team title starts with two or three returning state champions and mixes in a lot of depth.

In junior Matt Addington (140 pounds, 29-0 last year) and senior Nate Halpin(135), Class 3A Florence has the returning champions.

Senior Derek Tucker, juniors Jacob Cole and Matt McDowell, and sophomore Kyle King, all of whom qualified for state last year, add to the Huskies' depth.

Florence must replace six other state qualifiers, including three who placed, but coach Bob Masse is confident his team can fill the holes with experienced juniors and seniors.

"I think we're better off than we have been in the past because more kids have been wrestling in the offseason than in years past," he said. "The kids know what it takes."

In the area, The Classical Academy could be the most improved. The Titans have four returning state qualifiers. Senior 145-pounder Ben Register won two matches last year at state, where he was joined by junior Jared Goad (215) and sophomore Zane Leaf (130/135). Senior Ryan Ventura (152) qualified two years ago.

"I still think we are in the underdog role," Titans coach Sean Collins said. "People don't really know about us. We've never had anyone place (in the top six at state), but Register and Goad could. Ben has a chance to get to the top four and could be finalist."

Discovery Canyon moves up to Class 3A in its second year, led by sophomore Nick Adams (31-3), who won the 2A 112-pound title. Fifth-place finisher Jeff Brown also returns, but 119 third-place finisher Tommy George transferred to Pine Creek. Last season's success and the enrollment of the school's second freshman class has swelled the roster from 15 to 45.

"I've got a really good freshman class with some kids that have put in some time," coach Ron Sukle said. "For our sophomores, the experience from last year will really help."

Manitou Springs will be better after competing last season with no upperclassmen and only two sophomores. Junior 112-pounder Garrett Eastep, who placed fifth last year and second in 2007 at 103 pounds, leads the Mustangs.

Class 2A

With Discovery Canyon moving up and Hilltop Baptist disbanding its program, the area ranks lost the best returnees.

Former Hilltop Baptist 119 state runner-up Ethan Kinner transferred to Moffat County and Richie Bailey transferred to Falcon.

The exodus leaves Calhan atop the heap with 18 athletes, led by state qualifier and senior heavyweight Bill Blankenship.

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind has only four wrestlers, but two - seniors Regi Madril (215) and James Hanson (119) - won a match at state last year.