Nearly all the information in the capsules was provided by coaches. Teams not listed failed to provide information by deadline.
Ada
Division: III
2016-17 record: 7-2
Postseason: Fourth at Northwest Conference Championships
Head coach: Jason Sumner
Returning letterwinners: senior Chase Sumner (138-152), sophomore Reece Evans (145/152), junior Carson Hissong (152/160), senior Erryk Katayama (182), senior Xander White (195), senior Adam Bailey (285).
Other key wrestlers: Freshman Colten Biederman (106), freshman Cameron Bober (138), junior Tyler Onions (160/170), sophomore Noah Arnett (285).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “Our cardio and intensity.”
What they need to work on: “Our inexperience and need to improve technique. Sumner is our only elite wrestler in the room, and we need our other seniors to help our less experienced wrestlers improve this year.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Chase Sumner, Kade Cortez, Reece Evans, Dillan Foster, Erryk Katayama and Adam Bailey.
Outlook: “Another season starting off with inexperience but room has shown great strides towards improved technique and hard work ethic. Our team has rallied around Chase in and out of the (wrestling) room and is starting to show on the mat.
Allen East
Division: III
2016-17 record: (4-4)
Postseason: Northwest Conference champion, third sectional, seventh district
Head Coach: Mike Abbey
Key competitors: Senior Luke Brown, senior Lucas Freeman, sophomore Chase Caprella, sophomore Brennen Davies, sophomore Garrett Neth, sophomore Jordan Kennedy, senior Nate Yetzall, sophomore Ethan Boday, freshman Blake Hershberger, junior Caleb Welch, freshman Drake Carmean, freshman Cole Austin, freshman Devo Anspach.
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We are aggressive on our feet, pretty sound fundamentals.”
What they need to work on: “Getting out on bottom.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Chase Caprella, Luke Brown, Garrett Neth, Brennen Davies.
Outlook: “We will still be young this year with talented freshmen/sophomores. Combining them with our two seniors, our goal is to win back to back NWC championships. We have a few guys with goals of being at the state tournament. Although numbers are not great, we have some quality wrestlers.”
Bath
Division: II
2016-17 record: 8-10
2016-17 postseason: Fourth in Western Buckeye League
Head Coach: Eric Adkins
Key competitors: Sophomore Kamrin Arnett (120), senior Ethan Kohlhorst (120), senior Collin Mell (145), freshman Blaze Maynard (152), senior Garrett Garver (160), sophomore Elijah Rister (170), sophomore Zachary Simpson (170), junior Fielden Deeds (220), junior Eric Adkins (285), sophomore Carter Butler (285), senior Rileigh Miner (285).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We are an athletic group. We wrestle well in the neutral position.”
What they need to work on: “Improving our position from disadvantage.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Collin Mell, Rileigh Minor, Garrett Garver, Eric Adkins, Fielden Deeds.
Outlook: We have a talented group of kids. We should be very competitive in the WBL this season.”
Bluffton
Division: III
2016-17 postseason: Third in NWC
Head Coach: Jeff Kleman
Returning letterwinners: Senior James Badial Luna (145), senior Brady Romick (132), junior DeAndre Nassar (185).
Other noteworthy competitors: Junior Andrew Burroughs (170), junior Jesse Montel (160), freshman Tayton Klemen (106), fresham Jeremy Sturgeon (106), fresham Wyatt Gossard (120), freshman Joshua Mehaffie (126), freshman Elijah Conley (145).
Celina
Division: II
2016-17 record: 13-7
Postseason: Seventh in WBL
Head Coach: James Miracle
Returning letterwinners: Junior Sam Warner (126), junior Logan Keiser (132), sophomore Aric Gallimore (138), junior Chris Mir (145), sophomore Ethan Ly (145/152), senior Nick Garwood (152), senior Zach Vogel (160), junior Logan Muhlenkamp (170), sophomore Luke Muhlenkamp (182), senior Tim Ferrell (185/195), sophomore Cory Fortkamp (195/220), sophomore Cayden Thompson (220), junior Seth Huston (285), sophomore Gavin Nash (285)
Promising newcomers: Freshman Gabe Oakley (106), freshman Nathan Wilson (113), freshman Jake Burd (120), sophomore Brylan Durbin (132/138), junior Colton Fetters (152/160), senior Connor Goings (160), junior Nathan Fortkamp (195).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “I guess we recruit and retain our kids well. We have one of the largest teams in the state, even though we are just a moderate size Division II school. With 36 kids on our roster, we have depth and experience.”
What they need to work on: “Becoming more offensive from our feet. We have an experienced group, now we just need to get them to attack.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Logan Keiser, Nick Garwood, Logan Muhlenkamp, Tim Ferrell, Luke Muhlenkamp, Cayden Thompson, Seth Huston.
Outlook: “Trust the process, don’t focus on rankings, wins, or losses. Focus on what matters, wrestling isn’t just about winning. It’s about challenging yourself to be the best that you can be.”
Coldwater
Division: III
2016-17 record: 20-9
Postseason: Second at sectional, 13th at district
Head Coach: Rob Schmidt
Returning letterwinners: Junior Brian Chmielewski (113), sophomore Kobe Boggs (126), senior Seth Obringer (152/160), senior Justin Sigler (132), senior Thomas Schwieterman (285), junior Reese Thomas (145), junior Desmond Brown (182).
Columbus Grove
Division: III
2016-17 postseason: Fifth in NWC
Head Coach: Eric Siefker
Returning letterwinners: Senior Enoch Jones, junior Caleb Langhals, junior Dylan Pitts, sophomore Dylan Sargent, sophomore Dakota Sargent.
Other key competitors: Senior Noah Drake, senior Rayne Sharrits, sophomore Evan Schroeder, freshmen Justin Flanders, Tanner Blankemeyer, Ryan Bogart, Ezra Jones, Ian Langhals, Jeff Meyer.
Cory-Rawson
Division: III
Head Coach: Justin Parkins
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Blaine Peterson (182), Dylon Stoops (195), Zerich Magnall (220), Daniel White (126), Kyle Jones-Martin (145), Isaiah Colvin (138), juniors Logan Korpics (160), Jamey Miles (170), Tyler Stoodt (126), sophomore Owen Karcher (120).
Other noteworthy competitors: Sophomores Drew Stewart, Deontae Davis, freshman Justin Gibson.
Delphos Jefferson
Division: III
2016-17 postseason: Second in NWC
Head Coach: Randy McElroy
Returning letterwinners: Sophomores Mark Rice (120), Jon Brooks (126), Taylor Thompson (138), Ben McKee (152), Kane Plescher (184), seniors Cooper Chung (160), , Dre Reed (195), Jordan Bonifas (220), Jayden Moore (285).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Caleb Jarmen (132), junior Dante Sampson (145), freshmen Seth Estle (171), Owen Miller (195), seniors Matt Wiechart (220), Bobby Stevenson (285), Zac Porter (171).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “Overall team strength.”
What they need to work on: “Mat experience.”
Outlook: “Senior leadership will be vital for our team’s success.”
Delphos St. John’s
Division: III
2016-17 record: (5-5)
Head Coach: Derek Sterling
Returning Letterwinners: Juniors Peter Ankerman (152), Justin Weiging (195), Trent Vonderwell (220), sophomore Mark Wrasman (160).
Promising Newcomers: Freshmen Chase Martin (170), Troy Smith (138), Gage Stemen (145), Kenton Edsall (285), Ryan Stocksdale (160).
Elida
Division: II
2016-17 postseason: Tied for second in WBL
Head Coach: Tom Mault
Returning letterwinners: Sophomore Ethan Grimm (113), juniors Bailey Gibson (132), Lawrence Slygh (182), seniors Ethan Arbogast (160), Calvin Brown (145).
Promising newcomers: Senior Andrew Purtee (138), junior Jaxson Swickrath (152), freshman Brock Lyons (285).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “Work well as a team, great leadership from upperclassmen, pick up new technique very well.”
What they need to work on: “Breaking bad habits and sloppy technique.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Calvin Brown, Ethan Arbogast, Bailey Gibson, Lawrence Slygh, Ethan Grimm.
Outlook: “Set a goal and take it one match at a time.”
Lima Central Catholic
Division: III
Head Coach: Nicholas Sanchez
Varsity team members include: SeVaughn Carter (120), Jordan Hinegardner (138), Joey Caprella (152), Rhikus Bruce (145).
Lima Senior
Division: I
2016-17 record: (1-5)
Head Coach: P.J. Fought
Returning letterwinners: Senior Taylan Ingram (145), juniors Naeem Russell (152), Ismeal Curtis (120), Andre Manley (126), Ryan Moore (285), sophomore Logan Campbell (160).
Promising newcomers: Sophomore Tawanne Rodgers (189), freshmen Josh Keys (145), Andrew Zell (106), Javier Brito-Diaz (195/220), Caden Burkland (120), Kevin Schroeder (152/160), Logan Messer (160).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We are well conditioned and our kids are growing every day.”
What they need to work on: “We have a lot of freshmen and we need to get mat experience.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Naeem Russell
Outlook: “Be aggressive and take the fight to our opponents.”
Lincolnview
Division: III
2016-17 postseason: Eighth in NWC
Head Coach: Steve Pardon
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Luke Bullinger (113), David Parson (heavyweight)
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Rickie Welker (120), Brok Bill (170), Louis Ulry (182).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “Work well as a team, everybody pushes each other to do our best.”
What they need to work on: “We need to push ourselves to the next level.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Luke Bullinger
Outlook: “Wrestle every match like it is your last.”
Ottawa-Glandorf
Division: III
2016-17 record: 10-9
Postseason: Fifth in WBL
Head Coach: Randy Ebbeskotte
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Daniel Beemer (182), Grant Goecke (160), Brent Siefker (145), juniors Danny Rosales (170), Evan Ellerbrock (138), Isaac Hernandez (126), Jasper Scarberry (145)
Other key competitors: Sophomores Dustin Barnes (106), Ben Johnson (285), freshman Carter Schroeder (126), juniors Evan Ellerbrock (138), Noah Benroth (152), Matt Schmersal (195), seniors Jeremy Scarberry (145), Riley Karhoff (285).
Outlook: “The Titans have a lot of experience and have a goal of repeating their Sectional Championship and qualifying multiple wrestlers for state.”
Parkway
Division: III
Postseason: Two district wrestlers
Head Coach: Kevin Browning
Returning letterwinners: Sophomores Preston Browning (120), Marshall Denney (182), Abe Meyer (132), Kaine Yonker (160). seniors Reid Etzcorn (138), Reese Fokine (152), Tristen McKee (106), Titus Meyer (126), Codey Murphy (145), junior Bailey Parris (170).
Promising newcomers: Freshmen Brenden Etzcorn (132), Chaz Neuenschwander (160)
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We continue to grow in number; I feel we will be stronger this year. We fill at but 2 two weight classes this year.”
What they need to work on: “We need to find heavyweights to fill the roster.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Preston Browning, Tristen McKee
Outlook: The team is looking very strong. I feel we will be successful this year in team duals and have a strong roster. We will be able to run an A and B schedule for the first time in school history. We have come a long way in the past seven years and I feel we are set to have a great season with success.
Paulding
Division: III
2016-17 record: (2-16)
Postseason: Sixth in NWC
Head Coach: Brian Jacobs
Returning letterwinners: Seniors Ryan Woodring (126), Logan Mudel (132), Jordan Weidenhamer (145), Ben Estle (220), juniors Adrian Simonin (182), Sloan Foster (285), sophomores Cole Mabis (160), Jordan Mudel (138).
Promising newcomers: Sophomores Riley Coil (170), Clae Clemens (160), Michael Humphreys (195).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We are a very hardworking team who care about the sport and show that by our work at practice and the outcome of the meets.”
What they need to work on: “What we need to work on is the technical aspect of wrestling. As a team we work very hard but we just need to work on getting better at our wrestling moves.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Ryan Woodring, Logan Mudel, Adrian Simonin.
Outlook: “I am very confident that we will be a lot tougher team than last year. Teams shouldn’t count Paulding out this year.”
Shawnee
Division: II
2016-17 record: (3-8)
Postseason: Eighth in WBL
Head Coach: Mike Lewis
Returning letterwinners: Sophomores Owen Burgess (126), Trent Fairburn (145), Trevor Miller (152), Howie Perkins (182), Soloman Bryant (195), seniors Cain Bentz (160), Bobby Grothjan (285), juniors Dylan Kohlhorst (132), Clay Adlesh (170).
Other key competitors: Sophomore Joey Hale (170), freshman Cory Beach (113), sophomore Ethan Anderson (160).
Coach’s Analysis
What they do well: “Mental toughness and experience.”
What they need to work on: “New starters”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Bobby Grothjan, Cain Bentz, Clay Adlesh.
Outlook: “We have several wrestlers who should qualify for high postseason placements with the growing numbers of the team and returning experienced starters, we should be much more competitive this year.“
Spencerville
Division: III
2016-17 postseason: Seventh in NWC
Head Coach: Jon Brewer
Returning letterwinners: Sophomores Grayson Ford (113/120), Chase Settlemire (120/126), Jay Goetz (132), Garrett Jones (132/138), junior Michael Aldrich (heavyweight), senior Brandon O’Dell (heavyweight).
Other key competitors: Freshmen Cody Bockey (126), Caden Johnston (145), Brennan Greber (145/152), Xaviar Greber (152/160), Ruben Noriega III (182), Brandon Dues (195), Jayden Grigsby (heavyweight), sophomores Ashtin Rowe (160/170), Reese Hodge-Miller (195/220).
Coach’s Analysis
What they do well: “Listen. Learn. Work hard. Continue to get better.”
What they need to work on: “Getting our weights settled, get stronger, more mat time.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Grayson Ford, Jay Goetz, Cody Bockey.
Outlook: “We are young, but we have some good athletes. We need a little more seasoning. Once we get there, we might surprise a few people.”
Van Wert
Division: II
2016-17 record: (4-12)
Postseason: Ninth in WBL
Head Coach: Ben Collins
Returning Letterwinners: Seniors Jordon Danylchuk (285), Josh Dorsch (126), Trevor Spridgeon (182), Eric Workman (170), junior Isaiah Bretz (145), junior Lloyd “Butch” Eutslere (195), sophomores Malachi Battle (170), Ben Lange (126), Ryan Pratt (160), Gabe Steyer (138).
Promising Newcomers: Freshmen Killian Sudduth (113), Macein Bigham (132), Spencer Blue (182).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “We work extremely hard in the practice room and in the classroom. We are thankful for the opportunity to wrestle and will work very hard on improving as the season goes along.”
What they need to work on: “Need to work extremely hard to become better wrestlers so that we can cover our gaps in our lineup due to low numbers.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Gabe Steyer, Isaiah Bretz, Josh Dorsch.
Outlook: “The Cougars are thankful for the opportunity to wrestle and will work hard to improve every day of the season.”
Wapakoneta
Division: II
2016-17 record: (17-2)
Postseason: Won WBL
Head Coach: Jason Rostorfer
Returning letterwinners: Sophomores Caleb Hall (120/126), Keaton Elling (120/126), Evan Kaeck (195/220), juniors Luke Beach (126/132), Koleman Brown (170), Trevor Plaugher (195/220), Bernan Knueve (285), seniors Brad Beemer (152/160), Zac Miller (182/195).
Coach’s analysis
What they do well: “This team has been working hard in practice. They are coachable and do a good job of taking coaching points and using that advice to help them improve.”
What they need to work on: “As the case every season, we need to continue to develop as individuals. Each wrestler needs to know where their strengths are and what their ‘go-to’ move is.”
Wrestlers most likely to earn all-league and/or all-state honors: Keaton Elling, Luke Beach, Brad Beemer, Evan Kaeck, Zac Miller.
Outlook: “This team has a mix of experience and youth. I have been pleased with the intensity in practice and the work ethic. We need to get healthy and work every practice to improve and meet our daily goals.”
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