“Hey, when you start the season, you’re never looking to finish third at nationals,” the Knights’ head coach said. “Obviously, it wasn’t so much that we finished that way. It was the fact that we didn’t perform to our potential.”
“I’ve been pleased with what we’ve seen in the room during practice,” he added. “This group is very balanced with a good mix of veterans and newcomers. I think we’ll see some good battles for starting spots at a few weights. That will make us better.”
Going through the line-up, the 18-time defending Iowa Conference champions have plenty to offer.
125 – Returning All-American Mark Kist, a senior from Eagle Grove, is the front runner. A two-time national qualifier and IIAC runner-up, he placed third as a sophomore.
“Obviously, Mark is one of the guys we’re looking to for leadership,” Miller said. “He’s got the experience from two national tournament appearances.”
133 – One of the early-season clashes is staged here. Miller has a plethora of options open. Sophomore Tommy Mirocha of Davenport had a strong freshman campaign, compiling a 30-6 record. Junior Mike Kremer of Independence, coming off a 13-2 season, is also capable, while sophomores Tucker Weber of Clear Lake and Michael Merritt of Monett, Mo., showed last season they can be competitive.
“We’re very young here,” Miller said. “It’ll likely be a new face.”
141 – Sophomore Nathan Vaske of Manchester, after a 26-9 freshman campaign, leads a young group. If three-time All-American Matt Kelly of Dubuque decides to come back in January, he would probably be in this weight as well.
149 – One of the stronger classes on the Knights’ chart, returning national qualifier Jacob Groth heads the list. The Marshalltown native is on track towards 100 wins. He needs only 18 more.
Groth will be challenged by the twin sophomore brothers’ duo of Colton and Cameron Wagner of Belle Plaine, each of whom had success late in 2009-10, freshman Cole Welter of Gilbertville, a multi-time state qualifier and champion for the powerhouse Don Bosco program, and junior Chris Tims of Waterloo. Newcomer Tanner Kampen of Humboldt was a junior college All-American a year ago as well.
157 – Senior Carrington Banks of Stockbridge, Ga., after a national qualifying and Iowa Conference runner-up season of 24-5, is the early leader. Tims, Colton Wagner, and sophomore Matt Vercillo of Davenport, are also in the mix. “Tims, Wagner and Vercillo all have valuable experience under their belts,” Miller said. “They want to take the next step.”
165 – Junior Brennan Drew of Gurnee, Ill., who saw an early-season injury end 2009-10, returns along with two freshmen who have looked good early, according to Miller. Junior Zach Hyland of Vinton and freshmen Jase Schossow of Marshalltown, who prepped at East Marshall and Landon Williams, a former high school state champion at Davenport (Assumption) may be options as well.
“Zach can be a factor here if he gets healthy,” Miller said. “Adam Weber of Waterloo (All-American and Iowa Conference runner-up a year ago) may also return after Christmas break at either 157 or 165.”
174 – Junior Dylan Azinger of DeWitt, after a tremendous run at the 2010 NCAA Division III Nationals Championships to earn sixth-place honors, will be one of Miller’s leaders. “I really like what I’m seeing from him as he continues to improve,” the Knights’ head coach said. “Ben Scott, another junior from Adel who was 20-9 last year, is also a possibility here or at 184. He’s been doing a good job in practice and is getting better every day.”
Wartburg has freshmen Noah Minikus of Denver and Bradley Banks of Stockbridge, Ga., available. Banks could also drop down to 165 later, according to Miller.
184 – Another slot that has new faces for the Knights features former East Marshall standout Sam Upah, a state place-winner, and Punahele Soriano, a Hawaii high school state champion. Miller and his staff may get back 2009-10 Iowa Conference runner-up and national qualifier Todd Becker of Gilbertville after Christmas break.
197 – The Knights’ strengths continue at this weight. Returning national and conference champion Byron Tate of Clinton joins the team leader core. Tate takes a 58-10 career record into the season.
“Byron leads by example,” Miller said. “What he did last year shows what hard work can do.”
HWT – Two-time All-American and former conference champion John Helgerson of West Union returns. The senior sports a 73-18 career record.
Miller and his staff also have a freshman, Ryan Fank of Independence, who they feel can do some things, and junior Dylan Wrage of Waverly, a former high school state champion.
“I think the season comes down to how well the young guys pick things up, and how our veterans do leading them,” Miller said. “The returners know the expectations. They need to show that by what they do.”
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