South Dakota is gaining momentum on the national wrestling scene. The state may have just sent its best class of recruits to take the next step in college. Last year's class was led by Robert Kokesh (Nebraska), Seth Lange (Minnesota), Josh Keszler (UNO), and Jayd Docken (Augustana).
The 2010-2011 class does not fall far off and is led by Fargo champion Logan Storley of Webster. The highly-touted Storley is making his bid for a sixth title and looks to join only one other South Dakotan that has accomplished the feat, Kirk Wallman (Freeman).
The duo from Rapid City Stevens High School of Kris Klapprodt and Jarret Jensen would make a very nice addition to any college team and be able to compete with the best. Clint Wilson, Garret Heiberger, and Derrick Walraven all have wrestled in the national tournament and have gained valuable experience that will help them be successful not only on the mat this year, but on the mat in college as well.
South Dakota is really working hard on building its summer wrestling programs as more and more kids are competing during the summer months. Look for Rapid City Stevens and Sturgis to continue battling for the top spot in South Dakota wrestling and entering in national rankings as a team during the season.
South Dakota is also very proud to have had Les Sigman (Sturgis) compete for Team USA as a U.S. World Freestyle Team member this year. Keep up the great work, Les!
Logan StorleySchool: Webster
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 171/189
Projected College Weight Class: 174
Analysis: Coming off a Fargo title in freestyle, Logan Storley looks to go out with a bang in South Dakota as he is going for his sixth state title this year. He has been compared by many to Lincoln Mcllravy, a South Dakota native who went on to win three NCAA titles at Iowa and three World-level medals in freestyle.
2. Kris Klapprodt
School: Rapid City Stevens
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 171/189
Projected College Weight Class: 174
Analysis: Right on the heels of Storley sits Klapprodt, a very fierce competitor that will not back down from a brawl or a challenge. He was a Junior Nationals freestyle All-American in Fargo as well as the runner-up to Storley at NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach.
Jarret JensenSchool: Rapid City Stevens
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: The Stevens duo of Klapprodt and Jensen look to knock off the Sturgis Scoopers this year in the Class A tournament. Their best match of the season may come in the practice room. Jensen's father was a standout wrestler for SDSU.
4. Garret Heiberger
School: Tri Valley
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: Heiberger looks for his third state title this year. A very strong wrestler that will succeed at the college level.
5. Clint Wilson
School: Sturgis
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215
Projected College Weight Class: 197
Analysis: Wilson looks to put the Sturgis Scoopers on his back as they try to defend their state title. He is also a standout on the football field for the Scoopers as well.
Derrick WalravenSchool: Huron
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Walraven looks to defend his state title this year and guide the Huron Tigers to a state championship as well. Derrick's brother, Dustin, is a member of the SDSU wrestling team and was one match away from qualifying for the NCAA Championships.
7. Sawyer Hoffman
School: Watertown
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Hoffman looks to rebound from his runner-up finish last year. He is the heart of a very tradition-rich Watertown Arrows wrestling team.
8. Tanner Donelon
School: Garretson
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: A two-time state champ with a runner up finish, Donelon returns for his senior season and looks to prove that he belongs with the top five on the list.
Brady EdgarSchool: Redfield
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: Edgar, who is also a two-timer and a runner-up, looks for a third title. Behind Edgar are a group of Redfield wrestlers that look to dethrone Wagner as three-time champs.
10. Taylor Harris
School: Harrisburg
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 285
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Analysis: Earning the state heavyweight title last year, Harris returns to defend his title. He is a very strong and mobile heavyweight.
Honorable Mention:
Jordan Redmond (Milbank)
Pat Waring (Miller/Highmore)
Tim Weber (West Central)
Eric Reiff (Parkston)
Thomas Geyer (Kimball)
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