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Craig wrestling has high hopes for sophomores

JANESVILLE — Jeff Kaster doesn’t expect a sophomore jinx.

Janesville Craig’s wrestling coach is counting on sophomores Siven Furseth, Jamie Kumlien, Chris Pierce and Kyle Upmann to provide victories at the lower weights.

The Cougars open their season by hosting Beloit Memorial on Friday.

Furseth made a splendid freshman debut, posting a 41-2 record at 103 pounds. He qualified for state and went to 2-2 to finish eighth.

Furseth moves up to 112 pounds this season.

“He was a light 103 pounds last year,” said Kaster, who is starting his fifth season. “He will be on the (state) podium this year.

“I watch him, and I’m amazed at what he can do,’’ Kaster added.

Kumlien will handle 119 pounds, up from 112, where he took a second place in the Big Eight Conference meet.

“I look forward to him being at state,” Kaster said. “He’s a quiet kid. I call him my quiet assassin.’’

Kyle Upmann will handle the 103-pound class. He was Furseth’s backup last season.

“He didn’t get much varsity experience, but working with Furseth and Kumlein in practice he got some valuable experience.’’

Chris Pierce is slated to handle the 125-pound class. He went 11-7 last year, but sustained an injury and could not finish the season.

“I call him my energizer bunny,” Kaster said. “He keeps coming, and I hope he will be another sophomore to qualify for state.’’

Craig has just three seniors on the roster.

Troy Davis wrestled at 145 as a junior and will handle 152 this season. Chris Simonson will wrestle at 130, and Travis Davis will be at 125.

Craig’s junior class includes Drillon Grajcevci, who will will take on the 189-pound assignment.

“He is a nice strong kid,” Kaster said. “He was bumped by seniors last year.’’

Mike Spaulding will take the 215-pound assignment.

“Mike is very dedicated,” Kaster said. “He has a big pair of shoes to fill replacing Blair Kessler.”

Spaulding finished one point short of a state berth last season, losing in the last five seconds of his sectional match.

Jesse Davila only wrestled 10 varsity matches as a sophomore, but made a strong impression. He will wrestle at 135 this season.

“He was our most improved wrestler,” Kaster said. “He beat the No. 4 seed at conference. He found a way to win and finished second.’’

Cody Jenson will be at 285 pounds, but weighs 220. Jenson suffered a broken arm prior to the Craig Invitational and missed the rest of the season.

Overall, Craig must navigate the season with fewer wrestlers.

“We’re down maybe 20 percent,” Kaster said of the team numbers. “I don’t know whether it’s the economy or Nintendo, but the kids are not coming out.’’

As for the Big Eight competition, Kaster thinks new member Verona will be formidable along with Parker, Beloit and Middleton.

“Beloit has five conference champs back, but is weak in some spots,” Kaster said. “Parker lost a lot, but they will reload and be a very good dual meet team.’’

The Vikings showed that Tuesday in whipping Beloit, 50-27, to start the Big Eight season.

Craig’s schedule:

DECEMBER: 5—Beloit. 6—At Oconomowoc. 9—At Madison East. 11—At Madison La Follette. 16—Madison Memorial. 19-20—At West Allis. 27—At Sun Prairie.

JANUARY: 3—Craig Invitational. 7—Madison West. 8—At Middleton. 13—Janesville Parker. 24—Monroe Invitational. 29—At Verona.

FEBRUARY: 7—Big Eight meet. 14—WIAA regional. 17—WIAA team sectional. 21—WIAA individual sectional.. 26—WIAA individual state meet.