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Parker wrestlers aim to continue success

JANESVILLE — Janesville Parker High School wrestlers finished off last season big, winning the Big Eight Conference Tournament championship.

Defending the league title will be a challenge, but assistant coach Andy Tubbs thinks if Parker maintains a positive work ethic and suffers minimal injuries, the Vikings will be formidable again.

“We lost some guys, but we can come back,” Tubbs said.

Alex Craker registered a pin at 285 to give Parker the league tournament title over Sun Prairie, 336.5-328.

Craker has graduated, but the Vikings have five key figures returning from last season’s title effort, including Adam Cavey, Ryan Riley, Evan Cavey, Brennan Casey-Schmidt and Travis Rucinski.

Riley and Adam Cavey will be in the mix again at 112. Cavey defeated Craig’s Kyle Upmann for the Big Eight title at 103. Cavey won a regional title and took third at sectionals. Riley wrestled at 112 last season.

At 103, freshmen Austin Gonzalez and Haley Hedgecock will carry the load. Each had success wrestling at Franklin Middle School.

Casey-Schmidt, a junior, will fill the Vikings’ 119-pound slot.

“He is looking phenomenal,” Tubbs said. “He is coming back a lot stronger.’’

Evan Cavey is slotted at 125. A senior, Evan was Big Eight runner-up at 119 last season.

At 130, the Vikings will be casting several competitors to fill the spot. Brandon Zeilinger, a senior, or Cody Trezek, a sophomore transfer from Orfordville Parkview, will carry the load. One will move to the 140-pound assignment.

Rucinski, a senior, was a top three conference finisher last season at 130. He will get the 140-pound assignment.

Tubbs said Rucinski is a versatile wrestler with solid varsity experience.

Seniors Josh Lindaas and Alex Perkins have the inside track on the 145-pound assignment. The 152-pound slot is a question mark. Junior Marc Perkins could draw that assignment.

Lucas Comstock is being groomed for the 160-pound matches.

“Lucas was an all-conference nose tackle,” Tubbs said. “His varsity wrestling experience is limited, but you can see he has physical ability.’’

Anthony Cooper, a senior, will fill the 171-pound slot. Aaron Polzin, a senior, will take the 189 assignment.

At 215, Tubbs is honing, “a couple of young bucks,” in sophomores Nick Ackerman and Reynaldo Bautista. The 285-pound assignment will go to junior Cody Colson.

Tubbs said the Vikings have a mix of young and experienced wrestlers that have the potential to be winners.