Archive for Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wrestling squad loaded with talent, worth a look

By Chris Wristen

December 3, 2009

With the graduation of senior Tanner McCleary, I’ll admit I was a bit less stoked when I headed to Tuesday’s season-opening wrestling dual.

McCleary, you may recall, was one of the feel-good stories of the year last year. The Bonner Springs senior first came out for wrestling as a sophomore. Through hard work and determination, he turned himself into a physical specimen, became a force on the mat and finished his senior year as a third-place state medalist at 285 pounds.

McCleary brought drama to every match and made the gym an exciting place to be. As a heavyweight, he was always in the final match of the day and he used his athleticism to outwork opponents and ultimately earn a pin.

Now that he’s gone — he’s wrestling at Labette Community College — along with a talented senior class, I headed to Tuesday’s duals against Piper and Basehor-Linwood anticipating a bit less drama.

I was wrong.

The 2009-2010 Braves are a youth-laden bunch, but they’re stocked with talent.

For starters, junior Caleb Seaton returns. He is a two-time state medalist and a state championship contender. That in itself is reason to be excited about BSHS wrestling.

Also back are experienced and improved wrestlers such as Brian Callahan.

Then there are the young kids. Five freshmen made their varsity debuts Tuesday, with Justus Seaton at 103 pounds, Jonathan Blackwell at 130, Tyler Lentz at 135, Aaron Puckett at 140 and Patrick Ballard at 152. Four of them collected their first varsity victories.

Bonner Springs went 2-0 on the night, which is an impressive accomplishment for a young squad that has a first-year coach. Brandon Jobe’s bunch was solid though, as it beat Jobe’s alma mater — Piper — in the first dual, 40-34, and then knocked off Basehor-Linwood in the second, 39-30.

And the victory against Piper, it turns out, even had a bit of McCleary drama. Instead of Tanner McCleary, however, younger brother Chase McCleary, a sophomore, broke a deadlocked score by pinning his opponent in the third period.

Yes, opening night was special for the Bonner Springs wrestlers, but it should be just the beginning of an exciting season that’s going to be fun to watch.

Mark your calendars: BSHS will play host to the Dick Burns Mat Classic at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9.

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