One Main Goal: Regional Duals
By Ben Frotscher NDN Sports Writer
SULLY — Last season was a successful year for the Lynnville-Sully wrestling team.
The Hawks sent four wrestlers into the district meet and 171-pounder Kyle Soderblom qualified for the state tournament. All four of those wrestlers — Kaid Weideman (103), Bill Trettin (112), Dylan Nelson (125) and Soderblom — are back this season, so coach Steve Northcutt expects to build on last year.
“This is the most experienced team we’ve had, most district qualifiers we’ve had back for quite a few years,” Northcutt. “We’re still going to have a lot those freshmen put in the lineup, but the kids that are coming back have pretty good experience. We’re looking for a pretty good year.”
And with 14 wrestlers on the roster, Northcutt expects to fill most of the spots in the lineup this season. Only one wrestler graduated from last season — Tom Trettin.
At 103 or 112 will be Weideman and Dave Trettin, while Bill Trettin will be at 119 pounds. Freshman Levi Bennington and sophomore Blake Dunsbergen will compete at 125 or 135, while senior Dylan Nelson will take charge at 130.
Senior Aaron Van Wyk is at 140, junior Jesse Thompson will return at 145 and freshman Will Smalley is at 152. After an open position at 160, freshman Cody Hamilton and Soderblom will be at either 171 or 189. Junior Doug Cooling and sophomore Kyle Terlouw will go between 215 and heavyweight.
“Each and every one of them will need to do their part, work hard, getting better every day in practice and score points,” Northcutt said. “I told them it might make a difference getting fifth place rather than sixth at a tournament might get us into the trophies. That’s just as important as the guy getting first or second. It’s got to be a total team effort.”
In the South Iowa Cedar League, Belle Plaine is the choice to repeat at conference champion after finishing second at the State Wrestling Tournament and fourth at the State Duals.
Northcutt also expects Iowa Valley and Sigourney to be in the top half of the conference as well.
“We want to finish in the top three at conference, but our main goal for the year is to get first or second at the sectional, and that will qualify us for the regional dual tournament,” Northcutt said. “That’s our main focus. That’s very possible if everyone stays healthy and injury free.”
The Hawks compete in a sectional meet this season at Pleasantville.
“It’s the same place we went last year,” Northcutt said. “We picked up Eddyville-Blakesburg, and they’re going to be very, very strong this year. Martensdale-St. Marys, Pleasantville and us — we’ll be running for second place there.”
