Outlaws wrestlers set to hit the mats

The wrestling team has 16 kids on their squad this year and will fill all but three of the lower weight classes. That fact alone is exciting to new head coach, Gene O'Brien.

O'Brien helped Tony Cosby start the program in 2000, and for the past eight years has coached at the middle school. O'Brien also coached the USA Club Wrestling Program, which ranges from four through 16 years of age.

The Outlaws return four varsity players to the team, including senior Gilbert Porraz, who will wrestle at 171 pounds. O'Brien told The Nugget that of the four returnees Porraz has the most knowledge and will be a great leader. Juniors Joseph Haugen (140) and Tanner Peterson (145) also return to the squad, along with sophomore Steven Nemer, who will wrestle at 160 pounds.

Eleven new players will join the Outlaws this season, including senior Chandler Zenich. Zenich has not yet had an official weigh-in, but O'Brien told The Nugget he's going to be "dynamite."

Junior Sterling Ryan will wrestle at 215 and O'Brien's only female wrestler, junior Kirsten Clark will wrestle at 135. Sophomore Ryan Long will be battling for the 140-pound weight class. O' Brien noted that Long is very strong and learns quickly. Sophomore Stefan Kirschner will wrestle at 189 pounds.

Six freshmen will round out the Outlaws team.

Jake Miller, who has wrestled for six years, will wrestle at 152 pounds. Josh O' Brien has wrestled since he was four years old and will wrestle at 130 pounds. O'Brien was in the hunt for a first-place finish at districts last year, but was injured and finished sixth.

Johnny English will wrestle at 135 pounds, Austin Boatwright at 285 pounds and Tim Davis at 112. Cole Craig is recovering from a football injury but has started to practice with the team. Craig earned a fourth-place finish at districts last year.

O'Brien said, "We're just missing 103, 119 and 125 in the lower-weight classes, but I still have hopes to fill those positions. We should have a good chance for a good standing in league this year. Our goal is to be the best ever. These kids have taken me in with open arms and will do whatever it takes to be No. 1. They've come together as one big family, and there's nothing that I ask of them that they won't do."

The mat men will travel to Gilcrest on Saturday, December 5, for their first match of the season. The match will begin at 9 a.m.