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    A look at scholastic wrestling across the states

    The defending national champions -- according to multiple publications (InterMat does not compile team scholastic rankings) -- Blair Academy, NJ seeks an eighth national title in the last ten seasons. Anchoring the Buccaneer squad is the No. 3 recruit in the Class of 2010 Chris Villalonga (140/145), who has not lost a scholastic match since the end of December 2006. Six other Blair wrestlers appear in the preseason national weight class rankings published by InterMat -- Max Hvolbeck (103), Evan Silver (112), Mark Grey (119), Austin Ormsbee (135), Jesse Shanaman (152), and Michael Evans (171/189).

    Despite the seven nationally ranked wrestlers, this is not as deep a lineup across the 14 weight classes as in previous seasons. That fact leaves the number one ranking in the nation open for the taking. Four teams are best equipped to make a dent into Blair Academy's national title reign. They are Graham, OH; Apple Valley, MN; Wyoming Seminary, PA; and Brandon, FL.

    After a national title season in 2007-08, the Graham Falcons had an Ohio record seven state champions in the medium-school state tournament this past season. They were ranked second by national publications. Four Falcon wrestlers start the season in the preseason rankings -- Ryan Taylor (103), Nick Brascetta (119), Felipe Martinez (135), and Max Thomusseit (189). Key in their runs after Blair -- both at the Walsh Ironman in two weeks and in a home dual meet at the end of January -- will be the rest of the lineup. Of note, this includes defending state champion Kyle Ryan (160/171); state runners-up Matt Stephens (145) and Huston Evans (160/171); a third-place finisher in Isaac Jordan (140); and freshman sensation Bo Jordan (125/130).

    Despite the move of upper-weight ace Tyler Lehman back to West Fargo, ND; Apple Valley has one of its best squads ever this coming season. They are anchored by a quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers in Matt Kelliher (130/135), Brandon Kingsley (140), Destin McCauley (152), and Jake Waste (160/171). Also key to their performance at the Cheesehead Invitational and Clash National Duals will be if wrestlers like Jordan Kingsley (112), Dakota Trom (119/125), and Steven Keogh (160/171) can become nationally rankable wrestlers.

    Joining Apple Valley in the Cheesehead field will be quite possibly the two deepest teams in American when analyzing lineups from 103 through 285 -- Brandon, FL and Wyoming Seminary, PA. Only three Brandon Eagles wrestlers appear in the national rankings -- Tyler Liberatore (130), Joey Cozart (152), and Henry Chirino (285) -- but the lineup depth will play a crucial role at the Cheesehead which is a pool-to-bracket format. Key names include Terry Dawson (112), Kevin Norstrem (119/125), Rossi Bruno (119/125), Clark Glass (145), and Wally Figaro (171).

    Wyoming Seminary head coach John Gordon will be able to call on seven Division I recruits as part of his lineup this coming season. Simon Kitzis (135) and Mike McMullan (285) are listed in the InterMat top 100, and along with sophomore Dominick Malone (112), the only weight class ranked wrestlers on the roster. The other Division I signees include Kyle Johnson (119), Bryce Caiazzo (152), Chris Moon (160), James Wieller (171), and Donald McNeil (215). Also impacting the lineup will be freshman sensation Eric Morris (130). They will see Blair at Ironman, Beast of the East, and National Preps; while matching with Graham at the Ironman.

    And now is a breakdown of how things look on a state level tournament basis for the 2009-10 season.

    Alabama: Vestavia Hills seeks a four-peat in the big-school (Class 6A) division, hoping to fend off Hoover (champion the two years prior to the Vestavia Hills run) and Oak Mountain. Scottsboro -- champions for the last four years, but now without a Cuthbertson on the squad - seeks a fifth consecutive state title in Class 5A. After breaking a three year title reign by Walter Wellborn, Piedmont seeks a repeat championship in the small-school tournament (Class 1A-4A).

    Alaska: When the rest of the nation is about to start their season, the Last Frontier will be about to finish its season. Colony seeks a fourth consecutive state title in the big-school division (4A), while Petersburg hopes to repeat in small-school wrestling (1-2-3A)

    Arizona: In all six of Arizona's classifications, the defending champion is favored to repeat. Perennial power Sunnyside is after its twelfth consecutive title, which would be its fifth in the Class 5A/Division II tournament. However, the squad does only have one returning state champion in Kory DeBerry (145/152). Corona del Sol, and its three defending state champions, leads the way in Class 5A/Division I. Anchored by Iowa State bound Luke Goettl (135), Mingus is after a fifth consecutive Class 4A/Division II title. Vail Cienga and St John's seek repeats in Class 4A/Division I and Class 2A respectively. Finally, Safford is after a seventh straight Class 3A title and is led by the state's best wrestler Ryak Finch (119), who is also Iowa State bound.

    Arkansas: This marks the second year of scholastic wrestling being sanctioned in the state of Arkansas. A two class state tournament was held last year in Little Rock, and will again be held in 2009-10. Bentonville seeks to defend its title in the big-school tournament (Class 6A-7A), while Central Arkansas Christian hopes to do the same in small-school (Class 1A-5A).

    California: The single class state championship in the Golden State with approximately 800 schools involved is one of the more balanced and prestigious tournaments in the country. Perennial power Poway has finished either first or second at state four of the last five years, with championships in 2005 and 2009. However, five teams are the early favorites for the state title -- Bakersfield, Selma, Buchanan, Clovis, and Gilroy. Three main events are on the local calendar prior to the state tournament series -- the Clovis West Shootout in two weeks time, as well as the Doc Buchanan Invitational and Five Counties Invitational on back-to-back weekends in January.

    Colorado: Ponderosa is seeking an eighth consecutive state championship in the big-school tournament (Class 5A), and will be led by a trio of defending state champions -- Jake Snider, Steven Kelly, and Austin Gabel. Broomfield seeks a repeat title in Class 4A. After runner-up finishes in 2008, Centauri and Paonia seek repeat championships in the two smallest classifications (Class 3A and 2A).

    Delaware: St Mark's is clearly the dominant force in First State wrestling this season with four seniors that are nationally ranked, and will most likely end up wrestling for NCAA Division I programs -- Sean Dolan (119), Sean Boylan (125), Nick Schenk (135), and Bobby Telford (285). They were champions of both the Division I dual meet tournament and all-class individual state tournament last season.

    Florida: Two seasons after the end of "The Streak", Brandon was the dominant team in Sunshine State wrestling last season and remains so for the coming season. The top two teams in Class 2A (medium-school) -- Brandon and Mantee both moved up to the big-school (Class 2A) division. Therefore, Springstead had the highest state tournament standing among returning teams. Leading challengers include perennial 3A power Oviedo, who moves down a division; Lake Gibson; and defending Class 1A (small-school) champion Riverdale, moving up a division this year. The small-school race is wide open with many teams gunning for a title, including last year's runner-up Cardinal Gibbons. Brandon should dominate Class 3A wrestling, but defending champions Osceola lead what is an interesting three-team battle for second place along with South Dade and Hialeah American.

    Georgia: Collins Hill is the dominant force in the Peach State, and has not finished outside the top three in the Class 5A (big-school) individual state tournament during the 2000's. The Eagles have four state titles in that stretch, and are seeking a third consecutive title in both the individual and dual meet tournaments this season. They will also test themselves nationally with the Toshiba Midwest Classic; a dual meet against Brandon, FL; and the PowerAde Christmas Tournament on consecutive weekends at the end of December. Also defending state championships in the individual tournament are Effingham County (4A), Eastside (3A), Jefferson (2A), and Bremen (A). Eastside is going for a third consecutive title, and having won in 4A in 2008 as well; and Jefferson seeks at least a fifth consecutive title, having also won the small-school (Class A) tournament going back to 2006.

    Hawaii: Punahou is clearly the dominant force in wrestling for the state of Hawaii, and the program seeks a fourth consecutive state title this season. They will make their annual appearance at the Clash Duals in Rochester, MN during early January.

    Idaho: Idaho Falls and American Falls are the two dominant programs within Idaho wrestling. Idaho Falls seeks back-to-back state titles in the big-school division (Class 5A), and has not finished outside of the top two since 2004 when they finished in third place. American Falls competes in Class 3A, and is after a third consecutive title and fifth in six years. After winning state the previous two years, Blackfoot was knocked off by Columbia in the Class 4A tournament in 2009. Malad is the defending champion in the small-school division (Class 2A-1A).

    Illinois: Last season was the first year for three classes of wrestling in the Land of Lincoln. Since the individual tournament is does not have team scoring, the state champion is determined in the dual meet tournaments; which were won by Oak Park River Forest, Montini, and Wilmington respectively. Returning runners-up Minooka is the preseason favorite in a very balanced large-school (Class 3A) classification. Montini again remains the dominating force in Class 2A, and seeks a third consecutive state title; they won in 2008 while in the large-school classification (at the time 2A). Wilmington is favored for a fifth consecutive state title in the small-school (Class A) tournament.

    Indiana: The last two state champions, Mishawaka and Crown Point, are atop the preseason rankings. With the state tournament being decided in the dual meet format, these two teams pose an interesting matchup. Both teams are strong in the lower half of the lineup, but the 2009 state champions from Crown Point anchored by Anthony Hawkins (119) and Jason Tsirtsis (130) have the advantage. However, as things move into the middle and upper-weights, Mishawaka -- the 2008 state champions -- has the advantage with Ryan Stahl (152) and Christian Lentz (215) leading the way. Last year's runner-up Perry Meridian will seek to win its first state title, while perennial power Evansvile Mater Dei seeks to end a two year drought after a stretch of winning 11 titles in 13 years.

    Iowa: Waverly Shell-Rock and Ballard Huxley seek to sweep the individual and dual meet state tournaments for a third consecutive year in the larger two classifications (3A and 2A), while Don Bosco is favored to maintain its stranglehold of dominance in the small-school (Class 1A) tournaments. The big-school tournaments should be a three-team battle between WSR, Bettendorf, and Iowa City West; while Denver-Tripoli is likely to be the stiffest competition for Ballard Huxley. Four of these six teams will be attending the season-opening Keith Young Invitational (WSR, Bettendorf, Denver-Tripoli, and Don Bosco).

    Kansas: Goddard and Derby have finished 1-2 in the big-school (Class 6A) state tournament each of the last two years, as Goddard seeks to win its fourth state title in five years at the end of this season. However, the KWCA preseason rankings have Derby on top over Goddard. Emporia is ranked as favorites to defend as state champions in Class 5A. Colby ended Clay Center's two year run at the top of Class 4A last season; however, Valley Center is the preseason favorites in this classification. Smith Center will be seeking a fourth consecutive title in the small school division (Class 3-2-1A); however, they are ranked second in the preseason behind Norton.

    Kentucky: After winning state the previous two seasons, Union County finished second to Louisville Trinity during the 2009 season. Trinity is favored to repeat as state champions in 2010, as their squad is anchored by John Fahy (112) -- one of the state's two nationally-ranked wrestlers.

    Louisiana: After second place finishes the previous two years, Jesuit took home the Division I state title in 2009 and seeks to repeat this season. If they repeat, it would mark a 16th title in the last 23 seasons. In Division II, Holy Cross ended a reign of titles by Northside this past season; Northside had back-to-back titles to their credit and four in five seasons. Archbishop Shaw was runner-up in Division II for a second consecutive season. Brusly seeks a seventh consecutive title in the small-school division (Division III) this year, which would mark an 11th championship in the last 15 seasons.

    Maryland: Both Old Mill, in the large-school (4A/3A) classification; and Southern Garrett, in the small-school (2A/1A) classification, seek repeat sweeps of the individual and dual meet tournaments. These programs have had much better success in the individual tournament than the dual meet tournament in recent times. Old Mill had not been in a dual meet final since their championship in 2000, while this was Southern Garrett's first dual meet final (and victory). However, in the individual tournament, Old Mill seeks a third title in four years during this season; while Southern Garrett had runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008 prior to the title in 2009.

    Michigan: Like in Illinois, the individual tournament is not scored; while state championship teams are determined through the dual meet tournament. Rockford seeks a third big-school (Division 1) title in four seasons; however, the path is laden with land mines. It starts at the regional level where the Division 2 champions from last year -- Lowell -- will join them. Therefore, one of these two squads will not even make the state tournament. Once one of those two gets to Battle Creek, MI, they will be joined by back-to-back finalists (2008 champion) Holt; Division 2 runners-up Oxford; and perennial power Hartland (runners-up in 2004-2007). This makes the Division 2 climate wide open; however, a young star-laden St John's squad merits attention, but would benefit more if the individual tournament determined the title. Goodrich over Dundee has been the championship bout the last two years in Division 3; however, look for Goodrich to fall off the map this year with Swan Valley and Dundee leading the way. The three teams that have the last five titles in Division 4 (small-school) lead the way -- Hudson, Hesperia, and Addison.

    Minnesota: Like death and taxes, Apple Valley dominance of wrestling in Minnesota will continue again this year. The squad is seeking an 11th team state title in 12 seasons (fifth consecutive) in the big-school (Class 3A) division. Simley is favored to win its third consecutive, and seventh overall, title in the Class 2A tournament. The small-school (Class 1A) tournament is most wide open, with Minneota the preseason number one team over returning runners-up Keynon-Wanamingo. Other teams to watch on a statewide basis are Hastings in Class 3A; and STMA, which moves up a classification after its run as a perennial force in Class 2A.

    Missouri: With six consecutive state titles, Oak Park stood as kings of the hill in the Show Me State; however, that reign looks to be at its end. Park Hill with four nationally ranked wrestlers -- Skyler Wood (112), Alan Waters (125), Kaleb Friedley (140), and John Eblen (189); and a fifth Fargo All-American in Bricker Dixon (119); is now the dominant force. This squad will seek to prove its standing nationally with strong showings at the Toshiba Midwest Classic and Clash National Duals. Park Hill defends a title in Class 4 (big-school), while Oak Park defends a title in Class 3. Oak Park had won the previous five titles in Class 4 before moving down last year. Kirksville is the defending Class 2 champion, while Whitfield and Brookfield have dominated the small-school (Class 1) landscape the last three seasons. Whitfield beat Brookfield the last two years at state, while Brookfield outpointed Whitfield in 2007.

    Montana: Flathead Kalipsell seeks a fifth consecutive state title in the big-school (Class AA) tournament, which would be a sixth in seven seasons. In the lower two classifications, Havre (Class A) and Glasgow (Class B-C) seek fourth consecutive championships.

    National Prep Championships: The thirty-time champions of this tournament, Blair Academy, seek a 31st title this year. It will also mark a 30th consecutive National Prep championship for the Buccaneers. With Wyoming Seminary having a superlative team this year, it looks to be the closest title race in over two decades. In addition, Bishop Lynch, TX has an elite lineup for the annual championships held on the campus of Lehigh University.

    Nebraska: The perennially dominant team from Nebraska is Omaha Skutt Catholic, and they'll be seeking a 13th consecutive title in Class B this coming season. The Skutt Catholic squad will test itself nationally at the Toshiba Midwest Classic and Clash National Duals. Joining Skutt Catholic at the Clash will be the defending big-school (Class A) champions from Grand Island, which lapped the field including four-time defending champions Millard South in last year's state tournament. Central City seeks to defend its Class C title, while Howells seeks a four-peat in the small-school division (Class D).

    Nevada: Cimarron Memorial seeks a repeat big-school (Class 4A) championship, which would be an eighth title in program history this season. They had seen Mojave win the previous two titles, after the program had won consecutive titles from 2003-2006. Winnemucca Lowry goes after a repeat Class 3A title, while Incline goes after the same in the small-school (Class 2A) division. In earning their championship, Incline ended a run of eight consecutive championships by Battle Mountain.

    New England Regional: The scholastic wrestling seasons for those competing in the public school associations in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont end in the New England Regional Championships. This is the combined "state level" tournament for the six-pack of states. Seeking a third consecutive title this season is Timberlane, NH.

    New Jersey: A single class state individual tournament that is un-scored shifts the team debate to being about dual meet lineups instead of the ability of core individuals to score in a big tournament. High Point and Long Branch appear to be the best two teams in the Garden State this year, so mark down January 15th on your calendar when the two squads battle each other in a dual meet. From the statewide perspective, top teams behind the big two are South Plainfield, Hunterdon Central, Jackson Memorial, and Brick Memorial among others. Defending group champions (dual meet) are Brick Memorial, big-school (Group 4); Phillipsburg (Group 3); Long Branch (Group 2); Paulsboro, small-school (Group 1); Camden Catholic, non-public large school (Group A); and Bishop Eustace, non-public Group B. Due to the quality depth of Garden State wrestling, Eastern Regional with its four nationally ranked studs -- Robert Deutsch (119), Hank Stinson (140/145), Anthony Baldosaro (145/152), and Preston Keiffer (160) -- would arguably be the favorites if the single class state tournament was scored.

    New Mexico: Rio Rancho is the dominant force in New Mexico wrestling, and it looks to remain that way as the squad is anchored by the state's lone nationally ranked wrestler Louis Trujillo (135). They are seeking a fourth consecutive big-school (Class 5A) title, which would seven in an eight year stretch. After five consecutive championships in Class 4A, Belen finished in second place during the 2009 season to Silver City, which is after a repeat championship. Among small schools (Class 3A), Robertson is after a fifth consecutive championship and its eighth in ten years.

    New York: Wrestling in the Empire State is unique because the competition among the sections is more important than the team score at the state tournament. There is also no dual meet championship, so debates about which school has the best team are just that -- debates. Two schools have a pair of wrestlers nationally ranked -- Peru with Jacob Goddeau (103) and Arik Robinson (112), and Greene with Nick Wilcox (130) and Tyler Beckwith (189).

    North Carolina: In the big-school division (Class 4A), Cary is seeking to win its sixth consecutive individual state championship and seventh in eight years. They also are seeking a fourth consecutive dual meet title. In class 3A, Parkland seeks a fourth consecutive sweep of the individual and dual meet titles. Orange seeks a third consecutive combined dual meet title for the smallest two classifications (Class AA/A), and they also seek a third consecutive Class 2A individual tournament title. After finishing runner-up the three previous seasons, Topsail finally came through with a Class A dual meet title and seeks the repeat this year.

    North Dakota: Bismarck is the clear power of wrestling in the state of North Dakota, and is seeking yet another sweep of the individual and dual meet tournaments in Class A. However, West Fargo is likely to get the most limelight with its duo of nationally-ranked wrestlers -- Tyler Lehmann (189) and Scott Schiller (215). In Class B, Oakes is seeking a repeat sweep of the tournaments.

    Ohio: Dynasties rule the day across the three divisions in the Buckeye State. Graham, Ohio's best team, has won the last nine medium-school (Division II) state titles. They are prohibitive favorites for a 10th consecutive title, twelfth in all. With 13 consecutive big-school (Division I) state titles, 25 in all, St Edward is one of the nation's great dynasties. However, the quest for a 14th consecutive title will not be one that is on cruise control. The Eagles were knocked off in two dual meets last season by Wadsworth, who now seeks to do it in the individual state tournament. The three-year run of Troy Christian in the small-school (Division III) tournament looks to be at its end. Led by their big four, Monroeville fell short to Troy Christian by one point last season, and start 2009-10 as the favorites. However, nipping on their heels will be a deep CVCA squad.

    Oklahoma: Small-school Perry has the longest string of dominance in the Sooner State, and seeks its seventh consecutive title in the Class 3A individual tournament. This would be 11 in a 13 year stretch. It also would be back-to-back sweeps of the individual and dual meet tournaments, and the ninth sweep in a 12 year stretch. Tuttle seeks to defend its individual Class 4A tournament title, while Cushing is after a fourth consecutive dual meet title and seventh in eight years. Claremore is after a repeat sweep of the Class 5A championships. Tulsa Union was individual champions in the big-school (Class 6A) tournament, while Ponca City earned the honors in the dual meet tournament; both are after repeat championships this year.

    Oregon: The top team this year in the state of Oregon is Roesburg, which finished runner-up to Newberg in the big-school division (Class 6A). However, Roseburg was champion the previous two seasons and returns a trio of state champions this season. Hermiston seeks at least its fourth consecutive title in the Class 5A state tournament. Sweet Home is wrestling in defense of the Class 4A state title. Despite going after an eight consecutive state title, Burns is not the favorite in Class 3A -- instead Reedsport currently holds the catbird seat. In the small-school tournament (Class 2A), Culver is favored to win a fourth straight state championship.

    Pennsylvania: Central Dauphin is clearly the dominant team in the Keystone state this season, as they seek a fourth consecutive big-school (Class AAA) championship in the individual tournament as well as a three-peat in the dual meet tournament. The Rams are anchored by senior Marshall Peppelman (160), who seeks a fourth state finals appearance and a third consecutive state championship this season. The small-school (Class AA) tournament seems much more open in both the dual meet and individual tournaments. Shady Side Academy is the two-time defending individual champions, while Reynolds has won three of the past four in the dual meet tournament. However, it is possible that Benton might be favored in the individual tournament with three nationally ranked anchors in Mike Rhone (119), Eric Hess (152/160), and Tyler Demott (285). Other teams to watch in big-school wrestling are Central Mountain, led by a pair of top-ranked wrestlers in the nation - Andrew (145) and Dylan (152) Alton, and Blue Mountain anchored by seniors Josh Kindig (140) and Tyler Rauenzahn (125).

    South Carolina: Eastside is seeking a seventh consecutive sweep of the dual meet and individual state tournaments in Class 3A. In the big-school division (Class 4A), Rock Hill and Fort Dorchester seek repeat titles in the dual meet and individual tournaments respectively after improving upon second place finishes to Summerville in 2008. Rock Hill beat Fort Dorchester for the dual meet title, which Fort Dorechester outpointed Rock Hill in the individual tournament. Abbeville is after a second consecutive Class 2A dual meet title, after defeating two-time defending champions Lorris in the final this past year. However, they were second to Chesterfield in the combined Class 2A/1A individual tournament. Chesterfield seeks a third consecutive title in that tournament, and a sixth in seventh years. They also seek a seventh consecutive small-school (Class 1A) dual meet title.

    South Dakota: Sturgis seeks a repeat title in the Class A tournament, which would give the program five of the last six championships. In the Class B tournament, Wagner seeks its third consecutive title.

    Tennessee: Bradley Central is the dominant force in public school wrestling, and seeks a third consecutive sweep of the individual and dual meet tournaments in Division I/Class AAA. It would be the 10th individual and ninth dual meet state championship in the last 13 seasons. In the smaller schools portion of the public division, Hixson and Notre Dame have traded championships the last two seasons in the dual meet tournament. In terms of private school wrestling, The Baylor School is the dominant force. Its run of five consecutive individual championships was ended by Father Ryan in 2009, but a championship this season would make it nine in 12 years. They also seek a fourth consecutive dual meet crown this year.

    Texas: While Bishop Lynch is clearly the best team in the state of Texas, they compete in the National Prep Championships. As a result, things open up in UIL-sanctioned competition. Canyon Randall is the two-time defending champions and positions themselves well for a third consecutive title. However, more likely Allen (last year's runner-up) enters the season as the favorite.

    Utah: Viewmont is after its third consecutive big-school (Class 5A) in the Beehive State this coming season, which would mark seven in nine years. After a three-year run of dominance in Class 4A, Mountain Crest finished a close second to Payson which is after a repeat title this year. The state's power program, Wasatch, saw its six-year reign as champions in Class 3A come to an end this past season; and Delta is after a repeat Class 3A title. In the Class 2A tournament, Millard is after a fifth consecutive title, and ninth in ten years. Finally, among small-schools (Class 1A), Monticello is after a repeat title.

    Virginia: The current perennial force in "The Commonwealth" is Christiansburg, which has won the last eight championships in the medium-school division (Class 2A); and there is no reason that won't continue this season. The Blue Demons are anchored by the state's best wrestler in Devin Carter (125), and wrestle the toughest schedule as well -- competing at the Ironman, Beast of the East, PowerAde Christmas Tournament, and Virginia Duals all before the middle of January. Colonial Forge is the three-time defending champions in the big-school division (Class 3A). However, it is Cox which will be favored in the division under the leadership of new coach Matt Small and benefitted by the addition of two key incoming transfers in Caleb Richardson (112) and Bryan Whitt (119). Glenvar enters the season clear favorites to repeat in the small-school division (Class A).

    Washington: The state's dominant team is Lake Stevens, and they are after a fourth consecutive big-school (Class 4A) title. Enumclaw and Deer Park seek third consecutive titles in Class 3A and 2A respectively. After three consecutive second place finishes, Orting finally cracked through in Class A last year, and now seeks a repeat. Among small schools (Class B), Republic is after a third consecutive state title. The state's best wrestler Derek Garcia (171), from Sedro-Woolley, will be seeking a fourth state title while battling back from a football injury.

    West Virginia: Oak Glen seeks a 14th consecutive title in the small-school (Class AA/A) tournament this season. However, it is Cameron and Point Pleasant which return the most underclass placement scoring anchored by a pair of defending state champions. Roane County also returns a pair of small-school champions. Parkersburg South returns the most in the big-school (Class AAA) tournament, and is favored to repeat as state champion. This would be the Patriots 10th team title in the last 16 seasons but only the third since 2005.

    Wisconsin: In the big-school division (Division 1), Wisconsin Rapids seeks a repeat state title, which would make it seven in an eight year stretch. After meeting in the dual meet final the last two seasons, Ellsworth and Lodi are the top two rated teams in Division 2. Defending champion Ellsworth is projected to repeat, and seeks a third title in four seasons. Among the small schools, Mineral Point seeks a fourth consecutive dual meet title this season.

    Wyoming: Campbell County is the state's dominant team, and is after an eighth consecutive state championship in the big-school division (Class 4A). In the small-school tournament (Class 2A), Cokeville is after a fifth consecutive title. Powell and Douglas have finished 1-2 in the last two Class 3A tournaments.

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