The rankings within this article do not necessarily reflect those done by InterMat.
New Hampshire saw one of its most talented groups of seniors graduate in the spring and will be looking to replace their void in 2012. Among the 2011 graduates include three Division 1 signees, as well as four junior college signees. Among this year's seniors include two NHSCA All-Americans, as well as a Prep All-American.
Zachary BridsonProjected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Bridson is looking to become a member of an elite group in New England, a four-time New England placewinner, as well as a four-time Division 1 state champ. He has been instrumental in leading the Timberlane Owls to three straight New England titles (four in a row). In the process he has been a New England champ, runner-up, and third-place finisher, as well as a prestigious Beast of the East champion and NHSCA All-American. He has compiled a 135-10 record and is looking to break the schools all time win record of 181 wins this season. Bridson is an honor roll student with a 3.3 GPA and is looking to study criminal justice in college.
2. Steven Dwight (Manchester Memorial)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 285
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Analysis: Dwight is a tremendous two-sport athlete in both wrestling and football. It should come as no surprise that Dwight excels in football as his father was a former NFL player for the Atlanta Falcons. He is a three-time Division 1 state placewinner, as well as a two-time New England placewinner. Dwight also placed third in NHSCSA Juniors this past year. After dropping his first match to a Pennsylvania state runner-up, Dwight won seven straight matches to finish third, avenging his earlier loss in the process. He is also a tremendous power lifter and has won multiple competitions up and down the east coast. Dwight's numbers include an impressive 400-plus bench press, and 650-plus squat. He is being heavily recruited for both football and wrestling and boasts an impressive 3.2 GPA.
Tanner BurkeProjected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: Burke is looking to become the next member in the elite four-time state championship club. He has won three titles at three different weights. He finished his junior campaign 33-1, including undefeated at 125, losing his only match of the season up a weight to a Massachusetts state champ. He took third at the prestigious 60-team Lowell Holiday Invitational. An impressive 3.5 GPA for Pinkerton Academy, Burke also volunteer coaches at the YMCA club and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America and Distributive Education Clubs of America.
4. David Welch (Tilton)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 170/182
Projected College Weight Class: 174/184
Analysis: Welch has battled injury his entire high school career, but finally completed a full season injury-free as a junior, and the results were tremendous. A Prep New England championship and a seventh-place finish at Prep Nationals showed what Welch can do when healthy. A physical specimen to look at, he is intimidating to all opponents. He is a dark horse contender for a Prep National championship this upcoming season.
5. Josh Medeiros (Pelham)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 113/120
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Medeiros has been a mainstay in New Hampshire wrestling the last three years while racking up three Division 2 State titles. He excels on his feet and is nonstop attacking for six minutes. Medeiros plans to take his wrestling to the next level and compete during college.
6. Joey Page (Nashua North)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152/160
Projected College Weight Class: 157/165
Analysis: Page was a state champion from Nashua North High School at 152 pounds this past season. He is a combination of both speed and power and excels from the neutral position. He is looking to repeat his state performance this season, as well as add a New England title to his resume.
Casey QuinnProjected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 160/170
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Analysis: Quinn won his first Division 2 state title this past season in dominating fashion. After flying under the radar as a sophomore, Quinn went into the state tournament with only one loss as a junior and lost in the finals to the eventual New England champion by decision. He will contend again for top state honors this season.
8. Mike Ponchak (Winnacunnet)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 132/138
Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
Analysis: Ponchak is a three-sport varsity athlete at Winnacunnet where he excels both academically with a 3.3 GPA and athletically. He is a two-time state finalist, winning the title as a junior for Winnacunnet. Ponchak is a tough competitor and excels with his mat wrestling and is fierce on top with legs. He will be looking for a third straight trip to the state finals and a second championship.
9. Dan Roger (Londonderry)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120/126
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Roger had a successful junior campaign for Londonderry this past season at 119 pounds. He can typically be found getting his nose plugged during his matches as he is always taking his physical style to his opponents. He is relentless from neutral and can score from any position. An honor roll student with a 3.5 GPA, Roger represents New Hampshire wrestling well. As Division 1 state champ, he will be looking to uphold that title another year.
10. Zach Hicks (Salem)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145/152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Hicks is a name that has been around New Hampshire wrestling for quite a while. A two-time state finalist, Hicks always seems to peak at the right moment. He has jumped six weight classes since his freshman year and never missed a beat. Tough on top and always looking to turn his opponent, Hicks will surely be looking at a spot atop the podium this winter.
Honorable Mention:
Moises Diaz (Manchester Memorial)
Zach Daigle (Pinkerton)
Luke Morrier (Timberlane)
Will Smith (Timberlane)
David Garcia (Manchester Memorial)
Joey Fitzwater (Manchester Memorial)
Anthony Valentin (Manchester Central)
Alex Lira (Salem)
Tyler Wilson (Londonderry)
Jonathan Scheidegger (Sanborn)
Team Outlook
Division 1:
Timberlane has reigned supreme in New Hampshire for the past two decades, winning 18 state titles in 19 seasons, including 11 in a row. Timberlane has also won a record nine New England titles, as well as four in a row.
Teams to watch: Manchester Memorial, Salem, Concord, and Manchester Central.
Division 2:
Goffstown is the returning state champion, but Merrimack and Winnacunnet will be battling them for the team title.
Teams to watch: Con Val, Bedford, Milford
Division 3:
Plymouth ran away with the Division 3 title last year and is always among the cream of the crop. Also in the running is Newcomer Windham, a program that in its first varsity season fielded an impressive squad and produced state champion Tyler Siverhus.
Teams to watch: Pelham, Bow
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