This is a list I have compiled of the Top 10 senior recruits in Washington, plus 10 honorable mention honorees. There are many more great wrestlers but we had to limit to 20, so this is it.
All of these wrestlers have proven themselves on the mat and all should have great seasons. As in every season, some will have great joy at the end of the season and others will feel the sting of what might have been. We salute all the wrestlers whose past deeds have earned them a position on this list of honor and we also salute the thousands of wrestlers not listed here that will go out and give their all on the mat.
Although a few select teams travel outside of the region to seek out national competition, the biggest gauge of Washington's area's talent will be seen once again this year at the Tri-State Classic taking place in Coeur d'Alene the third weekend of December, and the Pac Coast Championship held in Vancouver, Washington the first weekend of January.
Below is a look at the Top 10 high school senior recruits from Washington's Class of 2010-11.
Chris Castillo (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)School: Zillah
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: The No. 1-ranked senior is Chris Castillo. Castillo is a three-time state champion who is looking to join the elite fraternity of Washington four-time state champions. Only five wrestlers have won four titles in Washington. Castillo has also proven himself on the national level by going to Schoolboy Duals and dominating along with placing in Fargo as both a Cadet and Junior.
2. Ruben Navejas
School: Kentwood
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 112
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Navejas won the state 4A 103 title in 2009 after placing fifth in state as a freshman. He followed that up by winning the USAW Junior National freestyle title in Fargo in the 98-pound weight class. In 2010 he was defeated in the state final by Steven Hopkins, who has also placed at Nationals. They split four matches between them last year. Navejas went back to Fargo in 2010 and took second in the Junior 105 weight class.
3. Scotty Bacon
School: Republic
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Bacon is a two-time state champ in the B Division, the smallest division in the state. However, Bacon has proven himself by winning the Tri-State tournament in Idaho as both a sophomore and a junior. He was voted the Outstanding Wrestler at Tri-State in 2010. He went back to the NHSCA Junior Nationals in Virginia in March of 2010 and took third place.
Note: I have been informed that Bacon has moved to California for his senior year. More details to follow.
Antonio Brown (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)School: Orting
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 130
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: With a third-place finish as a freshman, and runner-up finishes as a sophomore and junior, Brown looks to finally add the title of state champion 1A in 2010-11. He was champion at the prestigious Tri-State tournament in Idaho.
5. Dylan Rutledge
School: Auburn
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184
Analysis: Rutledge was the 4A state champion at 171 in 2010 and placed third as a sophomore in 2009 at 160. He also placed first at the Tri-State tournament and at the Pac-Coast tournament.
Josh Lauderdale (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)School: Lakeside in Spokane
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 140
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Tough kid who is just a couple of moves away from going for a third title this year, but instead he will be looking to capture his first state title as a senior. Lauderdale competes in 1A and has taken second, third and second the past three seasons. Each time he was defeated in close matches by a multiple-time state champs. This year looks to be his turn. He also has a 4.0 GPA, which should be of interest to many college coaches. He is the younger brother of a three-timer who is currently wrestling at Oregon State University.
7. Nikko Veltri
School: Orting
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Orting competes in 1A, but goes with the big boys in many larger tournaments during the season ... and has great success. The program has a Top 10 senior recruit almost every season and has two this season. Veltri placed third as a sophomore and was the 1A state champion last season at 145.
8. Brian Chamberlain
School: Moses Lake
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 215
Projected College Weight Class: 197
Analysis: Moses Lake has been producing champions for decades and this season looks to be a big one for Chamberlain. He placed sixth as a freshman, but didn't place as a sophomore. Last season he was the 4A 215 champion and plans on returning to claim a second title. His practice partner is the returning 4A state champion at 285 and steel always sharpens steel.
Dylan Hyder (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)School: Yelm
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 125
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Hyder flirted with a state title in his first two trips to the Mat Classic, taking second as a freshman and third as a sophomore. Last season he won the 3A title at 119 and looks to see if he can gain a second straight title and a fourth state medal.
10. Josh Musick
School: Enumclaw
Projected 2010-11 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: Another tough brother from a family of wrestlers who has his sights set on winning his first state title. He competes in 3A and took third and second in state over the past two seasons. He comes from a school with a long tradition of winning.
Honorable Mention:
Bryce Evans (Rogers)
Hunter File (Enumclaw)
Chris Mayolo (LaCenter)
Billy Rhoads (Deer Park)
Amando Deleon (Othello)
Easton Hargrave (Tumwater)
Caleb Thornhill (Yelm)
Manny Ybarra (Quincy)
Kabe Fluaitt (Moses Lake)
Cameron Wade (Archbishop Murphy)
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