Lake Conference Wrestling: Wayzata Ready to Roll

varsity wrestling team finished last season with four wrestlers at the Class AAA state tournament, but the road there through the Lake Conference was difficult.

The Trojans finished 0-3 in the Lake schedule, losing to Eden Prairie 40-27, Hopkins 39-15 and Minnetonka 37-32. Eden Prairie also ended the Trojans’ season in the Section 6AAA semifinals.

But with a pair of state tournament participants returning—sophomore Nick O’Brien and junior Weston Groegemueller. But will Wayzata have enough depth to rival state participant Hopkins or defending conference champion Eden Prairie?

“I’m hoping Wayzata makes the step to get themselves at the top of the heap,” Trojans caoch Tim Hartung said. “I know we’ll be right in there, but it’s unseen yet if we can make the step to get above those teams.”

TEAMS TO WATCH

Hopkins—The Royals upset Eden Prairie in the section championship last year, topping and Eagles squad that beat them twice in the regular season. 

Eden Prairie—The Eagles won the conference a year ago and should factor into the race again this winter.

Minnetonka—The Skippers won seven of eight duals leading into a Section 6AAA semifinal loss to Hopkins last winter. Minnetonka hopes to continue that streak this winter.

KEY RETURNERS

Sam Brancale (Eden Prairie)—Brancale had the conference’s best finish a year ago, taking third in the 119 pound class at the Class AAA state meet. Brancale went 43-3 last year.

Nick O’Brien (Wayzata)—O’Brien (38-13) finished sixth in state a year ago in the 112 pound class.

Andrew Sutton (Minnetonka)—Sutton (28-16) is the Skippers’ lone returning wrestler who reached state last year. 

Jacob Price (Hopkins)—Price (33-9) reached state both with the Royals team last season and as an individual in the 103 pound weight class.

Romar Daniel (Hopkins)—Possibly the Royals’ best athlete, Marcy said the team talked Daniel into going out for wrestling last season. The result? A 28-13 record and a trip to state.

KEY LOSSES

Nic Schweisthal (Minnetonka)—Schweisthal (28-8) reached the Class AAA state meet as a 160 pounder last year.

Collin Nouth (Wayzata)—Nouth finished the season at the state meet and compiled a 24-11 record as a senior.

Michael DeJolsvay (Hopkins)—DeJolsvay compiled a 36-3 record last year and was a big part in the Royals’ trip to the state meet.

Austin Haercharl (Hopkins)—Haercharl had a 34-10 record for Hopkins as a senior.

PRESEASON WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

Sam Brancale (Eden Prairie)—The Eagles’ standout went 5-1 at the Class AAA state meet last year. He’ll be a force again this winter.