Sports
Lake Conference Wrestling Full Of Parity
Who will win the conference crown this year? Minnetonka is in the mix, but defending champion Eden Prairie and state entrant Hopkins bring talent.
The Minnetonka wrestling team put together a strong campaign a year ago, going 21-7 overall and holding its own in the Lake Conference season.
But despite the Skippers beating Hopkins in conference play, Minnetonka couldn’t overcome the Royals in the section tournament, losing in the semifinals.
That type of parity should be evident again this season, with Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Minnetonka and Hopkins all having strong squads.
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Who will win the conference title in 2011-12? Patch spoke with Lake coaches and broke down the teams and individuals to watch this winter.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Find out what's happening in Minnetonkafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.
