Posted on Sat, Nov. 19, 2005
More weight on his shoulders
Gardner’s Isenberg up to the challenge of moving up to 135 pounds
By DAMON SMITH
The Kansas City Star
Gardner Edgerton wrestler Aldon Isenberg is moving up two weight classes to 135 pounds after finishing third in Kansas 5A at 125 pounds. Isenberg is looking forward to the change.
“I don’t think it should be that tough moving up in weight,” said Isenberg, who finished with a 39-5 record and was a regional champion last season. “I spent the summer wrestling at 135. The kids are stronger, but I’m stronger, too.”
So for Isenberg, the goals haven’t changed. The sophomore is still after a first-place medal at state.
“I know there are some people that say some weight classes are tougher than others,” said Gardner coach Matt Yeamans. “It’s too early to tell, but we have confidence that he can compete with anybody. He feels like he can be successful at whatever weight he wrestles at.”
Yeamans is also hoping to see his team have more state placers after qualifying 12 for state in 2005. With 10 of those returning, Yeamans hopes to pick up more team points at state.
“We ended up (last year at state) with three or four kids who needed just one more win to place,” he said. “We just want them to make that next step.”
Olathe North confident
T.J. Ulmer said his program is heading in the right direction after improving last season. There are two big reasons — well one big and one small — why North should continue to improve.
Calen Born should vie for a state title in the 215-pound division one season after finishing second to Neil Cisper of St. Thomas Aquinas. Junior Adam Almaguer finished third in the Kansas 6A 125-pound division.
Both should remain highly ranked throughout the season and go deep at the best invitationals.
Aquinas working hard
During the opening days of practice, St. Thomas Aquinas wrestlers returned to the fundamental principle that made them the elite team in Kansas 6A.
Hard work.
Co-captains Jed Mamie and Andy Hurla repeated that refrain before hitting the mat for a preseason session. Although it’s early, the reigning champions recognize the obstacles ahead.
Several returning varsity lettermen need to cut weight to find a spot on the roster. The team also awaits the return of several missing wrestlers still Aquinas’ football team, which lost to Blue Valley in a state semifinal Friday night.
Outside distractions must quickly be forgotten.
These are just a few of the Saints’ early-season challenges, but the champs know where to find the solution.
“We’re working a lot harder than we’ve ever worked before,” said Hurla.
Behind the leadership of wrestlers like Neil Cisper, Aquinas won the East Kansas League and regional titles, then became just the fourth Johnson County program to win the state .
Cisper graduated to the University of Pennsylvania program but his departure hasn’t damaged Aquinas’ potential.
“(The Saints’) biggest problem will be trying to get all their talent in the lineup,” Blue Valley coach Chris Paisley said.
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Wrestlers to watch
■ Adam Almaguer, Olathe North, junior. Finished third at 119 pounds at 6A state meet.
■ Calen Born, Olathe North, senior. Was second in Kansas 6A 189-pound division.
■ Justin Broadbent, Mill Valley , senior. Second in 5A at 112.
■ Neil Erisman, De Soto, senior. Finished 41-1 and second in Kansas 4A at 152 pounds.
■ Andy Hurla, St. Thomas Aquinas, senior. Second team All-Star Johnson County selection was a vital cog for the Aquinas’ state championship team.
■ Ken Livengood, Blue Valley North, senior. Second in 6A at 119.
■ Hunter Madl, Blue Valley, senior. Regional and EKL champion finished 40-8 in 2005.
■ Jed Mamie, St. Thomas Aquinas, junior. Mamie finished third in Kansas 6A in the 171-pound division.
■ Tyler Rodden, Olathe Northwest, senior. Won Sunflower League and regional titles in the heavyweight division and finished season with a 36-8 record.
■ Nick Shumate, Blue Valley Northwest, senior. Second in 6A at 112 pounds
Meets to watch
■ December 16-17: Johnson County Wrestling Classic at Blue Valley. This is the first look at how the competition in Johnson County shapes up.
■ Jan. 13-14: Bobcat Wresting Invitational, Jan. 13-14 at Basehor-Linwood. Some of the best wrestlers in the state of Kansas — regardless of class — will meet here.
■ Jan. 20-21: Husky Invitational at Blue Valley Northwest. One last good look at the local talent before the post-season begins.
Three questions
■ Can Aquinas repeat as 6A state champions?
■ Will standouts Neil Erisman, Ty Williamson and Nick Shumate pick up their first first-place medals at the state meet?
■ How will weight class moves affect wrestlers such as Aldon Isenberg of Gardner Edgerton?
