The 2008 recruiting class has been ranked in the Top 4 nationally in the NJCAA by Intermat and Wrestling USA.  This combined with the returners look to be an exciting year for Panther Wrestling.

125 – This weight is the deepest in quality on the roster.  Donte’ Butler, Jared Grigg, and Rory Kendall make this the most competitive weight in the room.  Combine that with Billy Benz and Aron Culbertson and whoever steps up should be good, even as a freshman.

133 – Six guys here make this weight deep.  Shelby Henning, Matt McPeek, Ray Ramirez, Ian Seaton, and Clifton Thompson will fight it out for the first semester starting spot.  Throw Jarod Spoon in the mix second semester and this weight looks good.

141 – Jeremy Lawley, Marc Somers, and Danny Washington make 141 solid.  Lawley is coming off a couple of years layoff but should be crisp by mid season.

149 – Ty Caron, Denis Fairleigh, Spencer Hinson, Damien Jones, Cody Kramer, Robert Newbill, and Mike Schwind make this weight competitive and deep.  Whoever rises up here could do well for themselves with continual competition from the others.

157/165 – Dustin Burton, Ken Carney, Ty Jaquess, Drakkar Klose, Trey Lewis, Cody Meier, Mike Miller, and Aaron Newbill are the eight who need to separate themselves and take charge.  Miller is a returning starter who will be pushed hard.  Good quality and competitiveness at both of these weights.

174 – Returning National Qualifier Jason Green will get competition from Gavin Roach and possibly others who come up or down.  Green is solid and needs to stay healthy.

184 – Returning starter Tim Cross had a very good off season and will be pushed by Jeff Kirwan and Dan Pynn.  Look for better things from Cross.

197 – This weight should be a heated battle between Daunte’ Nixon and Sam Robbins.  David Cedeno will redshirt but another very competitive weight.

285 – Bryan January and Christian Wintons will battle it out here for the starting spot.  Both are capable.

*All names listed in alphabetical order unless a returning starter.

Comments from Coach Petterson:

 Looking at the weight by weight break down this should and will be the most competitive room I’ve had.  We have good quality and depth.  Now it is up to who wants to prepare to be the man at each weight.  At this time we have question marks and look to separate and move a few to where it makes us better.  Our needs were in the lower and middle weights along with 285 and we shored those up. 

Our older guys should provide good leadership to help guide our freshmen to develop at a nice pace.  Overall the team and staff are excited with the quality, depth, and competitive situation we have.  It will take some real efforts daily throughout the entire season to be the starter in several weights.  That combined with our facilities, staff, and schedule should provide the expected NEOSHO WRESTLING standards.  Beware, the Black Cat is Back.  GO PANTHERS!!!

2000 NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

2002 NJCAA NATIONAL RUNNERS UP

6 TOP 10 NATIONAL TEAM FINISHES

8 INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

39 ALL AMERICANS