December 06, 1999|By Mark Hoeflich
Harford County
Aberdeen Eagles (11-3)
Coach: Eugene Blizzard
Outlook: The once-dominant Eagles are in position to regain their hold on the Harford County League. Blizzard has to replace only four weight classes, and the Eagles are toughest from 152 and up, particularly with junior Shane Farmer (171), who placed second in the region and qualified for the state tournament last season. Scott Blevins (103) is a four-year performer and Randall Overstreet (130) and Tom Guerrera (135) finished first and second, respectively, at the county tournament last season.
FOR THE RECORD - In some of yesterday's editions, a top returning wrestler from Joppatowne was identified incorrectly. The wrestler is Philip Parrow. The Sun regrets the error.
Bel Air Bobcats (10-5)
Coach: Craig Reddish
Outlook: The Bobcats return six starters who recorded at least 18 wins last season. Senior Jon Wainwright (171) was runner-up at the last year's county championships and won 23 matches. The Bobcats' best chances are in the middle weights with Erik Purpora (145), Dave Jonczak (150) and Brian Cubbage (160).
C. Milton Wright Mustangs (7-7)
Coach: Eric Clark
Outlook: Clark's squad is built strong for dual and tournament meets. Senior heavyweight Carter Hugo (27 wins last season) finished second in the region last year and could be the best of his class in the league. Jacob Still (125) is the reigning region champion, Ray Class (112) placed third at the last season's regionals and Lake Clifton transfer Will Hopson placed second at the city tournament a year ago.
Edgewood Rams (4-10)
Coach: Darrin Bokeno
Outlook: If the Rams can get a full lineup, it could mean their first league win in eight matches. Bokeno is helped by having three newcomers from recreation programs.
Fallston Cougars (N/A)
Coach: Andy Amasia
Outlook: The Cougars look a lot like last season's junior varsity team, making this Amasia's youngest team in recent memory. John Cropf (119) is the top performer on a squad that figures to get a lot of on-the-job training.
Harford Tech Cobras (14-2)
Coach: Gary Siler
Outlook: The Cobras' breakthrough season last year included the school's first league title in any sport. And Siler doesn't expect much of a letdown this season. Senior Jermaine Wilson (103) returns as the county champ, and seniors Todd Persuhn (125) and Jon Comer (135) each placed third at last season's regionals. Siler said his team's performance at the Dundalk Tournament will be a good barometer.
Havre de Grace Warriors (2-11)
Coach: Gregory Long
Outlook: The Warriors will be lucky to field a full squad, and Long may have to forfeit as many as four weight classes.
John Carroll Patriots (N/A)
Coach: Dick Slutzky
Outlook: Slutzky, a former coach at Aberdeen (1972-1997), comes out of retirement in hopes of resurrecting a struggling program. And Slutzky faces a situation much different from before, with few established wrestlers and no immediate expectations. "The biggest change is we're teaching the dynamics of wrestling," Slutzky said.
Joppatowne Mariners (3-11)
Coach: Ryan Arist
Outlook: First-year coach Arist brings a stronger work ethic and more enthusiasm. Sophomore Bill Parrow (140), who placed second in the county last season, is the standout among the stronger lower weight classes.
North Harford Hawks (10-3)
Coach: Fred Holtz
Outlook: The difference for the Hawks will come at the upper weight classes, where four regulars were lost to graduation. But the Hawks should be as strong as anyone before than. Mike Conrad (112) and Greg Rose (125-130) each placed second at the county championships last season, and Dan Hoeck (130-135) earned the county title at 125.
