Duneland Athletic Conference

CHESTERTON

Wrestlers to watch: Zack Thornton, Sr., 125; Anthony Quiroz, So., 152-160; Brandon Garvey, Sr., 152; Bill Petrocelli, So., 119; Joe Kelly, So., 130-135.

Outlook: The Trojans return five wrestlers who reached at least the semistate, headed by state runner-up Quiroz and state qualifier Thornton. Coach Chris Joll expects to be strong in the middle and upper weights, with inexperience and possibly some vacancies, in the lower weights.

Quote: "We will be the T-Rex of the DAC -- short-handed but formidable. The group has been functioning very well as a team, something that has not been evident in the recent past." -- Joll

CROWN POINT

Wrestlers to watch: Anthony Hawkins, Sr., 119; Eric Roach, Jr., 140/145; Jason Tsirtsis, So., 130/135; Dallas Schurg, Sr., 130/135; Josh Flamme, Jr., 140/145; Tom Renn, Sr., 152.

Outlook: The defending team state champion Bulldogs lost seven starters to graduation and another -- sophomore Cameron Halsted -- to a season-ending injury. Still, Hawkins and Tsirtsis return as individual state champs to return to lead a local powerhouse.

Quote: "We won't be easy to beat, but we've got to have some young kids step up. I'll tell you what's gonna make our year: It's how these young kids respond to the expectations that go along with being a varsity wrestler on a state championship team." -- coach Scott Vlink

LAKE CENTRAL

Wrestlers to watch: Kyle Ayersman, So., 103; Mark Escobedo, Sr., 125; Bryan Smith, Sr., 119; Brad Wartman, Jr., 135; Vlade Nacovski, Sr., 215; Jose Perez, Sr., 140; Pat Biancardi, Jr., Hwt.

Outlook: The Indians return six semistate qualifiers, including semistate champ Ayersman, who also placed third in state. Sophomore Brandon Lopez (112) is expected to become a key varsity newcomer.

LAPORTE

Wrestlers to watch: Frank Mancuso, Sr, 125; Nick Santana, Sr., 140; Zach Smith, Sr., 171; Jon Wegiel, Sr./Dustin Pape, Sr., 189; Greg Wedow, Sr., Hwt.

Outlook: The Slicers graduated their sole semistate qualifier (Bryce Holland), but have build a core group of seniors to build around.

Quote: "We are getting older stronger and more experienced every year. We are on an upswing and looking to improve as the year goes on. (We expect to) continue to improve and to work on becoming a more technical team." -- coach Louis Kuzdas

MERRILLVILLE

Wrestlers to watch: Zach Stevens, Sr., 103; Al Padilla, So., 119; Anthony Napules, Sr., 125; Frankie Valdivia, Sr., 130; Eddie Deluna, Sr., 135; Victor Nzeata, Sr., 152; Jeremy Wengel, Sr., 171; Kortney Berry, So., 189; James Travis, Sr., Hwt.

Outlook: The Pirates return a ton of talent from last season's team that went 19-3, 6-1 in the DAC and fell to eventual state champion Crown Point in the first round of a team regional. Last season, Stevens and Napules placed fourth in state, and Travis took fifth.

Quote: "We will definitely be a better team at the end of the year because of our football team having such a good year. It will take us a couple of weeks for things to fall into place, but with our seasoned athletes, I think we will be very competitive this season. -- coach David Maldonado

MICHIGAN CITY

Wrestlers to watch: Cole Stephans, So.; Cory Miranda, Sr.

Outlook: The Wolves graduated semistate qualifiers Garrett Payne and Thomas Lusco from a team that had five freshmen on its sectional roster.

PORTAGE

Wrestlers to watch: Sean McMurray, Sr., 160; Brandon Coppinger, Jr., 112; Luis Acuna, Jr., 130-135; Justin Rhein, Sr., 171; Aaron King, Sr., 189.

Outlook: The Indians return nine starters from a sectional champion squad, seven of whom qualified for semistate. McMurray, a two-time state champion, went to Indianapolis alone last season. That shouldn't happen again, as Portage looks to take the next step, both on the team and individual levels.

Quote: "We feel like we replaced the middle weights with solid guys and the upper weights should be OK. Our expectations again are to compete for a Duneland Conference title and hopefully go to team state." -- coach Pat Wilkins

VALPARAISO

Wrestlers to watch: Justin Turner, Sr., 119; Chad Miller, Jr., 125; Christopher Rosario, Sr., 130; Ryan Hayes, Sr., 160; Austin Chentnik, Sr., 171.

Outlook: New coach Matt Johnson has a room full of pups, with well over half of the team comprised of freshmen and sophomores. Miller missed last season with an injury while Rosario is returning after a year off.

Quote: "It's a rebuilding year for us. I really want to get Valpo back to being a competitive team as we move forward. I think we have very good talent on the team. We're just trying to refine that talent." -- Johnson

Greater South Shore Conference

BISHOP NOLL

Wrestlers to watch: Gabe Mota, Sr., 215; Tony DeFilippo, Sr., 145; Matthew Garza, Sr., 189.

Outlook: The Warriors have 25 athletes on their roster this season, but 17 of them are first-year wrestlers. Seven freshmen are projected starters.

Quote: "We hope to hit our stride by the end of the season, when it really counts. Our goal from day one has been to win our conference." -- coach Brian Hrabovsky

CALUMET

Wrestlers to watch: Jose Rodriguez, Jr., 112; Matt Smeltzer, Jr., 119; William Ketchum, Jr., 125; Mike Clark, Sr., 130; Arnold Pivorius, Sr., 135; Zach Schraven, Sr., 140/145; Mike Greer, Sr., 140/145; Eddie Jennings, Sr., 160; Nathan Fowler, Sr., 189; Anthony Cherry, Sr., 215/Hwt.

Outlook: The Warriors are seeking their third consecutive GSSC title. With seven conference champions and four semistate qualifiers from the past two years returning, there's a buzz surrounding Calumet's program.

Quote: "We have some guys facing challenges just to make the lineup. That competition in the room will make us tougher as the season progresses." -- coach Jim Wadkins

LAKE STATION

Wrestlers to watch: Jack Hammons, Sr., 152; Chris Hammons, Jr., 160; George Amaya, Sr., Hwt.; Andrew Hicks, Sr., Hwt.

Outlook: The Eagles won't be able to fill all the weight classes, but they'll have some quality big guys as Amaya and Hicks are expected to battle throughout the season for the starting heavyweight spot. The Eagles lost standouts Nolan Dodge and Aaron Hammons to graduation, but the younger Hammons brothers are back and ready to lead.

Quote: "(The Hammons) are tough. These are old-day, tough kids. We just don't have enough of them. They love the workouts. You beat them down, you think they can't take another step, but they just love it." -- coach Dan Mora

RIVER FOREST

Wrestlers to watch: Tyler Hanson, Jr., 140; JW Yanez, Sr., 135; Richie Pennington, Jr., 189.

Outlook: Regional qualifiers Hanson and Yanez return to lead the Ingots, who hope to improve upon their third-place finish in conference.

Quote: "We have 28 boys in the high school program. ... We have only a few seniors, two of which competed in the regionals last year, and many experienced sophomores and juniors." -- coach Tim Gault

WHITING

Wrestlers to watch: Emerick Quiroz, Jr., 145/152; Matt Aponte, Jr., 152.

Outlook: The Oilers are hoping to move up in the GSSC standings after placing fourth last season. Senior Manny Galindo (171), juniors Jordan Hennessey (189) Fernando Sahagun (215), Luis Lazaro (Hwt.) and freshman Noe Torres (160) should be reliable contributors.

Quote: "I think we have some tough kids. They're not necessarily experienced kids, but a lot of them are athletic kids, a lot of football players." -- coach Rob Segudovic

Great Lakes Athletic Conference

CLARK

Wrestlers to watch: Victor Camarena, So., 112; Freddy Ortega, Jr., 119; Nelson Martinez, So., 152; Eric Nelson, So., 215.

Outlook: Defending individual conference champs Camarena and Ortega are expected to lead the Pioneers this season. After finishing second in conference last season, Clark and first-year coach Jerame Hicks are aiming for the GLAC throne.

Quote: "This will be the year the team will start to make some noise and display some progress of developing a program at the younger levels." -- Hicks

GAVIT

Wrestlers to watch: Chris Pajdzik, Jr., 130; Joey Guevara, So., 135; Luis Vasquez, Jr., 160; Pablo Buentello, Jr., 189; Nick Guevara, Sr., Hwt.

Outlook: Semistate qualifier Chris Pajdzik returns to lead the Gladiators in their quest for a second consecutive GLAC title. Freshmen Brandon Kretchmer (135), Andrew White (160), Derrick Medley (171) and Mike Pajdzik (215) could make instant contributions.

Quote: "We are getting better and stronger every year. Our numbers seem to grow every year with more athletes and kids with more wrestling knowledge." -- coach Devin Sanders

HAMMOND

Wrestlers to watch: Hector Serano, Jr., 152; Corey Cordero, So., 130; Deparis Williams, Sr., 160.

Outlook: The Wildcats have stronger participation this season with 21 wrestlers on their roster. Serano is expected to become the team's undisputed leader.

Quote: "We have more guys out this year, and we should be improved. We've got a real young team, but we're excited about the future." -- coach Adam Johnston

MORTON

Wrestlers to watch: Brandon Mihalic, Sr., 171; John Anderson, Sr., 215; Justin Fenes, Sr., Hwt.; Chris Murphy, Sr., 112.

Outlook: The Governors have 23 wrestlers this season, eight more than they had on their 2008-09 roster. Mihalic, Anderson and Justin Fenes are expected to make noise in the postseason, and newcomer Murphy should be a pleasant surprise.

Quote: "(Mihalic) is the leader. He never misses a practice. We could practice for four hours a day, and he'd be the happiest kid in the room." -- coach Kevin Tersley

Northwest Crossroads Conference

ANDREAN

Wrestlers to watch: Zeke Escobedo, Sr., 130; Kevin Wojkovich, Sr., 189.

Outlook: Semistate qualifier Escobedo and three-time regional qualifier Wojkovich are expected to lead the 59ers. Andrean's goal is to finish in the top half of the NCC.

Quote: "We will succeed as a team and individually based on how our seniors lead us on the mat and in the wrestling room." -- coach Julio Cisneros

GRIFFITH

Wrestlers to watch: Matt Beck, Sr., 145; Mark Douglas, Sr., Hwt.; Brian Orzechowicz, Jr., 112; Shawn Siokos, Sr., 119; Collin Slagle, Jr., 103.

Outlook: After finishing with a record of 10-6 last season, Panthers coach Travis Walls is hoping his team's six senior leaders can guide Griffith into the top three of the NCC standings. It won't be easy, though.

Quote: "My numbers are down a bit. I got about 20 kids in the room. I'm filling all the weight classes, but I'm filling them with freshmen." -- Walls

HIGHLAND

Wrestlers to watch: Danny Rodriguez, Jr., 112; Jeremy Camacho, So., 125; Eric Johnson, Jr., 145.

Outlook: Two-time semistate qualifier Rodriguez will be counted on to lead a team that lost several standouts to graduation. Last season, the Trojans went 9-9, 2-4 in the NCC.

Quote: "We graduated six experienced wrestlers and that will hurt. But the work ethic of this season's team is good, and we look to improve immensely every time we enter the room." -- coach Matt Havens

HOBART

Wrestlers to watch: Frankie Porras, Sr. 135; Joe Peco, Jr., 215; Call Posey, Sr., 189; Eric Hein, Jr., 171; Mark Gacsy, Jr., 160; Aaron Ayala, So., 119; Tom Camacho, Jr., 145; Patrick Manning, So., 130; Bob Gallardo, So., 140.

Outlook: After winning an individual state title, Porras returns to lead the Brickies, who went 8-3, 3-3 in the NCC last season. Freshmen Julian Collazo, Dave Hantz, Zac Johansen, Alex Metz and Tony Rodriguez are expected to contribute.

Quote: "I expect Frankie Porras to be a vocal leader on our team. This is his statement year." -- coach Steve Balash

KANKAKEE VALLEY

Wrestlers to watch:

Outlook: Kyle Chadwick, Sr., 125; Dustin Schultz, Sr., 145; Aaron Kearney, Sr., 152; Nick Berdine, Sr., 189; Andrew Hale, Sr., Hwt.

Quote: The Kougars return several key wrestlers from last season's NCC championship team, including semistate qualifiers Schultz and Hale. They'll need to continue to fill the leadership role of graduate Adam Mandeville.

Quote: "Chadwick, Schultz and Kearney have the best shot at making (a deep run in) the postseason providing they stay mentally tough. We seem to beat ourselves between the ears." -- coach Tom Dellahan

LOWELL

Wrestlers to watch: Nick Lenzo, Sr., 112; Cameryn Brady, Sr., 130; Nathan Cleveland, Sr., 215.

Outlook: The graduation of standouts Kurt Monix and Jake Lamb will hurt, but the Red Devils still return several talented wrestlers who are expected to expand their leadership roles. After finishing third in the NCC with a record of 10-9, 3-3, Lowell wants to achieve more in 2009-10. Cleveland took third in the state last season and won a title at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals during the offseason.

Quote: "We are aiming for our first NCC championship and looking for this team to be the springboard for our program's goal of winning a team state championship in the future." -- coach Joe Willmann

MUNSTER

Wrestlers to watch: Alex Surma, Sr., 140; Aurelio Medina, Jr., 103.

Outlook: Four-time state qualifier Aaron Estrada graduated, but Surma and Medina return after placing sixth and eighth, respectively, at state. Seniors Justin Slosser, Clint Boelt, Adrian Gutierrez, Andy Lucas and juniors Luke Smith, Tyler Musgrove, Jack Seaman and Tyler Kerrick are also back to form a deep, experienced team that's hungry after placing second in the NCC last season.

Quote: "We might not have many superstars, but we are pretty balanced with quality wrestlers. We need to raise the level of our practice room daily, and good wrestlers will continue to get better." -- coach Dan Gelarden

Northwestern Conference

LEW WALLACE

Wrestlers to watch: Anthony Willis, Sr., Hwt.; Montel Davis, Jr., 215; Darnell Exom, Sr., 125; Aaron Lewis, Sr., 160; DeAndre Taylor, Jr., 135.

Outlook: In his five seasons with the Hornets, coach David Walton has been able to generate enough interest in wrestling to help his program grow significantly. The wrestling team's popularity at Wallace has also been aided its two consecutive conference titles.

Quote: "We lost five seniors, but we'll have good turnaround this year. We're actually motivated that our school has added a middle school program that is housed at Lew Wallace. We had 40 wrestlers came out. That's the highest turnout since I've been here." -- Walton

ROOSEVELT

Wrestler to watch: Tyrell Greenfield, Sr., 215; Artie Greenlaw, Sr., 189.

Outlook: The Panthers didn't have a team last season, but now they have stellar participation with the arrival of first-year coach Lance Dillon. There are even a few girls vying for varsity spots.

Quote: "We got about 22 kids out, three females and the rest of the fellas. They showed up. They wanted to wrestle. They heard the buzz about me becoming the new coach." -- Dillon

WEST SIDE

Wrestlers to watch: Nicholas Hill, Sr., 152/160; Jonathan Gutierrez, Jr., 125/130; Amand Turner, Sr., 130/135.

Outlook: Semistate qualifier Hill returns to lead a team of about 25-30 wrestlers. Coach Gene Johnson is optimistic, but he knows some inexperienced newcomers will need time to develop.

Quote: "At this point I feel good about the team, it's just that we need to get some wrestling up under our belts. We need to get some work done." -- Johnson

Others

BOONE GROVE

Wrestlers to watch: Ben Golub, Sr., 189. Shaun Taber, Sr., 171; Harley Sevcik, Sr., 145; Joe Knopf, Sr., 160-171; Mike Fauser, Sr., 135.

Outlook: New coach Mark Line has modest numbers (15), but a solid senior group to build around. Former move-ins Sevcik and Knopf are newcomers to the program. Calvyn England, 24-10 last year, is out indefinitely with an injury from football.

Quote: "That (senior) core group is a great group of guys. We've got good leadership there. There's talent in the room. I'm very pleased with the work ethic and willingness to learn." -- Line

E.C. CENTRAL

Wrestlers to watch: Alex Martinez, Sr., 140; Victor Rodriguez, Sr., 145; Brandon Cole, Sr., 152; Christian Cabrera, Sr., 160.

Outlook: The Cardinals lost state qualifier Willie Lott (189) and semistate qualifier Breyon Moore (Hwt.) to graduation, so they'll need to find suitable replacements. Abe Brown Jr., who's wrestling for the first time after playing basketball the past three years, might be up for the task.

Quote: "We have a lot of kids returning, so we are gonna have some kids who have had some experience. We're just gonna have to find some guys who are gonna be able to step up and fill those shoes (of Lott and Moore)." -- coach Rene Hernandez

HANOVER CENTRAL

Wrestlers to watch: John Petrov, Sr., 125; Paul Petrov, So., 103; Jeremy Olson, Sr., 119; Marcus Cooper-Langoria, Jr., 160; Brandon Keaton, Sr., 215; Evan Watson, Sr., 215/Hwt.; Rene De Santiago, Jr., 140.

Outlook: The Wildcats have 38 wrestlers competing for 14 starting spots, so filling a lineup won't be a problem. Two-time state qualifier John Petrov and his younger brother, semistate qualifier Paul Petrov, return to lead H.C. after it went 14-6 last season.

Quote: "We are very exited about this team's potential. These young men are very capable of carrying on Hanover Central's wrestling tradition." -- coach Nick Petrov

RENSSELAER

Wrestlers to watch: Hunter Hickman, Fr., 103; Jeffrey Martin, Fr., 125; Michael Green, Jr., 152; Randy Zellers, Sr., 160.

Outlook: The Bombers lost state-placer Randy Kaufman to graduation, so some varsity newcomers will be relied upon to fill that void. Although it will feature several young wrestlers, Rensselaer hopes to improve after finishing sixth in the Hoosier Conference last season.

Quote: "Like any redeveloping program, we will take some bumps and bruises. But (we'll) take these for what they are worth and learn from them." -- coach Brad Burvan

-- Compiled by Times sportswriters Nate Ulrich and Jim Peters