HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: CAPE CENTRAL SEES SQUAD SIZE DOUBLE

Josh Crowell's inaugural season as Cape Girardeau Central High School's wrestling coach did not go very well, but Crowell is expecting much smoother sailing in his second year.

The Tigers, suffering from a lack of numbers that resulted in several forfeits during most meets, slumped to a 2-8 dual-match record in 1999 and they also failed to qualify a competitor for the state meet for the first time in 12 years.

"It was very disappointing last year. We gave up a lot of forfeits and it was just a tough season," said Crowell. "But our numbers are up and I expect a much better season. We finished last year with about 15 kids and now we have about 30. We should definitely field a full lineup."

Central will be experienced, with nine wrestlers having competed on the varsity over the last two years, which has Crowell excited.

"I have a real good group this year," he said. "I've been telling people that we'll probably come out of the gates slow, because our football players came out late and I gave them a week off. We might take our lumps at the beginning, but at midseason and by the end of the season is when we'll pick it up.

"As long as we peak by districts, we'll be fine. That's the main thing. And I expect us to get some state qualifiers. I'm not going to give a number, but we have a lot of kids who are capable."

The Tigers return two of their three sectional qualifiers from last season in seniors Leland Woelk and O.J. Turner. Woelk competed at 140 pounds as a junior but will likely be at 145 this year. Turner, a 171-pounder last season, will probably move up to 189.

Other returning varsity competitors and their likely weight classes are seniors Jamelle Austin (160), Nick Harter (171) and Octavious Moore (215); juniors Dustin Ingram (119) and Shannon Mungle (171 or 189); and sophomore Trevor Duncan (152).

Another grappler, Hoss Hodges (125), lettered as a freshman and sophomore but missed all of last season with an elbow injury. He's ready to go for his senior campaign.

Crowell is also looking for good things from several other athletes, including senior Dan Byrd (heavyweight), who is in the program for the first time; sophomore Monroe Hicks (160), who wrestled junior varsity last year; and freshmen Alex Schneider (103), Matt Welker (103) and Clay Tummins (119 or 125).

Central opens the season Dec. 1-2 in the Fox Tournament.