HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING: GOODSEN, STROUD ANCHOR ANOTHER SOLID JACKSON TEAM

The Jackson High School wrestling program has turned out consistently strong teams over the years and that trend figures to continue this season.

"I think we'll be a typical solid Jackson team," said Steve Wachter, the Indians' seventh-year coach. "We maybe won't be an all-world powerhouse, but I think we'll be a solid team, pretty much like we've been in the past."

Jackson had an impressive season last year, going 8-1 in dual matches and finishing ninth in the Class 4A state meet. The Indians qualified seven wrestlers for state competition a year ago, their most since moving up to the 4A level.

Gone off that squad are three state qualifiers, including 140-pound state champion Adam Wachter. But the Indians return four state qualifiers, including two who finished among the top five in their weight classes, and they also have several other varsity wrestlers back from a year ago.

"We've got some good experienced kids and I think we've also got some good younger kids," said Wachter.

The Indians' top returning grapplers are seniors Ray Goodson and Brett Stroud. Goodson was fourth in the state at 215 pounds last season while Stroud placed fifth at 125. Both figure to be at that same weight this year.

"I think they can both contend (for state titles) if they stay healthy and keep working hard," Wachter said.

Jackson's other returning state qualifiers are juniors Ricky Feiner and James Love. Feiner was at 112 last year but has moved up to 130 while Love is still at 152.

"I think those four guys are good ones to build around," said Wachter.

Other returning varsity performers and the weights they are expected to compete at are seniors Chris Brown (135), Mark Wade (171) and Seth Harrell (189); junior J.P. Sides (119 or 135); and sophomore Willie Sutherland (160).

Wrestlers up from last year's junior varsity who figure to compete for regular positions are senior Pat McComas (heavyweight); juniors Justin Rice (140), Drew Howard (145), Peter Ressler (heavyweight) and Luke Wade (heavyweight); and sophomore Matt Kahle (160).

Wachter is also high on three freshmen who he has penciled into the starting lineup: Brock Howard (103), Ben Wachter (112) and Mike Wright (119).

"They're only freshmen and might take some lumps early, but they're good, hard-working kids and I have a lot of faith in them," said Wachter of his three youngsters at the bottom of the lineup.

Jackson opens the season Tuesday at New Madrid.