The mats are rolled out for Arapahoe once again, and with the
personnel it has, the Warriors could be doing some damage this
season.
Arapahoe High School wrestling brings with it a new lineup of
talent that could make for a solid season.
Under the coaching of Steve Sisler in his sixth year with the
program, seven starters from last year return to the Warriors’ camp
for another season. Among them is Seth Hardcastle, a junior who was
fifth at regionals last time out.
Also filling out the varsity lineup are seniors Evan Gaines,
Taylor Foss, Jeff Rice and Harrison Levin, each having post solid
junior seasons.
Also back is junior Jacob Sphatt. Sphatt had over 20 wins his
sophomore season and is looking to improve on it, the coach
said.
“We have a number of returning letter winners,” Sisler said.
“The experience and maturity will be valuable, as we look at
regionals and state.”
Arapahoe has a great blend of youth and experience among its
faces this season. It’s younger wrestlers have exhibited a high
amount of talent and compliment the more experienced Warriors and
should learn from their battles, the coach said.
The team’s senior leadership should also be key in the success
of the season. To start, however, the team’s early matches and
duals are about building blocks.
“Early in the season, we are essentially cultivating our
garden,” Sisler said. “We are tending to our wrestlers needs, and
identifying areas to improve on, and increase what they do
well.”
Back in the Centennial League, Sisler feels the entire ladder of
programs will be stronger this season from top to bottom than in
other years; however, Cherokee Trail and Grandview are the teams to
beat, he said.
Another aspect of Arapahoe this season that could prove to be
influential is its depth. The team has 65 wrestlers on it this
season, Sisler said.
Among other seniors in the present varsity lineup are John Rhode
giving up some weight to the heavyweight’s class, Rice at 171
pounds, Alex Morrall at 189, Steven Hackenburg at 140 pounds,
Gaines at 152 and Foss at 215. Other upperclassmen include juniors
Kyle Crowley at 160, Joe Hamilton at 145, Ryan Lane at 125, Nathan
Roe at 130.
