Manhattan wrestling was pretty dominant in 97-98, too, back when they were loaded with state champions: Scott Coleman (96, 97, 98), Matt Bradshaw (runner-up in 96, champ in 97 and 98), AJ Polansky (97, 98), and Damon Parker (97, 98). Not to mention some other good wrestlers who made some runs for the title, such as Kenneth Walter and Josh Pemberton.

Manhattan is a school with a great tradition and some recent successes that very few schools can rival. They've got reason to be confident with their potential for success in the coming years, but the thing is, each year brings a new season. Each year they (like any other team) have to overcome the reality of graduating seniors, injuries, and ineligibility. Their tradition is enough to give them a psychological edge, but it's not like they can carry their team trophies or individual state medals with them onto the mat each time they compete. We'll just have to see what February brings for all of us.