Posted on Thu, Jan. 26, 2006
Key title step awaits Carroll, South
BY JEFFREY LUTZ Wichita Eagle correspondent
If South beats Bishop Carroll in their wrestling dual tonight at South, the Titans will be all but a lock to win the City League title.
South has already completed the toughest portion of its schedule, and after tonight the Titans' remaining opponents have a 4-10 league record.

If Carroll wins, a title for the Eagles is anything but a certainty. The toughest portion of their schedule is yet to come.
"We still have to face Northwest and Kapaun (Mount Carmel)," Carroll coach Jamie Finkeldei said. "But in many respects (tonight) will decide the league championship."
Carroll has a different-looking team than the one that beat South handily in a tournament at the Valley Center tournament in early December.
The Eagles are battling several injuries. Kyle Detmer, No. 3 in Class 5A at 130 pounds, is out until regionals with a knee injury.
Heavyweight Nick Hicks, who beat South's Xavier Louis, the No. 2 heavyweight in 6A, will also miss the dual.
South is a different team, too. At least in attitude. "The training intensity level has definitely risen since that loss," South coach Mike Church said. "I think that loss was the best thing that happened to us all year, motivation-wise."
The two matches to watch are South's Mike Creekmore against Jordan Keller at 112 pounds and South's Bishop Price against Tom McDonald at 135. All four are ranked in the top six in their weight class.
Church isn't looking ahead, but knows the Titans will be in the driver's seat with a win tonight.
"The City League tournament is still a vital part to winning the title," he said. "But we have to win the dual first to even think about winning the City League, period. We will focus on one step at a time.
"If we win this dual, I don't think we will lose a dual the rest of the season."