My son Jacob Nowak was the second team 189 wrestler for St. Thomas Aquinas this year. I know you should not be touting your own son but I do think he fits under the topic as you described it. He wrestled JV most of the year with a 25-1 record. His only JV loss was a double overtime loss. Jacob had a 6-4 varsity record. He wrestled in 3 varsity tournaments, winning the SM North tournament. Three of his varsity wins were against opponents who were eventual State qualifiers. Jacob could be a potential placer at 5A State next year but his problem again will be breaking into the Aquinas starting lineup. It is Jacob's plan to work hard enough in the off season to be a State 5A placer next year but he has a very difficult task in his own practice room in front of him.

Two seniors next year could have a lock on 189 and 215 for Aquinas. Jed Mamie, 5A 2nd place at 171 could wrestle at 189 next year. Mike Hammer 4th at 5A 215 will probably stay at 215. There is also EJ Walter, who as a sophomore this year qualified for state at 189 and EJ will also be fighting for a spot. So the bad news for both Jacob and EJ is that this will be a very difficult lineup to make at 189 and 215. But the goods news for Aquinas is that there is a good chance that Aquinas will score a lot of points at State next year at these two weights. I think someone from a lower weight or possibly EJ Walter will step up to fill 171 for Aquinas, if Jed does not stay at that weight. 171 should also be a good weight for Aquinas next year. I think our heavyweight Alex Lopez as a senior next year will be a potential state placer at 275. The upper weights should be very good for Aquinas next year. Actually Aquinas is going to be very strong across all the weight classes next year with a lot of competition for spots in the starting lineup.