FZN Wrestling Preview

The FZN wrestling team has set some high goals for the 2013 - 2014 season. The team's stated goal is to win the district title after finishing a close second in 2013. The Panther grapplers also hope to be competitive in the always rugged Gateway Athletic Conference. Last season the Panthers finished with a 10 - 4 dual meet record and qualified a school record tying 11 individuals to the state meet. FZN coach Matt Steinhoff is confident his squad mixed with veterans and newcomers can come close to matching last season's total.
Leading the way for the Panthers is sophomore - Shaun Beeman. Beeman finished fourth in state at 106 lbs. in 2013 and is expected to start the season at 113 lbs. In addition to Beeman the Panthers return three additional team members, Austin Graeler (126 lbs.), Trenton Jaco (132 lbs.), and Luke Sammelman (160 lbs.) who all qualified for the state meet a season ago. Jaco and Sammelman reached the round of 8 at the state meet before falling just short of "All-State" status. Other returning letterman include Walker Cunningham (145 lbs.), Colin Overkamp (138 lbs.), and Levi Kessels (160 lbs.). Other key members that are expected to compete for varsity spots include Andy Jetton (126 lbs.), Black Merlenbach (160 lbs.), Cole Daniels (120 lbs.), Mason Segar (220 lbs.), Chase Smith (220 lbs.), Josh Stockton (285 lbs.), Jacob Beyers (126 lbs.), Alex Gown (195 lbs.) and Derek Schwartz (170 lbs.)

The Panthers open the season Tuesday, December 3rd at home in a Tri-Meet with Rockwood Summit and Parkway West. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm.