PREVIEW: Eagles are built for dual, tourney success

     Some teams strive for success in team duals, others are better built for tournament success.

     In the case of the Midland High School wrestling team for 2017-18, it might be both.

     Midland has four returning letter-winners, including state qualifier Brett Schoenherr, but also has some newcomers who could pick up wins early in their careers.

     “We have a well balanced team of experience and beginners,” fourth-year coach Cody Goble said. “All of our kids have worked hard and love to compete and grind every day in practice.

     “We will have success at tournaments and duals this year because of the numbers we have and the strong wrestlers we have to lead us in both.”

     Returning are Schoenherr, a junior who went 1-2 at State last year; junior Griffin Gravel, who reached the district tournament; junior Trevor Gudenkauf, who won Midland’s John Byers Tournament last year despite trailing 14-2 in the finals; and sophomore Brayden Gravel, who narrowly missed a district berth last season.

     Two freshmen who have earned AAU state medals also join the team: Damon Huston and Carson Hunter.

     Last year, Midland had seven district qualifiers, but only Schoenherr reached the state tourney.

     “This year we hope to have a better percentage of our guys make it through a tough district,” Goble said. “We would like to take it a step further this year and not only make regional duals again, but send more kids to State.”

     Midland competes in a tough Tri-Rivers Conference, which includes defending state champion Lisbon, which returns almost the same team this year.

     “I feel they are a front runner and we are close behind them with our numbers and experience,” Goble said. “We have some kids that can make a run at a conference championship in one of the toughest 1A conferences in the state.”

     He is assisted by Casey Huston.