PREVIEW: Panthers show balance, experience

     Not only is this the largest Monticello High School wrestling team in Ryan Luensman’s 11 seasons as head coach, it is probably also the most balanced.

     This year’s Panthers have 15 returning letter-winners out of 34 wrestlers out for the team.

     “The experience level of our team is growing every year,” Luensman said. “This, combined with a good freshman class and former wrestlers returning, could propel us to have a very solid team.”

     The Panthers were plenty solid last year, with an 18-4 dual meet record.

     “I would like to improve on that and win our side of the conference (River Valley North Division),” the coach said.

     The team is led by junior Kain Luensman, one of three Panthers who qualified for the state tournament last year but the only one who is returning. Luensman went 40-2 while reaching the state quarterfinals.

     Sophomore Owen Ray returns as a district qualifier who posted a 30-18 record.

     Several others, including seniors Alaina Sunlin and Mason Reuter, juniors Ethan Tallman, Spencer Avery and Bo Kramer; and sophomores Mark Sunlin, Rylan Cooper and Ty Jesenovec, “all have quality varsity experience and will play a huge role on our team,” coach Luensman said.

     Mark Sunlin was 30-8 as a freshman, and finished third in the sectional meet. Avery had a fourth place finish at sectionals.

     Juniors Skyler Sharp and Dylan Bowser, sophomores Jericho Strouf, Tristen Clark Chaz McClendon and Miles Hatchel are also back as former letter-winners.

     Two freshmen, Kale Hansen and Dylan Roher, “come in with a lot of experience and could fill roles on the varsity team,” the coach added.

     West Liberty and Camanche are expected to be two of the team’s strongest opponents within the conference this season.

     “We need to be prepared to compete from the start of the season,” Luensman said. “We have a lot of quality wrestlers. We just need to get them to the right places, to work hard and have fun.

     “We have a great group of kids, and it will be fun to see how they develop over the season.”

     Assistant coaches are Daniel Pike, Chuck Luensman and Brian Kramer.