New coach, season for Hawk grapplers

HOUSTON -- The Houston Hawk wrestling squad has embarked on a new season and have a new head coach leading the way.

Chris Roge, a youth pastor for Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake, was named head coach of the Hawk wrestling program just prior to the start of the season.

Roge replaces Doug Jannek in the position.

This will not only be Roge's first season with the Hawks, but his first opportunity as a head coach. The first-year wrestling mentor has more than 16 years of grappling experience. Roge wrestling collegiately for Messiah College in Pennsylvania. He spent four years at the 165-pound class, ending his career in 2000.

"I am real excited," Roge said. "We have a real young group. There is a ways to go, but we will be doing pretty well."

Early leaders for the Hawks this season include Chris Hanson and Clinton Banzoff.

Hanson will wrestle at 189 pounds, while Banzoff will handle the duties at the 215-pound spot.

Also returning for the Hawks is Mallory Smyth, a state-qualifier from last season.

Others who Roge expects good things from are Matt Nusbaum and Josh Plazcek.

Nusbaum will wrestle at 125, while Plazcek will be at 135.

There are about 20 wrestlers currently on the Hawk squad. Roge said the depth of his squad lies in the heavier weights and the classes around the 130 pounds.

ACS wins Houston Invite

The Anchorage Christian Lions won the first small-school wrestling event of the year, the Houston Invitational. The Lions won the annual Houston Invite with 88 points, finishing well ahead of second-place Nikiski, who finished with 73.

The host Hawks finished fifth with 38 points.

Leading the way for the Hawks were Banzoff and Hanson, who each advanced to the championship round.

Banzoff placed second after a loss to ACS's Bobby Dunbar in the 215-pound final.

Hanson finished second at 189.

Nusbaum placed third in the 125-pound class. After a loss in the semifinals, Nusbaum defeated wrestlers from Houston and Barrow en route to the bronze medal.

The Hawks compete in the Grace Christian Invitational today and Saturday in Anchorage.

Weigh-ins are slated for 9 a.m. each day.