Prep wrestling: Hawks have something to prove

DARRELL L. BREESE/ Frontiersman reporter

HOUSTON - Houston High's wrestling program has been somewhat of an enigma among Alaska's Class 1-2-3A schools.

But after placing fifth at last years state championship tournament and losing just one of their nine state qualifying wrestlers to graduation, the Hawks are primed to solidify their position as one of the top wrestling programs in the state.

Led by second year coach Chris Roggie, the Hawks hope to improve on last season's performance, but still feel that they have something to prove.

&#8221Last year is the past,“ Roggie said. &#8221If we want people to view us as one of the top programs in the state we need to back it up this season. Otherwise we'll be just another one year fluke.

&#8221We're trying to build a tradition of success,“ he continued. &#8221And that means we have to back up what we did last year with a strong showing this season.“

If the Hawks are going to have any success this season it will be because of their strength in the upper weight divisions. Roggie is counting on his wrestlers in each weight class from 171-pounds and up to contend for Region and state titles.

&#8221Our big boys are the core of the team,“ Roggie said. &#8221They had a lot of success last season and we expect a lot from them this year. Their all seniors and are the leaders on the team.“

Chris Hansen (171), Bradd Erickson (189), Clinton Banzhaf (215) and Jeremy Grube (275) give the Hawks a solid foursome at the top end of the weight classes. But that is not all there is to the team.

Junior Matt Gardner, who was a runner-up at the state tournament last year in the 135-pound division, is back.

Both Gardner and Banzhaf are eager to get the season going and make up for what they feel was a missed opportunity.

&#8221I know I want to get back to state,“ Banzhaf said. &#8221I made a mistake last year and got pinned. I want to prove that I am a better wrestler than that. I imagine Matt feels the same way.“

&#8221They feel they have something to prove,“ Roggie said. &#8221A little unfinished business to take care of. Their motivation and hard work has been a great example for the rest of the team, we have a lot of freshman out this year.“

The Hawks opened the season with a third place finish at their annual invitational tournament, but that didn't discourage Roggie.

&#8221We've got a bunch of kids who just got done with football,“ Roggie said. &#8221Even though they've been practicing with us, it's not quite the same. Their in football shape and not in wrestling shape yet.

&#8221Once they settle into the routine of wrestling we should be okay,“ he continued. &#8221I'd like to think that with a little hard work we could repeat our top five finish of last year. And with a lot of extra effort, who knows what might be possible.“

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or at darrell.breese@

frontiersman.com.