WOODWARD — The school’s all-time career match winner has graduated, but a sophomore who finished as a state runner-up and a senior who also appeared on the biggest stage both return to power the Woodward-Granger wrestling squad.
Last season ended with Cody Fisher doing what is statistically unheard of — competing for a state championship as a freshman at 195 pounds. Fisher was not ranked entering the state tourney, but his runner-up finish, impressive run through the state field and 46-6 has made his name well-known in mat circles.
“He might have had a bit of an advantage with only a few people aware of what he could do,” W-G head coach Dave Smeltzer said. “After the state tourney he had, everyone knows about Cody Fisher. That means he will be a target and will have to work even harder, but that hasn’t bothered him one bit — he has one goal, and that is to take one more step on the podium.”
Also joining Fisher at state was senior Austin Scharlau, who, like Fisher, will retain his weight from the prior campaign and take the mat at 152.
“He just quietly goes about his business,” Smeltzer said. “I think he learned a lot throughout last season, especially down in Des Moines (at the state tourney) and I am confident he will put it to good use. I expect to see him on the podium this year.”
The Feb. 3 Sectional will be at Winterset, with the District Tourney one week later in Atlantic. On paper, at least, the road appears challenging.
“You are going to have to wrestle the best to be the best, so I don’t know that it matters all that much,” Smeltzer said. “You can’t worry about the other guy anyway — each guy is going to determine how hard he works and how much of a commitment he is willing to make. If you don’t give much, you can expect you are not going to get much.”
Smeltzer said he has fairly confident he knew who would wrestle at each weight for the Hawks, who boast 10 seniors this season.
Hunter Pierce and Dilynn Lewiston will open at 106 and 113 pounds, respectively. Senior Ryan Munoz wrestled for W-G as a freshman, then spent two years at Des Moines Lincoln before moving back into the district. He will compete at 120, with Payton Tague at 126 and Colt Palmer at 132.
Jay Dohrenkamp will go at 138 and Cole Carmen at 145, with Scharlau at 152 and Gabe Yingst at 160. Cale Pritchett will compete at 170, with Kade Polich stepping in for Tanner Vermaas at 182. Fisher returns at 195, with Dillon Fogarty at 220 and Tyler Lawrenson at 285.
“I really like this group and think we can get a good number to districts, and then we will see,” Smeltzer said. “I like our attitude right now and hope the guys stay positive and realize it is has we are wrestling in late January and February that matters most, but that you can’t be at your best when that time comes if you don’t put in the effort right now.”
W-G opens at home Tuesday against Colfax-Mingo, North Polk and South Hamilton in a quadrangular. The will then host the annual Dennis Field Invitational Saturday, with Colfax-Mingo, Martensdale-St. Marys, Roland-Story, Southeast Warren, West Central Valley and West Des Moines expected to attend. Monday’s action begins at Saturday’s at 9 a.m.
FYI it is Cale Pritchett not Cole Pritchett. Thank you!