The big meets – the district and state championships – are still more than two months away. But wrestlers at Central Oregon’s Class 3A and 2A-1A high schools are kicking off the tournament and dual-meet stretch of the 2004-05 season, and there is reason for optimism in every area program.

Perennial 2A-1A powerhouse Culver has reloaded for the 2004-05 season. The Bulldogs return seven senior wrestlers, five of whom boast state tournament experience. That group will be supported by a large turnout of underclassmen.

”Our seniors carry a lot of hardware,” said Culver coach J.D. Alley, who is coaching his 15th season for the Bulldogs.

James Moyses (119 pounds) is looking to top the state tournament podium in his senior year after placing second in his previous three seasons. Seniors Brian Stills (152) and Kevin Koening (160) also placed second at state last year, while fellow senior Adam Kinley (130) finished third.

Kinley and Stills are each three-time district champions, and senior Dustin Jacobson (130) is another key returnee to the Bulldogs’ lineup.

”The strength of our team is depth,” said Alley. ”We’re going to be a great tournament team; our freshmen and sophomores are going to rack up some of the gravy points in tournaments.”

According to Alley, about 20 underclassmen have turned out – among them freshman Miguel Baltazar, a leading candidate to fill the void left by his older brother, Junior Baltazar, a two-time state champion who graduated last spring.

”Some people are expecting him to fill some pretty big shoes,” said Alley.

The Bulldogs also graduated state placers Danny Loredo and J.D. Albertson, but they look tough heading into the season with 29 wrestlers on the roster.

”The expectations at Culver have been high the past five years and will continue to be,” added Alley.

La Pine enters this season as the defending Sky-Em League tournament champion and is hoping to improve on a fourth-place tie in league dual meets.

”We have the potential and ability to win both (Sky-Em district and league dual-meet titles) this season,” said Hawks coach David Kerr. ”It’s exciting to be a part of a program with a tradition of success.”

La Pine has the numbers to succeed, with one of its largest turnouts (40) in recent years. According to Kerr, the Hawks have three or four wrestlers in each weight class 140 pounds and up.

La Pine boasts eight returning state qualifiers. Junior Ryan Tyson (152) placed fifth and senior Brady Tyson (160) placed sixth at the 3A state tournament last year. Senior David Raver will hold down the 140-pound spot and is the team’s captain.

Kyle Thompson and Taylor Webster will wrestle at 171 pounds, and both look to have success this season.

”Both of them show tremendous growth and desire to be state placers,” said Kerr.

The Hawks will also double up at 189 pounds with seniors Jeremy Sanders and Cahlie Harmon. Because both wrestlers are versatile, they will alternate to fill the 215-pound spot.

Perhaps the most intriguing wrestler for the Hawks is Cody Murphy. The 145-pound junior is visually impaired, noted Kerr, adding that Murphy uses his strength to overcome both his disability and his opponents.

”Once he gets a hold of you, you know it,” said Kerr. ”He is strong as an ox.”

The Hawks have solid numbers and a stable of state tournament veterans. But they may have some challenges ahead, as Kerr cites a large gap between his experienced wrestlers and the newcomers who have never been on the mat before this season.

Sisters High has an encouraging turnout of 25, largest in the history of the program, according to coach Tony Cosby. But the Outlaws will need leadership from the upperclassmen, as some of the varsity spots may be filled with novice wrestlers.

”Our turnout is huge; it’s the biggest we’ve ever had,” said Cosby. ”We’ve been having wrestle-offs (for varsity positions), which is something we’ve never had to do.”

Sisters senior Brandon O’Brien is a reigning district champion and is looking to improve on two consecutive state appearances by bringing home a medal. The team will also be looking for leadership from senior Wes Hodson (160), and for solid tournament performances from Isaac Gordon (125) and Dustin Hammack (215).

”Our goal is to be a good tournament team,” added Cosby. ”If they (the seniors) perform, then we might do well.”

With numbers for Sisters comes depth. The Outlaws will fill for one of the few times in recent memory the 103-pound spot, with Luke Glick. The team is struggling to fill the 135- and 171-pound weight classes. Cosby hopes one of his five 189-pounders can drop to 171 and fill the open spot.

Madras coach Paul Brown is entering his 10th season for the White Buffaloes and has a turnout of 30 wrestlers.

”I think it’s going to be a good season for us,” said Brown.

Senior Carmen Burgos will wrestle at 112 and has Brown ”looking forward to what he can do this season.” Brown also commented on the progress of senior Jabob Struck (160), who took second at district and placed sixth at the state tournament last year.

The Buffs also look solid in the middle weights, which are filled by sophomore Cameron Rosenfield (130), senior Orrin Beals (135), junior Jeremy Dupont (145) and senior Cameron Scranton (152). According to Brown, the team will rely on the strength of the middle weights and senior leadership, as some of the lower weight classes may be filled by freshmen who have never wrestled before.

”We’ll see how it all pans out,” said Brown. ”But it looks good right know.”

Class 1A Gilchrist is feeling optimistic with four senior wrestlers and a new coach. Tom Nelson takes on his first season as the Grizzlies’ head coach and brings 10 years of coaching experience to the program. Nelson recently coached at Greeley West High School in Colorado and left a program that was one of the top teams in that state.

Seniors leading the squad included Eric Rohr (135), Brett Finneran (140) and Brandon Stevenson (152). Rohr is a three-time 3A state qualifier who has transferred from La Pine. Nelson said he thinks Rohr ”will go far” this season.

Junior Andrew Wilson will wrestle at 140 after winning the district title at 130 pounds last season. Nelson expects Wilson to make a trip back to the state tournament and bring some of his teammates with him.

”It should be a really good year for us,” said Nelson. ”I’m looking to take at least six kids to state.”

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Eric Beckwith can be reached at sports@bendbulletin.com.