Pictured (left to right) are Ben Poirier, Anthony Abro and Zach Marsh. (Ed Wright photo)

  Graduation dealt a big blow to Canton's wrestling team, which lost state placers Brent Winekoff, Donnie Watkins, Keith Zech and Waleed Faraj, among others.

  Not to worry, says Anthony Abro, the No. 1-rated 189-pounder in the state according to MichiganGrappler.com.

  "We may not have as many standouts this year compared to last year," Abro said, "but we're tough all around. We're all pushing each other pretty hard."

  Canton's strong tradition continued last season when the Chiefs finished 29-7 and placed second in the KLAA South Division behind Westland John Glenn, which advanced to the Division 1 state meet.

  "We have a younger team than we've had in the past, but I'm excited to see if we can come together and see how good we can be," said Canton coach Cory Mancuso.

  In addition to Abro, the Chiefs return another state-placer in 215-pounder Ben Poirier, who excelled for Canton's football team this fall.

  "Anthony has a great work ethic," said Mancuso. "He trained all year round, so he's gotten even better than he was last year.

  "We're looking for another big year out of Ben. He's ranked fourth at 215, so he's earned a lot of respect throughout the state."

  The Chiefs' lighter weights have been bolstered by the addition of a pair of freshmen: Ben Griffin and Alec Pantaleo, whose fathers serve as Mancuso's assistant coaches.

  "Even though they're freshmen, they have a ton of wrestling experience," said Mancuso. "They'll both make a positive impact this season."

  Sandwiched between Griffin (103 pounds) and Pantaleo (119) will be 112-pound sophomore Richard DeMorais, a regional qualifier as a freshman.

 
  The lighter-weights strength continues at 125 through 135, which will be occupied by Keshav Patel, Marc Przbylski and Daniel Filippelli.

  "Keshav was ranked last year at 103 before he got hurt at the KLAA tournament," said Mancuso. "Marc wrestled in the club for quite a few years, so he had quite a few matches in before he even wrestled a varsity match last year. I'm expecting a big year out of Daniel. He worked really hard during the off-season."

  Junior Alex Eimers and senior Julia Salata should both see time at 140. Eimers was a regional qualifier as a sophomore and Salata was a national champion this summer at the USA Wrestling Junior Freestyle Nationals in Fargo, N.D.

  Junior Zach Marsh, a returning starter, has locked down the 145-pound spot.

  "Zach is very tough," said Mancuso. "We're expecting a lot out of him this season."

  Junior Sean O'Keefe will start at 152 following an off-season in which he defeated two state-placers from last season.

  Sophomore Patrick Murphy and senior Austin Vela will both see time at 160, while Austin Mach returns following a year off to compete at 171.

  "It's nice to have Austin back," said Mancuso. "We'll see what he can do."

  Abro and Poirier give the Chiefs huge talent at 189 and 215. Robert Lincoln, who didn't wrestle last year, has earned the start at 285.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.