Chargers return solid core of returners

BY CHARLES ROTHWELL
Nov. 27, 2009, 11:15 p.m.

  Marty Altouian and assistant coach Mike Gaffke will try to have the Chargers rebound after a very rough season last year. The team was looking strong at the beginning of the year, but injury, illness, and skin problems constantly deprived Churchill of its most talented wrestlers.

  Low participation prevented Churchill from filling all the weights with wrestlers ready to compete at the varsity level. The Chargers finished the season fourth in the KLAA South.

  Graduation losses were severe, not just in terms of wrestling skills, but also in leadership qualities. Gone are Matt Hecksell (119, regional qualifier), Brett Appel (135), Brian Fortney (135, regional qualifier), Josh Gustitus (152), and Grant Morgan (152, regional qualifier).

  Although 30 percent of last year's team graduated, Churchill does have a solid core of returning wrestlers. Counted on for big wins will be Jacob Meadows, Kane Kanouse, John Bannoura (regional qualifier), Ben Hesscamp, Curtis Castleberry (state qualifier), and Jon Shekell.

  Below is a guess at the Charger varsity line-up:

103 - James Locklear, junior;
112 - Jacob Meadows, junior;
119 - ?
125 - ?
130 - Kane Kanouse, junior;
135 - Chris Adkins, sophomore;
140 - John Bannoura, senior;
145 - Tyler Farnstrom, junior;
152 - Jared Buhagiar, senior;
160 - Ben Hesscamp, senior;
171 - Curtis Castleberry, senior;
189 - Emmett Shepherd, sophomore;
215 - John Shekell, junior;
285 - ?