Under new coach, Bulldog wrestling numbers are on the rise

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldog wrestling team has had problems filling the roster the past couple years.

While the 2005-06 season will still have open slots to fill, new coach Chris Crosby says the program's numbers are on the rise.

"It's getting better -- we've gone from four up to 17," said Crosby. "That's a good increase. I'm hoping to get more, but that's a good increase from what we've had the last few years. I've been out talking to the kids. About any kid I've seen that comes in for weight lifting or anything, I've asked to try wrestling."

Crosby does have a few experienced wrestlers returning in juniors Gavilan Bland (160 pounds) and Robert Madison (heavyweight) and senior Chris Northern (215).

Bland was a state qualifier last season for the Bulldogs.

"I've got high expectations for some of the returning kids," said Crosby. "They've been in the program and they've been to a lot of the big tournaments. They know what it's about. I'm expecting those three to keep improving and qualify for state this year.

"I think all three of those guys can get through and place at state. They work hard and they do the things we ask of them. I think we'll see a big improvement out of those guys throughout the season."

While Bland, Madison and Northern will be the leaders of the team, Crosby is hoping some of his younger charges can show significant improvement throughout the season.

The Bulldogs will suit up three freshmen in the varsity this year in Nick De La Rosa (112), Amos Helms (145) and Darin Dicus (152). Jordan Mays is the lone sophomore in the varsity lineup at the 119 class.

Logan Berry (140) is one of two seniors on the team.

"I think some of our lower weight kids can have a strong year for us," said Crosby. "Nick is a freshman and he'll be wrestling mostly other kids his age. As you go higher, it gets tougher. I expect us to compete, but with the district that we're in it's harder for the middle weights to get through. I think wrestling against those top teams helps us. You can judge where you need to be by wrestling those kids. To me the tougher competition is going to make you better."

Crosby indicated he could conceivably fill a few more varsity spots with junior varsity wrestlers, but he sees no reason to throw some of his green competitors to the wolves to start off their careers.

"We're going to have some forfeits," said Crosby. "I'm not taking first-year guys and just plugging them into a spot just to fill a lineup. I want these kids to have some success. If that means forfeiting some places on the varsity and letting them wrestle on the J.V., that's what I'm going to do. I'm not just going to throw them into a spot just to get some varsity points. I'm not going to throw a first-year wrestler out there against state champions on other teams."

The Bulldogs' junior varsity roster has sophomores Zach Bryan (112), Cody Robbins (189) and Justin Hyde (215), juniors Nick Lopez (140) and Josh Northern (heavyweight) and freshman Dominique Miles (145).

"Basically our goal is just to get better each week throughout the season," said Crosby. "Hopefully at district time we'll be peaking and we can get as many through as we can."