Goals set high for Nevada wrestling in 2011-12

By Jason Peake

Daily Mail Sports Editor

With three returning state qualifiers and a solid senior class, the goals are set extremely high for the Nevada High School wrestling team in 2011-12.

Head Coach Devin White has three returning state qualifiers and six seniors that he expects to lead the way.

"We have the potential to do some pretty good things this year," White said. "It's exciting. We've got a group of seniors that lead fairly well. The expectations are fairly high. We should have a good year."

Slade Stiles is the team's most accomplished wrestler.

A junior, Stiles has finished third in back-to-back seasons at the Class 2 State Wrestling Championships.

"We're looking for big things from him," White said. "Slade is one of a kind."

Stiles came close to wrestling for a state title last year, but lost to three-time champ Mitchell Bradley of Oak Grove in the semifinals before winning the third place match. Stiles went 47-4 last season. As this season begins, Stiles is ranked first in Class 2 at 113 pounds.

"He's back and forth at 120 and 113," White said. "I'm not sure where he's going to wrestle yet. He'll probably wrestle at 113 at districts."

Senior Tanner Charles is another top returner for the Tigers.

A three-time state qualifier, Charles went 29-6 a year ago and is ranked fifth in the preseason rankings. Charles will likely wrestle at 126 pounds this year.

The team's final returning state qualifier is junior heavyweight Sam Ellifrits.

Unfortunately, Ellifrits is currently out of action with a torn meniscus.

Ellifrits is ranked fifth in the preseason. White said there's a chance Ellifrits could come back by the end of the season. Ellifrits went 20-6 last year.

Next, the Tigers have several other experienced wrestlers on the roster. White expects many of them to take a big step forward this year.

Kyle Bennett is a senior who will wrestle at 138 and classmate Zach Shepherd will wrestle at 145.

White said both should have solid seasons.

Senior Austin Huggins will wrestle at 160 and White said he's much improved.

"I think he'll surprise some people," he said.

Other seniors on the roster are Levi Wilson (182) and Brent Baughn (220).

White said six seniors on the roster is the most he's had in four years.

Juniors Bradey Denney (152) and Colby Smith (195) are two other wrestlers White feels will contribute nicely.

Also back is sophomore Johnathon Ireland, a sophomore who just missed state last year. Ireland will wrestle at 126 or 132.

In addition to the returning letterwinners, the Tigers have a couple of freshmen who could contribute this year in Skylar Crews (106) and Daxtyn Osbourn (113).

Rounding out the roster are juniors Dalton Shunkwiler, Kyle Herren and Tucker Wingert, sophomore Morgan Long, and freshman Colby Arduser.

White said his team should be very strong at the lower weights.

Coach White feels the team has a tough schedule, with a wide variety of schools that will allow his team to compete against several different styles.

And as the season arrives, White said the expectations are high for the Tigers.

"We have high hopes for this season," he said.

"The experience is there and the talent is there. But you never know. We could have one or two go to state or we could take six or seven. It just depends on how things play out."

White added he's been pleased with his team's hard work thus far.

"We're trying to get better," he said. "We have to pick up the intensity a bit. We're right there, though. It's about game time."

The Tigers begin the 2011-12 season on Friday at the Pleasant Hill Invitational.

2011-12 ROSTER

Seniors

Tanner Charles -- 126

Kyle Bennett -- 138

Zach Shepherd -- 145

Austin Huggins -- 160

Levi Wilson -- 182

Brent Baughn -- 220

Juniors

Slade Stiles -- 120

Dalton Shunkwiler -- 138

Bradey Denney -- 152

Kyle Herren -- 170

Colby Smith -- 195

Tucker Wingert -- 220

Sam Ellifrits -- HWT

Sophomores

Johnathon Ireland -- 132

Morgan Long -- 138

Freshmen

Skylar Crews -- 106

Daxtyn Osbourn -- 113

Colby Arduser -- 132

Head Coach: Devin White

2011-12 SCHEDULE

12-2 at Pleasant Hill Invite, 5 p.m.

12-8 at Harrisonville, 6 p.m.

12-10 at CJ Classic, TBA

12-13 at Adrian, 6 p.m.

12-16-17 at Harrisonville, 4

12-20 vs. Webb City/Clinton, 5:30 p.m.

1-5 vs. Bolivar, 6

1-7 at Monett Invite, TBA

1-12 at Carthage, 6

1-17 vs. McDonald County, 6

1-21 at Kearney Invite, TBA

1-24 vs. Butler, TBA

1-27 at Seneca, TBA

1-31 vs. Carl Junction, TBA

2-2 at Buffalo, 6

2-10-11 at Districts at Clinton

2-16 -17 at State Tournament, Columbia.

Home dates in bold