High School

Four wrestlers currently boast undefeated seasons: Jacob Deiter, Collin Hase, Jason Corwin and Jared Wall. (Photo by Rachelle DeShazo)

Grapplers crush opponents

By Justin Maryott

December 18, 2005

The Silver Lake wrestling team has jumped off to an impressive start.

Varsity wrestlers freshman Collin Hase, senior Jacob Deiter, junior Jason Corwin, and junior Jared Wall are all undefeated after nine duals. Senior Drew Hawkins experienced his first and only loss against Hayden, while junior Cody Meier, state placer, has already defeated two state qualifiers and is 11-1. State placer Keaton Taylor, junior, has also wrestled well with a record of 9-3.

This strong start comes after a shortened amount of practice time due to the school's fourth straight state football appearance.

Deiter said, "I have had an additional two weeks of practice (since I didn't play football), so I am in better shape, and we haven't seen our best competition yet."

Not only has the varsity team been wrestling hard, but the junior varsity has also done a fine job of competing.

"I think we'll do pretty good this year as long as we keep practicing well. (Also it depends) how we do when we face tougher competition," said freshman Devin Smith.

Coach Harry LaMar has been very pleased with how well the team has been performing, especially a couple of seniors.

"Seniors Jacob Deiter and Drew Hawkins are setting great examples for the rest of the team to follow. This team really seems to be drawing together as a group. They are listening well and improving daily," said LaMar.

This year's varsity squad returns four state placers and three state qualifiers. They haven't faced their toughest competition yet, but it looks like the team could have plenty of state medalists this year.

LaMar said, "We have four state placers: Hase took second, Corwin took third, Taylor has placed fourth and sixth, and Deiter placed sixth. We also have three returning state qualifiers: Spencer Hinson, Cody Meier and Jason Mellies. All those boys and two or three others have a very good chance of medaling at state this season."

There will be plenty of opportunities for this year's team to see how they will pan out versus top-notch competition.

LaMar said, "The defending state champions are from Norton High School, but every team can be beaten."

Hase added, "I think we will see our toughest competition at Basehor. They will have many 4A and 6A teams. As far as I go, I think my toughest competition will be at Basehor as well."