Lions reload with four prime-time grapplers

With a roster flexibility afforded by four returning Class 2A-1A West Region champs, the Lions are looking to overcome a short roster of 17 grapplers by attacking their opponent’ s lineup.

So junior Tyler White, who was fifth at the state meet at 135 pounds, is now wrestling the season at 140 or 145. His twin brother, Zach White, took third in the state at 140. This year, he’s taking on the 145 and 152 classes. Senior C.J. Cotterman was fifth at 119 last year, but will be at 125 or 130 this year.

Even senior Jordan Walsh, the 2007 state champion at 171, might stray from his 189-pound class this season.

Head coach Ralph Cotterman is focusing in on winning more dual meets, something that requires more than just four high-caliber wrestlers.

‘‘When that disc gets flipped and the captains go out and pick, it’s either odd or even,” Cotterman said. ‘‘A lot of matches are won by a flip of a coin.”

What the Lions are trying to improve on is a 16-3 record, which including close losses to Howard County champ Glenelg, Urbana and Middletown.

And they’ll do it with an impressive schedule, which includes those three previous opponents, Southern-Garrett and South Carroll.

‘‘We have a pretty good schedule this year,” Cotterman said.

The Lions are fairly locked in with the lightweights. Freshman Kyle Snyder is in at 103. At 112, junior Dana Cooley marks one of the first female wrestlers for Walkersville. She is a multi-year veteran of the Glade Valley Athletic Association, but this will be her first high school season.

Junior Chris Stauffer moves up to 119 this year, after working at 112. The 125 and 130 spots include one forced forfeit for the Lions, as Cotterman is currently the only wrestler available at either class.

Senior Sam Conrad (135) and junior Clinton Holley (171) worked their way up through the junior varsity ranks for starting roles.

Junior Taylor Alexander provides flexibility for the White twins, wrestling at 145 or 152.

At 160, sophomore Marc Nielson is a returning starter with high expectations for the season.

Then the Lions start a shuffle in the heavyweights. Walsh provides the most dangerous threat to opposing wrestlers, but will be matched up against the toughest opponent possible.

Senior Kyle Harper is the normal 215-pounder. A returning starter, he can bump up to heavyweight if Walsh moves up to 215.

There’s more options at heavyweight, including senior Will Scarff, who can wrestle as low at 189 if Walsh wrestles up in weight class.

Sophomore Tim Garlington got in some matches last year, and senior Kelvin Diaz will add to the mix at heavyweight.