M-C WRESTLING: Ready for business

Mission-Charlo is going to be pretty goal-oriented this year,

and with the returning group of wrestlers for the Bulldogs, you can

definitely see why.

Head coach Lyle Cronk expects big things from senior 130-pounder

Scotty Gilleard, who works on his opponents like a machine, and

160-pound sophomore Jacen Petersen, who looked like Adrian Peterson

in football this season. Gilleard was third and Petersen was fourth

at the B-C state tournament last year.

Mission-Charlo is going to be pretty goal-oriented this year, and with the returning group of wrestlers for the Bulldogs, you can definitely see why.

Head coach Lyle Cronk expects big things from senior 130-pounder Scotty Gilleard, who works on his opponents like a machine, and 160-pound sophomore Jacen Petersen, who looked like Adrian Peterson in football this season. Gilleard was third and Petersen was fourth at the B-C state tournament last year.

But they're not the only ones. The entire team appears to be ready to roar this season.

"They've been working really hard," Cronk said. "I think some of the lessons they learned last year seems to have lit a fire in them."

Along with Gilleard and Petersen, Mission Charlo has two time divisional placer Chadd Anderson coming in at 215 pounds, while fellow two-time divisional placers Casey Nitchke and Russel Schultz also look to make an impact in their respective weight classes.

"I truly believe they have a great shot at reaching their goals," Cronk said.

Junior Barret Sargent is looking to have a breakthrough season and medal this year along with sophomores Cody Edwards and Morgan Schultz.

"Everybody has a shot at reaching their goals and having a great finish," Cronk said.

Mission-Charlo has experience with six seniors on the team but also has youth coming in with five competitionready freshmen making their debut for the Bulldogs.

"All of my freshmen come in with a lot of experience," Cronk said. "This is my fourth year of coaching and I've coached almost everybody on my team."

The Bulldogs will be looking to make a huge impact at divisionals this year. After missing some keys guys last season for various reasons, Cronk feels the guys are locked in this year.

"We're pretty competitive in our division and there is always a team race," Cronk, who's team took third at the Western B-C for two years before placing fifth last season, said. "Every year our goal is to win the division. This year we really want to take care of our business."

The work ethic and commitment this season has been strong for the Bulldogs and that's something Cronk likes. With Ronan coming into the division too, there will also be a heightened sense of rivalry with their Mission Valley counterpart.

"It's a good group," Cronk said. "I'm really pleased with the team and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to coach these fine wrestlers the past few years."

M-C WRES.

The Skinny - Mission-Charlo's stable of young wrestlers should compete well this year for a divisional crown and beyond.

Keys to success - Scotty Gilleard and Jacen Petersen will headline a very deep Bulldogs squad that has plenty of experience.

Ronan Rivalry - Ronan is new to the B-C scene this year and should be a strong force within the division. Mission-Charlo placed just one point behind them at the Polson Invitational this year already, so look for this rivalry to continue over the season as both squads battle for supremacy.