The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 44, Milford, Kosciusko County, 16 November 1983 — Page 29

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1983 WAWASEE GRAPPLE RS — Pictured above are the members of the 1983 wrestling team at Wawasee High School. In the front row are Jeff Dunithan, Jeff Welborn. Albert Stricklin. J.R. Noel. Chris Yoder. Rob DeSomer. Jack McDaniel, Duane Turner. Rich Troup, Dave Melendez, Mike

Big factor—

The 'Green Wave' is back

BY TOM CHARLES Sports Writer The “Green Wave” is back — two-thirds of it at least — and that will be a big factor in continuing Wawasee’s wrestling tide of success this season. The “Green Wave” trio of Mike Hernandez, Dave Melendez and Juan Roa powered the Warriors

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to second place in the NLC in addition to sectional and regional titles. Os the three, only Roa was lost to graduation. Hernandez, who qualified for the state meet at 132 pounds, and Melendez, who was the regional champion at 126 pounds, head an impressive list of returning grapplers. “They will both be in contention for conference titles,” said Welborn.

Hernandez and Ron Martin. Standing in the back row are assistant coach Jim Jones, Tim Fraser. Jason Keim Chuck Cotton. Dan Kauffman. Pat Inks, Lance Lantz. Ned Hunsberger. Steve Sturgill, Brad Traviola, Steve Yoder and coach Rich Welborn. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Two other returning seniors, Chuck Cotton and Rob DeSomer, also qualified for the semi-state meet. Cotton, who was a sectional champion, dropped his match to the eventual semi-state champion at 105 pounds. DeSomer was eliminated in the first round of the 112 pound class. Tim Fraser, a 185 pound senior, is the remaining Warrior who returns with a championship under his belt. He captured his weight class with a win over Clint Williams of West Noble in the sectional finale. The remaining letterwinners are sophomore Duane Turner, junior Steve Yoder, senior Pat Inks and senior Jason Keim. Other returners who were not monogram winners last season are sophomores Jeff Dunithan, Brad Traviola, Lance Lantz and Ned Hunsberger. 1982-83 Wrestling Summary DUAL MEETS WHS OPP 41 Whitko 17 32 Concord 27 22 Goshen 37 49 Rochester 16 37 Bremen 26 32 Plymouth 34 35 North Wood 22 49 Warsaw 15 47 Cd. City 26 56 Fairfield 9 Best Records Chuck Cotton - 21-8 Dave Melendez - 26-2 Mike Hernandez - 29-4 Post Season Sectional — Champions Regional - Champions

Welborn is also excited about the potential of sophomore transfer Jack McDaniels. “He is very competitive and exceptionally strong,” noted Welborn. “He will be an asset to the program at the 119 weight class.” “We’ll be strongest in the middle weights,” Welborn commented. “That is where we have the most experience. From 98 to 145 is where we are going to have to do it.” If one glances at last year’s personal records, the prospects for strong performances in those weight classes seem good. The foursome of DeSomer (112), Cotton (105), Melendez (126) and Hernandez (132) combined for a win-loss record of 90-24. With the addition of Steve Yoder at 138 pounds and McDaniels at 119 pounds, the Warriors should be solid in the middle. The statistics are impressive,

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but Welborn is quick to admit that the real key to this year may be leadership, not experience. “I really think this season will depend on how well the seniors perform. Their attitude and leadership are going to be very important,” he said. “When you come off a regional win, you always look forward to the next season,” he added. “I hope that last year’s success doesn’t hurt us. The competition will be aware of us this year. We will have to be prepared for all of our opponents.” In the conference, Welborn sees Plymouth and Goshen as the toughest competition. The Redskins have good overall depth. Plymouth, despite a big turnover, should also be strong. “The key to this season lies in the wrestlers’ comer,” concluded Welborn. “It is up to them as to how well they want to perform.”