Morin sees Tosa East/West co-op wrestling team in mix for Woodland title

The Wauwatosa East/West co-op wrestling team has 50 student-athletes out for the squad, its best turnout in coach Kent Morin's 12 years in Wauwatosa.

Morin returns his entire coaching staff of Corey Bauer, Don Rohr, Aaron Gudeyon and Ryan Gottsacker. Also joining the staff is a newcomer and a 2008 Tosa alumnus, Nick Morin, Kent's son.

Morin has 12 returning letter winners, including some with impressive credentials.

Leading the way is Kai Castaneda, who was 39-6 last year, with a conference championship and a third-place finish in sectionals (he missed going to state by one match).

Ben Reagan (36-10), who finished fourth at sectionals and was a regional champion, also returns as does AJ Minucci (29-9). Minucci was a conference and regional champion.

Two other top returnees include Max Nelson (37-10), who finished third in sectionals (he missed going to state by one match) and Devine Burt (31-12), a conference runner-up, who finished fourth at sectionals.

Other returnees are Dylan Christman (13-15, second at regionals), Sam Bertz (22-20), Marcus Morrow (13-10), Alex Comte (13-6), Sam Hanrahan (7-8), Matt Miller (4-9) and Sean McDuffie (6-3).

Morin is also looking for contributions from juniors Greg Lewis and Elliot Rogahn, who are fresh off an outstanding football season at Tosa West. He also has a group of outstanding freshman who may step in immediately on varsity. They are Zach Miller, Jordan Boettcher and Lorry Venturi.

"They are some very talented freshman that we really look forward to watching develop," Morin said.

Captains this year are Castaneda, Minucci, Nelson and Bertz.

Pewaukee is the Woodland Conference favorite. The Pirates have not lost since joining the conference. They are ranked eighth in state in Division 2 by Crossface Magazine.

Morin said he believes two teams can compete with the Pirates.

"I think the Woodland Conference will be a three-team race this year," he said. "The two other teams that have a chance to knock off Pewaukee are us and South Milwaukee.

"To do it, our young guys are going to have to grow up quickly and our newcomers, Lewis and Rogahn, are going to have to work hard to add some technique to their good athletic skills."