Bulldog grapplers look to challenge for top three finish at State

Despite losing two all-state wrestlers to graduation after a successful season that saw the Lovell Bulldogs place fourth at State, Lovell head coach Ty Hecker expects even greater things for his squad in ’23-24 with a talented and experienced squad returning.
The Bulldogs placed fourth at the Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament in Casper with 123.5 points, not far behind third-place Big Piney with 150 points. Kemmerer and Moorcroft placed first and second, respectively.
Lost to graduation were Zane Collins, who won the title at 220 pounds, and Will Spann, who placed second at 138. Senior Curtis Miller also brought home a medal, placing sixth at 195. Ryan Nunn also graduated from the 2022-23 squad.
Hecker is in his second year at the helm of the Bulldogs and his eighth season with the program, and he’s excited about the season ahead.
“Our numbers are down, but my room is full of hard wrestlers,” Hecker said. “I have big expectations for this year. We have all-state wrestlers in Rosendo Garcia and James Love, so we’re chasing state titles there. I expect to be a top three team this year.”
The lineup
Hecker has quality up and down the weight classes coming into the season. Here’s a look at the Lovell lineup entering the season. Hecker pointed out that the upper weight classes have changed.
106 – Junior Dino DeLaCruz returns at 106 pounds after placing fifth at State at the same weight as a sophomore.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked over the summer, going to camps and working out,” Hecker said. “The sky’s the limit for him. He thought running cross country will help him get his goals in wrestling.”
113 – Zayden Stahl returns at 113 pounds after winning two matches at State as a freshman.
“He made it to State and was one match from placing,” Hecker said. “He was one of the most improved kids I had, so I expect him to place this year at State.”
126 – Senior J.D. Rodriguez will be the likely competitor at 126 pounds after winning one match at State at 132 a year ago.
“He qualified for State the last two years. He’s ready to not just qualify but to place in his senior year,” Hecker said.
132 – Talon Burton is the likely number one at 132, Hecker said, noting, “His goal is to make it to State. That would be big for him. He’s in the best mental state I’ve seen him in since he’s been with the team.”
138 – Sophomore Mason Christenson moves up from 120 pounds after qualifying for State as a freshman.
“He’s a strong kid who was all-conference last year, placing second at Regionals,” Hecker said. “He’s a tough kid. He didn’t place at State but is looking to improve from last year.”
144 – Sophomore Owen Hill suffered an injury midway through the season last year, Hecker said, adding, “He picked up some wins, and it looks like he’s rejuvenated for his sophomore year.”
150 – Senior Michael Harris brings experience to the lineup at 150 pounds.
“He has never qualified for State, and that’s his goal,” Hecker said. “He went to boot camp with the military (last summer) so he’s looking tough.”
165 – Senior Carson Asay won one match at State at 152 pounds last season and brings experience to the lineup.
“He qualified for State for two years but hasn’t placed,” Hecker said. “That’s his goal right now.”
175 – Junior Kasey Jordan won one match at State at 170 pounds as a sophomore.
“He’s been working really hard, and I see him picking up a lot of wins,” Hecker said.
190 – Junior Rudy Hall qualified for State at 182 pounds a year ago and will wrestle at 190 this season, Hecker said.
“He made it to State last year and kind of ended on a tough note, but I’ve seen the most confidence ever from him. I’m super excited for Rudy.”
215 – Senior Rosendo Garcia fell to teammate Zane Collins in the state title match at 220 pounds last season, finishing the year with a 30-7 record. He’ll be challenged in the room by sophomore Kalell Gruell.
“He’s really got one goal, and that’s to be a state champion,” Hecker said. “Kalell might be his biggest competition. It’s Kalell’s first year back after playing basketball last year. He’s looking big and tough and mean and has to wrestle a state champion every day. I see huge potential in Kalell.
285 – Senior James Lovell finished just short of a state championship last season, placing second to Christian Reilly of Hulett in the state title match on a 6-3 decision, finishing his junior year 36-5.
“James is on a vision quest to rewrite history with Christian Reilly, who’s also a senior,” Hecker said. “That should be the matchup again, so we’re on a vengeance tour.”
Girls division
The all-class girls state tournament will be integrated into the boys tournament this year instead of being held as a separate event, Hecker said.
The Lovell team returns a pair of state placers including all-state wrestler Danika Crumrine. Here’s a look at the Lovell lineup:
110 – Sophomore Charlotte Bair returns for her second season after placing sixth at 105 pounds as a freshman.
“She’s starting to mature  and is getting a feel for good body position,” Hecker said. “She’s looking to place high at State.”
120 – Sophomore Kourtnee Roper is new to the team, Hecker said, noting, “She has a lot to learn but seems to be excited about the upcoming year.”
135 – Crumrine placed second at 135 last year, falling to Veil Foreman of State Valley in the championship match and finishing the season with a 36-6 record. She was the first all-state female wrestler in LHS history.
“Danika is out with a shoulder injury and should return after Christmas,” Hecker said. “With Danika, we’re chasing state titles.”
150 – Junior Maecie Joy gained experience as a sophomore at 145 pounds a year ago, as did junior Cortni Knop.
“Maecie did a lot of offseason work, and it looks like she’s improved a lot,” Hecker said. “Cortni is a tough girl. She just needs some matches to get back into things.”
155 – Junior Avery Layne won some matches at 145 pounds a year ago, qualifying for State.
“Avery cares a lot about wrestling, and it’s just about to pay off for her,” Hecker said. “I see her picking up multiple wins this year.”
160 – Junior Rhiley Wegner missed her sophomore year with an injury but won the prestigious Ron Thon Tournament as a freshman, Hecker said, and is looking to pick up where she left off two years ago.
190 – Freshman River Mangus will compete at 190 pounds.
“This is her first year wrestling,” Hecker said. “She’s been injured the last couple of weeks but hopefully will get to compete after Christmas.”
The Lovell grapplers will compete at the Powell Invitational this weekend with action beginning at 1 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday.