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Wrestling Rangers solid in all weight classes

Two deep at nearly every weight class, second-year Benton High School wrestling coach Aaron Robinson is optimistic the Rangers can compete for a conference title this winter.

Of the 30 kids out for wrestling, 22 have varsity experience. Robinson returns six sectional qualifiers from a year ago, including three seniors: Seth Padavic (106), Daniel Richardson (285) and Jadon Stark (170). Also qualifying were: junior Jaron Pickelshimer (160) and sophomores Peyton Swigonski (126) and Logan Williams (195).

"Every weight class is filled, times two. Having a full lineup in every weight class is huge, especially in Southern Illinois, that alone can win some duals. In the middle to upper weights is where our strength is going to be. Our lower weights are going to solid as well," Robinson said.

Remaining senior returnees include: Carston Sanders (220), Adam Barnfield (195) and Jordan Ligon (145). The Rangers also picked up a couple of transfers in seniors Zechariah Livingston (182) and Austin Norris (132).

Returning juniors are: Garrett Cardwell (195), Isaiah Doty (152), Blake Kneezle (160), Justin Palmer (120) and Jaren Pickelshimer (170). Brent Prince (285) joins the team for the first time.

Swigonski, who had 27 pins last year, leads the sophomore class that also includes returnees Williams, Caleb Richardson (145), Gabe Craig (285) and Tyler Golliher (152). Robinson said Craig "will be a handful" in the heavyweight division.

"The guys returning have all worked pretty hard so we're excited to get the year going. A year ago we took some lumps. We were over .500 (11-10 in duals) but we think can make some bigger strides this year," said Robinson.

The Rangers haven't won a conference title since 2009. Murphysboro is again the team to beat in the Ohio Division of the River to River Conference.

"As long as we stay healthy, we should be right there," Robinson said. "We want to win the conference and that's a good goal for our guys. Individually, the two big ones are Swig and Seth Padavic. They both had over 30 wins last year."