2005-6 Season: 9-5 (NEMC Champion); four state finalists, two medalists

Head Coach: Darryl Keeton

Top returning athletes: Kyle Scott (112); Andrew Funsch (125); Ashley Hebert (130); Michael Lentz (130); Bruce Vermillion (135); Rob Goulette (140); Zach Jameson (145); Josh Taylor (160); Matt Franklin (160);Corey Lambert (189); Scott Kimball (189);Carl Worthy (215).

Outlook: Ogemaw appears to be the class of the North East Michigan Conference this season. The Falcons edged W-P for the title last year, but return 12 of their top contributors in what should be a lineup loaded with quality. With eight returning seniors and several juniors in their third year, experience and leadership shouldn't be a problem.

"We feel we have a very good chance at another NEMC championship," says Ogemaw coach Darryl Keeton. "We have our work cut out for us this season as a team as we are once again placed with the likes of Petoskey and Gaylord in district competition.

"We know these are tough teams that are well-coached, but we intend to give them a run for their money this year. This is the last chance for our seniors to get (beyond the district) as a team."

Leading the way are state medalists Scott Kimball (189 pounds) and Matt Franklin (160), as well as Andrew Funsch (125), who was a state qualifier as a freshman. Rob Goulette (140) also qualified for the state finals two seasons ago at 125. Seven of the returning Falcons reached championship matches at the NEMC finals, and Carl Worthy (189) was a regional qualifier who could push for a state finals spot. Michael Lentz (130) was injured most of last season but came through for some critical points at the NEMC finals meet.

"We should get several wrestlers through to the individual state tournament," Keeton says. "We look forward to our conference competition and should have our wrestlers at their desired weight classes in time for conference matchups."