Park High wrestling has a tough act to follow this season. Park had one of its most successful seasons ever last winter, culminating with three place winners in the Minnesota state meet. A whopping 13 seniors – including eight lineup starters -are missing from that team, including four state qualifiers and two state place-winners in Solomon Lankow, fourth at 138, and Antonio Davis, fifth at 220. Park’s losses are especially keen in the upper weights, as newcomers will fill each weight from 160 to 285. Park finished 13th in the Class 2020 state individual tournament last season.

“We lost 13 seniors,” said Jim LaBrosse, Park varsity head coach. “The upper weights were super last year, I was proud of those guys. We had three guys place at state for the first time. This year we’re a little light in the upper weights. It’s a young team, a rebuilding team and the numbers are a little low.”

The cupboard isn’t entirely bare, however, as junior Zachary Silvis returns after placing sixth at state last season at 106 pounds. Silvis will wrestle at 120 pounds this season. Silvis had a stellar 43-4 record as a sophomore, winning the Section 3AAA championship and finishing sixth at state last season, He advanced to the state tournament semifinals before losing a tough 3-2 match to eventual champion Jore Volk, then had to injury default in the consolation semifinals and fifth-place final. This season, Silvis starts out as the No. 3 wrestler at 120 pounds by The Guillotine.

“He’s really, really good,” said LaBrosse. “He’s one of the better kids in the state. “I’m excited to have him back in the wrestling room.”

Silvis will anchor the lighter weights for the Wolfpack, and Park should be OK there.

Other veterans back for the Wolfpack include Gunner Mullen, who went 30-12 as an eighth grader last season, Perry Paananen at 145 and Alex Carr at either 170 or 182. One newcomer to keep n eye on is transfer senior Jace Jesson, who is ranked 10th at 145 pounds.

Park has a different type schedule this season with no invitationals or tournaments on the schedule. Instead the Suburban East Conference teams will combine with the Metro East Conference teams for a series of double dual meets.

The coaching corner will also look different as co-head coach Andy Spraetz and assistant Pat Schilling have departed.

The Wolfpack open against Irondale and South St. Paul Thursday, Jan. 14, then hosts Forest Lake and St. Thomas Academy on Saturday. Jan. 16.

SEC rival Stillwater is the top-rated Class AAA team this season, while Forest Lake is fifth, according to The Guillotine.

The Section 3AAA team meet is set for March 13, section individual for March 20 and the state meet scheduled for March 25-27.