BRODHEAD — While the Brodhead-Juda Cardinals will be looking to improve each and every match, all eyes will be on senior Jackson Hauri, who took second at 152 pounds last season. Hauri lost to since-graduated Nolan Kicmol of Evansville-Albany by a 10-2 decision.
“Our seniors are good wrestlers and great leaders,” said Brodhead-Juda head coach Bill Davis, who returns for his fourth year at the head of the program.
Hauri overcame a midseason injury last year and still managed to finish 35-4. Joining Hauri at state last year was Trent Davis, who was top-8 and has since graduated.
The Cardinals return just eight wrestlers from the varsity roster, including only three seniors.
Returning Cardinals
Theo Policastro Sr.
Russell Waeffler Sr.
Jackson Hauri Sr.
Jayson Starr Jr.
Brian McCullough Jr.
Blain Berget Jr.
Braden Erb So.
“We will be young,” said Coach Davis, who admitted that his team will likely be forfeiting the 195-, 220- and 285-weight classes much of the season.
Outside of Hauri, senior Russell Waeffler advanced the furthest of those returning. Waeffler was a sectional qualifier in the 113 class and finished the season 16-20.
“We need numbers so we can have competition in practice,” Davis said.
Junior Brian McCullough was 21-19 a year ago, finishing fifth at the sectional at 145. Junior Blain Berget was also fifth last year (170), finishing with a 10-25 record. Sophomore Braden Erb was 15-22 at 106 as a freshman and Jason Starr was 20-11 as a sophomore last year at 126.
The coaching staff sees Edgerton, Evansville and East Troy to finish at the top of the conference. Last season the Cardinals were 2-7 in conference duals and 5-8 overall in all duals.
Brodhead-Juda Schedule
Saturday, Dec. 1 at Black Hawk Invitational
Thursday, Dec. 6 vs. Jefferson
Saturday, Dec. 8 at Sugar River Invitational
Saturday, Dec. 15 at Mount Horeb Invite
Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Beloit Turner
Saturday, Jan. 5 at Lancaster Invitational
Tuesday, Jan. 8 at Poynette
Saturday, Jan. 12 RVC Meet at Jefferson
Tuesday, Jan. 15 vs. Whitewater
Tuesday, Jan. 22 vs. Sugar River (at Juda)
Saturday, Jan. 26 at Deerfield Invitational
Saturday, Feb. 2 RVC Meet at Beloit Turner