By Terry Douglass
terry.douglass@theindependent.com

The Crusaders are coming off a team championship in the Class C, District 3 meet at St. Paul, while the Vikings tied Aurora as the district runner-up in last weekend's Class B, District 3 meet at York.

"It definitely plays a positive role," GICC coach Marc Starostka said of his program winning its first district title in 25 years. "But like I told the kids, the postseason is a two-part process and the district meet was just part one and that they've got to let it all hang out and they can't let down now.

"They've got to wait until Saturday before they can let down."

Northwest qualified six wrestlers for the state tournament, which starts Thursday and runs through Saturday in Omaha's Qwest Center. While that wasn't as many qualifiers as coach Brian Sybrandts said he would've liked, he'll take it.

"Six is a good number," Sybrandts said. "I think we can do a lot of damage down there with six guys. Class B has got some tough teams, though, so we'll have to do some work, but the six kids I have going are good, quality kids and I know they're going to give me everything they have.

"We're really excited."

Northwest's contingent is led by district champions in seniors Nicholas Helmer (103 pounds) and Hadley Cooksley (285). Cooksley, who is 30-0 with 30 pins and is ranked No. 1 in Class B, is looking for his third consecutive state meet medal with his best showing so far a third-place finish at 215 last year.

This year, Cooksley is the favorite to win it all. His longest match of the season was a victory via fall in 3:16 over No. 2-rated Sandy Stanbeck of Boys Town.

"There are going to be guys ready for Hadley down there, so we've got to prepare the best we can," Sybrandts said. "We expect that he's going to run into some much tougher matches in Omaha."

Helmer, who is 27-5, and senior Jeff Mills (28-7 at 160) join Cooksley as returning state medallists for the Vikings. Helmer was fifth at 103 last year, while Mills was fifth at 145 a year ago.

Junior Calvin Fye (25-9 at 130), junior Ben Paige (28-11 at 145) and senior Dana Haines (23-8 at 189) round out the Vikings' state qualifiers.

"With the three returning medallists down there, I think that's going to help calm some of the first-time qualifiers," Sybrandts said. "I expect that from them as leaders, so that will help the coaches out, too.

"I think we're looking to have a good time and hopefully we can get inside that top 10."

Central Catholic is sending seven to state, including returning qualifiers junior Justis Stolz (26-13 at 112) and sophomore Weston Walton (27-13 at 125). Other Crusader qualifiers include sophomore Dale Curran (25-14 at 130), junior Bryce Walker (25-20 at 145), junior Jay Osterbuhr (31-9 at 152), junior Zachary Starostka (29-8 at 160) and junior Zachary Schroder (22-16 at 285).

"I wish there were more of them with state experience, but all we can do is build off of it," Marc Starostka said. "I think we're going to see some kids do very well down there.

"We'll find out Thursday morning at 8:30 whether we're ready for the game or just showing up to see the lights. I think we're going to be prepared."

Starostka, who won the 1983 Class D state title for Clarks at 145 pounds, said he's trying to stress to his wrestlers that they can't get caught up in head games and the big-time atmosphere of the state tournament.

"It's a mental game right now," Starostka said. "They've got to figure out the mental part of it. Physically, they're ready. Wrestling-wise, they're ready. It's just a matter of not melting down mentally, but I think our guys will be all right. We're excited and we're ready to roll."