THIRD-RANKED ALMA BUILT FOR SUCCESS IN 2021-22
They’re built for the here and now. Right here, right now.
Although it’s only about one week into the 2021-22 prep wrestling season there are certain mid-michigan teams that have big expectations going into it.
For instance, the Alma Panthers.
Over the span of the last four seasons Alma has been one of the better stories in mid-michigan as Randy Miniard and company have collectively gone 116-24 in dual meets and have advanced to the Division 3 team state finals four times. In the team finale the Panthers have been bounced twice in the quarterfinal round before reaching the semifinal round in each of the last two seasons before being bounced.
There’s been conference crowns and district titles and regional hardware galore, all spoils of being one of the better teams in the state. Now, in 2021-22, the Panthers want to take the next logical step in the progression and wrestle for the D3 team title in late February in Kalamazoo.
That means winning in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, both of which have been stumbling blocks in recent seasons.
“This is the season, we’re built for this year,” said Miniard, who’s Panthers are ranked third in D3 behind only Dundee and Clinton.
On paper the Panthers return an absolute ton of talent, headed by a big senior class that counts 10 strong. Moreover, 10 Panthers are currently ranked in their respective weight classes in Division 3, a massive number that will allow Miniard to juggle his line-up to get the best match-up.
To date the Panthers are 4-0 in duals this season after beating sixth-ranked Bay City John Glenn 54-21 Wednesday. Tournamen-twise they competed in an uber-tough invite hosted by state powerhouse Davison last week and finished fifth. On Saturday, they’re wrestling at ranked Brighton and will take on second-ranked Goodrich as well as Dewitt and Tecumseh.
In short the schedule-maker didn’t really do the Panthers any favors this winter, frontloading the schedule the way it is. But then again, come February maybe the early-season schedule will have done the Panthers a favor.
“We’re getting busy at the beginning to see what we need to work on,” Miniard added.
In terms of rankings Isaiah Mullins (No. 2 at 112 pounds), Fabian Facundo (No. 4 at 119), Buddy Leonard (No. 8 at 125), Gianna Tripp (No. 8 at 130), Josiah Baltierra (No. 13 at 135), Cole O’boyle (No. 5 at 160), Jaden Morrow (No. 15 at 160), Jacob Munger (No. 5 at 189), Adam Garcia (No. 14 at 215) and Caden Adams (No. 16 at 215) are all ranked.