Five to watch during the boys’ wrestling season

Riley Fritsch

Blaine, Jr., 138-152

Fritsch has the talent to make a state-title run after placing sixth in state two years ago and fifth last winter. The junior middleweight has a ton of experience and is one of the team’s unquestioned leaders.

Ben Broselle

Ferndale, Jr., 160-170

Broselle put together a fantastic first day at the Mat Classic last winter, reaching the 3A 160-pound state semifinals. He was one point away from reaching the finals, but another year of growth should benefit the up-and-comer.

Caleb Frey

Blaine, Sr., 145-152

Frey was Whatcom County’s lone boys’ wrestler to reach a state final last winter, and he should be in line to get back again. Surely the hunger will be there to win a state championship this time around.

Jeremiah Cronk

Mount Baker, Sr., 145-152

Cronk brought home a seventh-place medal at last winter’s Mat Classic. He’ll take on a real leadership role for the Mountaineers, and there is no reason to believe he can’t earn back-to-back state medals.

Briley Funk

Sehome, Sr., 285

Funk engineered a breakout season last winter and almost got to Saturday’s medal rounds at last winter’s Mat Classic. Funk again should be the area’s top heavyweight and has the skill to end his career with a medal.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 5:08 PM with the headline "Five to watch during the boys’ wrestling season."