Scott West back for more

Coming off of one of the team's most successful seasons in 2011, the Scott West wrestling squad is primed to stage what one of its coaches calls "an encore performance."

In fact, co-head coach Darren Ripley's seventh-grade history classroom is decorated with theme-based Scott West wrestling calendars, and this year's theme is based off the thunderous AC/DC song "Back in Black."

"We want to be back like last year," Ripley said.

For the second year in a row, the Panthers finished the regular season undefeated (20-0) and are No. 2 in the Class 2A polls behind perennial power Simley. Along the way the team notched impressive wins over highly ranked Class 3A teams from Hastings (No. 2), St. Michael-Albertville (No. 3) and Cambridge-Isanti (No. 4).

"It's just hard work, that's all there is to it," senior Michael Kroells said. "We practice four times a week, [do] lifting in the offseason. Sometimes it seems really complicated but it really isn't."

Scott West -- a cooperative of three schools, Jordan, Belle Plaine and Holy Family -- has built a strong wrestling tradition during its 22-year existence. The Panthers have had two state runners-up, 12 state team qualifiers, 120 individual state qualifiers and 13 individual state champions.

"Belle Plaine and Jordan are rivals in football, but when it comes to the wrestling team, it's the wrestling team," Kroells said. "It's not Belle Plaine and Jordan; it's Scott West."

Last year's Panther squad (24-1) finished as the state runner-up after it lost to No. 1 Simley in the 2A state wrestling final 39-16. Once again, Simley looms as Scott West's biggest roadblock.

"The ultimate goal always is a state championship, but Simley is pretty good this year so we're going to do the best we can," Kroells said. Foley, ranked third in Class 2A, also will be a tough opponent, he said.

Scott West's performance this season can be attributed to talent and experience. Kroells and senior Gabe Fogarty are defending individual state champions. Senior Charlie Pesch, senior Luke Betchwars and junior Luke Zilverberg all placed at state last year, and have helped solidify the Panthers' roster.

"We're senior-laden," Ripley said. "We got anywhere from eight to 10 seniors in the lineup on most events."

Fogarty said, "We're pretty good at turning guys and riding on top. As a team we are good at getting bonus points, and not giving them up."

"I already screwed that up, I'm already six short of pinning everybody," he said with a smile.

"I've had six points scored against me this year," he said. "I guess about the only thing I can do this year is a state championship."

Kroells (35-0) has given up four escapes and one takedown all year. Kroells, who intends to wrestle for the Gophers, attributes his success to his confidence and preparation.

"Overall, he's been pretty dominant," Ripley said. "He's a hard worker and a 4.0 student. He's worked hard to get where he's at."

Fogarty (32-3) also has been a crucial part of the Panthers' success this season. The No. 2-ranked senior at 145 pounds was a state champion in 2011 at 135.

"If I was a fan in the stands, I would most certainly be watching Gabe Fogarty because he's got a lot of weapons in his arsenal," Ripley said.

"He's probably one of the most exciting and entertaining wrestlers in the entire state of Minnesota."