Star Tribune metro wrestling teams to watch

CLASS 3A

Apple Valley: The Eagles' loss to Shakopee was their first conference loss since 1991. Expecting another is asking too much.

Shakopee: All the pieces are in place, but it's a long season. You want to peak in February, not December.

Anoka: Let's not overlook a team that lost just once to a Minnesota team last season and took third place in Class 3A.

St. Michael-Albertville: Some holes to fill, but Patrick McKee (120), Jake Allar (170) and Evan Foster (220) are a nice core to lean on.

St. Francis: The Saints have five wrestlers ranked among the top five in their respective weight classes.

Others: Prior Lake, Hastings, Centennial.

CLASS 2A

Scott West: If sophomores Justin Stauffacher, Tyler Shackle and Calvin Menke live up to expectations, the Panthers can contend for a state title.

Simley: Last season was the first time since 2007 the Spartans didn't finish first or second in Class 2A

Totino-Grace: The Eagles' football championship will force a slow start, but they should be full strength by January.

Others: Waconia, New Prague, Watertown-Mayer.

Jim Paulsen