This year’s Sumner High wrestling squad will benefit from the tutelage of optimistic new coach Matthew Harshman and will be competing in a classification better suited for Sumner High’s enrollment, the eight-team strong South Puget Sound League 2A.

The 2009-10 Spartan squad finished 0-8 in the vaunted SPSL 3A and not a single grappler represented the purple and gold at February’s state tournament.

Harshman has projected a few of the weights being filled with experienced and fairly reliable wrestlers, most notably seniors Tyler Hidalgo and Matthew Wilson at 145 or 152 pounds and 160 or 171, respectively.

Other weight classes that feature capable candidates are 130 and 140 pounds where sophomore Zach Wooding is a worthy prospect and in the heavyweight slot (285 pounds or less) where Peninsula High sophomore transfer Sean Bowles will be welcomed with open arms.

As for the other end of the spectrum, Harshman is hopeful that underclassmen Anthony Martin, Cole Lepper, Jeremy Jackson and Marcus Forhan will return to tryouts to fill those holes, so Sumner will not have to forfeit six points at any of the lighter weights.

Even though Sumner and Bonney Lake are in different branches of the South Puget Sound League, they will lift the lid on the 2010 season tonight, Wednesday, when the Spartans travel to the Panther’s den. Start time is 7 p.m.

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