Belleville West
The Maroons have not made a state trip since 2000, but this year's squad is loaded with potential. West returns Demechico Spraggins (119), who finished 43-2 and placed second at 103 last year as a freshman, as well as veteran leaders Dylan Viglasky and Dustin Ventimigila, who open the season at 125 and 171.
Francis Howell Central
The Spartans, who finished third in Class 4 a year ago, have been in the state trophy race for each of the last five years. Central, led by two-time state champion Terrel Wilbourn at 135, also returns state medalists in sophomore John Wood (second at 119), senior Ben Henson (fifth at 125) and senior Justin Dickey (fifth at 145).
Seckman
The Jaguars came on strong last year, finishing sixth in Class 4. And all but one of the team's eight qualifiers return. Junior Matt Kraus, the state champion at 103 a year ago, is back and competing at 119 to start this season. Another key returnee is senior Denny Kleinschrodt (135), who placed fourth as a sophomore and second last year at 125.
Triad
After placing fourth in Class 2A in 2009, the Knights fell to eventual third-place finisher Lemont in last year's quarterfinals. Triad entered this season with more questions than answers after losing seven 30-win wrestlers. Returning medalists are junior Kyle Graumenz (second at 119) and senior Trevor Buhrman (fourth at 140).
Whitfield
Following back-to-back championships, the Warriors slipped to fifth in Class 1 a year ago. The Warriors' list of nine returning qualifiers is headed by three-time medalist and defending 145-pound champion Mike Kissell and Chris Wilkes, who won 52 matches and placed third at 125 as a freshman last year. Junior Austin Smith, a fourth-place finisher in 2009, also returns.
Compiled by Joe Lyons
