Season Preview

Coach Abell gave SDSB the following season preview information:

What is your team outlook for 2011-2012?

We have high expectations for the 2011-2012 season, we lost some size in our upper weights but gained some skill in our lower weights so it should balance out. We are returning two state placers and two state qualifiers. We are also returning five or six wrestlers that were injured and unable to finish last year’s season, we look for those athletes to make a big impact in our line up this year. We have set both individual and team goals for the season and many wrestlers plan to place at the state tournament this year, if those goals are met our main goal of placing as a team will be within reach. We came up short last year with only three state placers but with hard work and perseverance we plan on not only qualifying more wrestlers but placing more as well.

Which of your wrestlers do you expect to have the most "impact" this year?

We have high hopes for Nate Rotert this year and look forward to seeing his summer accomplishments continue into this season. I also feel like we have some kids flying under the radar this year that could make a huge impact. Andy Nelson, Reece Norton, Spencer Moody, Rance Sivertsen, Gene Trimble, and Dillon Jones could all have a big impact on our points at the state tournament. We also have a couple other young wrestlers that I feel could make a appearance at the state wrestling tournament.

Which teams will be your toughest competition?

Our region is always tough, I feel Sturgis, Central, and Stevens will be tough to beat once again. As far as the state goes, Mitchell, Pierre, Huron, and Aberdeen will be tough to beat as well.

Which new wrestlers do you anticipate on your 2011-2012 roster?

We have added a couple wrestlers to our roster that are returning from injuries, and they are not unfamiliar with the competition. We have also been blessed with the addition of Reece Norton who was a transfer from Belle Fourche. Our middle school has some very good talent coming up that will make an impact on our team this year in the JV and next year as Varsity wrestlers.

Nate Rotert

Nathan Rotert at the Disney Dual Wrestle Off 

2010 SD Class A State Tournament 171 lb Quarterfinal Jordan Reiner and Nathan Rotert  

Season Update

Stats

The Spartans finished in 13th place in last year's state tournament.

History

2012 Team Result
12th Place, Class A

2012 State Individual Results (place weight, name)
7. 106 lbs  Rance Sivertson
6. 120 lbs  Reece Norton
1. 195 lbs  Nate Rotert

2011 State Individual Results (place, weight, name)
8. 119 lbs  Dillon Jones
2. 135 lbs  Nick Montieth
2. 189 lbs  Nate Rotert

2011 Team Result
13th Place, Class A

2010 State Individual Results (place, weight, name, grade, season record)
3. 135 lbs  Brendon Waterson, 12 33-4
8. 145 lbs  Nick Montieth, 10 28-16
4. 171 lbs  Nate Rotert, 9 38-8

2010 Team Result
17th Place, Class A

State Champions: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1987

State Runner Up: 1964

THREE TIME STATE CHAMPION
Jason Buxton, Spearfish, 1986, 87, 88 (lbs: 98-98-105)
John Buxton, Spearfish, 1985, 87, 88 (lbs: 98-119-119)
Justin Hardy, Lead, 1990, 91, 92 (lbs: 275-275-275)

TWO TIME STATE CHAMPION
Bill Bucholz, Spearfish, 1960, 1961
Randy Coughlin, Spearfish, 1985, 1986
Doug Dittus, Spearfish, 1960, 1961
Chuck Edwards, Spearfish, 1961, 1963
John Johnson, Spearfish, 1966, 1967
Tom Spingler, Spearfish, 1962, 1963