Mount Vernon looks to build on its successes last year and stay competitive in a tough Northwest Conference this year.

The Bulldogs will return their only state-placing wrestler and hope that their other three state participants can improve on what they learned on the mat last year.

“We’re working very hard and I’ve learned some new things and have some great assistant coaches,” coach Rex Febus said. “It’s been as good of a first couple weeks of practice as we’ve ever had.”

Danial Osburn will return as one of the Bulldogs’ top grapplers. As a junior last year, Osburn placed seventh at last year’s Class 3A Mat Classic XIX Championships in the 285-pound weight class.

Other returners with state experience include senior Brad Rabenstein (189) and juniors Levi Koetje (125) and Tino Ibanez (119). Febus said he is also looking for improvement from senior George Hausauer (112), who has been a state alternate twice during his career.

“We figure it’s time for him to be the bride and not the bride’s maid,” Febus joked.

In addition to its experienced wrestlers, Febus said he hopes to see some younger competitors make strides this year. Sophomore Joe Barrington had a school-record 17 pins as a freshman last year, while sophomore Rafael Avila (130), junior Kyle Hoagland (135) and senior Travis Gomez (155) have responded well to practice so far.

Newcomer Nate Holthe could also make an impact for the Bulldogs, despite his inexperience.
“He’s never wrestled before but we’re putting him on a plan that’s perfect for his temperament and his body style.”

Mount Vernon looks to improve on its 28th place finish as a team last year at state.

“I couldn’t be happier (so far),” Febus said. “We have a lot of rookies that are learning fast and working hard. We have some ninth graders that are just shining and some first-year sophomores and seniors doing a great job.”