Carroll wrestling works to get back on top
BY MATT BROWNING/Eagle correspondent

Published Jan. 20 at 1:37 a.m. | Last updated Jan. 20 at 1:50 a.m.

Bishop Carroll's wrestling program dominated the City League early in the 21st Century with seven consecutive league titles, and won Class 5A twice.

But like many dominant programs before them — like Kapaun in the '80s and South in the '90s — winning becomes cyclical, and the Eagles are in the second year of rebuilding. Carroll tied for fifth in the league last season, and is currently tied for third with Northwest this season.

Coach Jared Vogel knew the challenges when he took over the program last season, and he has a plan for what it will take to get the program back to where it once was.

"It will take a lot of hard work, extra effort and time," Vogel said. "I believe we have the kids to do it, but it won't happen overnight."

Carroll has just two wrestlers ranked in the coach's rankings, but what has Vogel excited is his freshmen class, which was key against North in December when the Eagles won eight consecutive matches for the victory.

While Carroll is 3-1 in dual play, its toughest tests still remain with duals against Kapaun and Heights, both of which are undefeated in the league.

"We are a lot younger this year," Vogel said. "But I think the youth has made us a little hungrier than last year. As long as we have kids who take advantage of the opportunities to get better, then we can back to the top again."


Newton on the rise — While finishing 21st at the 5A meet last season may not seem like much, Newton has used that as a springboard for this season.

The Railers have cracked the top 10 this season.

"The key has been some of our kids who have found ways to beat some of the other ranked wrestlers in the state," coach Jude Wilson said. "We know that if we wrestle well, we can finish high, which would be a confidence-builder."

Newton, which has five ranked wrestlers, won the Bishop Carroll Invitational in December, took third at Augusta and eighth at its own tournament.

"We have a number of key wrestlers, but also have some depth at some of the classes," Wilson said. "We have kids who have committed to the sport the way you need to in order to excel."


Head to head — Two of the premiere duals of the season are next week.

Goddard and Derby square off in a showcase at Newman University on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Lions are ranked second in 6A, while the Panthers are third.

Next Thursday, Heights travels to Kapaun, with first place in the City League on the line.

The Falcons are the top-ranked team in 6A, while the Crusaders are third in 5A.

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