High school wrestling previews

Cape Ann League

Georgetown-Ipswich

2012-13 season: 5-16

Returning starters (4): Michael Gallanar, Sr., 145/152; Mason Dalley, Sr., 220; Derek Chamberlain, Sr., 220; Charlie Galanis, Jr., 132/138

Returning lettermen: Carsten LaPlante, Soph., 106

Promising newcomers: Matt Prescott, Sr., 170/182; Dan Bennett, Jr., 170; Josiah Qrason, Frosh., 106

Candidates: 18; Captains: Michael Gallanar

Fast facts: Former Georgetown standout Ryan Archambault, who most recently was an assistant at Triton and previously assisted at Georgetown, takes over as head coach for Mike Curley, who resigned after five years and a 33-69-4 record because of a conflict with his job. Arcahmabult has two young sons in the youth program. ... Senior Matt Prescott, who was a sectional champ as a sophomore, returns to the program after sitting out last year with a knee injury. ... The Royals are still looking for a heavyweight.

Assistants: Dan Curley, Jay Nemeroff

Coach Ryan Archambault (1st year): “We have a hard-working group. We’re looking to have a .500 season. If we can do that, it’d be a good season given the size of our team. I think the program is on the way up.”

North Reading-Lynnfield

2012-13 season: 25-0, MVC and Div. 3 North champ

Returning starters (7): Tom Arseneault, Sr., 220; Eric Kerr, Sr., 132; Lucas Pascucci, Jr., 138; Joe Morse, Jr., 113, North Reading; Max Whyman, Soph., 126; Joe Wise, Sr., 152/160, North Reading; Jack Maccario, Sr., 152/160, North Reading

Returning North Reading lettermen: Scott McGrath, Sr., 120; Bradley Austin, Jr., 195; Mike Reardon, Soph., 120

Promising North Reading newcomers: Mike Farley, Jr., 285; Chris Reardon, Frosh., 106; Joe Reardon, Frosh., 106

Candidates: 44; Captains: Tom Arsenault, Eric Kerr, Lucas Pascucci

Fast facts: This is the 10th year of the co-op for North Reading/Lynnfield and the second year of a co-op extension. ... Last year was the most wins ever for either North Reading or Lynnfield and the first time the program went undefeated. ...Last year’s roster of 50 wrestlers (25 from each town) is the most in at least 20 years. ... The CAL title was the first since Lynnfield won it more than 25 years ago. ... This is the first time in 40 years that head coach Craig Stone had three brothers on the same team — sophomore Mike Reardon and freshmen Chris and Joe Reardon.

Assistants: Nick Secatore, Paul Ciazarro

Coach Craig Stone (39th year, 452-296): “We have a tough act to follow. It’s a wait and see situation. We’re a little weaker up top but we’ll be pretty strong. We have some pretty good depth. ”

Pentucket

2012-13 season: 15-9

Returning starters (7): Sean Clohisy, Sr., 195; Brett Connolly, Sr., 152; Josh Wesolowski, Jr., 138; Kyle Knox, Jr., 120/126; Colin Bode, Soph., 182; Garett Lischke, Soph., 113; Noah Mahli, Soph., 170

Returning lettermen: Nicola Crawford, Sr., 106; Dylan Cebula, Sr., 132; Joe Garfi, Jr., 132; Joe Raimondi, Soph., 152

Promising newcomers: Nick Bonosoro, Sr., 285; Will Beard, Soph., 220; Grant Lancaster, Soph., 160; Kalon Boston, Frosh., 160/171; Sam Marchant, Frosh., 106

Candidates: 22; Captains: Josh Wesolowski, Sean Clohisy

Fast facts: Graduated four-year standouts Tom and Jeff Funk. ... Last year’s winning record was the first in five years. ... There are three girls on the team this year. .. Josh Wesolowski won more than 40 matches as a sophomore and is coming off an outstanding football season. ... This is the first time in three years that senior Sean Clohisy isn’t the biggest wrestler on the team.

Assistants: Bob Lyons, Steve Beaudoin

Coach Dennis Puleo (11th year, 74-131-1): “We have some returnees but we lost some great wrestlers. I’d love to have another winning season. If we stay healthy, we should cover all the weight classes.”

Commonwealth Conference

Greater Lawrence

2012-13 season: 5-13

Returning starters (5): Luis Betances, Sr., 126; Jonathon Leon, Sr., 132; Kelvin Villa, Sr. 138; Chris Eyssi, Jr., 145; Bladamir Nunez, Jr., HVY

Returning lettermen: Same as above

Newcomers: Angel Martin, Jr., 160; Joshua Pastrana, Soph., 132; Jarred Garcia, Soph. 195

Candidates: 60; Captains: TBA

Fast facts: Assistant Adam Porro, a former Haverhill High wrestler and assistant, takes over for Bryant Dube, who stepped down after five years and a 37-38-1 record. ... Juan Nieves joins the staff as an assistant. ... The 60 candidates at tryouts was an increase of five over last year.

Assistants: Luis Ruiz, Juan Nieves

Coach Adam Porro (1st year): “We have a lot of first year wrestlers on the team but they show a lot of toughness and enthusiasm If these new kids stick together and dedicate themselves to the sport we could be a good team in a couple of years. I’m also very lucky to have two very good assistant coaches with me and also Bryant Dube (former coach) still comes and supports/helps the team.”

Whittier-Amesbury

2012-13 season: 16-6

Returning starters (8): Tyler Tannian, Sr., 138; Jeremy Martinez, Sr., 170/182; Dave Sachs, Sr., 220; Sam Richards, Jr., 106; Xavier Boisvert, Jr., 132; Chance Patrick, Jr., 145; Zack Zullo, Jr., 152/160; Cole Trembley, Jr., 160

Returning lettermen: Joshua Kaelin, Sr., 126; Edwin Bachiller, Jr., 285; Nathan Buzzell, Soph., 120; Nathan Buzzell, Soph., 120; Gavin Henderson, Soph., 138/145

Promising newcomers: Scott Bonneau, Sr., 145; Allessandro Faso, Frosh., 138/145; Salvatore Fonzo, Frosh., 160/170; Eli Perez, Frosh., 145/ 152; , John Mitchitson, Frosh., 182; Aaron Zaino, Frosh., 106

Candidates: 40; Captains: Tyler Tannian, Xavier Boisvert

Fast facts: Former Timberlane standout Matt Morris joins the staff as an assistant. ... Scott Bonneau came out for wrestling late last year but he showed rapid improvement, worked out in the summer and had an outstanding football season.... Tyler Tannian is a four-year starter. ... There are two students from Amesbury on this year’s team.

Assistants: Chris Grandmaison, Ryan Richards, Matt Morris

Harry Takesian (3rd year, 27-17): “We’re looking forward to another great year. The team has been working hard. We’re hoping we can continue to improve as a team and make some noise. This team has a great work ethic and a desire to win. We have a tough schedule but I think we have a good enough group of kids that we can be competitive. We had a good run last year but hit a brick wall against Shawsheen in the league match ... hopefully, we can change that this year.”