Zumwalt South Wrestling Off to A Good Start

Although the 2011-12 wrestling season is still young, the wrestling team has already compiled some impressive accomplishments. 

South benefits from an experienced squad—the Bulldogs have three returning state qualifiers: Jesse Czerniewski (120 pounds), Cody Zeik (138 pounds), and Jordan Young (160). Czerniewski has compiled a 5-1 record, Zeik has a perfect 12-0 record, and Young has yet to wrestle due to an injury. 

“Cody (Zeik) is wrestling very well,” South wrestling coach Todd Sanker said. “And he’s very tough to beat. Cody did a lot of work in the off-season. He was in the weight room, went to camps, and now all of the hard work is paying off.” 

South earned a notable accomplishment in the early weeks of the season. Sanker said he was proud of his team for placing fourth in the Fort Zumwalt East Tournament.

Some wrestlers who failed to qualify for state last year are making waves this year. Junior Nic Smith (145) has compiled a 10-2 record, senior Jake Neitzec (170) is 7-3 and freshmen Hunter Brazil (106) and Josh Kemper (120) are 8-4 and 5-2. 

South will compete in the in the DeSmet Spartan Invitational on Dec. 27. 

“I have high expectations for this invitational,” Sanker said. “My kids are good kids who buy into this program. We have a good chance of finishing at the top of the standings.”