1A-12 Preview:

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Xavier Barnhart, 49-3, 3rd, RC, DC; Jordan Peralez, 36-10, RQ, D3; Carson Floyd, 11-10, RQ, D5; Jordan Blomberg, Jr., 34-15, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer to Palmetto Ridge).

Notable returning wrestlers: Lincoln Sledzianowski, Sr., 48-3, SC, RC, DC; Benito Barnhart, So., 35-9, 2nd, RC, DC; Richmerlins Celiferme, Jr., 37-17, SQ, R4, D2; Landon Lewis, So., 37-16, SQ, R4, D3; Erik Perez, Sr., 42-9, 7th, R3, D2; William McGowan, Sr., 33-9, 8th, R2, D2; Braeden Mills, So., 28-18, RQ, D4; Hunter Born, So.

New wrestlers: Jonathan Moder, Sr., 39-7, 2nd, RC, DC (Transfer from First Baptist-Naples); William Buckley (Transfer); Greyson McDonald, Fr.; James Sanders, Fr.; Jalal Naghib, Fr.; Gabe Harris, So. (Transfer from First Baptist-Naples); Reyvis Soto, Fr.

What they are saying: “This is a very special group that, if we can stay healthy and click at the right moment, we could do something very special.”

On chasing the state title: “We want to win a state title and that's the goal I have for every single team. I mean going into last year we knew Mater Lakes had a really good team and there would have to be a lot of things to go wrong for them and a lot of great things to go right for us to even have a shot at that. I truly do feel like this year we have a legitimate shot of making a run for a title this year and we have a group of young guys that are coming in and they gotten feet wet a little bit. Most importantly, we have a really good group of senior class that have been there, have done it, and they're excited to leave their legacy.”

On expectations of wrestlers: “No matter what happens, I can care less about a win or a loss or what the score is. I care about the way that you act on the mat. Whenever you wrestle someone, I want them to know when they see a kid that's from St. John Newman, they know that they're in for a tough match. I don't care if you're wrestling the best kid in the country or the best kid in the state, you go out there and you let them know who you are and you do it respectfully and with honor. That's what just try to preach to the kids. Go out there and score points and leave it all on the map.”

Outlook: St. John Neumann is one of the teams to beat in Class 1A and they’re excited to have their shot at it. This is a veteran group that has added big talent to become an even more complete team in Ison’s second season here.