PREP WRESTLING ‘93-’94: SEASON PREVIEW : Canyon

Coach: Steve Marshall (second year).

1992-93: 16-2, 4-1 in the Century League; finished fifth in Southern Section Division I playoffs.

Key returners: Jason Allen, Sr., 125; Josh Halbmaier, Sr., 130; Randy Higgins, Jr., 145; Chris Lowder, Jr., 160; Marc Schlesinger, Sr., 160; Cesar Trejo, Sr., 119; Travis Wicks, Jr., 112; Phil Wozniak, So., 119.

Key newcomers: James Chin, Jr., 210; Darryl Christian, Sr., 140; Robert Cruz, Jr., 112; Eddie Grubaugh, So., 160; Brian Kreucher, So., 112; Alex Martinez, Jr., 145; Daniel Webber, So., Hwt.

Outlook: Canyon didn’t lose much in the transition from long-time, nearly legendary Coach Gary Bowden to Marshall, but it did lose the league title--the first time in 12 years--to El Modena. The Comanches hope to regain it, but that’s a tall order against the loaded Vanguards. Canyon returns State qualifier Trejo and has an array of newcomers, including Christian, a transfer from Grants Pass High in Oregon, an Italian exchange student and a sophomore girl, both in their first wrestling seasons. Canyon is particularly strong in the lower weights, where Allen, Trejo and Wicks wrestle.