Jack Buell is about as experienced a wrestler as they come. Beginning with the Sherburne-Earlville Marauders as a 112-pound seventh-grader, Buell has grown into a muscular 195-pounder who is the number one ranked Section III Division II wrestler in his weight class, and a likely contender for a high placement in the state tournament next month in Albany.

Buell was tabbed as a talented up-and-comer from the moment he stepped on a varsity mat. He is closing in on 100 career victories, and would likely have 70 or 80 more wins if not for his biggest bug-a-boo: injuries.

"He's been unlucky (with injuries)," said S-E varsity wrestling coach, Bim Palmer. "He's worked hard and stayed healthy this season. That combination has led to his success."

Other than his eighth-grade year, Buell has not wrestled a complete varsity season. He has 25 wins already this year, but missed nearly two weeks in December after suffering a freak injury in the Clyde Cole Tournament finals.

Since that tournament in Oxford, Buell has racked up sublime performance after sublime performance, and his stature continues to grow on a statewide level. "He's definitely not someone to forget about," Palmer said. "He opened some eyes at the end of last year, and people know who he is this year."