Articles: Articleshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/page/10/?d=1Articles: ArticlesenFinals matches set at Super 32 Challengehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/finals-matches-set-at-super-32-challenge-r78035/
Finals matchups:
106: Thomas Cox (Deer Park, N.Y.) vs. Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.)
113: Noah Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio) vs. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.)
120: Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) vs. Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.)
126: Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Chad Red (New Palestine, Ind.)
132: Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.) vs. Mike D’Angelo (Commack, N.Y.)
138: Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area, Pa.) vs. Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
145: Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Max Thomsen (Union, Iowa)
152: Dayton Racer (Bettendorf, Iowa) vs. Thomas Bullard (Archer, Ga.)
160: Fox Baldwin (Osceola, Fla.) vs. Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
170: Taylor Lujan (Carrollton, Ga.) vs. Brett Donner (Wall Township, N.J.)
182: Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Kollin Moore (Norwayne, Ohio)
195: Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) vs. Kevin Mulligan (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)
220: Patrick Grayson (Colonial Forge, Va.) vs. Yousef Hemida (Mamaroneck, N.Y.)
285: Andrew Dunn (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Ian Butterbrodt (St. John’s Prep, Mass.)]]>78035Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:20:25 +0000Wrestling 49: New Hampshirehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-new-hampshire-r78102/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

Matt Smith and Tim Brown look at the top senior wrestlers in New Hampshire.

The 2013-2014 wrestling season in New Hampshire ended much like the previous 15 seasons, with Timberlane Regional High School of Plaistow on top of the podium. That's correct, the Owls of Timberlane have won their 15th straight New Hampshire State Championship, a New Hampshire record 21 state titles, and a New England record 10 regional championships. The Lancers of Londonderry capped off their best season in years with a runner-up finish in the state meet, led by undefeated New England champion Jean Luc Lemieux. Jean Luc is now a three-time state champion, twice with Pinkerton Academy, and most recently with Londonderry High School. Perennially strong concord finished out the top three.

Here is a look at how the top competitors stack up against the rest of the state.

Jean-Luc Lemieux
1. Jean-Luc Lemieux (Londonderry)
Projected High School Weight Class: 132
Projected College Weight Class: 133
College Choices: Navy and Stanford

Analysis: Lemiuex capped an undefeated junior campaign (50-0) with a dominating run to his New England championship. Lemieux is a terror on the mat. He went on to finish fourth at NHSCA Junior Nationals, and will be looking to repeat this season and become a two-time New England champion, as well as a four-time state champ. He has a career record of 124-9. Lemieux carries a 3.3 GPA.

2. Derek Bohle (Timberlane)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138
Projected College Weight Class: 133

Analysis: Bohle, who attends Timberlane, was the New Hampshire feel-good story of the year. A two-year backup for the Owls, Bohle burst onto the scene with a monster season that saw him only lose to nemesis Lemiuex in the postseason. A runner-up in the New England Championships, Bohle's unorthodox mat wrestling will look to have him vying for the New England title. He maintains a 3.86 GPA.

3. Richard Bilodeau (Londonderry)
Projected High School Weight Class: 195
Projected College Weight Class: 197

Analysis: Another standout for the Lancers of Londonderry, Bilodeau had a tremendous end to his junior season. A strong run in the postseason saw Bilodeau tear through the consolation bracket and storm back for fourth place at New Englands. He won 44 matches as a junior. A judo master, Bilodeau and Lemieux will be looking to dethrone the Owls at the end of the year.

4. Nick Widmann (John Stark)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138
Projected College Weight Class: 141
College Choices: WPI and Wesleyan

Analysis: Widmann, one of the small school standouts in New Hampshire, had another bracket to hold at the end of the season. A two-time Division 3 champ from John Stark High School, Widmann placed fifth at the New England Championships. He finished his junior season with a 52-8 record to bring his career record to 120-26. A stellar student as well, he is ranked No. 1 overall in his class and carries a GPA of 4.6.

5. Brandon Levesque (Bishop Guertin)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
College Choices: Roger Williams, Sacred Heart, Western New England and Lutheran

Analysis: Levesque, a former All State champ, finished second at this year's state meet, and placed sixth in the New England Regional in 2013. A standout as a running back for the Cardinals of Bishop Guertin, Levesque will look to become a two-time state champion to propel him forward into his college career. He has a career mark of 114-28.

Cam Bennett
6. Cam Bennett (Nashua North)
Projected High School Weight Class: 132
Projected College Weight Class: 133
College Choices: Wesleyan, Daniel Webster and Plymouth State

Analysis: Bennett will be a four-year varsity starter for the Titans of Nashua North and is looking to improve upon his runner-up finish from the last two seasons. A lanky 126-pounder from last season, his college weight class projects at 133 pounds. Bennett is also a three-time state placer as well. He has a career record of 120-26.

7. Jake Nault (Goffstown)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125

Analysis: Nault is a three-time New Hampshire Division 2 state champion from Goffstown High School, and will look to become one of only a few four-time champs this season. He has a tenacious wrestling attack and does not stop until the final whistle. Nault is also a tremendous student with a 3.57 GPA. He brings a 95-28 career record into his senior year.

8. Dan Scalzo (Timberlane)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149

Analysis: A three-year starter for the Owls, Scalzo gathered Division 1 Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament award by defeating his undefeated nemesis from Manchester Central. A three-time state placer, Scalzo can scramble from any position and is a pinner from top. He will help lead the Timberlane squad. He has a career record of 107-32.

9. Richie Mills (Winnisquam)
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 184
College Choices: Sacred Heart, Scranton, College of New Jersey, Rhode Island College, Buffalo and York

Analysis: Another small school standout, Mills of Winnisquam repeated as the NH Division 3 Champ this past season. A 3 year starter for the Bears, Mills can pin from any position. One of the All-Time winningest wrestlers from Winnisquam (115-22 career record), he boasts a 3.5 GPA as well.

Brian Lonergan
10. Brian Lonergan (Timberlane)
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 184

Analysis: Lonergan, a returning starter for the Owls came on with a strong junior campaign that saw him finish runner-up in the state meet and compile a 41-12 record. A standout guard for the football team, Lonergan will look to challenge for the top spot at the end of the season and lead the Owls to another state title.]]>78102Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:14:20 +0000Super 32 Challenge Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/super-32-challenge-preview-r78104/
This coming year's event should be no exception. The talent level among the approximately 1,500 wrestlers registered to compete is extraordinarily high. More than one-third of the nation's top 100 Class of 2015 wrestlers, according to InterMat, are in the field; while approximately half of the top 50 in the Class of 2016 and Class of 2017, and a similar amount of the top 25 in the Class of 2018 are slated to be in the event as well.

Four of the five underclassman wrestlers that ended the 2013-14 season ranked number one in their weight class populate this field: Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.), Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), Nick Piccininni (Ward Mellville, N.Y.), and Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.). Two wrestlers ranked first regardless of weight class in their respective graduating class are in this field -- freshman Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.), along with sophomore Spencer Lee.

Sam Krivus
The 2014 Super 32 Challenge field also features 40 wrestlers that placed in the 2013 edition of this event, including five defending champions: Yianni Diakomihalis, Spencer Lee, Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.), Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area, Pa.), and Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.); Krivus is after a third consecutive title in this event. Also in this field are two other wrestlers with a past Super 32 high school division title: 2011 champion Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) and 2012 champion Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)

Wrestling will start at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. At the end of Saturday's competition, 16 wrestlers (8 quarterfinalists, 8 in consolation) will remain in each weight class. Competition then resumes on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. to determine a champion and the other seven placers in each weight class. Held in conjunction with the high school division on Sunday will be a middle school tournament, as well as the debut year for two divisions of elementary school competition.

The following is an overview of the highlight wrestlers in each weight class based on entrants as of the evening of October 27.

106:

Youth tends to be served in the opening weight class, and this year should be no exception with four of the nation's top 25 Class of 2018 prospects in this field -- No. 1 Cade Olivas, No. 3 Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson Morgan, Pa.), No. 17 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), and No. 24 Roderick Mosley, Jr. (Heritage Hall, Okla.). Both Olivas and Teasdale are among the seven FILA Cadet freestyle world team members from this summer in this field, while Madrigal is one of six 2014 Fargo freestyle All-Americans in the field.

Others include Drew Mattin (Delta, Ohio), Matt Parker (Pennridge, Pa.), Ryan Chauvin (Pine Creek, Colo.), and Elijah Varona (South Dade, Fla.) from the Cadet level; while Jonathan Tropea (St. Joseph Montvale, N.J.) finished third in Juniors. Additional wrestlers to watch include state champions Dane Heberlein (Alexander, N.Y.) and Joseph Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), as well as state runners-up Justin Portillo (Claridon-Goldfield, Iowa) and Jonathan Gomez (Locust Valley, N.Y.)

Predicted finals match: Olivas over Teasdale, in a rematch of the Who's Number One match from two weekends ago.

113:

Returning champion Spencer Lee, who also was a FILA Cadet World freestyle champion this summer, is the headline wrestler in this field. He is joined by five other graduating class ranked wrestlers: Devin Brown (Franklin Regional, Pa.), ranked No. 96 in the Class of 2015; Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) and Kaden Gfeller (Heritage Hall, Okla.), ranked No. 22 and 39 in the Class of 2017; Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2018; and Nick Raimo (Hanover Park, N.J.), ranked No. 3 among Junior High wrestlers.

Among the other wrestlers to watch are state champion Noah Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio), Junior Triple Crown winner Danny Vega (Ironwood Ridge, Ariz.), returning Super 32 Challenge place-winners Kennedy Monday (Arlington Martin, Tex.) and Brandon Cray (Hamilton East, N.J.), Cadet National freestyle champion Paul Konrath (Mt. Vernon, Ind.), FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world team member Drew West (Highland, Iowa), NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Sebastian Rivera (Christian Brothers Academy, N.J.), along with Junior National freestyle All-Americans in Garrett Pepple (East Noble, Ind.) and Drew Hildebrandt (Mishawaka Penn, Ind.)

Predicted finals match: Lee over Brown, in a battle of Franklin Regional teammates. That said, the second finalist spot is anyone's guess; while Lee is the prohibitive favorite.

120:

Two wrestlers ranked No. 4 overall in their respective grade level are among the field, junior Nick Suriano and sophomore Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.); Suriano is a two-time state champion and two-time Super 32 finalist, while Fix was a FILA Cadet freestyle world team member this summer. Ten other wrestlers in this weight class are ranked in their respective grade level -- returning Super 32 placers Christian Moody (Collinsville, Okla.) and Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) are ranked No. 80 and 86 in the senior class; returning Super 32 placer Kyle Norstrem (Brandon, Fla.) and Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) are No. 16 and 28 in the junior class; Yianni Diakomihalis, FloNationals runner-up Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.), Cadet freestyle runner-up Ben Freeman (Walled Lake Central, Mich.), Cadet Greco-Roman champion Coltan Williams (Trinity Christian Academy, Tex.), and Cadet double All-American Bryce West (Highland, Iowa) hold positions No. 5, 11, 19, 30, and 42 in the sophomore class; while Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.) is No. 25 in the freshman class.

Three additional wrestlers in this weight class placed in the Super 32 last year, all doing so at 106 pounds: Gage Curry (North Hills, Pa.), Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio), and Luke Karam (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.). Another trio of wrestlers have been Junior National freestyle All-Americans: Doyle Trout (Centennial, Neb.), Michael Cullen (Cary Grove, Ill.), and Benny Gomez (Holt, Mich.). Other wrestlers to note in this field include Flo Nationals runner-up Rudy Yates (Carl Sandburg, Ill.), NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Steven Simpson (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), and two-time FILA Cadet freestyle All-American Ian Parker (St. Johns, Mich.)

Predicted finals match: Suriano over Fix in a rematch of their marathon meeting at Who's Number One two weekends ago. The pair of wrestlers also met over Memorial Day weekend in the FILA Cadet National freestyle final, though Fix won that meeting.

126:

A pair of wrestlers with major "sticker value" credentials lead this weight class -- Luke Pletcher and Nick Piccininni. Pletcher is ranked No. 3 overall in the junior class, and won the Super 32 Challenge last year at 120 pounds; while Piccininni is ranked No. 9 in the senior class, and ended the 2013-14 season No. 1 nationally at 120 pounds after earning a Flo Nationals title.

Three other top 100 seniors are present in this weight class: two-time Super 32 Challenge placer Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio), two-time Junior freestyle All-American Lincoln Olson (Davison, Mich.), and two-time state champion Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.). Also in this weight class are two additional top 50 juniors: Cadet National freestyle runner-up Chad Red (New Palestine, Ind.) and Junior double All-American Ryan Deakin (Legacy, Colo.). Four other grade-level ranked wrestlers reside in this field: Francisco Valdes (Miami Southwest, Fla.), No. 31 in the sophomore class; while Bill Janzer (Delsea Regional, N.J.), Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) and Joe Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) are positioned No. 13, 14, and 19 in the freshman class.

Two additional wrestlers in this weight class were also Junior freestyle All-Americans this summer, Peter Lipari (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) and Jonathan Gabriel (Bedford, Pa.). Additional wrestlers to watch in this field include returning Super 32 Challenge placer Evan Cheek (Milan Edison, Ohio), three-time state placer Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), three-time National Prep placer Ryan Friedman (St. Paul's, Md.), FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world team member Jake Spiess (Delta, Ohio), along with a trio of two-time New Jersey state placers in Mike Russo (Jackson Liberty), Patrick D'Arcy (Holy Spirit), and Ryan Pomrinca (North Hunterdon, N.J.)

Predicted finals match: Piccininni over Pletcher in a rematch of their Flo Nationals championship match meeting from early April.

132:

Eleven wrestlers in this weight class are ranked among the overall best in their respective grade level, including four top 100 seniors: two-time state champion Jared Prince (Palm Harbor University, Fla.), three-time state finalist Cameron Kelly (Bellbrook, Ohio), 2013 Junior freestyle All-American Brandon James (Perry Meridian, Ind.), and NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Mike D'Angelo (Commack, N.Y.); Prince, Jeffries, and James have placed in the Super 32 before. Within the junior class rankings, returning Super 32 runner-up George Phillippi (Derry Area, Pa.) is ranked No. 13, while Junior National freestyle champion Mitch McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) is No. 19.

Two-time FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up Nick Lee (Evansville Mater Dei) is ranked No. 2 in the sophomore class, and is joined by three others in the rankings: returning Super 32 placer Eric Hong (Georgetown Prep, Md.), Cadet double All-American Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio), and Flo Nationals placer Todd Lane (Southern Columbia, Pa.). Finally, Justin Ruffin (Union Grove, Ga.) is ranked No. 20 in the freshman class. Other wrestlers to watch include Flo Nationals runner-up Robert Lee (Kaukauna, Wis.); two-time state champions Jarred Ganger (Covington, Ohio), Marty Margolis (La Plata, Md.), Hunter Washburn (Alburnett, Iowa), and Alius DeLaRosa (Post Falls, Idaho); along with Cadet Greco-Roman champion Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.)

Predicted finals match: Prince, who placed in 2012, bounces back from last year's DNP; while Phillippi finishes runner-up for a second straight year in this tournament.

138:

Sam Krivus, ranked No. 26 overall in the senior class, seeks to become only the sixth wrestler to ever win three Super 32 Challenge titles -- but just the second to win those three titles since the event has moved to Greensboro in 2005. Fourteen other wrestlers in this field are ranked in their respective grade levels, including four fellow seniors: No. 31 Nate Limmex (Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Mich.), No. 38 Jaydin Clayton (Father Tolton Catholic, Mo.), No. 50 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.), and No. 95 Craig de la Cruz (Summit, N.J.). Two juniors are nationally ranked -- Flo Nationals champion Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) and two-time state runner-up Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.).

There are five nationally ranked sophomores: state champion Cameron Coy (Penn Trafford, Pa.), FILA Cadet freestyle world team member Jared Verkleeren (Belle Vernon, Pa.), FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world team member Domenick Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio), Cadet double All-American Devin Bahr (West Salem, Wis.), and Cadet Greco All-American Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.). Rounding out the grade ranked wrestlers is a trio of freshmen: No. 7 Frankie Gissendanner (Penfield, N.Y.), No. 10 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), and No. 15 David Carr (Dayton Christian, Ohio).

Also in this field are Cadet Nationals double champion Will Karsten (Platte County, Mo.), NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Will Clark (Cary, N.C.), state champions Nate Hagan (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio) and Richard Screptock (Oregon Clay, Ohio), three-time state placer Josh Wenger (Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa), two-time state placer Connor Burkert (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.), and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Mark McCormick (Camden Catholic, N.J.).

Predicted finals match: Krivus gets his third straight title at the Super 32, upending Limmex in the final. However, this is an extremely deep weight class, with the number of plausible finalists creeping towards double digits.

145:

Three-time Super 32 finalist Michael Kemerer is one of three top 100 seniors in this field, joined by NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Max Thomsen (Union, Iowa) and NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Patricio Lugo (South Dade, Fla.). Joining Kemerer and Thomsen in this weight class as returning Super 32 placers are Kyle Lawson (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), who is ranked No. 6 in the sophomore class, and Thomas Dutton (Rocky Point, N.Y.). This is a relatively shallow weight class, with the lone other grade-level ranked wrestler being No. 27 overall junior, Hayden Hidlay (Mifflin County, Pa.)

Others to note in this weight class include state runner-up Ryan Burkert (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.), two-time state placer Zac Carson (Uniontown Lake, Ohio), two-time Flo Nationals placer Kent Lane (Southern Columbia, Pa.), NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.), two-time state champions Jake Adcock (Pope, Ga.) and Christian Villani (Bellevue, Wash.), along with two-time state finalists Logan Lacure (Dayton Christian, Ohio), Griffin Parriott (New Prague, Minn.), and Brock Cooper (Bremen, Ga.).

Predicted finals match: Like Joey Dance did in 2012, coincidentally beating Kemerer in that final, look for the future Hawkeye Kemerer to bookend his high school career with Super 32 titles; his projected opponent in the final will be a potential in-state college rival Thomsen, who has committed to Northern Iowa.

152:

Returning Super 32 runner-up Zach Kelly, who placed third in Junior freestyle in 2013, leads the field in what is a rather deep -- if not overly top-heavy -- weight class. He is joined by four top 100 seniors and seven top 50 juniors. Nationally ranked seniors include returning Super 32 placer Tommy Forte (Mishawaka, Ind.), Junior freestyle All-Americans Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) and Myles Amine (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.), along with NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Neal Richards (Matoaca, Va.). Ranked juniors include No. 25 Kaleb Young (Punxsatawney, Pa.), No. 31 Drew Hughes (Lowell, Ind.), No. 32 Justin Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.), No. 34 Jake Wentzel (South Park, Pa.), No. 38 Chris Mauriello (Haupppauge, N.Y.), No. 42 Thomas Bullard (Archer, Ga.), and No. 44 Austin Kraisser (Centennial, Md). The other grade-level ranked wrestler in this field is sophomore A.J. Pedro (Phillips Exeter, N.H.), who placed third at National Preps.

Other wrestlers to note in this field include NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Sean Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.); returning Super 32 placer Isaiah Crosby (South Dade, Fla.); Flo Nationals placer Adam Martz (Mountain Ridge, Md.); 2013 state champion Dewey Krueger (Oconto Falls, Wis.); along with a pair of NHSCA Junior All-Americans in Gavin Murray (Cranford, N.J.) and Anthony Bell (Fairport, N.Y.)

Predicted finals match: Kelly wins the belt in his second Super 32 finals appearance, knocking off Forte in the Sunday mid-afternoon showdown.

160:

Two-time Super 32 placer Fox Baldwin (Osceola, Fla.) is one of seven top 100 seniors populating the field in this weight class. Those other ranked Class of 2015 prospects include Flo Nationals runner-up Josh Ugalde (Bound Brook, N.J.), Junior National double All-American Brett Bye (Vermillion, S.D.), Super 32 placer Dayton Racer (Bettendorf, Iowa), three-time state placer Paden Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio), and three-time state placer Cole Walter (Mifflinburg, Pa.). There is also a pair of top 50 ranked juniors and a ranked sophomore in this weight class: the juniors include Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2016, and FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.); while Flo Nationals placer Louie Deprez (Hilton, N.Y.) is No. 29 in the Class of 2017.

Additional wrestlers to note in this field include three-time New England placer Cody Hughes (Marshwood, Maine); two-time state champion Carver James (Dakota, Ill.); Cadet Greco-Roman champion Owen Webster (Shakopee, Minn.); Junior Greco All-American Joey Gunther (Libertyville, Ill.); two-time state finalist Corbin Allen (Hanover, Va.); NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Thomas Bullard (Archer, Ga.); along with Flo Nationals placers D.J. Hollingshead (Altoona, Pa.) and Tony Palumbo (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.)

Predicted finals match: In a battle of top ten wrestlers in their respective grades, look for Baldwin to upend Marinelli.

170:

Two top 100 seniors, and potential in-state college rivals, are featured in this weight class: Taylor Lujan (Carrollton, Ga.), a Northern Iowa commit, finished runner-up at the Super 32 and Flo Nationals during 2013-14; while two-time state champion Colston DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.) is an Iowa State commit. Other notable wrestlers in this field include returning Super 32 placer Zach Hertling (Ocean Township, N.J.); NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Juan Garcia (Danbury, Ct.); Flo Nationals placer Brett Donner (Wall, N.J.); NHSCA Junior Nationals placers Sean Kennedy (Riverdale, Tenn.) and Fritz Hoehn (North Andover, Mass.); along with state champions Trevor Allard (Mexico, N.Y.) and Caleb Little (Jefferson, Ga.)

Predicted finals match: Look for Lujan to improve upon last year's runner-up finish, and win what is arguably the tournament's weakest weight class outside of heavyweight. It's open season for runner-up honors, though DiBlasi might be a fractional favorite for that position.

182:

Two top 100 seniors anchor the proceedings in this weight class, No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) and No. 41 Dylan Wisman (Millbrook, Va.); Valencia is a three-time Walsh Ironman champion, while Wisman won titles at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and Flo Nationals this spring. Three other wrestlers in this weight class are among the top 50 juniors nationally: Nathan Traxler (Marmion Academy, Ill.), an All-American in both Junior freestyle and FILA Cadet freestyle; state runner-up Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio), also a FILA Cadet freestyle All-American; and state runner-up Blake Rypel (Indianapolis Cathedral, Ind.), also a NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion.

Others to watch in this weight class include 2013 state champion Evan Hansen (Exira, Iowa); two-time state runners-up Kollin Moore (Norwayne, Ohio) and Chance Cooper (Timberland, Mo.); Flo Nationals placers Dakota Geer (Franklin, Pa.) and Willie Bivens (Eastern Guilford, N.C.); state runner-up Ben Darmstadt (Elyria, Ohio); along with NHSCA Junior Nationals All-Americans in Corey Hazel (Penns Valley, Pa.), Dontae McGee (Farragut Academy, Fla.), and Chris Morgan (West Orange, N.J.)

Predicted finals match: Even up six weight classes from where he competed during the 2013-14 high school season, Valencia will be the man in this weight class, key word being "man". Fellow top 100 senior Wisman is the projected runner-up.

195:

Two wrestlers in this weight carry a grade-level ranking into the tournament, FILA Cadet freestyle champion Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) is No. 35 in the senior class, while returning Super 32 placer Drew Phipps (Norwin, Pa.) is No. 50 in the junior class. Additional wrestlers to note in this field include Junior freestyle All-American Kevin Mulligan (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Jeff Velez (David Brearley, N.J.), returning Flo Nationals placers Jacob Cooper (Springport, Mich.) and Drew Kasper (Lexington, Ohio), two-time state placers Dylan Reynolds (Saegertown, Pa.) and Jacob Worthington (Milan Edison, Ohio), along with state third place finishers Gabriel Rangel (Davenport Assumption, Iowa) and Steve Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.)

Predicted finals match: Ritter over Phipps.

220:

A pair of nationally ranked juniors and FILA Cadet world team participants is among the lead figures in this weight class. No. 5 Jordan Wood was a world silver medalist in freestyle, while No. 33 Ethan Andersen (Southeast Polk, Iowa) as the world team participant in Greco-Roman. The other pair of lead figures placed at the NHSCA Junior Nationals in this weight class during the spring: Austin Myers (Campbell County, Ky.) was runner-up, and is ranked No. 20 in the senior class, while Patrick Grayson (Colonial Forge, Va.) placed third.

Others to watch include returning Super 32 placer Vincent Feola (Walt Whitman, N.Y.), Flo Nationals runner-up and Junior freestyle All-American Yousef Hemida (Mamaroneck, N.Y.), National Prep placer Michael Smith (McDonogh, Md.), two-time state qualifier Christian Colucci (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.), Flo Nationals placer Reynold Maines (West Branch, Pa.), state champions John Kramer (Wilson Central, Tenn.) and Jacob Plaster (Northside, Va.), along with Cadet freestyle runner-up Luke Ready (Brighton, Mich.)

Predicted finals match: Given the general nature of this weight class during preseason tournaments, there resides an extreme amount of depth in this weight class. That said, it's a pretty clear two-man final between Wood and Myers, with Wood the pick to repeat as champion in what would be one of the more intriguing finals matchups.

285:

Two returning Super 32 placers are among those featured in this field, two-time state placer Andrew Dunn (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) and two-time New England finalist Ian Butterbrodt (St. John's Prep, Mass.). Additional wrestlers to watch in this weight include Junior National double All-American Michael Rogers (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.); a trio were NHSCA Junior Nationals All-Americans in Adam Olsen (High Point Central, N.C.), Zack Mauldin (Lexington, N.C.), and Bucky Dennis (Port Charlotte, Fla.); state placer Alan Beattie (Burrell, Pa.); as well as state runner-up Dane Drimmer (Chaparral, Colo.)

Predicted finals match: Rogers moves up a pair of weight classes from the 2013-14 season to win the title over Dunn, who placed fourth last year here in this weight class.]]>78104Tue, 28 Oct 2014 05:40:17 +0000Wrestling 49: Ohiohttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-ohio-r78057/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

Dan Ransick looks at the top senior wrestlers in Ohio.

The Class of 2015 for Ohio is anchored by a strong group of state champions and a Junior National freestyle champion. There is some debate within the Ohio wrestling community as to who is the best wrestler, but after this summer one wrestler cleared his way to the top.

Austin Assad defeated Sean Russell to win a Junior National freestyle title in Fargo (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
1. Austin Assad (Brecksville)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125
College: Michigan

Analysis: Assad has yet to stand on top of the podium at the state tournament. He has been second, second and third in some of the toughest weight classes in Division I. However, Assad broke out this summer in Fargo, winning a Junior National freestyle title at 120 pounds. This year he will look to capture that elusive state title in his senior year before heading to Ann Arbor to wrestle for Michigan.

2. Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 133
College: Ohio State

Analysis: Rodriguez comes into his senior year as a state champion and two-time state finalist. Last year Rodriguez fell in the finals to Hayden Lee of Marysville, 5-2. He owns a victory over Assad in the 2013 state finals. Rodriguez, who has a quick shot, will be staying in state for college and attending Ohio State to wrestle for the Buckeyes.

3. Cameron Kelly (Bellbrook)
Projected High School Weight Class: 132
Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
College: Ohio

Analysis: Kelly is a three-time state finalist and 2012 state champion. He won the state title as a freshman, but has come up short the past two years. This year he looks to add another state title to make bookends for his great high school career before enrolling at Ohio University and wrestling for the Bobcats.

4. Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 133
College: Pittsburgh

Analysis: Seipel is a three-time state placer and 2013 state champion. He had an excellent junior season, finishing runner-up at the Walsh Ironman, losing to Matthew Kolodzik in the finals. He had a hiccup at state as he was upset in the quarterfinal match but rebounded to take third. This year he looks to add another state title to his resume before wrestling for the Pitt Panthers.

5. Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham)
Projected High School Weight Class: 120
Projected College Weight Class: 125
College: Wisconsin

Analysis: Stickley finally broke through last season winning his first state title with a dominant major decision victory in the finals. Earlier in the season he placed third at the Walsh Ironman. This year Stickley will move up a weight class for St. Paris Graham. He continues the line of Graham wrestlers going on to wrestler for Wisconsin that started with Jim Jordan and Jeff Jordan in the 80s.

6. Ben Schram (Bellbrook)
Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 165
College: Old Dominion

Analysis: Schram is a two-time state third-place finisher in Division II. This year he looks to win his first state title. Schram will wrestle for the Monarchs of Old Dominion next year and projects as a 165-pounder in college.

7. Jared Ganger (Covington)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125/133
College: Kent State

Analysis: Ganger, already a two-time state champ and three-time state finalist, will be after his third consecutive state title. Last year he came back from Tommy John surgery to win his second state title. This year a healthy Ganger should be a heavy favorite to win a third state title before he heads to Kent State.

8. Nate Hagan ( Toledo Central Catholic)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138
Projected College Weight Class: 141
College: Undecided

Analysis: Last year Hagan pulled off a huge upset in the state finals when he defeated FloNationals champion Brent Moore of St. Paris Graham. He scored an overtime takedown to win. He will face stiff competition this season as he looks to win another state championship.

9. Kade Kowalski (Dresden Tri-Valley)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 157
College: Open

Analysis: Kowalski came through last year, winning his first state title after finishing third as a sophomore. He became his school's first state champion in wrestling. Kowalski is currently undecided on his college choice.

10. L.J. Bentley (St. Edward)
Projected High School Weight Class: 120
Projected College Weight Class: 125
College: Pittsburgh

Analysis: Bentley is a state placer who has had big wins in the past, including a win over Stickley. He pushed Rodriguez to the brink in the state semifinals last year before falling 8-6. I would not be surprised to see him on top of the podium this year.]]>78057Thu, 16 Oct 2014 07:23:24 +0000Wrestling 49: Wisconsinhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-wisconsin-r78058/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

Gerald Walsh looks at the top senior wrestlers in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin high school wrestling for 2014-2015 looks to be very competitive. The wrestlers selected are strangely bunched between 126 pounds and 152 pounds. There will be seven of the top ten within that range on the list because every one of them earned their spot. Wisconsin lacks the dominant big men that peppered the heavier ranks the last five years. The depth is in the middleweights and it shows.

Five of the wrestlers represent the largest school division, Division I. One wrestler represents the next division, Division II. Four very good wrestlers come from the small school division, Division III.

Robert Lee (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
1. Robert Lee (Kaukauna)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138/145
Projected College Weight Class: 141

Analysis: Lee is a two-time state champ, winning state titles as a junior and freshman, sandwiched around a runner-up finish as a sophomore. He is a young senior who is extremely competitive and is driven to excel. Lee takes great pride in who and what he represents. He has accumulated a 142-14 career record through his junior year wrestling the toughest schedule in Wisconsin. Kaukauna hosts the Cheesehead and travels to the toughest tournaments that they can enter. From going to Fargo for the Rumble on the Red to the Minnesota Christmas Tournament, Lee has wrestled the best.

2. Cole Martin (Lancaster)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138-145
Projected College Weight Class: 141

Analysis: Martin, who competes in Division III, won state championships the last two seasons at 132 pounds and 120 pounds, and was a runner-up as a freshman at 106 pounds. He excels in the classroom with a 3.99 GPA. Martin only had 23 matches in 2014 after breaking his ankle in football. He is an excellent all-around wrestler that is especially nasty on his feet. Martin's coach describes him as the ultimate student-athlete.

3. Kal Gerber (Reedsville)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125

Analysis: As a junior, Gerber won his second state championship in Division III, compiling a record of 45-2. His high school career record is 130-10. Gerber is an all-around athlete. He was all-conference three times in baseball and two times in cross-country. Gerber plans on majoring in pre-med and is leaning towards Iowa State. He has a GPA of 4.0 and is ranked first in his class.

4. Dewey Krueger (Oconto Falls)
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149

Krueger is a two-time state finalist, winning a state championship as a sophomore at 132 pounds. His high school career record is 119-12. Krueger has had the opportunity to face many of the top wrestlers in Wisconsin his first three years and has always been competitive.

5. Joe Ziolkowski (D.C. Everest)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152/160
Projected College Weight Class: 157

Analysis: Ziolkowski claimed a state championship in Division I last season at 145 pounds, compiling a season record of 49-3. His high school career record is 138-16. Ziolkowski wrestles in a very tough conference in middle Wisconsin that has produced many past state champions. He was a first team Academic All-State wrestler last year. Ziolkowski has warmed up to the idea of wrestling in college and is looking forward to that opportunity. He plans on majoring in business in college.

6. David Chadd (Lancaster)
Projected High School Weight Class: 195
Projected College Weight Class: 197

Analysis: Chadd earned a state championship last season in Division III at 182 pounds, a year after finished third in the state tournament as a sophomore. He enters his senior season with a high school career record of 112-20. Chadd is a physical wrestler who likes to mix it up. He is also a talented Greco-Roman wrestler. Chadd has gone from a gangly 170-pounder as a freshman to a beast 195-pounder this year. He is very good on his feet and an excellent thrower. Chadd carries a 3.488 GPA.

7. Mason Reinhardt (Merrill)
Projected High School Weight Class: 170-182
Projected College Weight Class: 174

Analysis: Reinhardt is a three-time state placewinner, finishing as a state runner-up last season after state tournament finishes of third as a sophomore and fifth as a freshman. He has been in a very tough weight class in his conference and state his first three years of high school competition. His high school career record is 134-12. Reinhardt has earned his No. 7 spot based on competition and without a state championship.

8. Kasey Caelwaerts (Pulaski)
Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157/165

Analysis: Caelwaerts was injured last season as a junior, but was a state runner-up as a sophomore to Beau Breske at 152 pounds. He has a high school career record of 109-8. Caelwaerts captured an InterMat JJ Classic title at 145 pounds in 2012. He has also been a Mid-States champion. He will be very tough at whatever weight he wrestles. Caelwaerts is a hammer on top and is looking to score whenever he steps on the mat.

9. Grant Wiedopohl (Reedsville)
Projected High School Weight Class: 170-182
Projected College Weight Class: 184/197

Analysis: Wiedopohl is coming off a state championship season at 170 pounds after going 43-1. He was a state fifth-place finisher as a sophomore at 152 pounds. Wiedopohl has compiled a high school career record of 122-18. He is a tough, aggressive upperweight from one of the smallest schools in Wisconsin with an up-and-coming program.

10. Eric Schmidt (Verona)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157

Analysis: Schmidt has been a state runner-up in each of his last two seasons. As a junior, Schmidt fell to Joe Ziolkowski, and a sophomore lost to Jared Scharenbrock. Schmidt is a very tough, fluid wrestler who will be a handful for anyone who faces him.]]>78058Mon, 13 Oct 2014 05:51:50 +0000Wrestling 49: Pennsylvaniahttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-pennsylvania-r78054/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

Corey Haddad looks at the top senior wrestlers in Pennsylvania.

Regarded as the most competitive state for high school wrestling, this year's senior class in Pennsylvania totals only three state championships and five runner-up finishes. What may be lacking in star power, is a deep group of finely skilled wrestlers who have the potential to be All-Americans as NCAA student-athletes. This list is not rated by accomplishments, but instead how their style and intangibles translate to collegiate competition. Here are the Top 10 prospects in the state of Pennsylvania for the 2015 senior class.

1. Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic)
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
College Commitment: Penn State

Vincenzo Joseph (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
Words from the Corner: "One of things he does very well is that he can always wrestle his style no matter who he competes against. Also, he can wrestle well in all three positions; top, bottom and neutral, which will help when he competes in collegiate level. I believe his work ethic and attitude will help him at the next level. He always wants to get better and he loves the sport." -- Sunny Abe, Pittsburgh Central Catholic head wrestling coach

Career Highlights:
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle runner-up (145), 2013 7th (138)
  • 2014 3A state champion (138), 2013 3rd (120), 2012 7th (106)
  • 2013 Walsh Ironman 4th (145), 2012 8th (120), 2011 5th (106)
  • 2013 POWERade 2nd (138), 2012 5th (120), 2011 champion (106)
  • 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle 5th (106)
  • 2011 Beast of the East runner-up (106)

    2. Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 145/152
    Projected College Weight Class: 157/165
    College Choices (listed alphabetically): Cornell, Iowa, Lehigh, Stanford

    Michael Kemerer (Photo/Rob Preston)
    Words from the Corner: "Mike is still very much in a growth spurt. He is similar to a young David Taylor coming out of high school because he looks very young for his age and he is definitely going to keep gaining weight as he physically matures. Mike is a three-positional wrestler who thrives on his feet as well as the mat. He wrestles a style of wrestling where he is constantly looking to score and build his lead. There are multiple reasons why he is an elite wrestler: great work ethic, student of the sport, and is as clean cut as you can come. He is a very bright young man who possesses the skills to be successful after his wrestling career is finished. All of this makes him the kind of kid you hope your son grows up to be like." -- John Strittmatter, Young Guns Wrestling Club coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 3A state runner-up (138), 2013 runner-up (126), 2012 runner-up (106)
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle 5th (145), 2013 7th (132)
  • 2013 Super 32 Challenge runner-up (132), 2012 runner-up (126), 2011 champion (106)
  • 2013 Walsh Ironman runner-up (138), 2012 6th (126)
  • 2013 POWERade champion (138), 2012 runner-up (126), 2011 champion (113)
  • 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle 5th (120)

    3. Josh Shields (Franklin Regional)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160/170
    Projected College Weight Class: 157/165
    College Commitment: Arizona State

    Words from the Corner: "Josh is successful because of his work ethic, conditioning, heavy hands and incredible hips. He is always giving one-hundred percent in whatever he does; lifting or wrestling. He is constantly pushing himself to complete exhaustion in the practice room which ends up providing him incredible match-time conditioning. He will be successful at the next level because he understands the importance of positioning and hand fighting. He always has his hands on his opponents, wearing them down and takes advantage of it in the second and third period (where he scores) most of his points. Josh also has excellent workout partners in the room as well in Josh Maruca and Michael Kemerer. Shields is also a great role model volunteering at our youth practices and is very involved in his youth group." -- Eric Mausser, Franklin Regional head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle 3rd (152)
  • 2014 3A state runner-up (152), 2013 3rd (145), 2012 6th (132)
  • 2013 POWERade champion (152), 2012 champion (145), 2011 4th (132)
  • 2013 FloNationals 3rd (145)
  • 2013 Walsh Ironman 6th (152), 2012 6th (145)
  • 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle 5th (138)

    4. A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132
    Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
    College Commitment: North Carolina

    Words from the Corner: "Very good on his feet, tough on top, and can get out on most people (from bottom). He (goes for the pin) and is a great student (with a 3.9 GPA). A.C. is a hard worker, mentally tough, and a leader in the room (as team captain). Headlee loves freestyle, wrestles year-round, and (puts in extra) work after practice. He hates to lose and seeks partners in the room that will push him." -- Joe Throckmorton, Waynesburg head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle 3rd (132)
  • 2014 3A state 3rd (126), 2013 6th (113)
  • 2014 FloNationals 3rd (126)
  • 2013 POWERade 3rd (126), 2012 3rd (113), 2011 3rd (106)
  • 2013 Beast of the East 3rd (126), 2012 4th (113)

    5. Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132/138
    Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
    College Commitment: Virginia

    Words from the Corner: "Sam has the most natural talent of any wrestler I have coached in the past ten years. His mat awareness and ability to quickly learn new techniques will make him a serious threat to win multiple national titles for the University of Virginia." -- Vince DeAugustine, Hempfield Area head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 3A state 4th (126), 2013 champion (120), 2012 3rd (113)
  • 2014 FloNationals champion (126), 2013 champion (120), 2012 4th (113)
  • 2013 Super 32 Challenge champion (132), 2012 champion (120), 2011 6th (113)
  • 2013 POWERade runner-up (132), 2012 runner-up (120), 2011 3rd (113)

    6. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 145/152
    Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
    College Commitment: Arizona State

    Words from the Corner: "The skills Josh brings to the table are extremely unique. Not only does he have the ability to score at will, if he chooses to, but he can scramble with the best of them. His defense and top work is incredible and in the practice room and on the mat he's one tough dude. Josh's mindset and mentality is what sets him apart from his opponents, though. When he steps on the mat and is ready to roll, he's unbeatable. He loves being in the dog fights too and has no problem gritting out a tough win. I know Josh will be successful at the college level. His dedication and mindset to the sport of wrestling and training will allow him to become a national champion and more if he chooses to do so. I wish him the best of luck this year and sure will miss him and the rest of the Panther crew next year!" -- Mike Corcetti, Franklin Regional assistant wrestling oach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle 3rd (145)
  • 2014 3A state 3rd (145), 2013 5th (138), 2012 5th (126)
  • 2013 POWERade runner-up (145), 2012 4th (138), 2011 4th (126)
  • 2012 Walsh Ironman 7th (138)
  • 2012 Super 32 Challenge 6th (132)
  • 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle 3rd (132)

    7. Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 152/160
    Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
    College Commitment: West Virginia

    Words from the Corner: "One of Patrick's biggest attributes is his phenomenal strength and mat awareness. He is pound-for-pound the strongest wrestler I have ever coached. This summer Patrick became a Fargo (Junior freestyle) All-American and continuously works to improve his skills on the mat. We are expecting big things from Patrick as a senior and a leader on what could be a very talented Cumberland Valley team." -- Dave Heckard, Cumberland Valley head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 3A state 3rd (138), 2013 runner-up (132), 2012 4th (126)
  • 2014 Junior Nationals freestyle 8th (145)
  • 2013 Beast of the East runner-up (145), 2012 3rd (138), 2011 7th (132)
  • 2013 Super 32 Challenge 3rd (138)
  • 2012 Cadet Nationals freestyle runner-up (138)

    8. Jan Johnson (Governor Mifflin)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 197
    College Commitment: Akron (Football)

    Words from the Corner: "Jan is a very good student who leads a clean life, makes good choices and can lead others with his words and actions. Because he plays several sports, Jan is competitive and has a good sense of how to prepare for a match and the stresses that go with winning and losing. He is team oriented. Most guys strive to be solid in all three phases of wrestling, neutral, top and bottom. Jan also excels in what I think of as the fourth area -- that is awareness and use of time and mat space. Jan has a solid offensive skill set but also knows how to be stingy and minimize his opponents to scoring opportunities." -- Ralph Voit, Governor Mifflin head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 3A state champion (195), 2013 3rd (195)
  • Accepted a scholarship to play football at Akron for Terry Bowden, where he will play linebacker. Before deciding on football, Johnson was considering Army, Navy, Penn State, and Stanford to wrestle collegiately.

    9. L.J. Barlow (Haverford School)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 197
    College Choices: Cornell, Harvard, Pennsylvania, and Princeton

    Words from the Corner: "L.J. has been successful because he is very strong and explosive and he maintains really good, solid position. He is really hard to score on and tough to hold down. He is very competitive and wants to beat every opponent he faces, which fuels his work ethic. He also maintains good nutrition and takes care of the little things that lead to success. He is a high character guy with a good moral compass that guides him through these complex years." -- Bruce Kennett, Haverford School head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 National Prep championships runner-up (195), 2013 4th (195), 2012 3rd (182)
  • 2013 Beast of the East champion (195)
  • 2013 FloNationals 5th (195), 2012 5th (182)

    10. Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 182
    Projected College Weight Class: 197
    College Choices: Cornell, Lehigh, Penn State, Pitt

    Words from the Corner: "Kellan's biggest strength right now is that he is technically very sound and fundamentally solid in all areas. He keeps great position throughout matches, and has a tremendous amount of athleticism. Another thing that has made him successful is he isn't afraid to push the action and dictate the pace of his matches. He has high expectations for himself that continue to drive him in and outside of the season. He is an extremely focused individual when the lights go on and it is game time. As mentioned, Kellan is a tough wrestler but even more importantly he has matured into a great young man. He is very loyal to his teammates, has a good work ethic, and strives for excellence. These attributes will serve him well on the college level where we feel he will only continue to get better. Although, we had to change many of our record boards in the wrestling room the past few years because of his accomplishments, I honestly feel his best years are ahead of him." -- Bill Lewis, Mt. Lebanon head wrestling coach

    Career Highlights:
  • 2014 3A state runner-up (182)
  • 2013 POWERade Christmas Tournament runner-up (182)]]>78054Tue, 30 Sep 2014 07:04:50 +0000Wrestling 49: North Dakotahttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-north-dakota-r78041/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

    Mitch Greenwood looks at the top senior wrestlers in North Dakota.

    This year Ryan Blees (Bismark) claimed his fourth North Dakota state championship before earning his second straight Junior National freestyle title in Fargo. Blees has moved on to wrestle for John Smith at Oklahoma State. This year's senior class in North Dakota may lack a truly elite wrestler like Blees, but there are still several talented wrestlers who should make an impact at the next level.

    Jordan Shearer (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    1. Jordan Shearer (West Fargo)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 138
    Projected College Weight Class: 141

    Analysis: Shearer is in a league of his own right now in the North Dakota wrestling scene. This past year he accomplished something that only three wrestlers had ever done in the state's history by becoming a five-time state champion. With one year left to compete, he could become the state's first six-time state champion. The West Fargo Packer has not just been dominant within the state, he also wrestles one of the toughest out of season schedules of anyone in North Dakota and fairs quite well in those events as well. Shearer came up short in his quest to become a Junior freestyle All-American this past summer in Fargo, but has been a multiple-time All-American in previous years, including 2013, where he placed sixth in Junior freestyle and won the Junior Greco national championship.

    Shearer is a five-time placewinner in the Rumble on the Red wrestling tournament, placing fourth as a seventh-grader, third as an eighth-grader, winning the tournament as a freshman and sophomore and then placing second as a junior. He's also been a runner-up at the Cheesehead in Wisconsin and three runner-up finishes at the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. Shearer is also a perfect 12-0 in two trips to The Clash.

    Weston Dobler
    2. Weston Dobler (West Fargo)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160
    Projected College Weight Class: 165

    Analysis: Dobler became a state champion for the first time as a sophomore and sandwiched two runner-up finishes around that as a freshman and junior. It is important to remember that the runner-up finish as a junior came at the hands of Ryan Blees, the No. 1-ranked 160-pounder in the nation and a potential starter at Oklahoma State this coming season as a true freshman. Dobler did pick up six losses on the season this past year, but three were to Blees, one was to Dylan Urbach (now a Minnesota Gopher) and two were to Andrew Forgarty (verballed to NDSU), so all of his losses were to Division 1 wrestling talent. What vaults Dobler to No. 2 on this list is his national ranking and his accomplishments not just against North Dakota wrestlers, but on the national scene as well.

    Dobler was 6-0 this past year at The Clash. He was a runner-up at the Rumble on the Red tournament and placed third at the Minnesota Christmas Tournament, with both of his losses in those tournaments coming to the same wrestler. In 2013 Dobler was a double All-American at the FILA Cadet Nationals. He was also a sixth-place finisher at the 2013 Preseason Nationals and a Fargo Cadet All-American in Greco in 2012.

    Eric Loepp
    3. Erik Loepp (Oakes)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132/138
    Projected College Weight Class: 133/141

    Analysis: Loepp has an opportunity to do something that very few in North Dakota have ever done. The senior to be already boasts four North Dakota Class B championships and will look to become just the fifth wrestler in the state history to claim five state championships. Loepp capped off his 2013-2014 campaign with an unblemished 30-0 mark on the season. He won three of the five major Class B tournaments throughout the season, the Central Cass Letterman's Tournament, the Storhaug Invitational in Lisbon, and the Linton Holiday Tournament.

    4. Matthew Gross (Napoleon)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 182
    Projected College Weight Class: 184

    Analysis: Gross found himself at the top of a lot of podiums last season. The Napoleon Imperial won seven individual tournaments, including the Linton Holiday Tournament, the Storhaug Invitational, and East/West to go along with his Region championship and Class B state championship. His only setback of the year was to Martin Mueller of Rapid City, South Dakota, in the semifinal round of the Bismarck Rotary Tournament. Gross went 5-5 at the Junior National Duals in the two combined styles and was 3-3 the year prior. Gross finished as a runner-up at the state tournament his sophomore year and sixth during his freshman season. He will definitely be one of the top upperweight wrestlers in the state this coming season.

    5. Tate Barnhardt (Bismarck St. Mary's)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132
    Projected College Weight Class: 133/141

    Analysis: Barnhardt put together a strong junior season as he was one of North Dakota's Triple Crown winners, claiming a Class A state championship to go with his USA Greco and freestyle championships. Barnhardt has also placed third in the state as a sophomore and fifth as a freshman. His third-place finish at the Bismarck Rotary this past year was the highest he's placed in the event after posting back-to-back fifth-place finishes the two prior years. Barnhardt also was a Dickinson Classic champion for the second time in three years, placed second at the Storhaug Invitational, and came up just a win shy of placing at the Rumble on the Red this past year. Barnhardt had two wins in Fargo in the Junior freestyle tournament and had a solid 6-7 overall record at Junior Duals in the two combined styles this past summer.

    6. Adam Blees (Bismarck)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160
    Projected College Weight Class: 157/165

    Analysis: Adam Blees had kind of a breakout season this past year for the Bismarck Demons. Blees took third at the state tournament as a freshman, then second as a sophomore before continuing his ascent to the top of the podium and claiming a state championship at 145 pounds. Blees avenged a pair of losses from earlier in the season when he edged out West Fargo's Anjelo Shephard, a three-time state champion in ultimate tiebreaker overtime in the state semifinals before downing Austin Schall from Devil's Lake in the finals by a score of 3-2. Blees had a few good showings prior to the state tournament as well, as he was a Bismarck Rotary runner-up and placed sixth in the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. Blees also had a successful summer, going a perfect 8-0 at the Junior Duals in the Greco portion of the tournament.

    7. Jaron Lunday (Grafton)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 152/160
    Projected College Weight Class: 157

    Analysis: Jaron Lunday has been wrestling for the Grafton Spoilers for about as long as they have been in existence. He was their first state qualifier five years ago. He was their first state placewinner as well. As a sophomore he was the first from his school to reach the state finals as he claimed runner-up honors, and finally this past season he became the first to win a state championship for his school when he knocked off returning state champion Walker Carr from Carrington. Lunday went 10-1 at Junior Duals this past year, going 3-0 in freestyle and 6-1 in Greco. The Region 2 champion claimed top honors at the Central Cass Lettermen's tournament this past year and was a runner-up at the Storhaug Invitational in Lisbon.

    8. Brayden Kuntz (South Border)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 170
    Projected College Weight Class: 165/174

    Analysis: Kuntz had a very solid season in 2014-2015. Unfortunately, he had a huge roadblock in his way that may have prevented him from being a little higher on this list. The roadblock was Dylan Urbach, the all-time winningest wrestler in the history of Class B North Dakota and current Minnesota Gopher. Kuntz finished runner-up at the Napoleon Early Bird, the Central Cass Lettermen's Tournament, The Storhaug Invitational, The East/West, Region I Individual Tournament and the Class B State Tournament. Five of the six losses that he suffered in those finals matches came at the hands of Urbach. Aside from those tournaments, Kuntz also finished seventh at the Rumble on the Red and was a champion at two of the bigger Class B tournaments in the state: Rugby Panthers Invite and Linton Holiday Tournament.

    9. Nicholas Becker (Napoleon)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 197

    Analysis: Becker, the second Napoleon Imperial on this list, really burst onto the scene after a strong sophomore season where he placed fourth at 170 pounds. Becker had an even more impressive junior season, going 37-3 and winning the state title at 182 pounds. Two of Becker's three losses came to regional rival Tucker Meidinger -- a wrestler Becker bested five other times on the season, including in the state championship match. With Gross as a practice partner, the Imperials will have one of the most effective one-two punches in the entire state in their upper-weight classes. Becker was the East/West champion, Linton Holiday champion and placed third at the Bismarck Rotary Tournament.

    10. Waylon DeCoteau (Turtle Mountain)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 220
    Projected College Weight Class: 197/285

    Decoteau, from TMCHS, is one of two non-state champions on this list. However, he has been a perennial state placewinner in the upperweights for the Braves over the past few seasons and came up just short on a 9-6 decision in the state championship match this past season. DeCoteau has won state Greco and freestyle titles each of the past two seasons. He is no stranger to the off-season circuit either. He won a combined six matches at in Fargo in the two styles this past summer and compiled a 10-4 combined record at Junior Duals (7-1 in Greco). He also was an eighth-place finisher in the Preseason Nationals this past year as well. During his 2013-2014 campaign, Waylon was a West Region champion, won the Rugby Panthers Invitational, New Town Eagles Invite and claimed third-place honors at the Bismarck Rotary Tournament.]]>    78041Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:19:10 +0000    Overview of high school preseason wrestling eventshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/overview-of-high-school-preseason-wrestling-events-r78005/
    However, for better or worse, that ship has obviously left for sea -- and how. There are the national folkstyle tournaments in late March/early April, and then the summer brings about big national tournaments in both folkstyle and the Olympic styles. Even with the rising prevalence of Fargo, Junior/Cadet Duals, Disney Duals, and Junior Olympics -- the late summer and fall period was still mostly a "cool off period" for most wrestlers.

    While a limited group would be year-round wrestling specialists, there seemed to be more wrestlers that involved themselves with a fall sport (football, soccer, cross-country, or whatever). However, in the last ten years there has been a significant shrinkage of that "cool off period" and a significant increase in "wrestling specialists". To be fair, this is not just a wrestling-related trend, as the trend within all of youth/scholastic sports is toward single sport specialization -- with successful participation in two sports somewhat of a minor miracle, and three-sport athletes turning into the dodo bird.

    While the local -- creeping into regional -- prior to the preseason tournament was not a foreign language about ten years ago, certainly the "critical mass" of regional creeping into national events would fit as such. The rise and growth of the Super 32 Challenge from a local creeping into a regional event held at Morehead High School in North Carolina to a regional/national event now in its 10th year at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center would change the narrative. This event has maintained a late October date throughout its history.

    Many of these regional/national events occupy a spot on the wrestling calendar at present. They vary in terms of the extent to which it is a regional event as opposed to a national event. The talent quality within each of these fields will vary as well. Furthermore, the preseason calendar has crept into the earlier fall period.

    The following is an inventory of such events.

    Sunday, September 21: Iron Horse Invitational (South Plainfield, New Jersey)

    The event is about a decade old, and employs a round-robin format. Wrestlers are invited and/or accepted into the event based on the combination of past production and future potential. Weight classes are relatively arbitrary, with wrestlers grouped together more on ability and/or matchup interest in mind. Competition entails round-robins of four-to-five wrestlers (last year there were just over 25 groups contested). The field is primarily made up of New Jersey wrestlers, with other wrestlers mostly coming from New York, Pennsylvania, or other parts of the east coast. Wrestle in My Shoes is the non-profit sponsoring partner for the event.

    Sunday, October 5: Journeymen Classic (Niskayuna, New York)

    This event pretty much replicates the Iron Horse Invitational in terms of format and structure. In its fourth year, the tournament will again reach its just over 200 person capacity, and include wrestlers from between 25-to-30 states. The core of the field will come from New York State, along with the surrounding Northeast and Mid-Atlantic locales (additional top wrestlers are expected to attend from outside the core area). Per the tournament flyer, the event is targeting about 15 round-robin competitions to entail elite level competitors across the board; while the other half to two-thirds of the field will vary in terms of competition.

    Sunday, October 12: Conflict at Carver (Iowa City, Iowa)

    Last year the Hawkeye Wrestling Club decided to enter the preseason tournament business, with this event, as they would open up the opportunity to wrestle on the Carver-Hawkeye Arena floor to all. The initial edition of the event was a relatively local one, with the core of the field coming from Iowa, and the rest filling in from surrounding states. While one would expect the event to grow in its second year, and the second year tends to be better than the first year, the first year returns for this event showed a relatively small and weak field -- given the context of these events.

    Saturday, October 18: Who's Number One, presented by Flowrestling (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)

    Last year Flowrestling presented the inaugural edition of this invitational event with the intent of being an all-grade Dapper Dan of sorts in the preseason. In addition, they also had a matchup of two post-collegiate athletes to create further attention (in 2013 it was Bubba Jenkins vs. Jordan Oliver). The event is back this year on the campus of Lehigh University, and will employ a similar format -- star matchups across the weight spectrum of highly ranked high school wrestlers with a featured bout.

    Saturday, October 18: Grappler Fall Classic (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

    In its fifth year, this event has youth and junior high divisions in addition to the high school competition. College rules are in effect for this event as well. The field is primarily wrestlers from Michigan, with competitors from surrounding states filling out the field, along with isolated wrestlers from other parts of the country.

    Saturday, October 18: Blue Chip Fall Brawl (Kansas City, Missouri)

    This event is among the older tournaments of the regional type. Now held at Staley High School in suburban Kansas City, the tournament features wrestlers from Missouri, Kansas, and other neighboring states. The featured match of last year's tournament was one in the final at 182 pound between Bo Nickal and Michael Pixley, both wrestlers having won Junior National freestyle titles in the summer of 2013.

    Saturday, October 25 (and Sunday, October 26): Preseason Nationals (Cedar Falls, Iowa)

    In the mold of the Super 32 Challenge, this is a national event, though the core of the field is from the middle third of the country; as opposed to the Super 32, whose core participants are from the eastern third of the country. High school boys' competition will be on Saturday; while the middle school and elementary school boys along with the high school girls event will be held on Sunday. Both the grade-school and high school events sold out last year, and capacity for each event has increased slightly to 1,500 this year (high school girls capacity at 200).

    Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2: Southwest Kickoff Classic (Las Vegas, Nevada)

    Similar to the Preseason Nationals and Super 32 Challenge, this is a relatively national event, though the core of the field is from the western third of the country. The event features a high school elite and high school varsity division, along with multiple age divisions for junior high and elementary wrestlers.

    Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2: Super 32 Challenge presented by Flips Wrestling (Greensboro, North Carolina)

    The Super 32 Challenge is held in Greensboro, N.C.
    The elite event, with the deepest and most diverse field, of the preseason tournament circuit is this one in its 16th year overall, and 10th in the Greensboro Coliseum Special Event Center. Last year's field featured close to 90 wrestlers that earned weight class rankings at the end of the 2013-14 season; while just over 20 percent of the 1,250 tournament participants won a state, New England regional, or National Prep title. In addition the high school tournament, there is also a middle school tournament, which will feature many of the nation's top junior high prospects; an elementary school tournament with two divisions has also been added for the first time this year (both the middle school and elementary school events sold out in about 48 hours). Flips Wrestling was added as the event's title sponsor this year.

    Sunday, November 9: InterMat JJ Classic (Rochester, Minnesota)

    This event is among the newer preseason tournaments in its fifth year. The event is held at the UCR Regional Sports Center in Rochester, Minnesota, and is open to wrestlers in grades 7 through 12. The tournament is held in memory of Justin "JJ" Kukowski, and proceeds of the event go toward the fight against cancer. The field primarily features wrestlers from the Midwest, along with a smattering of competitors from across the country. Registration for this year's event opens on September 15.]]>    78005Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:35:53 +0000    Wrestling 49: Minnesotahttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-minnesota-r78003/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

    In this installment, Steve Elwood looks at the top senior wrestlers in Minnesota.

    There's no argument nationally about the talent of Minnesota wrestling. Every year there are superstars coming from the land of 10,000 lakes and this year is no exception. This top 10 list overall is not quite on par with previous Minnesota lists, which mirrors the scene from a national perspective. It's led by two of the top recruits in the nation and has several that are under the radar. Are there potential national NCAA All-Americans here? I think there's a few. All told, there are 20 state titles won so far by these 10 wrestlers. I would be quite surprised if that number is not sitting at 30 by the first weekend of March.

    Bobby Steveson (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)
    1. Bobby Steveson (Apple Valley)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 182/195
    Projected College Weight Class: 184/197

    Analysis: No rational fan would have had Steveson at the top of the list a year ago. But this late-blooming senior has shot up the rankings with high-caliber wins over Sam Colbray, Johnny Sebastian and Lance Benick in the last 12 months. There may not be a tougher wrestler to score on and his style wears out most opponents by the third period. Steveson won a Junior National freestyle title in Fargo, Pan American titles in freestyle and Greco-Roman, and a Junior National folkstyle title. He is a two-time state champion with a 120-3 record during his prep career in Minnesota.

    Lance Benick (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    2. Lance Benick (Totino-Grace)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 197

    Analysis: A year ago Benick was the No. 1 overall wrestler in the Class of 2015. He slips a little here as a result of a few unexpected losses to Sam Colbray and Bobby Steveson. But it would be a mistake to overlook this high profile talent. Benick is a multiple-time national champion in Fargo as well as a FILA Cadet National champion and a member of the FILA Cadet World Team. Benick is a three-time state champion who has gone 125-4 over the past three seasons. He has committed to Zeke Jones at Arizona State.

    Cameron Sykora (Photo/Mary Christen, The Guillotine)
    3. Cameron Sykora (Border West)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 126
    Projected College Weight Class: 125/133

    Analysis: Sykora has a rare opportunity to be in the elusive five-time state championship club by year's end. If accomplished, he will be one of only five wrestlers in Minnesota to pull this off. Sykora is deserving of a national ranking and I am predicting a banner senior season. He has taken gold at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals in Virginia Beach, as well as the Grappler Fall Classic in Michigan. He has compiled a record of 177-13. Sykora committed to North Dakota State.

    Maolu Woiwor (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)
    4. Maolu Woiwor (Apple Valley)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 138
    Projected College Weight Class: 141

    Analysis: It's hard to imagine a potential four-time state champion from Apple Valley not getting much national attention, but that's the case with Woiwor. He is my pick for the most underrated wrestler in Minnesota. Woiwer is the defending Rumble on the Red champion, as well as a multiple-time Minnesota Christmas Tournament placewinner. His older brother Daniel is looking to start at Iowa State this season. He has a career record of 144-16. Woiwor has not yet committed to a college.

    Andrew Fogarty (Photo/Mary Christen, The Guillotine)
    5. Andrew Fogarty (Scott West)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160/170
    Projected College Weight Class: 174

    Analysis: Fogarty surprised the wrestling world when it surely looked like he pinned one of the nation's top recruits, Ryan Blees, last season in the finals at the Minnesota Christmas Tournament. It wasn't meant to be and he took a close loss. He is no longer overlooked as this multiple-sport athlete proved as he walked through the field for his second Rumble on the Red championship. He then went on to win the state championship after a 48-1 season.

    Louie Sanders (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    6. Louie Sanders (LCWM)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 138/145
    Projected College Weight Class: 141/149

    Analysis: Sanders, a first cousin to four-time All-American Zach Sanders, enters his senior season with a shot at becoming the first three-time state champion in his school's history. Sanders is another underrated, but very explosive wrestler. His accolades include being a multiple-time freestyle state champion, as well as runner-up at the InterMat JJ Classic. He has amassed 135 career wins. Sanders gave a verbal commitment to North Dakota State.

    Alex Hart (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)
    7. Alex Hart (Prior Lake)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 220/285
    Projected College Weight Class: N/A (Football)

    Analysis: Hart was involved in three epic matches with Apple Valley's Paul Cheney last season, and the Prior Lake wrestler came out on top to win a state title. The two wrestlers also hooked up at the Minnesota Christmas tournament where Hart won that meeting as well. This highly sought after football recruit will be moving between 220 pounds and heavyweight this season. Hart plans on playing football in college, but has not yet committed to a college.

    Paden Moore (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    8. Paden Moore (JCC)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160
    Projected College Weight Class: 157/165

    Analysis: Moore has been in the shadow of his two talented brothers throughout his career. His brother Cooper wrestles at Northern Iowa, while his younger brother Keegan is a teammate at JCC. But it would be a mistake to dismiss this hardworking wrestler. Moore is a multiple-time state champion in both summer styles and is a Northern Plains champion. He has an impressive 96 pins and 181 wins entering his senior season. He is undefeated at The Clash. Moore is undecided on his college plans.

    Austin Anderly (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    9. Austin Anderly (Le Sueur-Henderson)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 126
    Projected College Weight Class: 133

    Analysis: This talented two-time state champion competes for the same high school as the well-known Pfarr family. (Brett Pfarr will be the 184-pound starter for the University of Minnesota.) Anderly has a way of showing up for big matches and is very explosive offensively. Anderly is a former Northern Plains champion as well as a multiple-time state freestyle champion. He remains uncommitted for college.

    Quinten Berres (Photo/Jeff Beshey, The Guillotine)
    10. Quinten Berres (Kimball Area)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 138
    Projected College Weight Class: 141/149

    Analysis: Berres has a chance to become the first three-time state champion from his high school. He is a four-time state placewinner. His state placements have been 6-3-1-1. His most impressive moment may have been his sophomore run when he wrestled the state tournament with only one healthy arm. Berres also excels on the baseball field, but plans on wrestling in college. He has not yet announced his college plans.]]>    78003Tue, 02 Sep 2014 08:18:07 +0000    Wrestling 49: Kansashttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/wrestling-49-kansas-r77981/With the high school wrestling season's start nearing, InterMat is taking readers across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From mid-August until mid-November, InterMat is introducing readers to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling.

    In this installment, Eric Johnson looks at the top senior wrestlers in Kansas.

    Kansas applauded as the state sent four wrestlers in 2014 to Division I programs: Dustin Williams (Nebraska), Tagen Lambotte (Iowa), Preston Weigel (Oklahoma State) and Andrew Millsap (Bucknell). Kansas welcomed in a gem of a freshman class and have a talented group competing in 2015. The class includes three Fargo All-Americans and two favorites to join the elite four-time state champion fraternity. It is my pleasure to introduce to you Kansas' top 10 and honorable mention for the Class of 2015!

    1. Sean DeShazer (Wichita Heights)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132
    Projected College Weight Class: 125/133

    Sean DeShazer
    Analysis: DeShazer cemented his elite place in Kansas wrestling history by finishing as a double All-American in Fargo, placing third in Greco and fourth in freestyle. This effort was on the heels of his folkstyle national runner-up finish. With a career record of 97-6 and three state titles under his belt, DeShazer also has his sights set on his third undefeated season. His last two seasons, he finished 36-0 in both campaigns while only allowing a single takedown (at a higher weight class)! His quickness and agility make him a phenom on his feet. He also has the pedigree of two nationally ranked wrestlers in his extended family. Division I coaches and national rankings are moving Sean way up the list!

    Words from the corner: "Sean has really stepped his training up these past two seasons. He is a wrestler and wrestling is his passion. He has only given up one takedown in the past two seasons and has dominated! He wants to be the champ at everything he does. Whether it is on the wrestling mat or a cup cake eating contest, he wants to win! After this past summer, I have no doubt he will end up at a good Division I program who will take him to the next level." -- Coach Mike Church

    2. Isaac Dulgarian (Olathe North)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 160
    Projected College Weight Class: 157

    Isaac Dulgarian
    Analysis: Isaac is a highlight reel to watch. This two-time state champion and Fargo All-American has a career record of 128-5. He has made the All-Tournament Team in both styles at the Junior Duals the last two years with a record of 24-1! In 2013, he was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the Rocky Mountain Nationals. He has wins over many nationally ranked wrestlers, is a true technician and has an unlimited upside. Coaches and ranking services from around the country have noticed and will be watching closely this season.

    Words from the corner: "One the best talents I have seen from the neutral position, having already broke the all-time Kansas takedown record going into his senior year. He is the favorite to bring home his third state title this season." -- Coach Josh Carroll

    3. Jared Langley (Newton)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 184/197

    Jared Langley
    Analysis: Langley is a Fargo All-American with a career 111-21 record. He is a two-time state finalist and stood atop the podium last season. He is a veteran on Kansas' National dual teams and has that rare athletic length that makes him a legitimate college recruit. Langley is also a star in the classroom with a 3.857 GPA. This kid will have many choices next fall!

    4. Ben Ewing (St. Thomas Aquinas)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 220
    Projected College Weight Class: 197

    Ben Ewing
    Analysis: Ewing is a three-time state placer and one-time champion with a 111-17 career record. He is a multi-sport star with plenty of college choices in front of him. If he chooses wrestling, this kid has a huge upside on the mat. His strength and speed make him a crowd pleaser. He has been one of my favorite wrestlers on the All-Class dual teams, winning the Rocky Mountain National title twice.

    Words from the corner: "Ben has devoted himself to the weight room each summer, working out three days a week to help with his performance in football and wrestling. Ben's wrestling technique on his feet is exceptional. His aggressive attacks on his feet scored 67 takedowns. In the top position Ben uses tilts and constantly applies pressure from the top. He is also a prolific pinner (30 out of 38 matches)." -- Coach Lorne Parks

    5. Emilio Fowler (Olathe North)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 195
    Projected College Weight Class: 184/197

    Emilio Fowler
    Analysis: When the bright lights come on, Fowler goes into battle mode. He has made a name for himself on the national stage. In 2013 he was the FILA Cadet folkstyle national champion. He followed that up with a double All-American accomplishment in Fargo! This summer he was named to the Junior Dual All-tournament Team, finishing 7-0 in freestyle. This kid is a flat-out athlete!

    Words from the corner: "Emilio has a personality that all coaches want around the room. He is a hardworking, talented, two-sport athlete that loves competing. He has had great success in his short amount of time wrestling, having started in the eighth grade. I expect big things from him this season." -- Coach Josh Carroll

    6. Brandon Ball (Hoisington)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 138
    Projected College Weight Class: 141

    Brandon Ball
    Analysis: With a career record of 124-2, Ball is the favorite to join the four-time state champion fraternity in Kansas. He carries a 3.85 GPA while finishing the last two seasons at 44-0 and 43-0. He is a workhorse in the practice room and weight room. Any college program would be fortunate to have this kid, as the sky is the limit!

    7. Zak Hensley (St. James Academy)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 132
    Projected College Weight Class: 133

    Zak Hensley
    Analysis: Hensley is a two-time placer and 2014 state champion with a career record of 101-20. He is also a three-time varsity letterman in football. He has traveled well since kids wrestling and has many wins over nationally ranked wrestlers. He is a blast to watch with his unique athleticism and strength and was a huge help to his team's state title in 2014. Look for him to bring home another gold state medal this year.

    Words from the corner: "Zak had a breakthrough season. With the difficult schedule we had, including the Kansas City Stampede and Allen Texas Outlaw, Zak really stepped up for the competition. He understood that he needed to see the best competition he could, in order to reach his goal of being a state champion and to have a chance to wrestle at the next level. By placing at the Stampede, winning the Texas Outlaw and Garden City Invite against solid competition, he was prepared to win his first state championship. In the practice room, he is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. I know that Zak will pay the price to have great success at the next level." -- Coach Mike Medina

    8. Tevin Briscoe (Garden City)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 152
    Projected College Weight Class: 149

    Tevin Briscoe
    Analysis: Briscoe is a two-time state champion with a 97-13 career record, while carrying a 3.2 GPA in the classroom. After a highly successful kids career, he contributed greatly to his team's back-to-back state titles. His athleticism makes him a crowd favorite. I expect big things for him this season!

    Words from the corner: "Tevin is one of the most talented wrestlers that I've had the privilege to have coached. He is very explosive on his feet as he usually leads the team in total takedowns. His passion for the sport of wrestling has helped transform him into one of the best wrestlers of Garden City. He has a chance of becoming a three-time state champion, which would be a first for Garden City! Tevin plans on wrestling at the next level and I believe he has the talent to do so. I look forward to this coming wrestling season and watching him achieve his goals!" -- Coach Carlos Prieto

    9. Taylor Watkins (Columbus)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 170
    Projected College Weight Class: 165

    Taylor Watkins
    Analysis: This kid is a beast and a scholar. He is a three-time state placer and 2014 state champion with a career 110-18 record as well as an All-State linebacker on the gridiron. Watkins carries a 3.97 GPA and was elected as class president this coming year. He took second last season at the Rocky Mountain Nationals and had some solid wins in Fargo this year.

    Words from the corner: "He was the 4A state champion last year in Kansas. He was 40-2 on the season, but more importantly he is a hard worker while also excelling in the classroom. He was chosen by Team Kansas for the Rocky Mountain Nationals after the season ended and had three quality wins including a victory over Spencer Heywood from Utah who wrestled at the FILA Pan Am Games. Heywood was ranked as the No. 9 recruit in the nation for juniors." -- Coach Eric Napier

    10. Greg Tooley (St. Mary's)
    Projected High School Weight Class: 152
    Projected College Weight Class: 149

    Analysis: Tooley is a 2014 state champion and two-time state finalist with a 112-7 career record, running the table last season at 46-0. He is a workout machine with solid skills on his feet with dynamic speed. The first look at Tooley tells you he's spent a lot of time in the weight room. His effort at the Rocky Mountain Nationals put him on the radar of many college coaches.

    Words from the corner: "Greg is an outstanding young man who absolutely has come to love the sport of wrestling. The thing I like about Greg the most is how he presents himself on and off the mat. He one of the hardest working and most respectful wrestlers I have ever been around. How much he has improved since his freshman year is a credit to how hard he works all year round. Greg is an exceptional wrestler who has just started to be recognized on the national level. It is exciting to see what Greg will be able to accomplish in his senior season and what college will pick him up." -- Coach Travis Van Vleck

    Honorable Mention:
    Austin Cook (Smoky Valley)
    Tyler Harris (St. James Academy)
    Kevin Kissane (Maize South)
    Nick Nolting (Bishop Carroll)
    Saul Ortiz (Wichita Northwest)
    Seth Pesek (Gardner-Edgerton)
    Matt Pratt (St. James Academy)
    Logan Terrill (Arkansas City)]]>    77981Thu, 14 Aug 2014 06:13:53 +0000    Post-Fargo high school grade rankings releasedhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/post-fargo-high-school-grade-rankings-released-r77963/
    The number No. 1-ranked wrestlers remain unchanged in the senior, junior, sophomore and freshman rankings. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) is the nation's top prospect in the senior class, and will be competing in Croatia this week at the FILA Junior World Championships. Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.), who won a FILA Cadet freestyle world title in July, stays atop the junior rankings. Fellow FILA Cadet freestyle World champion Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) anchors the sophomore class rankings. Lastly, the freshman class anchor remains FILA Cadet World Championships participant Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.).

    Two wrestlers moved up 20-plus spots into the top 30 for the senior rankings: Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.), third in Junior freestyle at 145 pounds and the Outstanding Wrestler at the Disney Duals; and Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), Junior freestyle runner-up at 126 pounds. In the sophomore rankings, a pair of wrestlers moved up 20-plus spots into the top 20: Cadet National double runner-up Kamal Bey (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) and Junior freestyle 126 pound champion Mitchell McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.).

    InterMat Platinum is required to view all the rankings. InterMat ranks the top 100 seniors, top 50 juniors, top 50 sophomores, top 25 freshmen, and top 15 junior high wrestlers.

    Sneak Peek

    Senior:
    1. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.)
    2. Logan Massa (St. Johns, Mich.)
    3. Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.)
    4. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.)
    5. Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.)
    6. Fox Baldwin (Osceola, Fla.)
    7. Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    8. Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.)
    9. Nick Piccininni (Ward Melville, N.Y.)
    10. Bobby Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.)

    Junior:
    1. Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.)
    2. Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    3. Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.)
    4. Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)
    5. Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.)

    Sophomore:
    1. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.)
    2. Nick Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.)
    3. Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.)
    4. Daton Fix (Sand Springs, Okla.)
    5. Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.)

    Freshman:
    1. Cade Olivas (St. John Bosco, Calif.)
    2. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    3. Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson-Morgan, Pa.)
    4. Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.)
    5. Rocky Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)

    Junior High:
    1. Josh McKenzie (New Jersey)
    2. Theorius Robison (Colorado)
    3. Nick Raimo (New Jersey)
    4. Cohlton Shultz (Colorado)
    5. Adam Busiello (New York)]]>    77963Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:51:36 +0000    Lowe: Top 10 high school programs over last four yearshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/lowe-top-10-high-school-programs-over-last-four-years-r77872/Blair Academy has finished No. 1 in the final Fab 50 each of the last three seasons (Photo/Rob Preston)

    Over the last four seasons InterMat has published a Fab 50 list of the top high school wrestling teams in the country. While four years seems like a pretty short period of time, in many ways it can be an eternity in scholastic sports.

    Four years reflects the time in which a freshman class goes through to their graduation. In addition, three classes older than that initial group, and three younger than the initial group have partaken in at least one year of high school wrestling.

    Given that premise, let's take a look at many aspects of the Fab 50 rankings over the last four seasons. We'll do some of the discussion this week, with a follow-up feature one week from today.

    The final rankings from the last four seasons have featured 99 teams in all. Of that group, a subset of 14 squads has ended each of the last four seasons nationally ranked (three of those appearing in the top 10 during each and every season). Here are in my opinion the top 10 performing squads for the 2010-11 through 2013-14 seasons:

    1. Blair Academy, N.J.

    The Buccaneers have won national titles during each of the last three campaigns and finished second nationally in 2010-11. They have won the Ironman in each of the last three years, finishing as runners-up in December 2011; and won the Beast of the East title in each of those four seasons.

    2. Apple Valley, Minn.

    The Eagles won the national title in 2010-11, with final rankings of 3rd, 13th, and 5th the three seasons thereafter. They have won The Clash National High School Duals twice, the Cheesehead Invitational two times, and the Minnesota Christmas Tournament in three of those years.

    3. Clovis, Calif.

    The Cougars have won the single class California state wrestling tournament title during each of the last four seasons. In each season, they have had a major success against national level competition. Most notable of those was a third place finish at The Clash in December 2011, when they beat St. Paris Graham in a classic dual meet for the day one bracket title. They have ended the last four seasons ranked 7th, 5th, 8th, and 3rd.

    4. St. Paris Graham, Ohio

    During the last four years the Falcons have finished first (beat Blair Academy), third (behind Blair Academy and St. Edward), third (Blair Academy and Wyoming Seminary), and second at the Walsh Ironman (Blair Academy). They also have split dual meets against St. Edward, winning the last two years (each team has one expected win and one upset win in that time span). St. Paris Graham joins Blair Academy and Clovis as the only teams to end the last four seasons all inside the top 10: 4th, 8th, 5th, and 6th.

    5. Wyoming Seminary, Pa.

    Before this past year's eighth place finish, the Blue Knights were top four (3rd, 4th, 2nd) in the previous three years at the nation's toughest tournament -- the Walsh Ironman. They were also second to Blair Academy at the Beast of the East in December 2010 through 2012 before finishing third this past year. In the year Wyoming Seminary had their worst performance in these two tournaments, they won the National Prep title. The season ending ranking for the Blue Knights each of the last four years: 11th, 9th, 2nd, and 4th.

    6. St. Edward, Ohio

    Before this past year's major slide backward, the Eagles ended the previous three years inside the top 10 in the country: 5th, 2nd, and 4th. The lynchpin of those seasons was 2011-12 when they ranked second nationally at season end, anchored by a runner-up finish at the Walsh Ironman and a championship at the Clash. The Eagles also won big-school state titles in each of those seasons, and during January 2012 were the squad that most legitimately challenged Blair Academy in dual meet competition during the past four years. They ended the past season ranked No. 50 nationally.

    7. Brandon, Fla.

    During the three previous seasons, Brandon ended the season ranked within the top 10 nationally (3rd, 6th, and 7th). They finished as runners-up at The Clash during 2010-11 and 2012-13, with a third place finish in 2011-12. This past year the Eagles ended the season ranked 15th nationally.

    8. St. Johns, Mich.

    The vast majority of teams on this list have a perennial/dynastic feel to them, with the Redwings being the exception. The program rose into a force as Taylor Massa (No. 2 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012) and friends came through high school, and the run has extended through younger brother Logan (No. 2 ranked recruit in Class of 2015) matriculating at St. Johns. Their end of season rankings over the last four years was 13th, 4th, 3rd, and 29th.

    9. Massillon Perry, Ohio

    Each of the previous three years to this one saw the Panthers finish second at the big-school state tournament to St. Edward, but scored over 100 points in each meet. After nine second place finishes in eleven years, Massillon Perry finally got over the hump as they won a maiden state title for the program. These last four years have seen the Panthers end seasons ranked 19th, 22nd, 16th, and 7th.

    10. Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.

    The Hawks have been the anchor program of PIAA wrestling over these last four seasons. They have earned the last four state dual meet titles and finished first at the last three individual bracket tournaments. Though in the small-school division, Bethlehem Catholic set the all-division points record this past year in the state tournament with 138-1/2 points. At the end of each season the Hawks were ranked 21st, 12th, 20th, and 13th.

    The other four teams to end the last four seasons ranked within the Fab 50:

    Montini Catholic, Ill. -- 28th, 26th, 12th, and 18th
    Bettendorf, Iowa -- 12th, 10th, 50th, and 21st
    Broken Arrow, Okla. -- 29th, 19th, 36th, and 12th
    Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. -- 49th, 15th, 18th, and 17th

    Another 14 teams have been ranked at the end of three of the last four seasons:
    Canon-McMillan, Pa. -- 18th, 7th, 6th, NR
    Oak Park River Forest, Ill. -- NR, 31st, 11th, 3rd
    Southeast Polk, Iowa -- NR, 13th, 17th, 22nd
    Simley, Minn. -- 6th, 11th, 39th, NR
    Central Dauphin, Pa. -- 15th, 17th, 29th, NR
    Marmion Academy, Ill. -- 16th, NR, 26th, 27th
    Carl Sandburg, Ill. -- 26th, 36th, 9th, NR
    Allen, Texas -- 36th, 23rd, 15th, NR
    Poway, Calif. -- NR, 21st, 23rd, 32nd
    Marist, Ill. -- NR, 46th, 25th, 19th
    South Plainfield, N.J. -- 41st, 29th, 22nd, NR
    Tuttle, Okla. -- NR, 28th, 41st, 31st
    Blue Springs, Mo. -- 42nd, 37th, 38th, NR
    McDonogh, Md. -- NR, 41st, 31st, 48th

    Another 31 squads have been ranked at the end of two of the last four seasons.

    Ten of those squads were ranked in both of the last two seasons:
    Franklin Regional, Pa. -- 33rd and 8th
    Bergen Catholic, N.J. -- 34th and 9th
    Edmond North, Okla. -- 30th and 14th
    Brecksville, Ohio -- 19th and 26th
    Archer, Ga. -- 48th and 10th
    Don Bosco Prep, N.J. -- 37th and 23rd
    Bound Brook, N.J. -- 40th and 20th
    Collinsville, Okla. -- 14th and 47th
    Davison, Mich. -- 43rd and 30th
    Vacaville, Calif. -- 49th and 44th

    The rest of those squads ranked in two seasons (21 total):
    Bakersfield, Calif. -- 8th, 16th, NR, NR
    Iowa City West, Iowa -- 9th, 27th, NR, NR
    Christiansburg, Va. -- 24th, 14th, NR, NR
    Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio -- NR, 18th, 21th, NR
    Lowell, Mich. -- NR, 24th, NR, 16th
    Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. -- 10th, 33th, NR, NR
    Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa -- 17th, NR, NR, 34th
    Tulsa Union, Okla. -- 31st, 20th, NR, NR
    St. Michael-Albertville, Minn. -- NR, 42nd, 10th, NR
    Perry Meridian, Ind. -- NR, 25th, 28th, NR
    Nazareth, Pa. -- 32nd, NR, NR, 25th
    Easton, Pa. -- 20th, 38th, NR, NR
    Glenbard North, Ill. -- 22nd, 39th, NR, NR
    Collins Hill, Ga. -- 34th, 34th, NR, NR
    Kasson-Mantorville, Minn. -- 44th, NR, 24th, NR
    Scott West, Minn. -- 39th, 32nd, NR, NR
    Shenendehowa, N.Y. -- 35th, 45th, NR, NR
    Roseburg, Ore. -- 38th, 49th, NR, NR
    Hermiston, Ore. -- 43rd, NR, 46th, NR
    Christian Brothers, Tenn. -- NR, 47th, 47th, NR
    Kearney, Mo. -- NR, 50th, 45th, NR

    Forty other squads have appeared in end of season Fab 50 rankings. Sixteen of those squads ended this past season in the Fab 50, 13 of those squads were in at the end of the 2010-11 season, 6 in at the end of the 2011-12 year, and 5 in the end of the 2012-13 year.

    25 out of the 49 states with high school wrestling have had a native squad appear in one of the last four end of season Fab 50 rankings. Pennsylvania high schools have the most different high schools to be ranked at the end of a season with 13, while New Jersey and Ohio are next in line with eight each. Illinois is next with seven, while six squads from Oklahoma and California follow.

    Rounding out the list is the following:

    Five -- Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota
    Four -- Michigan, Missouri
    Three -- Idaho, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin
    Two -- Florida, Utah
    One -- Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas

    These states have yet to have a squad appear within the end of season Fab 50 rankings: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

    Note that teams from Colorado, North Dakota, and Washington (at least) have appeared in an in-season edition of the rankings, but not at season's end.

    Next week's feature will explore some of the Fab 50 programs and environments in more depth.]]>    77872Wed, 04 Jun 2014 06:48:31 +0000    Lowe: Previewing June high school wrestling calendarhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/lowe-previewing-june-high-school-wrestling-calendar-r77854/
    Taylor LaMont (Maple Mountain, Utah) headlined the winners in Greco-Roman, as he will represent the United States for a second straight year in the FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world championships; this time at 58 kilos/127.75 pounds. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) is the lone repeat participant on the freestyle side of things, returning to compete at 50 kilos/110 pounds. Also of note was the sweep of titles obtained by Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 69 kilos/152 pounds.

    Also this past weekend was the NHSCA National Duals in Virginia Beach. It was a repeat title for the Young Guns Black squad, as they upended Team Griffin Select in the final by a 36-15 score. A stacked group of middle-weights keyed the team to the championship, as the lineup featured five wrestlers that appeared in the end of season weight class rankings: Anthony Tutolo (132), Michael Kemerer (138), Jason Nolf (152), Josh Shields (160), and Zack Zavatsky (195). The other nine members of the squad placed between third and sixth in Ohio Division II, Pennsylvania Class AAA, or Pennsylvania Class AA.

    Heading into the month of June, it is a big month filled with USA Wrestling events. The dual meet championships for Schoolboy, Cadet, and Juniors will all be conducted. Last year, as has been the norm in recent years, the Illinois USA Wrestling program shined extremely bright. Teams from the Land of Lincoln won five of the six dual meet championships, only a runner-up finish in Schoolboy Greco-Roman kept them from a six-for-six sweep.

    It will be interesting to see if the Illinois powerhouse continues to be dominant, or if some other squads can emerge and spoil the Illini assault.

    Things will start with the Schoolboy National Duals next week at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. Greco-Roman competition will be held on Thursday and Friday (June 5th and 6th), with freestyle on Saturday and Sunday (June 7th and 8th).

    Next on the schedule will be the Cadet National Duals to be held in Daytona Beach at Ocean Center/Exhibit Hall. Greco-Roman will be wrestled on Wednesday and Thursday (June 11 and 12), with freestyle on Friday and Saturday (June 13 and 14). Held in concert with this event will be the senior level Greco-Roman World Team Trials.

    The Junior National Duals will take place at the Freede Center
    The dual meet tournaments will take a weekend off before the Junior level competitions are held at the Freede Center on the campus of Oklahoma City University. Greco-Roman will be wrestled on Wednesday and Thursday (June 25 and 26), with freestyle on Friday and Saturday (June 27 and 28).

    Earlier in that week, USA Wrestling will conduct its Kids National Championships for freestyle and Greco-Roman on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem. Kids Triple Crown recognitions will be on the line, as those that won folkstyle titles in early April will seek the trifecta. Greco-Roman competition is scheduled for June 23 and 24 (Monday and Tuesday), with freestyle slated for June 24 and 25 (Tuesday and Wednesday).

    Finally on the June calendar of major events is the annual AAU Scholastic Duals (Disney Duals) held at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. There are two major categories of competition, a District All-Star Division and two Community Divisions based on size of high school. The Community divisions will be contested from June 27 to June 30 (Friday through Monday), with the District division conducted from June 28 to July 1 (Saturday through Tuesday).

    Also in the month of June, between the Cadet and Junior Duals, InterMat will unveil the first grade-level prospect rankings for the 2014-15 wrestling year. The Class of 2015 will extend to the top 100 seniors, the Class of 2016 top 50 juniors will be released, the Class of 2017 will extend to the top 50 sophomores, the initial Class of 2018 top 25 will be released, as will top 15 Junior High rankings for wrestlers in the Class of 2019 and beyond.]]>    77854Wed, 28 May 2014 07:46:34 +0000    InterMat High School All-American Team announcedhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/intermat-high-school-all-american-team-announced-r77782/Chance Marsteller finished as an undefeated four-time state champion (Photo/Bill Rudick)

    State tournaments across the country came to an end just over one month ago, and in some cases close to two months ago. Even so the last few weeks were pretty stock full of high-level competition with all-star matches and the various postseason national tournaments. With all of that in the books, the 2013-14 season/cycle has come to an end, and it's time to wrap things up with a pretty little bow.

    InterMat does so by naming its All-American team, a listing of the top-ranked wrestler at each weight class, along with the selection of the High School Wrestler of the Year. It marks the fourth such year of this end of season presentation format for InterMat.

    2014 InterMat High School Wrestler of the Year

    Chance Marsteller (Kennard-Dale, Pa.), 170 Pounds, Senior

    Many words have been written about this young man since he competed in a college open while in seventh grade, and actually won a match in the event. While in eighth grade, Marsteller was one match away from placing at the Super 32 Challenge in the 130 pound weight class. This would set up one of the seminal high school careers in Keystone State history.

    When all was said and done, Marsteller would finish 166-0 over four seasons, including a 41-0 mark during his senior campaign. It was a campaign in which only three matches would go the distance: an 8-1 decision in the final of the POWERade, a 14-2 major decision victory over that same wrestler (Kyle Coniker) in the state final, and a 16-5 major decision victory in the South Central regional final.

    InterMat Wrestler of the Year Winners

    2014: Chance Marsteller (Pennsylvania)
    2013: Kyle Snyder (Maryland)
    2012: Jason Tsirtsis (Indiana)
    2011: Morgan McIntosh (California)
    When Marsteller won the title at POWERade, he became a four-time champion in that event. In the preseason, he dominated through a solid field at the Super 32 Challenge on the way to a second such title with a pin, two technical falls, major decisions against an Ohio and New York state champion, and then a decisive 9-3 decision over No. 13 Taylor Lujan in the championship bout.

    During his sixteen match state tournament career at the GIANT Center, only the semifinal and final match from his freshman year were not bonus point outcomes: a 9-2 decision over Lorenzo Thomas and a 9-4 decision over Mark Havers. Elevating the quality of the accomplishment was the fact he beat defending state champions by major decision in the state final during his sophomore and junior seasons -- Brian Brill (Central Mountain) and Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin), both of those coming at 160 pounds. Marsteller will be wrestling at Oklahoma State University in the fall.

    Rounding out the All-American Team …

    106: Yianni Diakomihalis, Hilton (N.Y.), Freshman

    Diakomihalis won major national tournaments in the preseason (Super 32 Challenge) and postseason (FloNationals). In between, he capped off an undefeated scholastic season with three major decisions and a technical fall on the way to his second state title in as many seasons; Diakomihalis won state as an eighth-grader in New York State's 99-pound weight class.

    113: Spencer Lee, Franklin Regional (Pa.), Freshman

    It would probably be easier to list what Lee did not accomplish during this cycle than what he did accomplish. Noneth less, let's list the c.v. for this freshman phenom: FILA Cadet National freestyle champion at 110 pounds, Disney Duals All-Star Division gold medalist at 106 (+5), Super 32 Challenge champion at 113, Walsh ronman champion at 113, POWERade champion at 113, and was state champion at 113 to cap off an undefeated 49-0 freshman campaign.

    Lee was named the Outstanding Wrestler at both the Super 32 Challenge and Walsh Ironman this past season. In fact his dominance was so profound that 48 of 49 victories came by bonus points, and 44 were either pins, forfeits (three total), or technical falls. He was one of two runners-up for InterMat High School Wrestler of the Year, along with Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas), a senior at 170 pounds.

    120: Nick Piccininni, Ward Mellville (N.Y.), Junior

    This past season added a third straight state title for Piccininni, with this one coming via an undefeated season that reflected profound levels of dominance. During the state tournament, Piccinnini gave up two points from four matches in amassing a pair of technical fall victories and a pair of 3-0 decisions. Then in the postseason, he would upend previous No. 1 Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe, Pa.) by 10-2 major decision in the FloNationals final. This was a second such win for Piccininni during the cycle, as he had defeated Pletcher at the Disney Duals on the way to a gold medal in the 113 (+5) weight class this summer.

    126: Stevan Micic, Hanover Central (Ind.), Senior

    When Micic won his third straight state title in late February at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, it finalized a 138 consecutive match winning streak that started after a loss in the state semifinals as a freshman. The future Northwestern Wildcat would end his career with an overall record of 180-5, and added to that with a 13-4 major decision victory in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic. Additional accomplishments for Micic include a Cadet National freestyle title and a FILA Cadet National freestyle title.

    132: Zahid Valencia, St. John Bosco (Calif.), Junior

    Valencia has lost one match in three seasons of high school wrestling, that being a loss that came out of nowhere during the state semifinal his sophomore year. Other than that, it's one hundred percent perfect: two state titles and three Walsh Ironman titles the most notable of those accomplishments. Should Valencia win the Ironman this coming fall, he would join David Taylor (St. Paris Graham/Penn State) as the only four-time champions in the 20-year history of that prestigious event.

    Valencia has won Junior National folkstyle titles the last two years, and was a FloNationals champion in 2011. He is also a two-time Cadet National freestyle champion, and was a Cadet Greco-Roman champion last summer.

    138: Joey McKenna, Blair Academy (N.J.), Senior

    Despite not competing at the National Prep Championships, which precluded McKenna the chance to be a four-time champion in the event, he still had a superlative senior campaign. The Stanford-bound wrestler was undefeated with titles at the Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, and Escape the Rock tournaments. Last summer, McKenna earned his third Fargo Greco-Roman title (two coming at the Cadet level in 2010 and 2011) and a second straight runner-up in Junior freestyle.

    145: Micah Jordan, St. Paris Graham (Ohio), Senior

    Jordan became a four-time state champion this year; joining older brother Bo, father Jeff, and uncle Jim in achieving that distinction. Over the last two years, the Ohio State-bound wrestler went 99-1, losing only a 4-3 decision to Aaron Pico in the 2012 Walsh Ironman final along the way. Micah won the Ironman this year as part of a 48-0 campaign, which capped off a four-year career mark of 187-9.

    152: Bryce Brill, Mt. Carmel (Ill.), Senior

    Like Micic before, Brill finishes his high school career with a record of 180-5 and as a three-time state champion. Also like Micic, Brill will be attending Northwestern University in the fall, and also beat a Pennsylvania state champion in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic last month. After losing in the state final as a sophomore, Brill -- a 2012 Junior National freestyle champion -- ran off 94 straight wins to end his high school career.

    160: Dylan Milonas, Blair Academy (N.J.), Senior

    After missing all the second half of last season, Milonas bounced back with an undefeated senior season, even though he missed a one month stretch of competition from after the Massillon Perry dual meet until the Prep State tournament. While on the mat, Milonas would win titles at the Ironman and Beast of the East, something he also did during his sophomore season. In addition, Milonas would earn a National Prep championship to go with runner-up finishes from his freshman and sophomore seasons. The Lehigh-bound wrestler amassed seven wins over nationally ranked opponents during 2013-14.

    182: Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic (N.J.), Senior

    Sebastian is the third of the trio of Northwestern-bound top-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes. During the last three years of his high school career, Sebastian amassed a record of 114-5 on the way to becoming a three-time state champion (placing fifth at state as a freshman). He also won a title at the Beast of the East in December, after placing second and third in the previous two seasons. Also on the resume are a FloNationals title from 2013, and a win at this fall's Who's Number One event over Junior National freestyle champion Michael Pixley (Blue Springs, Mo.)

    195: Lance Benick, Totino-Grace (Minn.), Junior

    Benick has gone 84-1 over the past two seasons. The nation's top-ranked Class of 2015 prospect compiled a 51-0 record this past season en route to winning his third state championship. He has swept Greco-Roman and freestyle titles at the Cadet Nationals each of the previous two summers, earned Folkstyle Nationals titles in 2012 (Cadet) and 2013 (Junior), and was a FILA Cadet National freestyle champion last year at 220 pounds.

    220: Roy Nash, Taylorsville (Utah), Senior

    The Utah Valley University-bound wrestler has been an undefeated state champion in each of the last two seasons, amassing a record of 88-0 along the way. In addition Nash was a Junior National double champion this past summer in Fargo, N.D. at 220 pounds; and also was a Cadet National double champion in the summer of 2012 at 220 pounds. He was also a FILA Cadet National double finalist at 220 pounds last spring, upending Benick in Greco-Roman, but falling short against Benick in freestyle.

    285: Nick Nevills, Clovis (Calif.), Senior

    The three-time state champion Nevills ended his career on a winning streak of 105 matches dating back to a state semifinal loss during his sophomore year, which came after he had already won a state title as a freshman. During his senior season, Nevills went 50-0 with 44 pins, 2 forfeits, 1 technical fall, and 3 major decisions. This would cap off a career in which the Penn State-bound wrestler went 200-5.

    At the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, Nevills would upend No. 2 Thomas Haines (Solanco), a four-time Pennsylvania state champion 5-3. He also has a 2013 FloNationals title and a 2012 FloNationals runner-up finish on the resume.]]>    77782Wed, 16 Apr 2014 06:54:56 +0000    InterMat names Blair Academy national championhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/intermat-names-blair-academy-national-champion-r77656/Blair Academy won the Best of the East by over 100 points (Photo/Rob Preston)

    The season for scholastic wrestling is now done. All 43 state tournaments, plus the state-level tournaments of the National Prep Championships and the New England Regional Championships, have come to conclusion. With that in mind, we at InterMat can now crown a team as the national champions.

    2014 Final Fab 50 Team Rankings
    1. Blair Academy (N.J.)
    2. Oak Park River. Forest (Ill.)
    3. Clovis (Calif.)
    4. Wyoming Seminary (Pa.)
    5. Apple Valley (Minn.)
    6. St. Paris Graham (Ohio)
    7. Massillon Perry (Ohio)
    8. Franklin Regional (Pa.)
    9. Bergen Catholic (N.J.)
    10. Archer (Ga.)
    11. Stillwater (Okla.)
    12. Broken Arrow (Okla.)
    13. Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.)
    14. Edmond North (Okla.)
    15. Brandon (Fla.)
    16. Lowell (Mich.)
    17. Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.)
    18. Montini Catholic (Ill.)
    19. Marist (Ill.)
    20. Bound Brook (N.J.)
    21. Bettendorf (Iowa)
    22. Southeast Polk (Iowa)
    23. Don Bosco Prep (N.J.)
    24. St. Peter's Prep (N.J.)
    25. Nazareth (Pa.)
    26. Brecksville (Ohio)
    27. Marmion Academy (Ill.)
    28. Claymont (Ohio)
    29. St. Johns (Mich.)
    30. Davison (Mich.)
    31. Tuttle (Okla.)
    32. Poway (Calif.)
    33. Clovis West (Calif.)
    34. Waverly-Shell Rock (Iowa)
    35. Kaukauna (Wis.)
    36. Greater Latrobe (Pa.)
    37. Crook County (Ore.)
    38. Kuna (Idaho)
    39. Buchanan (Calif.)
    40. Pleasant Grove (Utah)
    41. Parkland (Pa.)
    42. Centennial (Idaho)
    43. Mesa Mountain View (Ariz.)
    44. Vacaville (Calif.)
    45. Robinson (Va.)
    46. Delta (Ohio)
    47. Collinsville (Okla.)
    48. McDonogh (Md.)
    49. Cumberland Valley (Pa.)
    50. St. Edward (Ohio)
    For the third consecutive season, that team will be Blair Academy (N.J.), and it will be a "wire-to-wire" triumph for the Buccaneers. Though it was not a "clean" season, with the runner-up National Prep finish discussed in a commentary, it was one that reflected dominance and a superior talent level.

    Blair Academy dominated their way to a title in the nation's best tournament, the Walsh Jesuit Ironman, an event that featured six of the nation's top eight teams. They had a tournament-high eight wrestlers earn a placement finish (all within the top six), and won the title by 36.5 points, along with out-pointing the nation's number two team by 53 points.

    The very next week, the Buccaneers dominated the nation's second-beat tournament. They won the title at the Beast of the East by more than 100 points, over a field that featured five of the nation's top 13 teams. Twelve wrestlers placed for Blair Academy in the tournament.

    In five of the next six weeks, Blair Academy went 7-0 in dual meets against members of the top 25, including four dual meet victories over top ten teams. During that other week, they won by 80 points at the Escape the Rock Tournament, which featured three other nationally ranked squads.

    From an individual talent standpoint, Blair Academy had six nationally ranked wrestlers. Joey McKenna is ranked No. 1 nationally at 138 pounds, Dylan Milonas is second nationally at 160, Matthew Kolodzik (126) and Mason Manville (152) are ranked inside the top ten, while Chaz Tucker (120) and Brandon Dallavia (170) round out the nationally ranked wrestler contingent for the Buccaneers.

    Rounding out the top five teams nationally are the following teams, along with some brief highlights of each team's season:

    No. 2 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.): Finished third at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman placing seven wrestlers, went 8-1 in dual meets against teams ranked inside the top 30 nationally, and placed ten wrestlers (including four champions) in the Illinois Class AAA tournament. The Huskies also have five wrestlers within the weight class rankings: No. 9 Jason Renteria (106), No. 12 Isaiah White (138), No. 17 Kamal Bey (160), No. 11 Davonte Mahomes (170), and No. 19 Andre Lee (195).

    No. 3 Clovis (Calif.) Had a "clean" season, in which they won all tournaments and were undefeated in dual meets. The Cougars dominated their way to the title at the Doc Buchanan Invitational, outlasted fellow top ten member Massillon Perry (Ohio) at the Alliance Top Gun, and dominated a pair of nationally ranked teams in dual meets. Clovis won the state title by more than 80 points over a field that included four other nationally ranked teams, and placed eight wrestlers with two champions (though it was below the forecasted ten placers). Nationally ranked wrestlers include No. 1 Nick Nevills (285) and No. 4 Justin Mejia (106).

    No. 4 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.): Champions at National Preps, dominated top ten teams Franklin Regional (Pa.) and Bergen Catholic (N.J.) in dual meets, and split the fourteen weight classes in a dual meet loss to Blair Academy. However, they finished third at the Beast of the East (behind Bergen Catholic) and eighth at the Walsh Ironman. Two Blue Knights wrestlers are nationally ranked: No. 10 Nick Reenan (152) and No. 15 Chris Weiler (160).

    No. 5 Apple Valley (Minn.): Champions at the Minnesota Christmas Tournament and Rumble on the Red, beat three nationally ranked teams to win The Clash XII. However, the 30-27 victory over OPRF was aided by a last-match win from Dayton Racer, who was no longer on the squad by year-end. The Eagles were state champions as a team, and placed eleven wrestlers (including four champions) in the Minnesota Class AAA tournament. They have three top ten ranked wrestlers: No. 4 Mark Hall (170), No. 6 Seth Gross (138), and No. 8 Bobby Steveson (182)]]>    77656Wed, 12 Mar 2014 09:01:21 +0000    High School Lowe Down: March 12, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/high-school-lowe-down-march-12-2014-r77653/Pennsylvania Class AAA finals electric and exciting

    The Saturday night championship matches at the GIANT Center in Hershey were drama-filled, high-level affairs. Eight of the fourteen bouts featured nationally ranked wrestlers facing one another, which included six in a row between 120 and 152 pounds.

    The first of those intriguing affairs was an overtime bout at 120 pounds, which No. 1 Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe) win 3-1 with a takedown over No. 5 Scott Parker (Pennridge) with a takedown at the edge of the mat. It came after Parker had upended two-time state champion Ethan Lizak (Parkland), ranked No. 6 nationally, in the semifinal.

    It continued with a 5-1 victory for No. 6 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan) over No. 16 Zach Valley (Northampton) in the 126-pound final. Macri upended No. 18 A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg) 5-3 in the semifinal; while Valley earned his place in the rankings with a 1-0 tiebreaker victory over defending state champion Sam Krivus (Hempfield), who is ranked No. 8 nationally, in the semifinal round.

    Freshman Cameron Coy (Penn-Trafford), now ranked No. 10 nationally, upended No. 12 Chase Zemenak (Nazareth) 2-1 in the state final at 132 pounds. The difference came in a locking hands infraction committed by Zemenak during the second period. No. 11 Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional) finished third, and was a key figure in the weight class. Coy upended Smith in the previous week's regional final, after losing to him in the sectional final the week before that; Zemenak beat Smith 3-0 due to a second period rideout, along with a third period escape and counter takedown, to avenge a 1-0 loss from the state duals.

    The next bout at 138 pounds was a "rubber" match between No. 3 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic) and No. 4 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional). Kemerer upended Joseph 3-2 in the POWERade final, while Joseph beat Kemerer 5-2 in the regional final last week. Regulation ended 1-1, as the wrestlers traded escapes, with each having at least one opportunity to score from neutral during the bout. Then in overtime, Joseph shot in, Kemerer countered to create a cradle at the edge of the mat. When Kemerer went to execute the cradle, Joseph pressed into him, which caused a roll through action leading to Joseph earning the pin and condemning Kemerer to a third state runner-up finish in as many high school seasons.

    Though the next bout was the evening's most anticipated, with it being state champ against state champ, much of the arena's energy was wiped out with the ending of the Joseph-Kemerer bout. This state final ended up being a one-sided affair, as No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan) scored a takedown in each period on the way to a 7-2 victory over No. 6 Joseph Galasso (Father Judge).

    The last match in the stretch of nationally ranked battles was at 152 pounds, as No. 3 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead against No. 11 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional), and coasted home to a 4-3 victory. Shields rallied back with a reversal at the start of the third period and an additional point when Warner was called for a second stalling from neutral. However, Shields was unable to score the tying (before the stall point) or go-ahead takedown from a couple of pretty good attacking opportunities.

    Rounding out the head-on matchups of nationally ranked wrestlers were a 3-1 victory for No. 3 Zack Zavatsky (Greater Latrobe) over No. 18 Kellan Stout (Mt. Lebanon), and a 5-2 victory for No. 5 Michael Boykin (Coatesville) over No. 6 Jordan Wood (Boyertown). Zavatsky won four matches against Stout during the season, including a pair in the last two weeks, which reflected all of Stout's losses on the season; while it was a second victory in as many weeks for Boykin over now two-time state runner-up Wood, as Boykin has jumped up ten spots in the rankings in that period of time.

    Other key narratives from the Class AAA tournament included fourth state titles won by No. 1 Chance Marsteller (Kennard Dale) at 170 pounds and No. 2 Thomas Haines (Solanco) at 220 pounds; as well as the absurd dominance of freshman sensation Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional) on the way to his first state title, as he continued to confirm why he is No. 1 in the nation at 113 pounds as well as in the Class of 2017.

    Clovis champions, Valencia brothers sizzle in Golden State

    Even though they did not come near the points record, nor place a record-tying ten wrestlers as forecasted, it was still an excellent state tournament performance for No. 3 Clovis as they won a fourth straight California state title. The Cougars were led by No. 1 Nick Nevills (285), who won his third state title; and No. 4 Justin Mejia (106), who won state as a freshman.

    Six additional wrestlers placed for Clovis, who scored 197.5 points; which was 79 more than No. 33 Clovis West, who finished as runners-up. Two of those Cougars wrestlers placed in third, Isaiah Hokit (132) and Brody Brand (170); Josh Hokit (160) was fifth; Matt Weiss (195) was sixth; while Tristan Gilliland (113) and A.J. Nevills (182) finished in seventh.

    State runners-up Clovis West placed four wrestlers, led by the state title won by No. 14 Michael Knoblauch at 126 pounds, who had to beat a pair of defending state champions to win the title. In the semifinal, it was an 8-5 victory over Johnny Parada (San Fernando), while he beat No. 15 Mason Pengilly (Porterville) 8-6 in the final. It was a second victory for Knoblauch over Pengilly in as many weeks, though he had lost to Pengilly two times earlier in the season. Other placers for the Golden Eagles were runner-up Chris Garcia (145), third place finisher Tyler Zimmer (152), Cortes Morales (220) in fifth, and Chris Marin (106) in eighth.

    The only other team to place more than three wrestlers was No. 32 Poway, who placed four on the way to a third place finish with 110 points. The Titans were led by state champion Colt Doyle (160), who was joined on the podium by a pair of fourth place finishes from Sergio Enloe (138) and No. 19 Ralphy Tovar (145), as well as Manny Lair (126) in eighth.

    Anthony Valencia (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
    From an individual standpoint, the absolutely dominant performances of No. 1 Zahid Valencia (132) and No. 3 Anthony Valencia (170) for St. John Bosco led the narrative. Each wrestler won state as a freshman, but failed to win state last year, and bounced back this year with much aplomb. Zahid used pins in four of five matches, including in the finals against now two-time state runner-up Wyatt Wyckoff (Paradise), and a 10-1 major decision to win this state title. It was similar dominance for Anthony, with three pins, a 7-4 semifinal victory, and a 14-4 major decision over No. 20 Bryce Martin (Bakersfield) in the state final.

    Order prevails in New Jersey

    With the exception of a minor upset at 285 pounds, it was a pretty orderly state championship in the Garden State, as all of the national ranking positions held to form. However, that did not mean the tournament was without its share of drama and intrigue.

    In the 106-pound final, No. 3 Ty Agaisse (Delbarton) upended No. 15 Brandon Paetzell (Phillipsburg) 1-0 to cement an undefeated 41-0 season. Ten other finals would end up being decided by two points or less and/or after regulation. The next of those finals came at 126 pounds, as now two-time state champion Craig de la Cruz (Bound Brook) beat now two-time state runner-up Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep) 3-2 in the tiebreaker.

    It was a battle of two ranked wrestlers at 132 pounds, as No. 6 Anthony Giraldo (North Bergen) cemented a 41-0 season with a 3-1 victory over No. 7 Mike Magaldo (Watchung Hills). It was also a match featuring a pair of four-time state placers and past state champions; Giraldo cemented a career path of 4-5-1-1, while Magaldo finished 2-1-3-2.

    The intrigue continued in the next weight class, as No. 17 Ronnie Gentile (Paulsboro) improved upon last year's runner-up finish with a 7-6 victory over the previously undefeated Gavin Murray (Cranford) at 138 pounds. The 145-pound final saw No. 13 David McFadden (DePaul Catholic) upend Ryan Burkert (St. Peter's Prep) 4-3. Two-time National Prep champion Jack Clark (St. Augustine Prep) earned his first New Jersey state title with a 3-1 win over Gary Dinmore (Hunterdon Central) in overtime; with the win, Clark cemented an undefeated season, while Dinmore was condemned to a third consecutive runner-up finish.

    Then, at 160 pounds, No. 4 Jonathan Schleifer (East Brunswick) cemented an undefeated season with his 6-5 victory over Joshua Ugalde (Bound Brook). It was an elusive state title for the four-time state placer, whose career track went 8-3-2-1. In the next weight class, No. 7 Dillon Artigliere (Roxbury) repeated as state champion with a 3-1 victory over Luke Farinaro (Don Bosco Prep). Both Schleifer and Artigliere also cemented undefeated seasons with their finals victories.

    At 182 pounds, No. 1 Johnny Sebastian (Bergen Catholic) earned a third consecutive state title and Outstanding Wrestler honors with a 6-4 overtime victory over No. 14 Joey Balboni (David Brearley) in the finals match. In the next weight class, Anthony Cassar (Montgomery) assured an undefeated season with a 4-1 tiebreaker victory over Ralph Nordmandia (Franklin) in the state final. Then, at 220 pounds, it was a rematch -- and replication -- of last year's state final, as No. 2 Bryan Dobzanski (Delsea Regional) upended No. 9 Zack Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep) 3-1 in the tiebreaker to finish off a 43-0 season.

    In the already alluded 285-pound weight class, now No. 20 Andrew Stevens (Camden) upended previously ranked Kevin Wilkins (St. Joseph Montvale) 3-1 in overtime during the state semifinal, before beating Tyler Gildner (Robbinsville) 3-0 in a state finals bout placing wrestlers from schools that had never won a state title against one another. Stevens finished undefeated at 37-0, which is something that No. 2 Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic) was also able to accomplish (though he finished 41-0) after winning the 113-pound state final by a 7-0 decision over No. 18 Patrick D'Arcy (Holy Spirit).]]>    77653Wed, 12 Mar 2014 08:50:22 +0000    High School Lowe Down: February 26, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/high-school-lowe-down-february-26-2014-r77578/
    The following state tournaments are on the docket for this coming weekend:

    Individual Bracket: Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

    Dual Meet: Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska

    Given all that activity, it's hard to cover all of it, so let's just highlight four major stories from the past weekend.

    1. No. 1 Blair Academy fails to win National Preps for first time since 1980, so what's the story?

    This past weekend was the National Prep Championships held at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. For the first time since Mt. St. Joseph won the title in 1980, Blair Academy did not score the most points in the tournament. Instead it was Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), which will move up two positions to No. 4 nationally after their performance. The Blue Knights won the title 299.5 to 256.5.

    Leading the way for Wyoming Seminary were weight class champions Nicky Hall (182) and Jake Scanlan (285). Five Blue Knights wrestlers earned runner-up honors: Trent Olson (113), Will Verallis (126), No. 10 Nick Reenan (152), No. 17 Chris Weiler (160), and Matt Doggett (220). Six other wrestlers came through with a placement finish as well: Tyrel White (170) and Mike Rogers (195) took third, Jake Savoca (145) earned fourth, John Busiello (106) was fifth, while Jimmy Overheiser (120) and Will Crisco (132) were sixth. The lone wrestler not to place was Tyler Ponte (138), who was one match away.

    Blair Academy countered with three weight class champions: No. 6 Matthew Kolodzik (126), No. 7 Mason Manville (152), and No. 2 Dylan Milonas (160). Two other wrestlers were runners-up, Zach Sherman (106) and No. 17 Chaz Tucker (120). Six other wrestlers earned a placement finish: Requir van der Merwe (113) was third, Alex Rinaldi (132) and No. 19 Brandon Dallavia (170) were fourth, Jordan Kutler (138) and Neil Putnam (220) earned fifth, while Nick DiNapoli (182) took sixth. Finishing one match short of placement were Walker Dempsey (145) and Will Cooley (285), while Christian Suk (195) went 2-2 for the tournament.

    Rounding out the weight class champions were Joey Prata (106) of St. Christopher's, Va.; No. 6 Jack Mueller (113) of Trinity Christian Academy, Tex.; Eric Hong (120) and Michael Sprague (138) of Georgetown Prep, Md.; Jack Mutchnik (132) of St. Paul's, Md.; No. 7 Alfred Bannister (145) of Bishop McNamara, Md.; tournament Outstanding Wrestler No. 5 Myles Martin (170) of McDonogh, Md.; No. 20 Daniel Hawkins (195) of Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.; and Jake Anderson (220) of Malvern Prep, Pa.

    In terms of completing national team rankings, a couple of factors come into play. First and foremost is that the Fab 50 rankings reflect team composition based on NFHS eligibility, namely re-classified “fifth-year seniors” and/or post-graduates are not eligible to compete. Again, keep in mind that the rules of the National Prep Championships do allow these wrestlers to compete, but they cannot compete in events such as the Ironman, the Beast of the East, et al.

    Wyoming Seminary had three such re-classified seniors in Savoca, White, and Hall. Savoca placed fourth and scored 18 points, White was third and scored 21, while Hall was a champion and scored 33. Based on lineups during other points of the season, the Blue Knights had other wrestlers in those weight classes. While it is inexact and speculative to determine likely performance for replacements, my analysis concludes they would have scored 30-35 less points.

    The second factor is that the Fab 50 tries to reflect how each team would perform with a reasonable representation of “base personnel”, i.e. they were at full strength. Blair Academy was without two key starters, No. 1 Joey McKenna (138) and returning National Preps placer David Showunmi (195). McKenna would have been prohibitively favored at 138, while his replacement finished fifth; and Showunmi was a likely mid-placer, while his replacement went 2-2. That is likely to add 25 points to the Blair ledger. Each team also had one wrestler with an injury default during the tournament that adversely impacted team scoring, so those kind of wash out.

    Given the above premises, Blair Academy wins the tournament by about 15 points in an NFHS setting, which to me justifies them remaining at No. 1 in the Fab 50. Furthermore, the Fab 50 attempts to reflect performance over the course of the whole season. During said season, Blair Academy won titles at three major tournaments -- Walsh Jesuit Ironman, Beast of the East, and Escape the Rock (Wyoming Seminary placing eighth and third in the first two of those events). The Buccaneers also earned eight dual meet victories over Fab 50 teams, including No. 4 Wyoming Seminary, No. 6 St. Paris Graham (Ohio), No. 7 Massillon Perry (Ohio), and No. 9 Bergen Catholic (N.J.)

    2. The Class 3A title races in Iowa were intriguing, so what happened?

    Three Iowa teams are in the Fab 50 -- Bettendorf, Waverly-Shell Rock, and Southeast Polk. Each squad is in the big-school division, Class 3A. First, the state dual meet tournament on Wednesday placed these squads as the top three seeds in that order.

    In the semifinal round, No. 23 Southeast Polk defeated No. 35 Waverly-Shell Rock 38-31, as the Rams won eight of the fourteen weight class bouts. A 24-0 assault for Southeast Polk in the first five weight classes, the dual meet started at 113, was too much for the Go-Hawks to counter. Those results were first period pins for Cody Batterson (113) and Nolan Hellickson (120), a 5-2 decision for Jonah Williams (126), a 6-3 decision for Keegan Shaw (132), and a first period pin for Aaron Meyer (138). No. 20 Bryce Steiert (145) stopped the bleeding for Waverly-Shell Rock with a first minute pin, before Southeast Polk bumped up Briar Dittmer (152) to get a technical, which pushed the lead out to 29-6.

    Four consecutive Go-Hawk wins would cut the deficit to 29-25, those coming in the form of pins from Spencer Derifield (160) and Izaak Miller (182), a 9-0 major decision from Corey Abernathy (170), and a 5-3 decision for Thomas Foy (195). Eventual state champion Ethan Anderson (220) would stretch the Rams lead to 35-25 with two bouts remaining, before Jake Marnin (285) clinched the dual meet with a 3-2 win over Kaleb Staack in a match that would be re-wrestled on Saturday night. Austin Yant (106) came through with a last match pin for the Go-Hawks to reflect the final score.

    In the final, No. 22 Bettendorf would come up with a second 8-6 match count win over Southeast Polk for the season, as the Bulldogs had also won 37-27 in their dual meet at Iowa State University in mid-January. The proceedings started with a 1-0 decision for Southeast Polk's Hellickson at 120 against Paul Glynn. However, Bettendorf then countered with three consecutive victories to make the lead 10-3. Jackson Gallagher (126) had a 6-3 decision, No. 3 Fredy Stroker (132) scored a 13-3 major decision, and No. 9 Logan Ryan (138) scored a 5-4 decision over Aaron Meyer in a match that would be re-wrestled Saturday night.

    Dittmer would stop the bleeding for Southeast Polk with a 10-4 decision at 145 pounds, before the Bulldogs extended the lead to 20-6 with consecutive victories: a 19-8 major decision for Jacob Woodard (152) and a pin for Michael Belanger (160). Mason Kerr (170) scored a first minute pin to cut the deficit to 20-12, before a crucial match at 182 pounds, in which Elijah Preisser upended Kameron Padavich 3-1 in overtime to push the Bettendorf lead to 23-12. Southeast Polk did counter with three consecutive victories to take their second lead of the dual meet at 27-23, a 4-1 decision for Deion Mikesell (195) followed by pins from Ethan Andersen (220) and Jake Marnin (285).

    Bettendorf ended the match with consecutive first-minute pins from Jack Wagner (106) and Jacob Schwarm (113) to take the state title. They would then go on to sweep the state titles during the next three days in one of the more intriguing team races in Iowa state tournament history. All three top teams earned over 150 points.

    In fact, the team title came down to the last match of the finals, as Bettendorf held a 162-158 lead over Southeast Polk, and Waverly-Shell Rock was on 147.5 points. The Rams had put themselves in that position after Ethan Anderson (220) scored a major decision in his state finals match, the only one that they would end up winning on Saturday night. That set up a match between Jake Marnin and Kaleb Staack, which if Marnin replicated the outcome from Wednesday afternoon, there would be a tie. However, Staack flipped the outcome with a 3-1 victory to give Bettendorf the sweep of the titles.

    The Bulldogs were led by eight state placers, including four state champions: Jake Wagner (106), who won his state final in overtime; Jacob Schwarm (113), No. 3 Fredy Stroker (132), and No. 9 Logan Ryan (138) who rallied from an early deficit to beat Meyer 6-4. Paul Glynn (120) finished as runner-up, Jacob Woodard (152) took fifth, Max Erpelding (220) was sixth, and Michael Belanger (160) earned eighth.

    The previously mentioned Anderson was the lone champion for the Rams, who placed nine wrestlers in the tournament. Three others were runners-up: Aaron Meyer (138), Briar Dittmer (145), and Jake Marnin (285). Nolan Hellickson (120) and Keegan Shaw (132) placed third, Adam Brown (106) and Deion Mikesell (195) placed fifth, and Mason Kerr (170) earned seventh.

    For the Go-Hawks, who scored 151.5 points on the strength of eight placers, they were led by three state champions: No. 20 Bryce Steiert (145), Corey Abernathy (170), and Kaleb Staack (285). Izaak Miller (182) placed second, Spencer Derifield (160) was third, Thomas Foy (195) was fourth, while Austin Yant (106) and Justin Reiher (132) finished in seventh.

    3. Fab 50 dual meets in Michigan

    Both the Division 1 and Division 2 championship bouts came down to matches between a pair of Fab 50 teams. No. 17 Detroit Catholic Central and No. 30 Davison met for the Division 1 title, while Lowell and St. Johns met for the title in Division 2. Both matches were repeat finals from last year, ones that Detroit Catholic Central and St. Johns won.

    Davison was the first seed in Division 1, and reached the final by a 68-0 victory over Livonia Frankin and a 47-16 defeat of Oxford; while third seeded Detroit Catholic Central reached the final with a 59-9 victory over Plymouth and a 49-15 shellacking of second-seeded (not sure why) Hartland. The championship match started at 285 pounds, and the defending state champion Shamrocks jumped out to a 9-0 lead with a 6-1 decision from Jimmy Russell (285) and a pin from Aaron Rehfeldt (103). The teams would trade wins in the next two bouts -- Maxwell Johnson (112) getting Davison on the board with a 4-0 decision and Trevor Zdebski (119) scoring a 9-1 major decision -- for DCC to push ahead 13-3.

    Four consecutive wins from Davidson would give the Cardinals a 19-13 lead, and also yield the last wins of the night for them. Those results came in the form of a 13-5 major decision for two-time state champion Lincoln Olson (125), a 9-4 decision for Derek Humphrey (130), a 3-0 decision for Matt Miller (135), and a pin at 1:09 for No. 11 Justin Oliver (140). A pair of two-point margin victories from Myles (145) and Malik (152) Amine, each up one weight class from where they will compete at individual state, equalized the dual meet at 19-19.

    A pin in the first period from No. 12 Nick Bennett, who was up one weight class at 160, gave DCC the lead for good at 25-19. At 171 pounds, both teams bumped wrestlers, and it was Tyler Morland coming through with a 9-5 decision. Again, both teams bumped at 189 for a battle of nationally ranked wrestlers. No. 14 Andrew Garcia came through with the match clinching victory over No. 17 Jordan Cooks, 3-1 in overtime. Nick Giese (215) closed the dual meet with a 4-1 decision victory for good measure.

    The top seed in Division 2, Lowell, reached the final with a pair of dominating victories, 58-16 over Warren Lincoln and 43-16 over Niles; while St. Johns was pushed in their semifinal, winning only six weight classes in a 35-33 victory over Tecumseh, after winning only eight bouts in a 40-23 victory over Bay City Western.

    The championship final would open with both teams bumping wrestlers up one weight class, as Tyler Wildmo scored an 8-4 upset victory over No. 18 Josh Colegrove at 285 pounds to give St. Johns a 3-0 lead. Lowell weighed in Lucas Hall at 103 pounds for the state dual meet finals, he's going 112 during the individual tournament, and he got a first period pin in this bout. The Redwings then countered with Ian Parker scoring a second period pin at 112 pounds to give them a 9-6 lead.

    Lowell would then respond with four consecutive victories to jump ahead 22-9 at the halfway point of the dual meet. Zeth Dean (119) scored a 9-0 major decision, Derek Krajewski (125) won his match 10-7, Bailey Jack (130) won 5-3, and Jordan Hall (135) scored a pin in the first minute. Then it was the Redwings' turn to win four consecutive bouts. It was consecutive technical falls from No. 3 Zac Hall (140) and Mark Bozzo (145) followed by consecutive pins from Drew Wixsom (152) and No. 5 Logan Massa (160), who was wrestling up one weight class. With three bouts to go, it was 31-22 in favor of St. Johns.

    Kanon Dean (171) came through with a second period pin to cut the deficit to 31-28. However, No. 10 Angus Arthur (189) responded with an 8-6 decision against Max Dean, who had pulled off an upset pin to spark the Red Arrows' mid-January win over DCC. That made the score 34-28, and then Garrett Stehley (215) earned a win by disqualification to tie the bout at 34-34 when Nic Sturgis was stalled out of the match.

    At 34-34, it came down to criteria, and Lowell won based on a greater number of six-point dual meet bouts, 4-to-3. As a result, Lowell dropped two spots in the Fab 50 to No. 16, while St. Johns bumped up two spots to No. 27.

    4. Heavyweight in Illinois has some heavy stuff

    Between Class 3A and Class 2A, there were five nationally ranked wrestlers at 285 pounds that did battle at state this past weekend.

    In Class 2A, it was simply a two person race between undefeated defending state champion Tanner Farmer (Highland) and two-time National Prep runner-up Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic); Johnson had one loss on the season to Class 3A notable Adarios Jones, and earned titles at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman and Cheesehead tournaments. In addition, to reach the final, Johnson would beat previously undefeated Deuce Rachal (Lindblom) by 7-4 decision in the semifinal. Farmer would win his second straight title on Saturday night with a pin over Johnson at the 2:25 mark; Farmer now goes on to play offensive line at the University of Nebraska, while Johnson is now a three-time state-level tournament runner-up.

    The narrative in Class 3A was more complex. The top seed was Brian Allen (Hinsdale Central), the returning state champion who will be joining his brother as an offensive lineman for Michigan State. He entered the state tournament with a 42-1 record, which included a split of matches against Nicky Allegretti, three wins over Michael Hobbs, and a tiebreaker win over Adarios Jones.

    Despite being nationally ranked, Nicky Allegretti (Lincoln-Way East) was stuck in the top half-bracket with Allen. Allegretti had split matches with Allen during the season, and beat nationally ranked wrestler Jones in the sectional final.

    The third nationally ranked wrestler was Adarios Jones (Moline); who had upended Michael Johnson in December, but had losses to Hobbs, Allen, and Allegretti during the course of the year.

    Setting the stage for Saturday night's final, Allen beat Allegretti 4-2 in the state semifinal, to make the season series 2-1 in his favor. While in the bottom half of the draw, Jones would beat sectional champions D'Andre Johnson (Glenbard East) by 9-1 major decision in the quarterfinal and Chris McDermand (Libertyville) 3-1 in the semifinal; McDermand upended Michael Hobbs (Downers Grove South) 5-3 in the tiebreaker during the quarterfinal.

    In said Saturday night final, it was Jones coming through with the 3-2 ultimate tiebreaker victory over Allen, which came after Allegretti earned a third place finish on Saturday afternoon. In terms of the rankings at present, it comes the following: No. 7 Farmer, No. 8 Allen, No. 9 Allegretti, No. 10 Jones, and No. 12 Johnson.]]>    77578Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:36:23 +0000    High School Lowe Down: February 19, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/high-school-lowe-down-february-19-2014-r77522/
    Let's briefly discuss some of the championships from the past weekend that won't get in depth coverage.

    Alabama: Thompson won the Class 6A title with 186 points, which was enough to beat out runner-up Vestavia Hills (150.5); Arab earned the Class 5A title with 148.5 points, which outlasted (Southside-Gadsen (109.5) and Scottsboro (99); while Tallassee was champions in Class 1A-4A with 143.5, which was almost 50 more points than second place St. James (96.5). Results

    Arizona (Divisions 3 & 4): Holbrook upended Ampitheater 195.5 to 173.5 to win the Division 3 title, while Camp Verde beat St. Johns 229.5 to 219 to earn the Division 4 title. The Division 1 & 2 tournaments will be held this weekend, as they were delayed by one week. Results

    Arkansas: Catholic High won the Class 6A-7A title with 255.5 points, which outlasted Bentonville (229) and Han-Ber (208.5); while Maumelle dominated the Class 1A-5A tournament with 352.5 points, as the battle for second waged between three teams more than 150 points back in the standings. Results

    Montana: Great Falls dominated the Class AA tournament with 353.5 points, while runner-up Bozeman scored 225. Results The Class A tournament was a slightly closer title race, with Havre outlasting Sidney by a 294.5 to 268.5 margin. Results Lastly, the Class B/C tournament was won by Calstrip with 224 points, as Choteau came in second with 169 points. Results

    Tennessee: Father Ryan won the Division II tournament with 233 points, which was more than 50 points than runner-up McCallie (182.5) and third place The Baylor School (171). The Class AAA tournament was won by Cleveland with 215 points, while Wilson Central came in second with 166.5; and the tightest of the three tournaments was in Class A-AA, where Hixson (163.5) was able to outlast Alcoa (155) and Pigeon Forge (134.5). Results

    Texas: Perennial power Allen won the Class 5A title with 98.5 points, while Martin came in second with 78. In Class 4A, first place Centennial amassed 119 points, which was more than 30 points greater than second place Highland Park (85) and third place Amarillo (80). Results

    Utah: No. 38 Pleasant Grove dominated their way to the Class 5A title, as they were led by five state champions on the way to a 269.5 point finish, while second place Layton mustered 163.5 points. Mountain Crest and Maple Mountain waged a close battle for the Class 4A title, one that Mountain Crest secured by a 226 to 217 margin. Payson emerged with the Class 3A title, as they scored 218 points, which outlasted both Juab (173.5) and Uintah (166.5). Champions in Class 2A were Delta with 260 points, while Millard came in second with 218. Finally, the Class 1A was won by Monticello with 205 points, with second place Altamont accruing 180.5 points. 4A/5A Results | 3A Results | 1A/2A Results

    And now we'll move on to some of the more notable events of last weekend.

    No. 9 Bergen Catholic among six teams crowned New Jersey group champions

    This past Sunday afternoon in Toms River, four public schools and two non-public schools were crowned as group champions through dual meet competition. Even though the title was really won beforehand, No. 9 Bergen Catholic confirmed their status as Non Public A group champions with a 52-9 assault of St. Augustine Prep.

    The key result for the Crusaders was a 33-18 North sectional finals victory over No. 24 Don Bosco Prep on Saturday afternoon. Results They won eight of the weight classes, anchored by a major decision from No. 2 Nick Suriano (113) and a technical fall from No. 1 Johnny Sebastian (182).

    Of further interest were the sectional semifinal matches held on Wednesday night, as both dual meets involved a 7-7 split of the bouts. Bergen Catholic upended Delbarton 36-29. Results; while Don Bosco Prep earned a second very narrow victory over No. 25 St. Peter's Prep, this time it was 29-27. Results

    Most notable among the other group champions was No. 20 Bound Brook, who dominated the proceedings on Sunday in Group 1. Those Crusaders won eleven matches in a 48-12 semifinal victory over Kittatiny and ten matches in a 46-16 finals victory over Paulsboro.

    Rounding out the public school group champions were Phillipsburg (Group 4), Clearview (Group 3), and High Point (Group 2). Despite only winning six bouts, along with trailing 24-4 midway through the dual meet and 33-10 with four bouts to go, four consecutive pins gave High Point a 34-33 victory over Hanover Park in the Group 2 final. Those pins came from Colby Brands (170), Antonio Porraspita (182), Kyle Stoll (195), and Robert McDonnell (220). The other non-public champion was DePaul Catholic in Group B. Coverage

    Oklahoma state duals highlighted by Broken Arrow's pair of wins over fellow Fab 50 teams

    Broken Arrow, now ranked No. 11 in the country, came through with a pair of storybook victories on Saturday to win the Class 6A title in the Oklahoma state dual meet tournament. The three Fab 50 teams in Class 6A opened the day with dominating victories in the quarterfinals: No. 11 Broken Arrow upended Southmoore 57-15, No. 12 Stillwater defeated Midwest City 76-3, while No. 15 Edmond North defeated Muskogee 52-12. Stillwater scored a 33-24 victory over Tulsa Union in the semifinal round, while Broken Arrow faced Edmond North.

    In a match starting at 170 pounds, Edmond North ran off six straight victories to jump ahead 29-0, as the five Huskies nationally ranked wrestlers all were involved in this stretch. Joel Dixon (170) and Paxton Rosen (106) scored major decisions; while Lance Dixon (182), Derek White (195), and Andrew Dixon (220) scored pins. The other match in this stretch was a 3-2 decision for Nolan Malloy over Trenton Lieurance at 285.

    The turnaround began with a pin from Tajuan Daniels at 113 points, as the Tigers would add six more match victories to take a 33-29 lead before the last bout of the dual meet. Additional victories came from pins by two-time state champion Davion Jeffries (126) and two-time state placer Paden Bailey (152), a technical fall from three-time state placer Zack Edwards (132), a 20-6 major decision from No. 17 Markus Simmons (120), along with decisions from state champions Shea Conley (138) and Tanner Bailey (145). Edmond North countered with a 10-3 victory from Zach Walton at 160 pounds to end the dual meet, but it was too little, too late.

    In the championship final, which started at 182 pounds, there were three ties and three lead changes after the first match of the night. Tanner Hawkins started things off for Stillwater on a highly positive note with a pin in 46 seconds. However, Broken Arrow would respond with three consecutive wins by decision, capped off by a 6-1 overtime victory for Trenton Lieurance at 285 pounds over James Brower.

    A 10-3 victory for No. 11 Andrew Nieman would enable Stillwater to equalize the meet at 9-9 after 106 pounds, while a 4-3 decision for Tyler Dieringer in the following bout gave the Pioneers their last lead of the night at 12-9. Three consecutive victories for Broken Arrow would give the Tigers a 20-12 lead that stood for the rest of the night, with two of those results being reversals from the in-season dual meet last month. This go around, No. 17 Markus Simmons upended Jacob Fontanez 2-0 at 120 pounds, while Zack Edwards upset now No. 15 Kaid Brock 4-3 at 132.

    Consecutive Stillwater victories from Tristan Moran (138) and No. 5 Joe Smith (145) would cut the deficit to 20-18 with three bouts remaining. Those victories from Moran and Smith came in anticipated bouts, Moran upending Shea Conley 7-3, and Smith beating Tanner Bailey 2-1. A second period pin from Tanner Bailey (152) and 7-1 decision for Braxton Owens (160) in the next two bouts would clinch the state title for Broken Arrow with one match to go. No. 6 Chandler Rogers (170) would earn a forfeit for Stillwater in the last bout to reflect the final score.

    No. 50 Collinsville would win the Class 5A title with a tight 30-27 victory over Lawton McArthur in the championship bout. The two opening round matches were blowouts for both squads. The state champion Cardinals defeated Piedmont 55-6 in the quarterfinals, and followed it up with a 62-9 semifinal victory; while runners-up Lawton McArthur scored a 52-19 victory over Western Heights in the quarterfinal and a 42-14 win over Altus in the semifinal.

    No. 32 Tuttle showed even more dominance in their run through the Class 4A tournament, as no opponent was even within 40 points; while Perry torched their way through the Class 3A event. Results

    Coming up this week

    Individual bracket tournaments will be held in Arizona (Division 1 & 2), Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, National Preps, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.

    The National Prep tournament includes No. 1 Blair Academy and No. 6 Wyoming Seminary. Keep in mind that some teams, not Blair Academy though, will be using post-graduate wrestlers during this event. These are wrestlers that can compete in National Prep competition, but not during NFHS matchups.

    Preview content for the Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa individual state tournaments will appear in a separate article.

    State dual meet championships will be held this week in Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and South Carolina. The South Carolina Class 1A/2A title was held yesterday, while 3A and 4A will be held today; dual meet competition in Iowa and Maryland is today; while Michigan's is Friday and Saturday.

    Iowa Class 3A features a trio of nationally ranked teams. No. 23 Bettendorf is the top seed, and draws Pleasant Valley in the opening round, with a likely quarterfinal against Cedar Rapids Prairie or Linn-Mar. The other semifinal is likely to feature No. 22 Southeast Polk against No. 36 Waverly-Shell Rock. Assuming all teams prioritize the event, it's a wide open tournament.

    Regardless of what the seeds say, the Michigan Division 1 dual meet title will come down to No. 17 Detroit Catholic Central and No. 30 Davison. DCC is the third seed, while Davison is the first seed. Similarly the Division 2 tournament will come down to two teams, and they actually are the top two seeds: No. 14 Lowell as the favorite over No. 28 St. Johns.

    Split decision in North Dakota

    This past Thursday, West Fargo upended Bismarck 31-25 for the North Dakota Class A state dual meet title. Both teams had steamrolled their way through quarterfinal and semifinal matches, before the Packers won nine of fourteen weight classes in the finals match. However, key to their victory was a pair of one-point/overtime bouts: Anjelo Shepherd upended Adam Blees 2-1 at 145, and Jared Franek defeated Dillon Spaulding 4-2 in overtime at 106.

    However, both of those results were flipped during the individual bracket event, as Bismarck won the state title very narrowly over West Fargo, 254 to 252. Franek beat Spaulding 4-3 in the state title bout at 106 pounds; while Blees beat Shepherd 6-4 in ultimate tiebreaker during the semis, with Blees going on to win state and Shepherd dropping back to fourth at 145. Joining those two as state champions for Bismarck were Kael Knowlen (120), Ricky Galindo (152), and No. 1 Ryan Blees (160).

    What ultimately cost West Fargo the state title in the individual meet was a disastrous 1-7 performance in first place matches on Saturday night. Only Jordan Shearer (132) was able to win a state title, while Jared Franek (106), Jesse Shearer (152), Weston Dobler (160), Kollin Kragnes (170), Kyle Kragnes (182), Tanner Kuznia (195), and Brandon Metz (285) all fell to defeat.

    South Border swept the titles in Class B. They beat Carrington 34-33 in the dual meet final on Thursday night, and out-pointed Carrington 182 to 172.5 at the weekend. Dual Meet (A/B) Results | Individual A Results | Individual B Results

    Dominance from No. 16 Brandon leads happenings in Florida state tournament

    While not really a surprise at all, No. 16 Brandon dominated the Class 2A state tournament, as the Eagles were led by seven state champions on the way to 270.5 points. Five of those state champions capped off undefeated seasons: Frankie Bruno (106), No. 5 Kyle Norstrem (113), No. 19 James Flint (126), No. 11 Dylan Lucas (132), and Dontae McGee (170). Additional state champions were Devan Berrian (138) and Dakota Greene (160), and they were joined by a pair of runners-up in Ty Lucas (120) and Troy Joyce (145). Second place in that tournament went to Tampa Jesuit with 119.5 points, as they were led by No. 20 Austin Underwood, an undefeated state champion at 285 pounds.

    Winning the Class 3A (big-school) title was South Dade with 174.5 points. They were led by three state champions: Ozzy Lugo (106), Patricio Lugo (138), and Isaiah Crosby (145). Finishing as runners-up were Osceola with 127.5 points, and the Kowboys were led by state titlists No. 6 Fox Baldwin (160) and Ben Cruz (220). Undefeated champions in this classification included No. 12 Jared Prince (126) and Connor Prince (132) of Palm Harbor University, Patricio Lugo, Baldwin, and Daniel Leon (285) of North Miami.

    The Class 1A race between Cardinal Gibbons and Lake Highland Prep was the closest, and it was won by Cardinal Gibbons 165.5 to 149. They were led by state titles from Anthony Vazquez (126), Jamal Morris (132), and Ryan Thomas (195); while runners-up Lake Highland Prep also had a trio of state champions in Joey Silva (106), Jake Brindley (113), and Jake Spengler (152). Results]]>    77522Wed, 19 Feb 2014 07:45:58 +0000    National High School Lowe Down: February 12, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/national-high-school-lowe-down-february-12-2014-r77458/
    Wasilla were champions in the Class 4A competition in Alaska by 20 points over runner-up South Anchorage. Two wrestlers had undefeated seasons on their way to state titles: Paul Steffensen (Kenai Central) at 126 pounds and Anthony Sierra (East Anchorage) at 145. Results

    Fab 50 development

    Per a report on Minneapolis television station KARE last week, nationally ranked wrestler 152 pound wrestler Dayton Racer is no longer part of the Apple Valley wrestling program. Though speculation is rampant, there is nothing further that has been positively confirmed at this time.

    While competing for Apple Valley this season, Racer's 4-2 victory over 2012 state runner-up Matthew Rundell in the final match of their Clash XII championship dual meet against Oak Park River Forest (Ill.) enabled the Eagles to score a 30-27 victory in that dual meet; one in which the squads split the fourteen weight classes at seven matches apiece.

    In terms of the Fab 50 national rankings, Apple Valley will drop back two positions to No. 4, while Oak Park River Forest and Clovis (Calif.) each slide up one position to second and third respectively.

    Blair Academy closes out regular season with victory over eighth nationally ranked team

    This past Friday evening, No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.) scored their eighth win in as many dual meets against top 30 in the nation competition with a 37-22 victory over No. 20 Bound Brook, N.J. Though they were short two starters from the lineup, the Buccaneers were still able to win eight weight classes, including four via pins.

    Blair Academy jumped out to a 16-0 lead after the opening four bouts, which culminated with a 6-3 victory for No. 5 Matthew Kolodzik over returning state champion Craig De La Cruz at 126 pounds. Bound Brook did get on the board when freshman Mekhi Lewis upended returning National Prep placer Alex Rinaldi 8-3 at 132. However, hopes of momentum were stopped when No. 1 in the nation Joey McKenna scored a pin 1:03 into the next bout.

    Junior Nicholas Accetta did counter for the Crusaders with a 7-5 decision over National Prep runner-up Walker Dempsey at 145 pounds. However, again that was quickly buffered by a pin from No. 8 Mason Manville 1:20 into the 152 match. In the 160 pound match, Bound Brook would cut the deficit to 28-10 with a 10-0 major decision from state placer Josh Ugalde.

    Wins in the next two matches by the Buccaneers would put the dual meet out of reach, as No. 19 Brandon Dallavia (170) scored a pin in 1:18, while Nick DiNapoli (182) earned a mild upset in a 2-1 victory over state qualifier Isaiah Soto. Bound Brook closed out the dual meet with three victories to shrink the final margin down to 37-22. Results

    Clovis to host yet another nationally ranked neighbor

    With an in-state dual meet victory streak that has now reached 83 in a row, No. 3 Clovis (Calif.) will host No. 36 Clovis West in the concluding dual meet of the season for both teams. Each squad has already wrestled No. 34 Buchanan; Clovis won nine bouts in a 39-14 victory, while Clovis West lost 37-32 despite the teams splitting the bouts at seven apiece.

    Based on competitions so far, here are the projected lineups for tonight's match, which is slated for a 7 p.m. Pacific Time start:

    106: No. 5 Justin Mejia (Clovis) vs. Chris Marin (CW). Mejia is 2-0 vs. Marin this season, 10-1 and 4-0 the match scores.
    113: Tristan Gilliland (Clovis) vs. Bryce Morita (CW)
    120: Julian Gaytan (Clovis) vs. Isack Espana (CW)
    126: Khristian Olivas (Clovis) vs. No. 16 Michael Knoblauch (CW)
    132: Isaiah Hokit (Clovis) vs. Bobby Miguel (CW)
    138: Lane Barnes (Clovis) vs. Chris Lane (CW)
    145: Jared Hill (Clovis) vs. Chris Garcia (CW)
    152: Dominic Kincaid (Clovis) vs. Tyler Zimmer (CW). Zimmer has a 4-2 victory over Kincaid from the Doc Buchanan Invitational.
    160: Josh Hokit (Clovis) vs. Luke Lierly (CW)
    170: Brody Brand (Clovis) vs. George Espana/Eric Gilkburg (CW)
    182: A.J. Nevills (Clovis) vs. Espana/Gilkburg (CW)
    195: Matt Weiss/Adam Prentice (Clovis) vs. Alex Ku (CW)
    220: Weiss/Prentice (Clovis) vs. Cortes Morales (CW). Weiss beat Morales 10-2 at the Zinkin Classic in December.
    285: No. 1 Nick Nevills (Clovis) vs. Austin Cox (CW)

    Based on the state rankings of the projected starters, Clovis West is favored in four weight classes (126, 138, 145, and 152). This is a reflection of just how truly balanced Clovis is across their lineup.

    No. 13 BECA steamrolls competition in Keystone State Class AA state duals

    In this the sixteenth year for the state dual meet championships in Pennsylvania, Bethlehem Catholic became just the third team to win state titles in four consecutive years. The Hawks joined a pair of Class AAA (big-school) programs as owners of that accomplishment: Easton (2001-2004) and Central Dauphin (2008-2011). They are also prohibitively favored to win their third straight individual tournament championship next month.

    Bethlehem Cahtolic won their first two matches by shutouts, 73-0 over Lower Moreland and 62-0 over Fort LeBoeuf. It was then a 59-3 victory in the semifinal over Hamburg, before their second straight victory over Reynolds in the final; this time the score was 41-15. For the weekend, the Hawks went an absurd 51-5. Quite frankly the only question left by the end of the weekend in Hershey was how they would fare if competing in the Class AAA tournament.

    Franklin Regional wins Class AAA, but lots of peripheral stories

    While No. 8 Franklin Regional was more or less dominant on their way to a Class AAA championship, their first ever in either the dual meet or individual competition, there were many tight matches and the like on the periphery.

    First is the journey of North Allegheny to the semifinal round, all of which comes with their second-best wrestler (returning state placer Jesse Rodgers) out of the lineup. In the previous week's WPIAL team tournament, they needed a 32-28 win over Kiski Area just to advance to the semifinals, a necessity to qualify for state. After getting blown out 49-24 by Franklin Regional on Friday night, they then won a 29-28 battle with Canon-McMillan to advance to the playoff. The playoff was the easiest match, a 72-6 victory over Pittsburgh City League champions Allderdice.

    The Tigers drew nationally ranked Cumberland Valley in their opening bout at the GIANT Center on Thursday evening. Yet again, the Tigers emerged with a victory, this time it was 29-28 as the teams split the bouts at seven apiece. Results Then, on Friday afternoon, they came through with a criteria victory after a 27-27 dual meet against Parkland. Key in that dual meet was Parkland was docked a team point during the course of the match, which turned a 28-27 Trojans victory into a 28-27 loss when the criteria point was added. Results Just to reach the point of a tied dual meet, the Tigers needed wins in four of the last five weight classes, with three of those coming by one or two points.

    What was a majestic run got derailed in the semifinal by No. 40 Greater Latrobe in the form of a 34-29 victory in yet another 7-7 match count dual meet. Results Key for North Allegheny in that match was a 7-5 mild upset victory from Luke Landefeld against returning National Prep runner-up Ethan McCoy at 113 pounds. However, bonus points made the difference in favor of Greater Latrobe. That included a match opening technical fall for No. 17 Dom Scalise (160), a major decision wrestling up one weight class for No. 3 Zack Zavatsky (195), and a pin for No. 1 Luke Pletcher (120).

    The run ended on Saturday morning when No. 45 Cumberland Valley avenged the loss from Thursday evening with a 31-28 victory in what was yet another 7-7 match count dual meet. Results Cumberland Valley would end up taking fourth place, after losing 39-18 to No. 26 Nazareth in the consolation final. Results

    Franklin Regional's run to the championship was rather straight forward. It started with a 67-9 victory over Wilson in which the Panthers won 12 of 14 matches, and continued with a 54-16 victory over Erie McDowell in which they won eleven bouts. In both the semifinal on Friday night (38-22 over Nazareth) and final on Saturday afternoon (37-23 over Greater Latrobe), Franklin Regional would win nine weight classes. Semifinal Results | Finals Results

    Five Panthers wrestlers went 4-0 on the weekend to anchor their team state title effort: No. 3 Devin Brown (106), No. 1 Spencer Lee (113), Dom Giannangeli (126), No. 2 Michael Kemerer (138), and No. 10 Josh Shields (152).

    Massillon Perry wins debut title, St. Paris Graham and Delta repeat in Ohio

    After years on in of heartbreak, No. 7 Massillon Perry finally came through with that elusive state title in wrestling. The Panthers were runners-up in last year's initial edition of the team state tournament, and had finished second in nine of the last eleven individual bracket state tournaments. However, this year they came up golden in dominant fashion. In three dual meets on Saturday, Massillon Perry had a cumulative record of 32-10 in the individual matches.

    The opening round dual was a 54-9 victory over Delaware Hayes, one in which it was 48-0 after the first ten matches were wrestled. Between 106 and 170, Massillon Perry has very few peers in terms of lineup quality nationally. The Panthers put a similar assault on St. Edward, as they led 45-3 through 170 in the course of a 48-15 victory. That victory over St. Edward was the first ever in program history for Massillon Perry.

    In the other semifinal, No. 21 Brecksville put a similar assault on a highly regarded Cincinnati Moeller squad within the first ten weight classes. The Bees won nine matches, including an unexpected upset pin from Troy Lang against state runner-up Quinton Rosser at 170, to hold a 42-3 lead. Said dual meet ended up in a 45-21 Brecksville victory.

    The state championship match in Division I was more or less a coronation for Massillon Perry. They opened up a 10-0 lead after two matches, an 11-1 major decision from Thomas Genetin (106) followed by a pin in 2:44 from No. 4 Jose Rodriguez (113), and never looked back. No. 10 Austin Assad provided a momentary buffer for the Bees with a 3-1 victory over Jake Newhouse at 120; however, a 17-1 technical fall from David Bavery (126) followed by a 4-3 decision on a late reversal for Jason Spencer (132) stretched the lead to 18-3.

    A pair of consecutive decision victories for Sonny Lucas (138) and Grayson Davis (145) against returning Panthers state qualifiers cut the deficit to 18-9, but Massillon Perry stuffed out hope with wins in the next three matches. No. 13 Casey Sparkman (152) scored a 28-12 technical fall against freshman Luke Strnad, No. 12 Tony Dailey (160) scored a 13-6 decision victory over fellow state placer Austin Strnad despite giving up the first takedown, and Isaac Bast (170) earned a 3-2 victory over Troy Lang.

    The dual meet was clinched at that point, as the Panthers led 29-9 with four matches to go, including one assured victory by forfeit. However, things got even better when Timmy Armstrong scored a massive upset in pinning returning state placer Josh Murphy (195) in 45 seconds. The final score was a Massillon Perry 48-9 victory.

    Joining the Panthers as dual meet state champions in Ohio were No. 5 St. Paris Graham in Division II and No. 49 Delta in Division III. St. Paris Graham upended No. 31 Claymont in the championship final by a 35-24 score, as they won eight bouts. However, that score-line does not fully tell the tale, as the dual meet was clinched within ten bouts; the Falcons held a 35-6 lead after state placer Lane Thomas scored a 19-4 technical fall over state qualifier Matt Dennis at 170. Each team also scored a victory against a projected state champion for the opponent. At 120 pounds, Mario Kastl from St. Paris Graham upended Dustin Warner 6-0; while in the 138 class, it was three-time Claymont state placer Cody Burcher earning a 1-0 victory over Kyle Lawson on a first period penalty point.

    Delta won twelve weight classes in their quarterfinal and semifinal bouts, a 70-8 win over Blanchester followed by a 65-6 win over Tulsaw in what was a rematch of last year's state dual meet final. Even with a couple of tossup matches going against the Panthers in the final, superior depth enabled them to win eight weight classes in a 40-26 victory over Dayton Christian. Results

    Action for the coming weekend

    Individual bracket state tournaments will be conducted in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Montana, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

    The individual bracket state finals were also scheduled for Arizona this coming weekend; however, sectional tournaments across that state were delayed due to a skin condition that impacted multiple programs. On Tuesday afternoon, a decision was made to hold the state tournament in Divisions III and IV (the smaller-school classifications) this week, with sectional tournaments in Division I and II (bigger-school classifications) this week and their state tournaments next week.

    Dual meet state tournaments are slated for completion in North Dakota, Maryland, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and New Jersey.

    Oklahoma Class 6A

    Three of the nation's fifteen best teams find themselves within the big-school (6A) classification in the Sooner State. Competition will be held on Saturday at Yukon High School with a live stream available through http://www.foxsportsoklahoma.com. Quarterfinals are slated for Noon Central, semifinals at 2 p.m., and finals at 6:30 p.m. No. 12 Broken Arrow and No. 15 Edmond North are in the upper bracket, which means they would most likely meet in the semifinal round, presuming each gets past a first round opponent; Broken Arrow faces Southmoore, while Edmond North draws Muskogee. No. 11 Stillwater anchors the lower bracket, where they'll face Midwest City in the opening round, before a semifinal round match against either Yukon or Tulsa Union.

    New Jersey, Non-Public Group A

    Though there will be six team state titles (Groups 4, 3, 2, and 1; and Non-Public A, B) decided in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River, one of the tournaments will provide most of the intrigue. That would be the Non-Public A classification with three nationally ranked teams -- No. 9 Bergen Catholic, No. 24 Don Bosco Prep, and No. 25 St. Peter's Prep -- along with a formidable Delbarton.

    The unfortunate thing is that all the good teams in this class are in the North section, which means that Sunday's final against the South section champion (most likely St. Augustine Prep) will be an absolute coronation. North section semifinals this evening, and the final on Friday this evening are the ones worth watching; tonight it is Bergen Catholic hosting Delbarton and Don Bosco Prep hosting St. Peter's Prep, with the winners slated to meet on Friday evening.

    Additional dual meet state champions from last week

    Parkland rallied back from a 21-12 deficit to upend Jack Britt 30-24 in order to win an eighth consecutive North Carolina Class 4A title on Saturday night. The result also cemented another undefeated season for the Mustangs, and kept their staggeringly long winning streak alive. Rounding out the dual meet state champions in the Tar Heel State for 2013-14 were Morehead (Class 3A), Newton-Conover (Class 2A), and Mitchell (Class 1A).

    The state dual meet championships in Delaware were contested on Tuesday evening at Smyrna High School. While the individual tournament is single-class, there are two divisions in the dual meet competition. Semifinal matches in Division I placed Smyrna against Salesanium, with Caesar Rodney slated to face Cape Henelopen; while in Division II, Milford faced Lake Forest, and St. George's Tech was to face Hodgson. The winners would face each other for the title. Results]]>    77458Wed, 12 Feb 2014 07:40:12 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: Feb. 5, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-feb-5-2014-r77378/
    Tennessee crowns dual meet champions

    Already last weekend, we saw the crowning of a second set of state dual meet champions, those coming out of Tennessee. Winning the Division I (public-school) Class AAA title was Cleveland, champions in Division I Class A-AA were Pigeon Forge, and the champion in Division II (private school) was The Baylor School. Results

    Dual meet championships during the coming week

    In the week ahead, dual meet champions will be crowned in Delaware (Tuesday, Feb. 11), North Carolina (Saturday), Ohio (Saturday), and Pennsylvania (Thursday through Saturday).

    North Carolina

    The first two rounds of the 32-team North Carolina state dual meet tournaments were held yesterday, the next two rounds will be held tomorrow, and the championship is scheduled for Saturday. While in Class 1A, the first two rounds were held yesterday, the next round held tomorrow, and the championship scheduled for Saturday. Class 4A Bracket | Class 3A Bracket | Class 2A Bracket | Class 1A Bracket

    Pennsylvania

    Each district in the Keystone State held its dual meet championships last week to determine teams that would qualify for the state tournament this week. Then, between last night and Monday evening, four play-in matches were held in each division to fill out the 16-team fields that will compete in Hershey starting on Thursday.

    First round matches in Class AA (small-school) will take place at 2 and 4 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, while those in Class AAA (big school) are slated for 6 and 8. Competition will continue through the championship and consolation finals matches in each division at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

    In the Class AAA competition, three nationally ranked teams appear in the top half of the draw: No. 37 Cumberland Valley, No. 41 Greater Latrobe, and No. 43 Boyertown. Cumberland Valley opens their tournament run with a round of 16 match against North Allegheny, a formidable team that won the Manheim Lions Holiday Tournament earlier this season. The winner of that bout is likely to face a Parkland squad, which lost to Nazareth in the District XI dual meet final Saturday evening on a criteria tiebreaker. In the second quarter of the draw, Greater Latrobe and Boyertown are likely to meet in the quarterfinal round.

    Looking at the lower half of the draw, there are two nationally ranked teams, No. 8 Franklin Regional and No. 26 Nazareth. The Panthers and Blue Eagles are strong favorites to advance to the semifinal round. Nominal challenges for each squad should come in the quarterfinal -- Franklin Regional will draw the winner of Erie McDowell vs. Central Dauphin, while Nazareth is likely to face Spring-Ford. The most likely outcome of the Class AAA tournament is that Franklin Regional wins its first state title in wrestling.

    In class AA, No. 13 Bethlehem Catholic is seeking to win a fourth consecutive state dual meet title, and the Hawks are prohibitively favored to do so. Bethlehem Catholic faces Lower Moreland in the opening round, and will then most likely face District 10 runner-up Fort LeBoeuf in the opening round, before a likely clash against either Burrell (District 7/WPIAL champions) or Brookville (District 9 champions). The lower half of the draw is anchored by District 10 champion Reynolds and District 3 champion Boiling Springs. Class AAA Bracket | Class AA Bracket

    Ohio

    The "big four" of Division I (big school) will wage battle for a state title, the first of two such battles to be held over the next month. Should each squad win their first round dual meet, the semifinals would place No. 7 Massillon Perry vs. No. 27 St. Edward, with No. 21 Brecksville vs. Cincinnati Moeller. Each dual meet should be tightly contested, with multiple matches in each dual meet having the potential to swing the outcome. However, the most likely scenario is that Massillon Perry's strength from 106-to-170 proves to be too much for St. Edward and the championship final opponent, as the Panthers will win their first-ever state title in wrestling.

    A pair of Fab 50 squads -- No. 5 St. Paris Graham and No. 31 Claymont -- holds the top two seeds in the Division II competition. These two teams met in the state dual meet final last year, with St. Paris Graham winning eight weight classes in a 36-24 victory. Look for a similar type of outcome in this year's dual meet, with multiple matches between state title and placement contenders throughout the dual meet. Keep in mind that Claymont could be challenged in the semifinal round by Perry, who was runner-up in last year's Division II individual state tournament; but it is likely the Mustangs will prevail, as they did when the teams met in last year's first round (by a 36-22 score).

    Defending team state champions Delta, who are ranked No. 48 nationally, are favored to repeat in the Division III (small-school) competition. The Panthers have eleven wrestlers ranked in the top 16 of their weight class within Division III, which gives them an overwhelming advantage in terms of depth. The only team that can possibly challenge them is Dayton Christian, which has seven ranked wrestlers, and those squads should meet in the state final. Brackets

    Garden State battles continue

    Three more dual meets involving nationally ranked teams happened this past week in New Jersey. On Friday night, No. 24 Don Bosco Prep hosted No. 9 Bergen Catholic in their annual rivalry dual meet. It was a tightly contested dual meet through ten bouts, when the teams had split five matches apiece (Bergen Catholic holding a 19-18 lead), before four consecutive decisions would provide the final margin in a 31-18 victory for the Crusaders. Results

    Starting in the 152-pound weight class, Bergen Catholic won the first four matches of the dual meet. This included a 2-1 upset victory at 170 pounds for Kevin Mulligan against Luke Farinaro, who was nationally ranked at the time; the string for four matches ended with a pin from No. 1 Johnny Sebastian at 182 pounds, which gave the Crusaders a 15-0 lead.

    Don Bosco Prep responded with four consecutive victories of their own, starting with a pin from freshman Eric Chakonis against Danny DeLorenzi in 3:49 at 195 pounds. After the 3-0 victory from fellow freshman Evan Deluise at 106 pounds, the dual meet was tied 15-15. Bergen Catholic would stem that tide with a 14-3 major decision from No. 2 Nick Suriano at 113 pounds, which was countered by a 5-2 decision from Dominick Mandarino at 120 pounds for the Ironmen.

    Three wins for Bergen Catholic in what could be characterized as swing matches would clinch the dual meet before the evening's final bout. State placer Peter Lipari upended returning state runner-up Kyle Bierdumpfel 5-3, state qualifier J.P. Ascolese beat state champion Luis Gonzalez 4-0, and Lauren Angelhina upended Sam Cali 5-3 in a battle of state qualifiers.

    Bergen Catholic had to turn around and travel to No. 1 Blair Academy for a Saturday evening dual meet, which turned mostly into an unmitigated disaster for the Crusaders. Then again, for most teams facing Blair Academy this year, that was the outcome. The No. 1 team in the nation earned a 55-10 victory, as Blair Academy scored winning outcomes in twelve bouts. Results

    Notable outcomes in the match were that Bergen Catholic forfeited three matches due to personnel being injured, and No. 1 in the nation Johnny Sebastian had to injury default during the course of his match at 182 pounds; Sebastian held a 2-1 lead over Nick DiNapoli late in the first period prior to the match being terminated. Finally, Blair Academy won a pair of one point decisions in the last two matches of the evening: Neil Putnam upended Christian Jenco 5-4 at 220 pounds, and Will Cooley beat Joe Caggiano 6-5 in the ultimate tiebreaker at 285.

    Also on Saturday, this one during the afternoon, No. 20 Bound Brook traveled to No. 25 St. Peter's Prep. Like in their meeting at the Clash in early January, the two squads split the 14 weight class bouts, but this go around it was the visiting Crusaders who earned a 33-30 victory. Results

    The dual meet opened with the host Marauders taking a 9-0 lead, as Nicholas Santos (113) scored a 7-4 decision and Michael Kelley (120) secured a pin in 2:04. However, Bound Brook countered with a pin and decision of their own; state champion Craig de la Cruz (126) with the pin in 1:20, and freshman Mekhi Lewis (132) scoring a 3-0 decision. St. Peter's Prep was quick to respond with three more victories to make it a 21-9 lead. Those came from a 5-3 decision for Connor Burkert (138), a pin in 1:02 for Ryan Burkert (145), and a 4-2 decision for Manny Ramirez (152).

    Three consecutive six-point outcomes for Bound Brook would give the Crusaders a 27-21 lead, which would hold up through the end of the dual meet. Pins for Josh Ugalde (160) and Isaiah Soto (182) were sandwiched by a forfeit from Ryan Doerr (170). It was then three swing upper-weight bouts that decided the ultimate outcome of the dual meet, Bound Brook winning two of them to clinch the dual meet prior to the final bout.

    Christian Colucci of St. Peter's Prep cut the deficit to 27-24 with a 3-1 decision over Ronald Picado at 195. Bound Brook would then get victories from Aaron Saavedra and Stephen Johnson at 220 and 285; Saavedra upended state placer Jordan Fox 6-4, while state placer Johnson beat Armond Cox 3-2.

    Clovis stretches string of dominance to 82

    One week ago tonight, it was a big event as No. 4 Clovis, Calif., hosted No. 34 Buchanan, Calif. The conference dual meet drew a sold out crowd of about 2,000 fans, was wrestled on the Fresno State mat, and drew the presence of the Fresno State University president. However, the match itself was anti-climactic as the host Cougars extended their streak of in-state dual meet victories to 82 in a 39-14 victory. Results

    The match did not start out well for the visiting Bears, as Clovis state qualifiers Josh Hokit (160) and Brody Brand (170) opened with a 5-3 decision and 11-3 major decision. After Buchanan countered with a 4-3 decision victory from Young An at 182 pounds, Matt Weiss took a forfeit for Clovis to extend the lead to 13-3. While Kai Dill was able to earn a 7-4 victory for Buchanan at 220, which cut the deficit to 13-6, the pair of nationally ranked wrestlers for the Cougars pushed the lead to 25-6.

    No. 1 Nick Nevills scored a pin during the second period at 285, and No. 5 Justin Mejia scored the pin late in the first period. State placer Durbin Lloren would stem the tide for Buchanan with a 3-1 decision at 113 pounds, which cut the deficit to 25-9 with six bouts remaining.

    Three consecutive victories for Clovis would clinch the dual meet. Those came in the form of a 4-2 decision for Julian Gaytan (120), a 9-4 decision for Khristian Olivas (126), and an 8-0 major decision for Isaiah Hokit (132).

    Quick bits

    This coming weekend happens to be the Class 4A (big school) state tournament in Alaska. Brackets

    No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J., plays host to No. 20 Bound Brook, N.J., in a Friday night dual meet at 7 p.m. to close out their dual meet campaign in 2014.]]>    77378Wed, 05 Feb 2014 07:08:03 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: January 29, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-january-29-2014-r77312/
    No. 1 Blair Academy journey of dual meets

    This past weekend, Blair Academy (N.J.) hosted a super quad meet in which the host Buccaneers wrestled four teams, two of whom were nationally ranked. The opening dual meet was a 47-9 victory over No. 24 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), in which Blair Academy took home victories in 12 weight classes. Results In the nightcap, the Buccaneers won ten bouts against No. 27 St. Edward (Ohio) in a 46-12 victory. Results

    The other two victories came by the scores of 61-6 over Smyrna, Del., and 47-15 over Tulsa Union, Okla. In the other battle of nationally ranked teams on site, Don Bosco Prep upended St. Edward 31-19, as the Ironman won eight of the weight classes. Results It was an interesting dual meet, as St. Edward went 4-2 in matches decided by two points or less. In addition, the absence of No. 11 L.J. Bentley at 113 pounds was at least a nine-point swing to the detriment of St. Edward; while Don Bosco Prep misplayed strategy in the 170/182 weight classes.

    The absence of Bentley also proved costly, as St. Edward was upset 36-27 by Tulsa Union, Okla. In that dual meet, the teams split the bouts seven apiece. An outcome of interest in that dual meet was an unexpected pin for Luke Wolfensberger of the victorious Redskins against Hunter Ladnier at 132.

    No. 8 Bergen Catholic on its own gauntlet

    This past Saturday, Bergen Catholic -- which is the best team in NJSIAA competition -- took on their sixth nationally ranked foe of the season in the form of fellow state champion No. 20 Bound Brook, N.J. The first nine matches of the dual were back-and-forth, as the lead changed hands three times with three other times where the score was tied. However, a swing match at 170 pounds provided the dual meet's final turn.

    A battle of state qualifiers between Kevin Mulligan and Isaiah Soto went in favor of Mulligan by 5-0 decision, which broke a 16-16 tie. No. 1 Johnny Sebastian would secure a pin early in the second period to push the team score out to 25-16. The situation was further exacerbated when Danny DeLorenzi pulled off an upset at 195, when he pinned returning state qualifier Aaron Saavedra early in the third period. Two additional narrow decisions for Bergen Catholic would provide the final margin of 37-16, including a 5-3 upset victory for Conner O'Brien over returning state placer Stephen Johnson. Results

    Come this weekend, Bergen Catholic is scheduled to take on their seventh and eighth nationally ranked foes in dual meet competition. Not only have these been ranked teams, but they all reside inside the top 25 at present. Friday night, the Crusaders travel to Don Bosco Prep for their annual rivalry dual meet; then on Saturday, they make the trip to Blair Academy for a 6 p.m. dual meet.

    Also this week in the Garden State is a dual meet with Bound Brook traveling to No. 25 St. Peter's Prep. The teams did already wrestle at The Clash XII in Minnesota in early January, a match won by St. Peter's Prep 35-28. However, the matches were split seven apiece, and Bound Brook was without multiple key contributors.

    No. 34 Buchanan journeys through its rivals in California's Central Section

    A week ago today, Buchanan hosted No. 36 Clovis West for a conference dual meet. Both teams won seven weight classes in the dual meet; however, the home-standing Bears had a 5-2 edge in pins to win by a 37-32 score. Results

    Tomorrow, the challenge is stark for Buchanan as they travel to No. 4 Clovis. While the Bears were the last in-state squad to defeat Clovis in a dual meet. However, that was more than 80 matches and seven years ago.

    Stillwater gets it all right for Sooner State supremacy in victory over Broken Arrow

    Two of the nation's best teams did battle last night in Oklahoma, as Stillwater traveled to take on Broken Arrow for the Tigers' wrestling program alumni night. However, the Pioneers were unkind guests, as two swing bout pins in the first half of the dual meet and a pair of overtime victories in the second half made the difference in a 37-23 victory.

    The match started at 138 pounds, as a pair of wrestlers with state championships under their belt took to the mat. Stillwater's Tristan Moran secured the pin over Shea Conley at the 3:09 mark. The Pioneers would stretch the lead to 9-0 with a 5-1 decision victory for No. 5 Joe Smith over Tanner Bailey in a battle of state champions. Broken Arrow would pick up their lone lead of the evening at 10-9 with a 25 second pin from Paden Bailey at 152 and a 9-0 major decision from Braxton Owens at 160.

    Consecutive pins for Stillwater would give them back the lead at 21-10. The first was from No. 5 Chandler Rogers at 170, while at 182, Jordan Dieringer earned the fall against state qualifier Isaiah Page. The host Tigers would counter with consecutive victories, a 6-4 decision at 195 from Quintonio Tolon and a pin at 220 from Steven Allen to cut the deficit to 21-19.

    With six matches to go, James Brower would catalyze the push to the finish for Stillwater with a 5-2 overtime victory over Trenton Lieurance at 285 pounds. No. 13 Andrew Nieman would further that push with an 11-0 major decision at 106. Broken Arrow would get their lone victory in this stretch at 113 pounds, with a 9-0 major decision from Tejuan Daniels. Stillwater's Jacob Fontanez would score a 9-7 overtime upset victory over No. 17 Markus Simmons at 120 pounds, then Benny Teegarden did the same in a 2-1 victory over two-time state champion Davion Jeffries at 126. To close out the dual meet, No. 13 Kaid Brock upended three-time state placer Zack Edwards 5-2 at 132 pounds.

    The two teams flip positions in this week's Fab 50, Stillwater is No. 11, while Broken Arrow is No. 12.

    No. 14 Lowell upends state champion Shamrocks in Assembly Dual

    A week ago today, No. 14 Lowell (Mich.) hosted No. 17 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) during an in-school dual meet. The Red Arrows jumped out to a 7-0 lead with a major decision from state champion Bailey Jack (130) and a decision from Jordan Hall (135). However, the Shamrocks pushed back with a 24 point barrage from five consecutive wins: a pin from Myles Amine (140), a technical fall from Malik Amine (145), a major decision from Tyler Morland (152), a decision from No. 12 at 152 Nick Bennett (160), and a pin from No. 12 Andrew Garcia (171).

    The next match would serve as the turning point for the dual meet with Max Dean taking on Junior National freestyle All-American Logan Marcicki. Marcicki pinned Dean when the two wrestled last year, and jumped out to an early lead in the bout at 189 pounds. However, Dean would rally back and get the pin at the 5:01 mark to cut the Lowell deficit to 24-13.

    That started a six match string of victories for the Red Arrows, which continued with Garrett Stehley's major decision over Nick Giese in a battle of state placers at 215 pounds. It was followed up by a 3-2 decision for No. 13 Josh Colegrove against Jimmy Russell, with both wrestlers bumped up a weight class to 285. Pins from Sam Russell (103) and Lucas Hall (112) would add to the winning streak, which finished state runner-up Zeth Dean's major decision at 119.

    Two-time state third placer Trevor Zdebski would close the dual meet with a decision victory over state placer Derek Krajewski at 125, but it was too little and too late for Detroit Catholic Central, who lost by a 36-27 final score.

    Southeast Polk flips script at Ed Winger Invitational

    Two weeks ago in a dual meet at Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State University. Bettendorf had won eight weight classes in a 37-27 victory over Southeast Polk. This past weekend in the Ed Winger Invitational hosted by Urbandale, the Rams changed the narrative as they used eleven placers to score a 32 point tournament victory (233.5-to-201.5).

    Three Southeast Polk wrestlers won weight class titles: Nolan Hellickson (120), Ethan Andersen (220), and Jake Marnin (285). Another trio finished in second place: Briar Dittmer (145), Brady Buchheit (152), and Deion Mikesell (195)). Rounding out the placing brigade were Keegan Shaw (132) and Aaron Meyer (138) with third place finishes; while Adam Brown (106), Jonah Williams (126), and Mason Kerr (170) finished fourth.

    Bettendorf countered with their usual suspects, five winning weight class titles and another placing third. However, only two additional Bulldog wrestlers were able to earn top six placement finishes -- Drew Sass (152) in sixth, and Michael Belanger (160) finishing fourth. Champions were Jack Wagner (106), Jacob Schwarm (113), No. 4 Fredy Stroker (132), No. 10 Logan Ryan (138), and Jacob Woodard (145); with Paul Glynn (120) taking third.

    Rounding out the weight class champions were Chris Walters (126) from Iowa City West, Zach Johnston (152) from Adel, Isaiah Patton (160) from Dowling Catholic, Hank Swalla (170) from Ames, Dakota Clausen (182) from Dallas Center-Grimes, and Colin Kreiter (195) from North Scott. Results

    Keystone State notes

    Cumberland Valley jumps into the Fab 50 at No. 37 after a 29-26 victory at No. 26 Nazareth. The squads split the weight classes at seven apiece. Even though the host Blue Eagles were without Sage Karam, who was competing in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, his impact on this dual meet's outcome would have been rather limited. The most obvious difference in this dual meet was that Cumberland Valley had the meet's only two pins. Results

    This weekend marks the district championship dual meet tournaments. Each of the state's districts in Class AAA and Class AA will determine qualifiers for next week's state dual meet championships. The WPIAL (i.e. Pittsburgh area) had a pair of Fab 50 teams in Class AAA, No. 9 Franklin Regional and No. 41 Greater Latrobe. Those two teams happened to meet this past week in the sub-section 1 championship, with Franklin Regional winning nine bouts in a 46-28 victory. The teams are very likely to meet in the WPIAL championship bout on Saturday night.

    Couple quick bits

    St. Johns beat Davison 36-27 in a dual meet this past Friday held at the University of Michigan. The Redwings won eight of the weight classes, including both matches that placed nationally ranked wrestlers against one another. In the 145 pound bout, it was a pair of nationally ranked 138s, as No. 3 Zac Hall defeated No. 13 Justin Oliver 7-5; while at 189 pounds, it was a pair of nationally ranked 182s, as No. 10 Angus Arthur beat No. 14 Jordan Cooks 6-1. St. Johns moved up eight spots in this week's Fab 50 to No. 28, while Davison dropped two spots to No. 30.

    No. 42 Kuna, Idaho won the Red Halverson Memorial Invitational at Minico. They scored 305 points to 212.5 for No. 45 Centennial, Idaho. However, Centennial was without nationally ranked Hayden Tuma and another key contributor in Logan Blackwood. Results

    Perry (Okla.) came away with the title at the Jay Hancock Memorial in Yukon over a pair of short-handed nationally ranked teams, as they scored 163.5 points. Runner-up Collinsville, ranked No. 49, was without three-time state champion Will Stelzen (145); while third place Edmond North, ranked No. 15, was without a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers in Paxton Rosen (106) and Joel Dixon (170/182/220). The nationally ranked teams scored 153 and 145.5 points respectively. Results]]>    77312Wed, 29 Jan 2014 08:47:02 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: January 22, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-january-22-2014-r77249/
    Broncos traveled to Marmion, came away with win, continue with gauntlet by hosting Marist

    Looking at the schedule for Montini Catholic, Ill., at the start of the season, one could see this midseason seven week gauntlet and call it a lot of things -- including sadistic. The last week of that stretch is finally in sight. The penultimate week came to roost this past Saturday, as the No. 20 ranked Broncos beat No. 30 Marmion Academy, Ill. 36-28 in dual meet action.

    The first four matches of this dual meet were forfeits. Montini Catholic earned three of them as Edgar Ruano (220), No. 10 Michael Johnson, Jr. (285), and Jimmy Pawleski (106) got their hands raised for showing up; then it was Marmion Academy's turn with No. 16 Anthony Bosco (113) cutting the deficit to 18-6. After those four non-matches, the host Cadets won three consecutive weights to tie the dual meet at 18-all. A.J. Jaffe picked up an 8-2 decision over Kegan Calkins at 120, No. 13 Johnny Jimenez upended Dylan Duncan 7-2 at 126, and Anthony Cheloni scored a fall in 2:43 over Caleb Fortuna at 138.

    In response, Montini Catholic picked up consecutive wins from middle-weight anchors Vince Turk (138) and No. 20 Chris Garcia (145), which gave them a 25-18 lead that would hold up through the rest of the dual meet. Trace Carello would cut into that deficit slightly for the Cadets with a 21-4 technical fall at 152 pounds; however, another pair of consecutive wins for Montini Catholic would open the lead up to 33-23 with two matches left in the dual. Those wins came from Lucas Fortuna and No. 13 Xavier Montalvo who bumped up one weight class each.

    The host Cadets would flip their wrestlers for the last two weights in hopes of stealing the dual meet. Josh Myers did his part with a 20-5 technical fall at 182 pounds, which kept the dual in reach for Marmion Academy. However, Anthony Ferraro gave the Broncos the match-sealing victory at 195 pounds by 5-1 decision over Nathan Traxler.

    Now on Friday night, it will be the capper to the gauntlet, as Montini Catholic will host No. 13 Marist in dual meet action starting at 7 p.m. Central. There will be a live web stream/broadcast of the dual meet on the Illinois Matmen website. Projected lineups are below.

    106: Jimmy Pawleski (Mon) vs. Jim McAuliffe (Mar)
    113: TBD vs. Nick Lukanich (Mar)
    120: Kegan Calkins (Mon) vs. Mark Duda/Andy O'Brien (Mar)
    126: Dylan Duncan (Mon) vs. Mike Mullaney/Mark Duda (Mar)
    132: Caleb Fortuna (Mon) vs. Ameen Hamdan (Mar)
    138: Vince Turk (Mon) vs. Mario Leveille (Mar)
    145: No. 20 Chris Garcia (Mon) vs. David Kasper/Nick Gasbarro (Mar)
    152: Luke Fortuna (Mon) vs. Jakada Hull (Mar)
    160: No. 13 Xavier Montalvo (Mon) vs. Peter Andreotti (Mar)
    170: TBD vs. Jake Poole (Mar)
    182: Mitch Navarro (Mon) vs. Alex Benoit (Mar)
    195: Anthony Ferraro (Mon) vs. Sam Feldner (Mar)
    220: Edgar Ruano (Mon) vs. Pat O'Connor (Mar)
    285: No. 10 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Mon) vs. Jake Ford (Mar)

    Marmion Academy travels to Michigan for two dual meets against Fab 50 opposition

    Like Montini Catholic in the previous piece, the No. 30 ranked Cadets is ending their own seven-week gauntlet of rigorous competitions this weekend. They'll be traveling to Michigan for tri-meets on Friday and Saturday. On each day, they'll face on Fab 50 team -- on Friday, it'll be No. 15 Lowell (Mich.), while on Saturday they compete against No. 18 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.). Also, on Saturday, they'll match up against Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio).

    For Cincinnati Moeller, which started inside the top 15 in the preseason, these last two weeks have kind of been the start to their season. The Crusaders are getting back their upper-weight core to the lineup, at least to some extent. Here are projected lineups for Lowell, Marmion Academy, Detroit Catholic Central, and Cincinnati Moeller for this weekend; the "old weights" are used in Michigan competition.

    103: Sam Russell (Low), TBD (Marm), Davis Rastigue/Trevor Geelhood (DCC), Connor Graves (Moe)
    112: Lucas Hall (Low), No. 16 Anthony Bosco (Marm), Tommy Herrmann (DCC), Jalen Summerours (Moe)
    119: Zeth Dean (Low), A.J. Jaffe (Marm), Parker O'Brien (DCC), Conner Ziegler (Moe)
    125: Bailey Jack (Low), No. 13 Johnny Jimenez (Marm), Trevor Zdebski (DCC), Connor Borton (Moe)
    130: Derek Krajewski (Low), Anthony Cheloni (Marm), Evan Toth (DCC), Jacoby Ward (Moe)
    135: Jordan Hall (Low), Michael Callahan (Marm), Eli Joseph (DCC), Tiese Gideon (Moe)
    140: Josh Kinsley (Low), Eli Baltazar (Marm), Myles Amine (DCC), Drew Hobbs (Moe)
    145: Danny Kruse (Low), Matt Ferraro (Marm), Malik Amine/Ryan O'Connor (DCC), Campbell Morton (Moe)
    152: Jacob Garcia (Low), Trace Carello (Marm), No. 12 Nick Bennett (DCC), Jonathan Tallarigo (Moe)
    160: Kanon Dean (Low), Sammy Breen (Marm), Tyler Morland (DCC), Austin Bohenek (Moe)
    171: Max Dean (Low), Nick Ferraro (Marm), No. 12 Andrew Garcia (DCC), Quinton Rosser/Brett Bryant (Moe)
    189: Garrett Stehley (Low), Josh Myers/Nathan Traxler (Marm), No. 17 at 182 Logan Marcicki (DCC), Dakota Sizemore/William Smallwood (Moe)
    215: No. 13 Josh Colegrove (Low), Myers/Traxler (Marm), Nick Giese/Jimmy Russell (DCC), Jerry Thornberry/No. 5 Chalmer Frueauf (Moe)
    285: Logan Wilcox (Low), TBD (Marm), Russell/Mark Bilger, Joe Hensley (Moe)

    Additional Fab 50 clashes in the Wolverine State

    Two additional dual meets in the coming week up in the state of Michigan will feature a pair of Fab 50 teams going up against one another. This afternoon starting at 1:30 p.m., No. 15 Lowell will host No. 18 Detroit Catholic Central in an assembly match. Projected lineups for each squad are featured in the item above.

    Then on Friday, No. 28 Davison and No. 36 St. Johns will compete in a dual meet before the University of Michigan's home match against Michigan State at Cliff Keen Arena in Ann Arbor. Projected lineups for each team are below.

    103: Jacob Alvarez (D) vs. Emilio Sanchez (SJ)
    112: Max Johnson (D) vs. Ian Parker (SJ)
    119: Jacob Madrigal (D) vs. Lucas McFarland (SJ)
    125: Lincoln Olson (D) vs. Derek Droste (SJ)
    130: Derek Humphrey (D) vs. Bret Fedewa (SJ)
    135: Matt Miller (D) vs. Jacob Zelenka (SJ)
    140: No. 13 at 138 Justin Oliver (D) vs. No. 3 at 138 Zac Hall/Mark Bozzo (SJ)
    145: Dominic Russ (D) vs. Hall/Bozzo (SJ)
    152: Brenan McRill (D) vs. No. 5 Logan Massa (SJ)
    160: Thomas Garty (D) vs. Drew Wixson (SJ)
    171: Mark Lange (D) vs. TBD (SJ)
    189: No. 15 at 182 Jordan Cooks (D) vs. No. 11 Angus Arthur (SJ)
    215: Jake Ellis (D) vs. Tyler Wildmo (SJ)
    285: Dakota Powers (D) vs. Nic Sturgis/Jake Gnegy (SJ)

    Wyoming Seminary with a statement victory over Bergen Catholic

    This past Friday night at the University of Pennsylvania, No. 6 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) laid a statement on No. 8 Bergen Catholic (N.J.) in the form of a 39-19 victory. It was a second very decisive dual meet win for the Blue Knights over a team ranked in the top ten this season. The opening four matches of the dual meet set the tone, and were in essence the margin at the end of the match.

    Danny Boychuck opened the proceedings with a 19 second pin over Bergen Catholic backup Connor Laspina at 138 pounds. Tyler Ponte extended the lead for Wyoming Seminary with a 6-4 decision over Zach Spira. No. 10 Nick Reenan continued the barrage, earning an injury default at the 1:30 mark against Joe Grello at 152, while the stretch of dominance ended with a 14-1 major decision victory for No. 18 Chris Weiler over Jordan Pagan at 160.

    Bergen Catholic would cut into the lead with Kevin Mulligan's 5-3 decision victory over Ryan McMullan at 170 pounds and a pin in 3:38 by Danny DeLorenzi against Greg Kleinsmith at 182. However, it was still a 19-9 deficit for the Crusaders, who did not wrestle No. 2 Johnny Sebastian in this dual meet, either at 182 or up at 195.

    Seeing the lead cut down to ten, Wyoming Seminary would go on another four bout winning streak to put the dual meet out of reach. At 195 pounds, it was Mike Rogers with a 7-1 decision over Connor O'Brien. Matthew Doggett continued to sap out the hopes of the Crusaders, this one was a 7-6 victory over Christian Jenco at 220. Then, it was Jake Scanlan scoring a pin in 3:52 over Joe Caggiano at 285. Finally, John Busiello earned a 16-0 technical fall in four minutes over Evan Quinn at 106.

    Bergen Catholic would win three of the evening's last four bouts, but the damage was done during the first ten matches of the dual meet. Those wins came from No. 2 Nick Suriano at 113 pounds, an 11-3 major decision over Trent Olson; Pete Lipari with a 2-0 decision over Will Verallis at 126; and a 5-4 victory for J.P. Ascolese over C.J. Moyer at 132. The disruption came in the form of Jimmy Overheiser scoring a 3-2 victory over the Crusaders' Tyler Casamenti at 120.

    Each team will see another nationally ranked opponent this coming Saturday in dual meet action. The Blue Knights make a trip to Maryland for the Gilman Duals, where they will most likely face No. 50 McDonogh, Md. Bergen Catholic will wrestle No. 21 Bound Brook, N.J. as part of a quad meet at High Point -- Raritan is the fourth team in that event.

    It's a total muddle behind Bergen Catholic in the Garden State

    Among schools that compete in the NJSIAA, No. 1 Blair Academy does not (they feed into National Preps), there is much confusion about who is second best behind Bergen Catholic this season. The happenings of the past week validate such an assertion.

    On Saturday, Bound Brook traveled to Don Bosco Prep. They earned a 36-19 victory, taking home victories in ten of fourteen weight classes. However, the defeated Ironmen were without one starter and lost five of six matches decided by two points or less. Full details of that dual meet are available here.

    On Monday, Don Bosco Prep traveled to St. Peter's Prep and bounced back with a 30-27 victory. It was a meet in which both teams won seven of the weight classes. Full details of that dual meet are available here.

    Also on Monday, Bound Brook went to unranked Delbarton, and was trailing 20-12 after eight weight classes. However, it was consecutive victories from their back four weight classes -- including three pins -- that assured a Crusaders victory. The final score was 33-29, with the two teams splitting the fourteen weight class. For full details, click here.

    Adding to that confusion is results from earlier in the season. St. Peter's Prep beat a short-handed Bound Brook squad 35-28 at the Clash, though the teams split the fourteen weight classes. In addition, St. Peter's Prep split the fourteen weight classes during last weekend's 32-29 victory over Delabrton. Sorting it all out, Bound Brook and St. Peter's Prep will switch places in this week's Fab 50 -- Bound Brook to No. 21 and St. Peter's Prep to No. 25 -- while Don Bosco Prep stays at No. 23.

    Golden State update

    Two major tournaments took place this past weekend in California. No. 32 Poway used mass volume in winning the championship at the Battle for the Belt hosted by Temecula Valley this past weekend. Despite no champions, the Titans placed ten individuals on the way to a 199.5 to 190 victory over No. 46 Vacaville. Leading the Poway effort were runner-up finishes from Sergio Enloe (138) and No. 14 Ralphy Tovar (145).

    Vacaville had two wrestlers win weight class titles. Gionn Peralta made his debut at 113, came up with a title, and jumps into the rankings at No. 14; and No. 4 Jeramy Sweany (220) continued his dominance this season with pins in all six of his matches. The Bulldogs placed six wrestlers in all.

    Other notable weight class champions were Evan Wick (San Marino), who upset the previous ranked Sean Cannon (Green Valley, Nev.) 4-3 at 120; No. 9 Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), a 4-2 winner over Ralphy Tovar at 145; No. 15 Paul Fox (Gilroy) at 152; and No. 5 Nick Fiegener (Folsom), who beat No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana) 3-2 in the 182 final.

    No. 33 Buchanan was the dominant champion at the Five Counties Invitational this past weekend hosted by Fountain Valley. The Bears were led by four weight class champions: Jason Delacruz (120), Conner Francis (145), Abner Romero (152), and Kai Dill (220). In all nine wrestlers placed. Finishing second in the tournament was Santiago Corona with 211 points, led by three weight class champions -- Chris Lacayo (106), No. 4 Michael Longo (138), and Freddie Garcia (160). Two additional nationally ranked wrestlers won weight class titles: No. 9 Mason Pengilly (Porterville) at 126 and Nour Abdullatif (Roosevelt) at 285.

    On Wednesday evening, it will be a battle of Fab 50 squads when No. 35 Clovis West travels to No. 33 Buchanan. Then on Saturday at 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Buchanan and No. 4 Clovis will travel to No. 46 Vacaville as part of a double-dual. Buchanan and Clovis will both dual Vacaville and James Logan, but will not dual each other. Here are projected lineups for Clovis West, Buchanan, Clovis, and Vacaville.

    106: Chris Marin (CW), Ross Arve (B), No. 5 Justin Mejia (C), Jordan Aquino (V)
    113: Bryce Morita (CW), Jake Levatino/Durbin Lloren (B), Tristan Gilliland (C), No. 14 Gionn Peralta (V)
    120: Isack Espina (CW), Jason Delacruz (B), Julian Gaytan (C), Anthony Hernandez (V)
    126: No. 16 Michael Knoblauch (CW), Greg Gaxiola (B), Khristian Olivas (C), Bobby Ehman (V)
    132: Bobby Miguel (CW), Kyle Hansen (B), Isaiah Hokit (C), Kyle Moore (V)
    138: Chris Lane (CW), Dean Esquibel (B), Lane Barnes (C), Eric Udall (V)
    145: Chris Garcia (CW), Conner Francis (B), Jared Hill (C), Hayden Fry (V)
    152: Tyler Zimmer (CW), Abner Romero (B), Dominic Kincaid (C), Quintin Cardoza (V)
    160: Luke Lierly (CW), Isaiah Jones (B), Josh Hokit (C), Jesse Johnson (V)
    170: Eric Glikbarg (CW), Esequiel Olivera (B), Brody Brand (C), Cole Tigert (V)
    182: George Espana (CW), Young Woo An (B), A.J. Nevills (C), Zach Myers/James Probis (V)
    195: Alex Ku (CW), Zekary Levatino (B), Adam Prentice (C), Steven Gomez (V)
    220: Cortes Morales (CW), Kai Dill (B), Matt Weiss (C), No. 4 Jeramy Sweany (V)
    285: Austin Cox (CW), David Robles (B), No. 1 Nick Nevills (C), Mike McCauley (V)

    Broken Arrow and Stillwater in tight battle for Sooner State supremacy

    This past weekend the top three teams in Oklahoma, all of which are ranked in the top 15 nationally, competed in the Bobby Lyons Invitational hosted by Sand Springs. The team race was razor tight, and came down to the last weight class of the evening. Trailing by 1.5 points with the championship and consolation finals at 285 pounds to go, Broken Arrow got a 2-1 overtime victory from Trenton Lieurance in the third place bout. That gave the Tigers the championship when No. 15 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North) pinned Stillwater's James Brower in the championship bout.

    Despite going 1-6 in first place matches, Broken Arrow scored the 234 to 233.5 victory over Stillwater, which went 5-2 in those matches. The lone champion for Broken Arrow was No. 11 Markus Simmons, who scored a 12-2 major decision over John Jimanez (Sand Springs) at 120 pounds. Runner-up finishes came from Damon Hail (113), Davion Jeffries (126), Zack Edwards (132), Shea Conley (138), Tanner Bailey (145), and Paden Bailey (152). Six additional Tigers wrestlers earned a placement finish to make it thirteen in all for Broken Arrow.

    Weight class champions for runner-up Stillwater included Andrew Nieman (106), No. 13 Kaid Brock (132), Tristan Moran (138), No. 5 Joe Smith (145), and No. 5 Chandler Rogers (170). Nieman made his season debut at 106, earned a victory over No. 14 Paxton Rosen (Edmond North), which puts him in the rankings this week at No. 13. Brock, Moran, and Smith scored victories over Broken Arrow opposition. Runner-up finishers for the Pioneers were Jordan Dieringer (182) and Brower. Additional wrestlers placed third, fifth, and sixth for Stillwater.

    Finishing third in the event was Edmond North, who despite having four weight class champions only could muster 207.5 points. Those four weight class champions were No. 10 Joel Dixon (182), No. 5 Derek White (195), No. 12 Lance Dixon (220), and No. 15 Andrew Dixon (285).

    Rounding out the weight class champions were No. 3 Daton Fix (Sand Springs) at 113 pounds; Cody Karstetter (Sand Springs), who beat Jeffries 3-2 in the 126 final to knock him out of the weight class rankings; Jonce Blaylock (Berryhill) at 152; and Jacobe Smith (Muskogee) at 160.

    This coming Tuesday, No. 12 Stillwater will travel to No. 11 Broken Arrow for a dual meet. Edmond North dropped three spots to No. 14 in the Fab 50 this week, and will travel to Yukon for the Jay Hancock Memorial, a tournament that also includes No. 49 Collinsville.

    Bettendorf competes against top Iowa rivals in past and present weekends

    For a second tournament this season, it was No. 22 Bettendorf (Iowa) finishing slightly ahead of No. 37 Waverly-Shell Rock (Iowa) to secure a tournament victory. The first time came in the opening weekend at the Keith Young Invitational. This past weekend, it was at the Geneseo Wrestling Invitational in Illinois. Both the Bulldogs and Go-Hawks placed nine wrestlers in the top six podium spots, but it was Bettendorf's five champions out-pointing the eight top three finishers for Waverly-Shell Rock.

    Winning weight class titles for Bettendorf were Jack Wagner (106), Jacob Schwarm (113), Paul Glynn (120), No. 4 Fredy Stroker (132), and No. 10 Logan Ryan (138). Jacob Woodard (145) finished in second place, while an additional Bulldogs wrestler placed fifth and two others were sixth.

    Waverly-Shell Rock had Bryce Steiert (145) and Spencer Derifield (160) pick up weight class titles. Nate Sands (120), Izaak Miller (182), and Thomas Foy (195) placed second; while Justin Reither (132), Corey Abernathy (170), and Kaleb Staack (285) placed third.

    This coming weekend, Bettendorf will be joined by No. 27 Southeast Polk in the field at the Ed Winger Invite hosted by Urbandale, Iowa. Sixteen teams will compete in the individual bracket tournament on Saturday. Bettendorf won eight weight classes in a 37-27 dual meet victory against Southeast Polk at Iowa State a week ago from this past Sunday. Additional ranked teams from The Predicament polls in the field include North Scott and Iowa City West.

    Quick hitters

    Blair Academy, N.J., yet again showed why they are the number one team in the country. This past weekend in the Escape the Rock Tournament held outside of Philadelphia, the Buccaneers placed 13 wrestlers (every weight class but for 160, where No. 3 Dylan Milonas is out injured), and won four titles. Champions included No. 12 Chaz Tucker (120), who beat three nationally ranked wrestlers on the weekend, No. 1 Joey McKenna (138), No. 9 Mason Manville (152), and No. 15 Brandon Dallavia. Finishing in second place with four champions and 197.5 points, but 80 back of Blair Academy, was No. 16 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. The Hawks were led by weight class champions Jake Riegel (106), No. 19 Luke Karam (113), No. 3 Zeke Moisey (126), and Andrew Dunn (220). For full results, click here.

    This coming week, top-ranked Blair Academy hosts a pair of Fab 50 teams as part of a Super Quad at 12:30 p.m. The Buccaneers will wrestle all four teams in the following order: No. 23 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), Tulsa Union (Okla.), Smyrna (Del.), and No. 26 St. Edward (Ohio). On the opposite mat, the following dual meets will take place: St. Edward vs. Smyrna, St. Edward vs. Don Bosco, St. Edward vs. Tulsa Union, and Don Bosco Prep vs. Tulsa Union.

    The two matches for St. Edward on Saturday against Fab 50 opposition mark a fourth consecutive Saturday in which the Eagles have taken on a Fab 50 opponent in dual meet competition. This past weekend they hosted No. 5 St. Paris Graham, Ohio in their annual match. The visiting Falcons came away with a 34-25 victory, as they won eight of the fourteen weight classes. However, St. Edward won the only match involving a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers, as No. 11 L.J. Bentley upended No. 17 Eli Stickley by a 2-1 score at 113 pounds.

    In the WPIAL, which is the regional governing body for schools around Pittsburgh, sub-section championship dual meets will be taking place tonight. Most notable among those is the sub-section 1 tournament in Class AAA (big-school) to be held at No. 41 Greater Latrobe starting at 6 p.m. The host Wildcats are the second seed and will dual Kiski Area in one semifinal, while No. 9 Franklin Regional takes on Hempfield Area. The two winners and losers will meet to determine placement positions for next week's WPIAL team championship tournament.

    No. 42 Kuna and No. 45 Centennial, the top two teams in the state of Idaho, will both be at the Red Halverson Memorial Wrestling Invitational this weekend in Minico. This past weekend, Kuna dominated their way to a title at the Tiger-Grizz Invitational; while Centennial was short a key starter, who placed at the Reno TOC in December, and was in fourth place behind No. 38 Pleasant Grove (Utah) and two others at The Rumble in Orem, Utah.

    No. 4 Clovis (Calif.) outlasted No. 8 Massillon Perry (Ohio) in a relatively tight point race at the Alliance Top Gun Wrestling Tournament this past weekend. A recap of the event was written and posted on InterMat Sunday morning. To read the article, click here.]]>    77249Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:13:35 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: January 15, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-january-15-2014-r77180/
    Don Bosco Prep wins Virginia Duals, but has multiple tests this week

    Coming into the past weekend with some uneven performances in the first four weeks of their season, Don Bosco Prep, N.J. traveled to the Virginia Duals looking to establish order. Last year's state runner-up at 106 pounds as a freshman, Kyle Bierdumpfel returned to the mats for the Ironmen. Even though not at an optimal weight class, his presence at 126/132 pounds is still an asset.

    In the semifinals, Don Bosco Prep upended fellow Fab 50 member McDonogh, Md., by a 47-18 score, as they won nine of the fourteen weight classes; while in the final, they upended another Fab 50 squad -- Nazareth, Pa., 32-20, winning nine matches yet again. Those performances moved the Ironmen up fourteen spots in the Fab 50 to No. 23 nationally.

    However, there is no time for Don Bosco Prep to rest of their laurels, as they have major competition in a home quadrangular meet on Saturday afternoon. They will host No. 25 Bound Brook, defending Group 4 (big-school public) state champions Brick Memorial, and Newark Academy. Then, on Monday, they travel to No. 21 St. Peter's Prep for a dual meet. Here are the projected lineups for Don Bosco Prep, Bound Brook, and St. Peter's Prep.

    106: Evan Deluise (DBP), Anthony Lopez (BB), Alec Kelly (SPP)
    113: Avery Shay (DBP), Gonzalo Limenza (BB), Nicholas Santos (SPP)
    120: Luis Gonzalez (DBP), Stephen Glasgow (BB), Michael Russo (SPP)
    126: Kyle Bierdumpfel/Sam Cali (DBP), Craig De La Cruz (BB), Isaiah McGowan (SPP)
    132: Bierdumpfel/Cali/Andrew Roszenweig (DBP), Mekhi Lewis (BB), Sonny Simonetti (SPP)
    138: Roszenweig/Bruno Gerardi (DBP), Nicholas Accetta (BB), Connor Burkert (SPP)
    145: Joe Napolitano (DBP), Sean Glasgow (BB), Ryan Burkert (SPP)
    152: Ryan Forero (DBP), Andrew Gombas (BB), Manny Ramirez (SPP)
    160: Jeremy Soto (DBP), Josh Ugalde (BB), Stephen Kellner (SPP)
    170: No. 18 Luke Farinaro/Jeff Lombardi (DBP), Isaiah Soto (BB), Luke Leonard(SPP)
    182: Farinaro/Lombardi (DBP), Abraham Saavedra (BB), Danny Sblendorio (SPP)
    195: Eric Chakonis (DBP), Ronald Picado (BB), Christian Colucci (SPP)
    220: No. 16 Zack Chakonis (DBP), Aaron Saavedra (BB), Jordan Fox (SPP)
    285: Kevin Feder (DBP), Mike Johnson (BB), Armond Cox (SPP)

    Runner-up Nazareth did not have the best of weeks, as they lost ten bouts in a 40-17 defeat against fellow Fab 50 member Bethlehem Catholic, Pa this past Wednesday. The Blue Eagles were without state alternate Sage Karam at 145, but that still doesn't rationalize the defeats. As a result, Nazareth drops five spots to No. 19 in the Fab 50, while Bethlehem Catholic jumps seven spots to No. 17.

    Additionally, McDonogh compounded their semifinal loss to Don Bosco Prep by getting blown out in their next dual meet against St. Anthony's, N.Y. The Eagles only won five weight classes in a 44-26 loss. Even with multiple wrestlers up in weight classes, it was still baffling. As a result, McDonogh drops seventeen spots to No. 32 in the nation. Their performance in particular at the Beast of the East keeps them as a nationally ranked team.

    St. Edward to dual Fab 50 team for third straight weekend

    Perennial Ohio power St. Edward continues its rigorous January schedule this Saturday with a home dual meet against No. 5 St. Paris Graham at 2 p.m. For the third of four straight Saturdays, the Eagles will compete in a dual meet against a fellow Fab 50 squad. This past weekend, they upended No. 30 Marmion Academy, Ill., 36-27.

    Despite losing the dual meet, the visiting Cadets won seven of the nine contested bouts, but had to forfeit at 145, 160, and the last three bouts of the dual meet (220, 285, and 106). Two weekends ago, Marmion Academy had wrestlers compete at 145 and 160 pounds, and both placed at the Dvorak Memorial Tournament. Also of note is that St. Edward won the two most contested matches of the meet: at 113 pounds, No. 11 L.J. Bentley upended No. 15 Anthony Bosco 3-0, while Gabe Dzuro defeated Nathan Traxler 7-6 at 182. The residual of this is that St. Edward drops five spots to No. 26 nationally.

    The following are projected lineups for Saturday's dual meet between St. Paris Graham, who is after their 14th consecutive Division II state title; and St. Edward, who has won 16 of the last 17 titles in Division I (big-school).

    106: Justin Stickley/Tanner Smith (G) vs. Allan Hart (SE)
    113: No. 16 Eli Stickley (G) vs. No. 11 L.J. Bentley (SE)
    120: Mario Kastl (G) vs. Mason Daugherty (SE)
    126: No. 14 Eli Seipel (G) vs. Isaac Collier (SE)
    132: Brent Moore (G) vs. Hunter Ladnier (SE)
    138: Kyle Lawson (G) vs. Jack Conway/Joey Ciacchi (SE)
    145: No. 1 Micah Jordan (G) vs. Ray Barr (SE)
    152: Garrett Jordan (G) vs. D.J. Williamson (SE)
    160: No. 7 Alex Marinelli (G) vs. Adam Wukie (SE)
    170: Lane Thomas (G) vs. Kevin Khoma (SE)
    182: Hayden Bronne (G) vs. Gabe Dzuro (SE)
    195: Josh Couchman/Kanan Sarver (G) vs. Mike O'Malley (SE)
    220: Brandon Hays (G) vs. Parker Knapp (SE)
    285: Dylan Nave (G) vs. Ralph Nichols (SE)

    Wyoming Seminary gives No. 1 Blair Academy a scare, face Bergen Catholic next

    In the championship match of the NHSCA Final Four Festival of Wrestling, Wyoming Seminary competed against No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. After the match was done the Blue Knights let the nation know that a disappointing Walsh Jesuit Ironman was far, far back in the rear view mirror. They won seven of the fourteen weight classes in the dual meet, but lost 27-24.

    Tossup matches started going in favor of Wyoming Seminary with a second match 5-4 victory from Tyler Ponte against National Prep runner-up Walker Dempsey at 145 pounds. However, Blair Academy was quick to respond with a 7-1 victory in a potential swing bout at 152 pounds, as No. 8 Mason Manville defeated No. 10 Nick Reenan.

    No. 20 Chris Weiler capitalized on the hole left in Blair Academy's lineup at 160 pounds due to the absence of No. 3 Dylan Milonas, as he earned a fall in 3:20 over Jimmy Stillerman to tie the dual meet at 9-9. The teams would trade decisions in four straight bouts -- No. 16 Brandon Dallavia (170) and David Showunmi (195) winning for the Buccaneers, while the Blue Knights got victories from Greg Kleinsmith (182) and Matthew Doggett (220). Two further consecutive decision victories from Jake Scanlan (285) and John Busiello (106) would give Wyoming Seminary a 21-15 heading to a crucial turn in the dual meet.

    For the second straight week Requin van der Merwe came up with an important victory for Blair Academy, this time earning a 7-2 victory over Trent Olson at 113 pounds. An 11-3 major decision from No. 17 Chaz Tucker would give Blair Academy a 22-21 lead, one they would keep as the teams split the last two bouts of the meet; No. 5 Matthew Kolodzik earned a technical fall for Blair at 126, while Will Verallis of Wyoming Seminary upended Alex Rinaldi 2-0 in a battle of returning National Prep placers at 132 pounds.

    The rest of giving Blair Academy a close call is that Wyoming Seminary moves up one spot in the national rankings to No. 6, as they swap spots with now No. 7 Bergen Catholic, N.J. The Blue Knights and the Crusaders will compete in a 5 p.m. dual meet on Friday night at the University of Pennsylvania. Here are the projected lineups for that match.

    106: John Busiello (WS) vs. Evan Quinn (BC)
    113: Trent Olson (WS) vs. No. 2 Nick Suriano (BC)
    120: Jimmy Overheiser (WS) vs. Tyler Casamenti (BC)
    126: Aaron Kliamovich (WS) vs. Peter Lipari (BC)
    132: Will Verallis (WS) vs. J.P. Ascolese (BC)
    138: Danny Boychuck (WS) vs. Lauren Anghelina (BC)
    145: Tyler Ponte (WS) vs. Zack Spira (BC)
    152: No. 10 Nick Reenan (WS) vs. Joe Grello (BC)
    160: No. 20 Chris Weiler (WS) vs. Jordan Pagano (BC)
    170: Ryan McMullan (WS) vs. Kevin Mulligan (BC)
    182: Greg Kleinsmith (WS) vs. No. 2 Johnny Sebastian (BC)
    195: Mike Rogers (WS) vs. Conner O'Brien/Danny DeLorenzi (BC)
    220: Matthew Doggett (WS) vs. Christian Jenco (BC)
    285: Jake Scanlan (WS) vs. Joe Caggiano (BC)

    Bergen Catholic impressive at Garden State Duals

    The one spot drop in the Fab 50 for Bergen Catholic, N.J., comes despite their impressive showing at the inaugural Garden State Duals held on the campus of Rutgers University this past Saturday. The Crusaders dominated their three matches in preliminary competition, as they went 31-9 in terms of bouts during victories over Shawnee (45-21), Passaic Valley (54-9), and Holy Cross (55-18).

    On the other hand, it was a bit more trying for their championship match opponent, No. 21 St. Peter's Prep, N.J. The Marauders won ten bouts each in victories over River Dell (47-21) and New Milford (48-18), but split the fourteen weight classes in a 32-29 victory over Delbarton, needing a technical fall from Christian Colucci (195) and a pin from Jordan Fox (220) in the last two bouts to win the meet.

    The championship match started with the Crusaders' ace in the hole Nick Suriano batting leadoff, and the nation's No. 2 113 pound wrestler earned an 18-6 major decision over freshman Nicholas Santos. State placer Michael Russo would respond for St. Peter's Prep with a 5-3 decision over Tyler Casamenti at 120, before a pair of wins from Peter Lipari (126) and J.P. Ascolese (132) extended the lead out to 13-3. State placer Connor Burkert (138) was able to cut into the lead with a 6-3 decision victory.

    However, five consecutive victories for the Crusaders -- all but one coming with bonus points -- sucked the life out of the dual meet. Notable among those wins was the 5-1 victory at 152 pounds for Joe Grello against returning state placer Ryan Burkert, though Burkert was up one weight class from normal. An 8-0 major decision for No. 2 in the nation Johnny Sebastian at 182 concluded the barrage.

    St. Peter's Prep would close the dual meet with four consecutive victories, including a last match forfeit at 106 pounds to make the score respectable at 34-21 in favor of the Crusaders.

    Sooner State journey for supremacy

    The Geary Invitational, which is the nation's oldest high school tournament, celebrated its 70th edition this past weekend. It was a show fitting of the occasion, as the two highest ranked teams in Oklahoma waged a tight battle all the way to the end. No. 13 Broken Arrow won the tournament with 149.5 points despite having only two champions -- No. 12 Markus Simmons (120) and No. 16 Davion Jeffries (126) -- because of their tournament-high ten placers, including eight inside the top three.

    Three additional wrestlers for the champion Tigers placed second and third respectively. Runner-up finishes were earned by Shea Conley (138), Tanner Bailey (145), and Paden Bailey (152). For the formerly ranked Tanner Bailey, he was upset 3-1 by Will Steltzen of Collinsville in the final. Third place finishes were earned by Damon Hail (113), Zack Edwards (132), and Isaiah Page (170).

    Finishing razor close in second place was No. 11 Edmond North with 147.5 points, despite missing returning state placer Cy Trindle (120). The Huskies were led by five weight class champions: No. 13 Paxton Rosen (106), No. 10 Joel Dixon (182), No. 5 Derek White (195), No. 13 at 170 Lance Dixon (220), and No. 11 at 220 Andrew Dixon (285). White was also named the tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler, while Andrew Dixon earned most falls in the least time. Zach Walton (160) finished in second place, while only two other wrestlers earned placement honors.

    Finishing in third and fourth place were Tuttle (111.5) and Collinsville (108.5). Despite having only Dakota Head (152) win a weight class title, No. 31 Tuttle had the tournament's second-most placers, as nine earned a podium finish. Of note was a runner-up finish by Riley Fielder (220) and third place finishes from Noah McQuigg (106), Beau Guffey (120), and Blake Dauphin (126). The fourth place finish, led by weight class titles from No. 9 Gary Wayne Harding (138) and Will Steltzen (145), was enough to propel the Cardinals back into the Fab 50 at No. 47 nationally. Three additional wrestlers earned runner-up honors, Nate Keim (106), No. 10 Christian Moody (113), and Roc Robbins (182).

    Rounding out the weight class champions were Montorie Bridges (Altus) at 113 pounds; Cub Yeager (Locust Grove), who upset previously ranked Jacob Rubio (Canyon Randall, Texas) 2-0 in the final at 132 pounds; Levi Berry (Norman North) at 160; and Drake Pilgrim (Tascosa, Texas).

    This coming weekend will be the Sand Springs Tournament, where Broken Arrow and Edmond North will be joined by No. 14 Stillwater. Those three teams will be in the same event, something that will also happen a couple times in February, as the teams contest for both the dual meet and individual state titles in Class 6A (big-school).

    Quick hitters from the past weekend

    No. 35 Clovis West, Calif. won the Eastern States Tournament in New York State this past weekend with 129 points, which was 30-plus points more than their closest challengers, Springfield Central (Mass.) and Hauppauge (N.Y.). The Golden Eagles had five placers -- which were led by a second place finish from No. 17 Michael Knoblauch (126), as well as third place finishes from Chris Garcia (145) and Cortes Morales (220). Seven nationally ranked wrestlers won weight class titles: No. 13 Vitali Arujau (Syosset) at 113 pounds, No. 5 Nick Piccinnini (Ward Mellville) at 120, No. 15 Travis Passaro (Eastport-South Manor) at 126, No. 14 Burke Paddock (Warsaw) at 170, No. 13 Christian Dietrich (Greene) at 182, No. 11 Levi Ashley (Shenendehowa) at 195, and No. 15 Richard Sisti (Monsignor Farrell) at 220. Of note is the tournament from Passaro, who was previously unranked, but jumps into the rankings are wins over two nationally ranked wrestlers.

    No. 9 Franklin Regional, Pa., was a dominant host of the 17-team Westmoreland County Coaches Association Tournament this past weekend, as six Panthers won weight class titles while six others finished inside the top four as well. Winning weight class titles were No. 3 Devin Brown (106), No. 1 Spencer Lee (113), No. 2 Tyler Smith (132), No. 2 Michael Kemerer (138), Josh Maruca (145), and No. 11 Josh Shields (152). Lee upended National Prep runner-up Ethan McCoy (Greater Latrobe) 9-5 and Smith beat No. 3 Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area) 3-2 in rematches of finals from the POWERade Christmas Wrestling Tournament. The Panthers amassed 290.5 points, more than 100 points ahead of Kiski Area (187) and No. 42 Greater Latrobe (186.5). Deterring Greater Latrobe from more points was the need for No. 19 Dom Scalise (160) to default from the tournament down to a sixth place finish after making the semifinals. That squad had No. 1 Luke Pletcher (120) and No. 5 Zack Zavatsky (182) win weight class titles, with Pletcher's coming by a 4-2 score over No. 8 George Phillippi (Derry Area) in a rematch of the Super 32 Challenge final.

    In a battle of the top two teams in the state of Iowa, Bettendorf beat Southeast Polk 37-27 on Sunday morning before Iowa State's dual meet against Oklahoma at Hilton Coliseum. The Bulldogs won eight of fourteen weight classes, and move ahead of the Rams in the national rankings. Bettendorf moves up five spots to No. 22, while Southeast Polk drops two spots to No. 27 in the country.

    Bettendorf will be one of three nationally ranked teams attending the Geneseo Bi-State this coming Friday and Saturday in Illinois. Joining the Bulldogs in attendance will be fellow Iowa squads, No. 38 Waverly-Shell Rock and No. 48 Cedar Rapids Prairie.

    A recap of the Detroit Catholic Central Super Duals, which featured six Fab 50 teams in the field and nine dual meets directly involving both of those teams, was published on InterMat Sunday morning. Oak Park River Forest, Ill. remains No. 3 nationally after sweeping four Fab 50 opponents; Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. moves up two spots to No. 18 after going 3-1, including two wins over Fab 50 squads; Montini Catholic, Ill. dropped nine spots to No. 20 after going 1-3 against a quartet of Fab 50 teams; Brecksville, Ohio dropped one position to No. 24 after splitting four dual meets; Davison, Mich. dropped two spots to No. 28 after splitting four dual meets; St. Johns, Mich. moved up one position to No. 37 despite losing to a pair of Fab 50 teams (both were ranked higher) on Saturday.

    Also on tap for the weekend ahead

    The Top Gun Wrestling Tournament will be held in Alliance, Ohio on Friday and Saturday. There is a trio of Fab 50 teams in the field: No. 4 Clovis (Calif.), No. 8 Massillon Perry, and No. 29 Claymont. A separate preview for that event will be posted on Thursday.

    No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. travels to the Escape the Rock Tournament this Saturday and Sunday at Council Rock South, which is located outside of Philadelphia, Pa. Two additional Fab 50 squads join the Buccaneers in the field, No. 17 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. and No. 36 Robinson, Va. Also in the field is defending tournament champions Parkland, Pa. From an individual standpoint, it is an extremely strong field anchored by No. 1 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 138, No. 2 Thomas Haines (Solanco, Pa.) at 285, and No. 3 Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) at 126.

    Both No. 20 Montini Catholic, Ill., and No. 30 Marmion Academy, Ill., will seek to bounce back from short-comings of the past weekend in a triangular meet on Saturday at Marmion Academy. The teams will dual meet each other and Westerville North, Ohio. It will be interesting to see what type of lineup each can muster.

    Two major showcase tournaments in the Golden State are this coming weekend, the Clinch Gear Battle of the Belt at Temecula Valley and the Five Counties Invitational hosted by Fountain Valley.

    A pair of Fab 50 squads, No. 39 Pleasant Grove (Utah) and No. 45 Centennial (Idaho) will be at the Rocky Mountain Rumble this weekend in Orem, Utah. Defending champions Maple Mountain (Utah) will also be in attendance.

    The nation's biggest showcase of below high school wrestling is also this weekend, the 2014 Tulsa Nationals kick off on Thursday and end on Saturday. Results will be available via Track Wrestling.]]>    77180Wed, 15 Jan 2014 07:21:08 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: January 8, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-january-8-2014-r77122/
    Friday night in Ohio's Stark County, the Buccaneers shutout Massillon Jackson 76-0 before a decisive 37-15 victory No. 8 Massillon Perry in which they won 11 of 14 weight classes. Then, on Saturday night at No. 5 St. Paris Graham, it was more of the same in a 38-20 victory over the host Falcons, as Blair Academy won nine matches.

    Links: Recap | Results

    NHSCA Final Four Wrestling Festival

    This coming Saturday, the top ranked Buccaneers travel to the York (Pa.) Expo Center for the NHSCA Final Four Wrestling Festival. Should things go to plan, come 4:40 p.m. ET, No. 1 Blair Academy would face No. 7 Wyoming Seminary, Pa., in the championship bout. In preliminary competition, the top-ranked Buccaneers will have matches against Tukhannock and Bishop McDevitt; while the seventh-ranked Blue Knights have matches against Benton, Pennsbury, and East Stroudsburg South.

    Presuming each squad goes undefeated in the preliminary rounds, they would have a bye into the semifinal round, which is slated for a 3 p.m. start. In all probability, Blair Academy is looking at a semifinal against either DePaul Catholic (N.J.) or John Carroll (Md.), while Wyoming Seminary would likely meet either Spring Grove or Pen Argyl.

    Link: Pools and Bracket

    Projected matchups for the Blair Academy vs. Wyoming Seminary dual:

    106: Zach Sherman (B) vs. John Busiello/Will Moss (WS)
    113: Requir van der Merwe (B) vs. Trent Olson/TBD (WS)
    120: No. 17 Chaz Tucker (B) vs. Jimmy Overheiser (WS)
    126: No. 8 Matthew Kolodzik (B) vs. Danny Boychuck (WS)
    132: Jordan Kutler (B) vs. Will Crisco (WS)
    138: No. 1 Joey McKenna (B) vs. Will Verallis (WS)
    145: Walker Dempsey (B) vs. Tyler Ponte (WS)
    152: No. 8 Mason Manville (B) vs. No. 10 Nick Reenan (WS)
    160: No. 3 Dylan Milonas/Michael Monica (B) vs. No. 20 Chris Weiler (WS)
    170: No. 16 Brandon Dallavia (B) vs. Ryan McMullan (WS)
    182: Nicholas DiNapoli (B) vs. Greg Kleinsmith/Sal Diaz (WS)
    195: David Showunmi (B) vs. Michael Rogers (WS)
    220: Neil Putnam (B) vs. Matthew Doggett (WS)
    285: Will Cooley (B) vs. Jake Scanlan (WS)

    Catch up on the Cheesehead Invitational

    While on Sunday up in Green Bay, the Packers and 49ers froze their behinds off in a NFL playoff game at Lambeau Field, some of the nation's more formidable high school wrestlers and teams battled it out in nearby Kaukauna on Friday and Saturday. After two days of competition, No. 11 Montini Catholic (Ill.) stood on top of the 26-team field with its second Cheesehead Invitational title in the 16-year history of the event.

    The Broncos were anchored by five finalists -- including weight class titles won by Vincent Turk (138) and No. 9 Michael Johnson, Jr. (285) -- and another five wrestlers who finished between third and sixth on the way to a 554.5 point finish. Runner-up finishes came from Chris Garcia (145), Xavier Montalvo (160), and Edgar Ruano (220). The next two teams in the standings, Kaukauna (Wis.) and Lockport (Ill.), were previously not ranked in the InterMat Fab 50 and will now move into the rankings at No. 34 and No. 50 respectively.

    The host Kaukauna squad was led by weight class champion Robert Lee (132), seven other wrestlers who placed in the top eight, and three other wrestlers who finished in ninth -- meaning that they were “champions” of the second-tier bracket. The most notable other contributors in their 521 team point effort were third place finishers Ty Lee (106) and Bailey VanHandel (138). Third place Lockport scored 492 points, and were led by a pair of weight class champions in Brian Rossi (113), who is now No. 11 nationally after beating No. 15 Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) by 4-3 decision in the tiebreaker in his debut at the weight class; and No. 12 Tyler Johnson (195). The Porters also had six other wrestlers place between third and seventh.

    Defending tournament champions Southeast Polk (Iowa), which is ranked No. 25 nationally, finished a very narrow fourth place with 491.5 points despite the absence of returning state placer Keegan Shaw (132). The Rams were led by five wrestlers in the top three places, and four others within the top nine (one seventh, two eighth, and one ninth). Weight class champions were Nolan Hellickson (113) and Ethan Andersen (220), runner-up finishes came from Aaron Meyer (138) and Jake Marnin (285), while Briar Dittmer (145) placed third.

    Waverly-Shell Rock (Iowa), ranked No. 39 nationally, finished fifth with 442 points. The Go-Hawks were led by weight class champion Bryce Steiert (145), two runners-up, and a single wrestler each in third and fourth. No. 29 in the nation Marmion Academy (Ill.) finished seventh in the standings with 392.5 points despite having a pair of wrestlers each finish first, No. 13 Johnny Jimenez (126) and Nathan Traxler (182); second, No. 15 Anthony Bosco (113) and Trace Carello (152), and third. The Cadets were without two key starters who placed the prior week at the Dvorak.

    Rounding out the weight class champions were No. 8 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) at 106 pounds, No. 1 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel, Ill.) at 152, No. 12 Gable Frandsen (Ellsworth, Wis.) at 160, and No. 10 Beau Breske (Hartford Union, Wis.) at 170. Of note among those titles was the run by the previously unranked Frandsen, who beat a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers -- No. 17 Spencer Derifield (Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa) and No. 13 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.) -- on the way to his title.

    Link: Brackets and Results

    Nation's oldest high school wrestling tournament: Geary Invitational turns 70

    Twenty-four teams, including four members of the InterMat Fab 50 will assemble in Geary, Okla. for the nation's oldest high school wrestling tournament this Friday and Saturday. Competition will be held in two sessions on each day, 11:30 a.m./ 6 p.m. CTl on Friday, and 10 a.m./6 p.m. on Saturday. The tournament, as tradition holds, is totally unseeded and has challenge matches for true second -- if applicable -- after the championship finals. Team points are also only awarded for placement and bonus accruals.

    Teams to watch in the field include No. 12 Edmond North, No. 15 Broken Arrow, No. 30 Tuttle, No. 46 Lawton McArthur, Collinsville, and Tulsa Union. The following nationally ranked individuals appear in the field:

    106: No. 13 Paxton Rosen (Edmond North)
    113: No. 8 Christian Moody (Collinsville)
    120: No. 12 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow)
    126: No. 17 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow)
    132: No. 13 Jacob Rubio (Canyon Randall, Texas)
    138: No. 10 Gary Wayne Harding (Collinsville)
    145: No. 17 Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow)
    170: No. 13 Lance Dixon (Edmond North)
    182: No. 11 Joel Dixon (Edmond North)
    195: No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North)
    220: No. 12 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North)

    Clovis makes a big statement at home in the Doc Buchanan Invitational

    For anyone who had doubts about the caliber of squad for No. 4 Clovis, Calif., this year, those should be eliminated once and for all after their total domination of the Doc Buchanan Invitational this past weekend. Rated as the best tournament in the western third of the country, some view it as almost a de facto California state tournament. While I wouldn't go that far, the field was formidable.

    The host Cougars scored 239.5 points to win by almost 90 points. They were led by a trio of weight class champions: No. 11 Justin Mejia (106), Matt Weiss (220), and No. 1 Nick Nevills (285). Eight additional Clovis wrestlers earned a spot on the placement podium: Khristian Olivas (132) was second, Dominic Kincaid (152) and Josh Hokit (160) were third, Julian Gaytan (120) was fifth, Isaiah Hokit (138) and Adam Prentice (195) were sixth, Tristian Gilliland (113) was seventh, while A.J. Nevills (182) took eighth.

    After a runner-up finish in the event, Buchanan moved up 12 spots in the Fab 50 to No. 33 nationally. The neighboring Bears placed seven wrestlers, which were led by the weight class title won by Durbin Lloren (120), who upset defending state champion Israel Saavedra (Modesto) 11-6 in the final; as a result, Saavedra dropped eight spots in the rankings to No. 14 in the country.

    Despite the absence of their best wrestler, No. 13 Ralphy Tovar (145), No. 31 Poway finished in third place with 128 points. The Titans placed seven wrestlers of their own, led by a third place finish from Segio Enloe (138). The other two Fab 50 teams in the field -- No. 35 Clovis West and No. 40 Pleasant Grove, Utah -- occupied the next two spots in the standings.

    Clovis West placed six wrestlers -- including a trio of runners-up in No. 11 Michael Knoblauch (126), Chris Garcia (145), and Tyler Zimmer (152) -- on the way to 122 points, while Pleasant Grove placed five wrestlers -- led by a pair of third place finishes from Nelson Jones (106) and Zach Dawe (285) -- on the way to 100.5 points.

    Two weight class finals featured a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers. At 126 pounds, No. 9 Mason Pengilly (Porterville) upended No. 11 Michael Knoblauch (Clovis West) 3-2; while at 182 pounds, Nick Fiegner (Folsom) defeated Corey Griego (Sultana) 4-2, as a result Fiegner moved up three spots to No. 6 while Griego dropped one spot to No. 7.

    Rounding out the weight class champions were No. 20 Adrian Camposano (Central) at 113 pounds, No. 1 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) at 132, Uzo Uwoama (Bloomington) at 138, No. 8 Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy) at 145, No. 15 Paul Fox (Gilroy) at 152, Bryan Salinas (Northview) at 160, No. 2 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco) at 170, and Cody Vigoren (Lake Stevens, Wash.) at 195.

    Link: Brackets and Results

    Virginia Duals -- National H.S. Division

    This year marks the 20th edition of the National High School Division as a part of the Virginia Duals, an event which started with the National College Division in 1981. This event serves as the innovator for the team advancement concept within the dual meet structure. Come Friday and Saturday at the Hampton Coliseum, there will be three divisions on college competition and two divisions of high school competition.

    The defending champion in the National H.S. Division is South Plainfield (N.J.). The Tigers are seeded fourth after suffering massive graduation losses from last year's squad, which was anchored by four-time undefeated New Jersey state champion Anthony Ashnault among others. McDonogh (Md.), which was runner-up in last year's event and is ranked No. 32 in the nation, enters the tournament as the second seed.

    This year's top seed is No. 14 Nazareth (Pa.), a three-time champion of this event most recently winning the tournament in 2007. The Blue Eagles will open competition on Friday with Gloucsester (Va.) at 9 a.m. ET, and are most likely positioned to wrestle in a 1 p.m. quarterfinal against either Timber Creek (N.J.) or St. Anthony's (N.Y.). Two wins would put them into Saturday's semifinal round at 2:00 p.m. The defending champion Tigers would be who the Blue Eagles should see by seed; however, No. 5 seed Colonial Forge (Va.) could upend South Plainfield on Friday afternoon.

    McDonogh anchors the lower half bracket, and is slated to face St. Christopher's (Va.) in the opening round at 11 a.m. The Eagles then likely will face either Lexington (S.C.) or Camden Catholic (N.J.) in a 3 p.m. quarterfinal. The two seeded teams in the other quarter of the lower half are No. 37 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) and Arvada West (Colo.)

    Quick bits of look ahead

    An event-specific preview on the Detroit Catholic Central Super Duals to be held on Saturday in Novi, Mich. will be posted on Thursday. Six Fab 50 teams are among the twelve school field: No. 3 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.), No. 11 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 20 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.), No. 23 Brecksville (Ohio), No. 26 Davison (Mich.), and No. 38 St. Johns (Mich.). Wrestling starts at 10 a.m. ET.

    On Thursday night, No. 12 Broken Arrow and No. 15 Edmond North are slated to wrestle each other as part of a triangular meet at Putnam City, Okla.

    On Sunday, No. 25 Southeast Polk will wrestle No. 27 Bettendorf in a dual meet at 10:30 a.m. Central Time at Hilton Coliseum prior to the Iowa State dual meet against Oklahoma.

    No. 21 St. Edward, Ohio will host No. 29 Marmion Academy, Ill., as part of a quadrangular meet that includes Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio and Marysville, Ohio. Wrestling starts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern in Lakewood.

    No. 6 Bergen Catholic and No. 19 St. Peter's Prep are among the teams slated to compete in the Garden State Duals this Saturday at Rutgers University.

    No. 35 Clovis West, Calif. will be among the over 130 teams slated to compete at the Eastern States Wrestling Classic at Sullivan Community College in New York State this coming Friday and Saturday. Wrestling starts at 10:30 a.m. Eastern on Friday, with Saturday's competition slated for a 9:15 a.m. start with the quarterfinals and medal matches being conducted at approximately 4:15 p.m.

    Brief notes from the past weekend

    For a full recap of The Clash XII -- National High School Wrestling Duals, read this article. As a result of the tournament Apple Valley (Minn.) and Oak Park River Forest (Ill.) flipped positions between No. 2 and No. 3 nationally.

    With their championship at the Rollie Lane Tournament in Idaho, Crook County (Ore.) moves into the Fab 50 at No. 42. A runner-up finish in the event sees Kuna (Idaho) move up six spots to No. 44, while a third place finish causes Centennial (Idaho) to slide back four spots to No. 47.

    It was certainly a dramatic day in Lakewood, Ohio as No. 21 St. Edward, No. 28 Claymont, and Wadsworth split dual meets against one another. The host Eagles beat Wadsworth 39-15 (11 matches to 3) in round one, Wadsworth upset Claymont 31-29 (8 matches to 6) in round two, while Claymont upset St. Edward 31-29 despite winning only six weight classes in the final round.

    After placing eight wrestlers in the top three -- including four weight class champions -- in one of the tougher in-season tournaments in the state of Michigan, Lowell moved up six spots to No. 17 in the nation. Winning titles for the Red Arrows were Lucas Hall (112), Bailey Jack (130), Jordan Hall (135), and No. 13 at 220 Josh Colegrove (215). Runner-up finishes for Lowell came from Zeth Dean (119) and Garrett Stehley (189), while Kanon Dean (160) and Max Dean (171) finished third.

    After winning the Class 3A IHSWCA Team State Duals in Westfield, Ind. this past weekend Franklin moved into the Fab 50 as the No. 49 ranked team in the country. The Grizzly Cubs won their opening round bout 41-21 over Warren Central. They followed that up with a 27-26 victory in the semifinal round against perennial state champion Perry Meridian, which was ranked No. 30 headed into the event. The crucial bouts for Franklin in that dual meet came at 182 pounds where Mike Petrole won a 3-1 overtime decision against Nathan Warman, and the 4-3 decision from Quinn York in the penultimate bout at 285 pounds against Shane Corman to clinch the dual meet. Then, in the finals, the Grizzly Cubs upended Evansville Mater Dei 30-27 when returning state third placer D.J. Smith closed out the dual meet with a 15-4 major decision against Kyle Luigs at 113 pounds.]]>    77122Wed, 08 Jan 2014 08:12:01 +0000    No. 1 Blair Academy handles No. 8 Massillon Perryhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-1-blair-academy-handles-no-8-massillon-perry-r77104/
    It was hoped that the host Panthers would get defending state champion Jose Rodriguez, who is ranked No. 3 in the nation at 113 pounds, back for tonight's competition; however, he did not weigh-in, still recovering from a knee injury sustained at the Walsh Ironman. That development derailed any remote, outside hope they had of an upset over the nation's top ranked team.

    As did the opening match of the dual meet. Coming off the momentum of beating two returning state placers to win a title at the Medina Invitational, junior Jake Newhouse entered tonight's dual meet with hope of potentially upsetting No. 17 Charles Tucker at 120 pounds. Tucker's performance year-to-date had been particularly uneven. Tonight, he demonstrated the extremely good side of that. Two takedowns in the first period, and single takedowns in the second and third period led to a 9-5 meet opening victory for the Blair Academy grappler.

    However, the evening's second match would offer hope for the host Panthers, but it ended up being a rare highlight for them. Senior David Bavery, a three-time state placer who won state as a sophomore, came up with a massive 9-8 upset victory over No. 4 Matthew Kolodzik at 126 pounds.

    For most of two periods, nothing suggested such an upset was possible. Kolodzik had the two takedowns in the match, while Bavery had escapes off of each takedown and to start the second period. However, with short time in the second period, Bavery secured a takedown and was able to exit two periods with a 5-4 lead.

    "It made something click," said Bavery about the late second-period takedown. "The match was now in reach. I was able to pick it up, and boost the intensity level for the third period."

    However, Kolodzik came out strong at the start of the third period with an early reversal. In the next sequence, Kolodzik was able to expose Bavery with a tilt, but no near fall points were awarded. A subsequent Bavery escape, and Kolodzik's second stalling call gave Bavery a 7-6 lead. Kolodzik would then counter with a takedown, but Bavery responded with a reversal for a 9-8 lead with 45 seconds left. Bavery then was able to ride out the match in one sequence, and pick up the victory, which tied the dual meet at 3-3.

    "This is what I train for, and it was great to persevere and get the win," added Bavery.

    The response from Blair Academy was sudden, it was stark, and it was decisive. In the very next match, at 132 pounds, junior Jordan Kutler got a takedown right off the whistle against fellow junior Jason Spencer. Kutler was able to ride out the duration of the first period. An escape, takedown, and two-point near fall in the second period would extend Kutler's lead to 7-0, and that was how the match would end.

    Seven more Blair Academy victories later, all but two coming by decision, the top-ranked Buccaneers had clinched the dual meet.

    "It was humbling," said Massillon Perry head coach Dave Riggs. "We knew they were a tough team coming in, tonight (obviously) showed it, but this will motivate us to be a better team going forward."

    Following Kutler's 7-0 decision victory was a pair of decisive victories for the future Stanford Cardinal duo of No. 1 Joey McKenna (138) and Walker Dempsey (145) against a pair of juniors, who were returning state qualifiers. McKenna upended Nick Steed 9-2 with two takedowns in the first period, and single takedowns each in the second and third period; while Dempsey earned a 7-1 victory over Austin Phillips with a takedown in the first period, two takedowns in the second period, and riding out Phillips from the top position in the third period.

    The next two matches featured clashes of nationally ranked wrestlers. At 152 pounds, No. 8 Mason Manville replicated his semifinal victory from the Beast of the East, this time upending No. 14 Casey Sparkman by a 5-2 score. Takedowns in the first and third period were the difference.

    Dylan Milonas (Photo/Rob Preston)
    That was followed up by a clear statement from No. 2 Dylan Milonas at 160 pounds, who started extremely strong with a four-point move right off the bat. It was unlike the Ironman quarterfinal in which Milonas had to rally back from a deficit in order to beat Tony Dailey. In this match, Milonas augmented that with single takedowns in the second and third period to earn the 9-4 victory over the nation's No. 11 ranked wrestler.

    Sophomore Brandon Dallavia, who is ranked No. 18 nationally, followed up with an 8-0 major decision over two-time state placer Isaac Bast at 170 pounds. The major decision was confirmed with a two-point near fall in the last seconds of the bout.

    To close out the string of eight consecutive victories, Nick DiNapoli would score a 3-2 decision over Brady Durieux at 182 pounds, and David Showumni earned a fall in 39 seconds against Timmy Armstrong.

    Stopping the bleeding, ever so briefly, for the Panthers was senior Stefano Millin, a two-time state qualifier. Millin scored a fall at the 7:20 mark, when he reversed sophomore Neil Putnam to his back in the first portion of the ":30-:30" tiebreaker.

    Blair Academy would put a stop to that tempest with a 2-1 decision from Will Cooley, who beat fellow senior Seth Maylor in the 285 pound bout. The difference in the match was two stalling infractions called against Maylor while he was in the bottom position, as Cooley was trying to set up a near fall opportunity in the top position during the second period.

    The penultimate match gave Massillon Perry another positive moment, as senior Thomas Genetin earned a pin at the 1:32 mark against freshman Zach Sherman at 106 pounds. That match marked the first time all night in which the Panthers were able to score the first takedown of the bout. To close out the dual meet, sophomore Requin van der Merwe scored a 6-1 decision victory over Zac McCauley at 113 pounds to make the dual meet score 37-15 in favor of the top-ranked Buccaneers.

    "It was gratifying to get that (11-3 match) split against such a formidable team (as the No. 8 ranked Panthers)," said Blair Academy head coach Solomon Fleckman. "We made progress tonight, but we'll have to wrestle better going forward (most notably in the Saturday night dual meet at No. 5 St. Paris Graham)."

    Results:
    120: No. 17 Chaz Tucker (B) dec. Jake Newhouse, 9-5
    126: David Bavery (MP) dec. No. 4 Matthew Kolodzik, 9-8
    132: Jordan Kutler (B) dec. Jason Spencer, 7-0
    138: No. 1 Joey McKenna (B) dec. Nick Steed, 9-2
    145: Walker Dempsey (B) dec. Austin Phillips, 7-1
    152: No. 8 Mason Manville (B) dec. No. 14 Casey Sparkman, 5-2
    160: No. 2 Dylan Milonas (B) dec. No. 11 Tony Dailey, 9-4
    170: No. 18 Brandon Dallavia (B) maj. dec. Isaac Bast, 8-0
    182: Nick DiNapoli (B) dec. Brady Durieux, 3-2
    195: David Showunmi (B) pinned Timmy Armstrong, 0:39
    220: Stefano Millin (MP) pinned Neil Putnam, 7:20 TB
    285: Will Cooley (B) dec. Seth Maylor, 2-1
    106: Thomas Genetin (MP) pinned Zach Sherman, 1:32
    113: Requin van der Merwe (B) dec. Zach McCauley, 6-1

    Other dual meets of the triangular:
    No. 8 Massillon Perry 59, Massillon Jackson 3
    No. 1 Blair Academy 76, Massillon Jackson 0]]>    77104Sat, 04 Jan 2014 09:17:41 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: January 2, 2014https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-january-2-2014-r77095/
    Dvorak = Alber's playground

    For a second consecutive year, the Dvorak Invitational (held in Machesney Park, Ill.) turned into a show ground for Josh Alber from Dakota. Last year, Alber kept alive his undefeated career with a 3-2 victory over Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy) in the 120-pound finals showdown between (at the time) two-time state champion juniors. This year, Alber is up at 132 pounds, and was facing a showdown with a fellow three-time state champion Jered Cortez (Glenbard North). Alber got the 5-3 overtime decision over Cortez to keep the undefeated career alive, the wrestlers respectively are now No. 4 and No. 5 in the nation at 132 pounds.

    In terms of the team race, Marist (207.5 points) came up with a somewhat unexpected championship, with Montini Catholic (186.5) in second, followed by Marmion Academy (186). Led by a joint tournament high ten placers, all but one of them inside the top four, the RedHawks move up five spots to No. 13 nationally after their title at the Dvorak. Anchoring the performance were weight class titles won by Nick Lukanich (113), who upset No. 15 Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy) 4-2 in the final, and Alex Benoit (182).

    Runner-up Montini Catholic drops five spots to No. 11 nationally, but they did impress with seven top three placement finishes; however, the Broncos were only able to have one other wrestler earn a spot on the placement podium. Leading the way were weight class titles won by No. 20 Chris Garcia (145), No. 12 Xavier Montalvo (160), and No. 9 Michael Johnson, Jr. (285).

    Third place Marmion Academy moved up five spots in the Fab 50 to No. 25 nationally, as they matched Marist in terms of having 10 placement finishes; however, only No. 15 Johnny Jimenez (126) won a weight class title. Additionally, the Cadets only had four other finishes within the top three, two each runner-up and third place.

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers to win weight classes at the Dvorak were No. 9 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita) at 106 pounds, No. 20 Stephen Polakowski (Libertyville), No. 19 Nicholas Gil (Crystal Lake South) at 138, No. 2 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel) at 152, and No. 12 Tyler Johnson (Lockport).

    Link: Brackets/Results

    Golden State Showcase this weekend at Clovis

    This weekend's Doc Buchanan Invitational at Clovis H.S. near Fresno, Calif. serves as a de facto state tournament right at the midpoint of the regular season. Virtually every one who is anything in the state of California will be in the field, as well as some formidable wrestlers from other west coast states. Four nationally ranked teams -- No. 4 Clovis, No. 33 Poway, No. 36 Clovis West, and No. 45 Buchanan -- along with seventeen nationally ranked wrestlers are expected to compete this weekend.

    Wrestling starts on Friday at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET), with the quarterfinals during that evening. The tournament resumes on Saturday also at 9 a.m. Pacific, semifinals about an hour later, and then the championship match in each weight will take place at 5 p.m. Pacific (8 p.m. ET) on one mat.

    A pair of national number one's will be in the tournament, Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) at 132 pounds and Nick Nevills (Clovis) at 285. Aaron Pico, ranked first at 152 pounds, is not expected to be competing in scholastic competition until very late January or early February. Valencia will face a stern test in this event with two other nationally ranked wrestlers, No. 9 Isaiah Locsin (Gilroy) and No. 10 Emilio Saavedra (Modesto), expected to be in his weight class.

    Eight other weight classes will feature at least one nationally ranked wrestler. They are as follows:

    106: No. 12 Justin Mejia (Clovis)

    113: No. 18 Adrian Camposano (Central), No. 19 Joey Cisneros (Redwood)

    120: Israel Saavedra (Modesto)

    126: No. 9 Mason Pengilly (Porterville), No. 12 Johnny Parada (San Fernando), No. 13 Michael Knoblauch (Clovis West)

    145: No. 9 Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), No. 18 Ralphy Tovar (Poway)

    152: No. 15 Paul Fox (Gilroy)

    170: No. 2 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco)

    182: No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana), No. 9 Nick Fiegener (Folsom)

    Franklin Regional's Super Six comes up strong at POWERade

    With the transfer eligibility saga of Devin Brown (106) finally settled, and Tyler Smith (132) down to his weight class, all six pieces of the core for Franklin Regional were present and in place for the 2013 edition of the POWERade Christmas Wrestling Tournament held just south of Pittsburgh, Pa. Five of those Panthers wrestlers won weight class titles, while a sixth finished as runner-up. Only one additional wrestler, Brandon Yant in fifth at 160 pounds, was on the podium, but it was more than enough -- No. 9 Franklin Regional won the POWERade title with 236.5 points.

    Panthers to win weight class titles included No. 4 Devin Brown (106), No. 1 Spencer Lee (113), No. 2 Tyler Smith (132), No. 3 Michael Kemerer (138), and No. 11 Josh Shields (152); while two-time state placer Josh Maruca (145) was runner-up, losing 13-7 to No. 2 Jason Nolf (Kittaning) in the final. Highlighted among those championships was the dominance of Lee, who had four pins (three in the first period) and a 14-4 major decision over last year's National Prep runner-up Ethan McCoy (Greater Latrobe) in the final; as well as the 7-0 decision victory for Smith over fellow state champion Sam Krivus (Hempfield Area), who was ranked No. 2 in the nation last week at this weight class.

    Finishing as runners-up in the event was No. 44 Greater Latrobe, with 207 points, which was led by three weight class champions: newly minted No. 1 Luke Pletcher (120), No. 17 Dom Scalise (160), and No. 5 Zack Zavatsky (182). Those performances were augmented by a runner-up finish from Ethan McCoy (113), a pair of fourth place finishes from Jake Shaffer (152) and Dylan Davis (220), and a seventh place finish from Ethan Smith (145). Most impressive was the tournament for Pletcher, whose 3-2 victories over No. 3 Sean Russell (Collins Hill, Ga.) and No. 4 Ethan Lizak (Parkland) in the semifinal and final were his second over each foe in ten weeks.

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers to win weight class titles were Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan), who moves up five spots to No. 5 after an 8-6 upset victory over No. 3 Ryan Millhof (Collins Hill, Ga.) in the 126-pound final; No. 2 Jason Nolf (Kittaning) at 145; No. 1 Chance Marsteller (Kennard Dale) at 170, who became a four-time champion in this event; No. 3 Chip Ness (Buford, Ga.) at 195; and No. 2 Thomas Haines (Solanco).

    Link: Brackets/Results

    Blair Academy dual meet journey

    This past Saturday, No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. opened its dual meet schedule as it hosted No. 19 St. Peter's Prep, N.J. The Buccaneers came away with wins in 10 of 14 weight classes for a 43-13 victory. St. Peter's Prep earned a victory in the opening match of the dual, as Alec Kelly upended Zach Sherman 5-2 at 106 pounds. However, it was counted by five successive Blair Academy victories, before Ryan Burkert came up with a 3-1 decision over National Prep runner-up Walker Dempsey at 145 pounds.

    Four further consecutive Buccaneers victories made the dual meet score 37-6. The last three matches involved St. Peter's Prep wrestlers bumped up one weight class each. State qualifier Christian Colucci earned a 5-1 victory over National Prep placer David Showunmi at 195 pounds; before Blair Academy's Neil Putnam countered with a fall in overtime against state placer Jordan Fox at 220; and the dual meet ended with a 13-4 major decision in favor of St. Peter's Prep wrestler Armond Cox, a state qualifier last year, over Will Cooley.

    Link: Brackets/Results

    This weekend, the Buccaneers will travel to Ohio for a pair of dual meets on Friday night and then a single dual meet on Saturday night. On Friday, they travel to Stark County in Ohio for a 5 p.m. triangular meet at Massillon Perry. The host Panthers, ranked No. 8 nationally will take on Federal League rival Massillon Jackson; then at 6, the Polar Bears will wrestle Blair; and finally at 7, it will be No. 1 Blair Academy against No. 8 Massillon Perry.

    For Saturday, Blair Academy will travel a few hours southwest, where they will take on No. 5 St. Paris Graham, Ohio in a dual meet slated to start at 7 p.m. The following represents projected lineups for Blair Academy, Massillon Perry, and St. Paris Graham.

    106: Zach Sherman (B), Tanner Smith/Justin Stickley (G), Thomas Genetin (MP)

    113: Requin van der Merwe (B), No. 7 Eli Stickley (G), Evan Snow (MJ), No. 3 Jose Rodriguez/Zac McCauley (MP)

    120: No. 17 Chaz Tucker (B), Mario Kastl (G), Jake Newhouse (MP)

    126: No. 4 Matthew Kolodzik (B), No. 18 Eli Seipel (G), David Bavery (MP)

    132: Jordan Kutler (B), Brent Moore/Nate Henkle (G), Jason Spencer (MP)

    138: No. 1 Joey McKenna (B), Kyle Lawson (G), Nick Steed (MP)

    145: Walker Dempsey (B), No. 1 Micah Jordan (G), Austin Phillips (MP)

    152: No. 8 Mason Manville (B), Garrett Jordan (G), No. 14 Casey Sparkman (MP)

    160: No. 2 Dylan Milonas (B), No. 6 Alex Marinelli (G), No. 11 Tony Dailey (MP)

    170: No. 18 Brandon Dallavia (B), Lane Thomas (G), Isaac Bast (MP)

    182: Nicholas DiNapoli (B), Hayden Bronne (G), Brady Durieux (MP)

    195: David Showunmi (B), Josh Couchman (G), Chris Ruby (MP)

    220: Neil Putnam (B), Brandon Hayes (G), Stefano Millin (MP)

    285: Will Cooley (B), Dylan Nave (G), Seth Maylor (MP)

    Cheesehead Invitational this weekend in Wisconsin

    The 16th annual Cheesehead Invitational will be held this Friday and Saturday at Kaukauna High School, just outside of Green Bay, Wis. Four nationally ranked teams -- No. 11 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 25 Marmion Academy (Ill.), No. 28 Southeast Polk (Iowa), and No. 35 Waverly-Shell Rock (Iowa) -- are among the 26 squads in the field.

    Wrestling will begin at 5 p.m. Central Time (6 p.m. ET) on Friday afternoon, with resumption on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. Cetnral (9:30 Eastern), and finals slated for an approximately 5:30 p.m. Central start on Saturday evening. A television broadcast of the championship matches is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Monday, January 13th on some local Fox Sports Network affiliates.

    Eleven nationally ranked wrestlers from ten weight classes headline the field. No. 9 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) at 106 pounds, No. 15 Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) at 113, No. 15 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.) at 126, No. 20 Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.) at 145, No. 2 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel, Ill.) at 152, No. 12 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.) and No. 15 Spencer Derifield (Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa) at 160, No. 11 Beau Breske (Hartford Union, Wis.) at 170, No. 7 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) at 182, No. 12 Tyler Johnson (Lockport, Ill.) at 195, and No. 9 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) at 285.

    Quick notes for the coming weekend

    A separate event-specific preview for The Clash XII National Wrestling Duals, to be held on Friday and Saturday in Rocheter, Minn., will be posted today. The field of 32 teams features ten Fab 50 squads: No. 2 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.), No. 3 Apple Valley (Minn.), No. 6 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), No. 13 Marist (Ill.), No. 17 Bound Brook (N.J.), No. 18 Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio), No. 19 St. Peter's Prep (N.J.), No. 32 Bettendorf (Iowa), No. 41 West Fargo (N.D.), and No. 48 Vacaville (Calif.)

    No. 21 St. Edward will play host to a quadrangular meet on Saturday in Lakewood, Ohio, starting at 1 p.m. Joining the Eagles in competition will be No. 29 Claymont, Wadsworth, and Westerville North.

    This is the second year for the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association (IHSWCA) State Duals, which will be held on Saturday at Westfield H.S. The event came into play when the IHSAA decided to eliminate team state, and instead crown a state team champion based on the scored individual tournament. Though the individual tournament is single class, the State Duals will have three classes. The lone Fab 50 team in the field will be No. 30 Perry Meridian, who seeks the Class 3A (big-school) title.

    The Rollie Lane Invitational at the Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho will be held on Friday and Saturday. It traditionally is one of the showcase events of the Idaho high school wrestling season. This year's field includes both Fab 50 teams in the state, No. 43 Centennial and No. 50 Kuna.

    Quick highlights from past weekend

    No. 3 Apple Valley, Minn. dominated their way to the title at the Rumble on the Red held in the FargoDome with 343 points. The Eagles were led by with nine finalists, including six weight class champions: Maolu Woiwor (132), No. 13 Dayton Racer (152), No. 3 Mark Hall (170), No. 14 Bobby Steveson (182), Gable Steveson (195), and Paul Cheney (220). Runner-up in the tournament was No. 41 West Fargo, N.D. with 187.5 points, as the Packers had eight placers, including two runners-up in Jordan Shearer (132) and Weston Dobler (160). The most notable individual result was the upset victory by No. 20 Ryan Schuman (Tri-Valley, S.D.) in the 138-pound final, 4-3 over No. 10 Seth Gross (Apple Valley, Minn.)

    No. 5 St. Paris Graham, Ohio was upended in the GMVWA Tournament this past weekend at Wright State University near Dayton by No. 10 Archer, Ga. The 10th-ranked Tigers used 13 place-finishers, including four weight class champions to upend the Falcons by a score of 332.5 to 319.5. Champions for the Tigers were Chris Diaz (132), Thomas Bullard (152), Elliott Lee (195), and M.J. Couzan (285). Despite the absence of Brent Moore at 132 pounds, the Falcons still had five weight class champions: Justin Stickley (106), No. 7 Eli Stickley (113), No. 18 Eli Seipel (126), No. 1 Micah Jordan (145), and No. 6 Alex Marinelli (160).

    No. 7 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. won the Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty H.S. this past weekend. The Blue Knights were led by four weight class champions -- No. 10 Nick Reenan (152), No. 18 Chris Weiler (160), Michael Rogers (195), and Matthew Doggett (285) -- and five other place-winners to score 220 points. Runner-up Nazareth, Pa. moves up ten spots in the Fab 50 to No. 14 overall after a 215 point performance on the strength of ten total placers, including three weight class champions -- No. 17 at 132 Chase Zemenak (138), Sage Karam (145), and Nicolino Sevi (182). A short-handed Bound Brook, N.J. squad finished fifth with 150 points, which was 18.5 points out of third, and the Crusaders drop five spots to No. 17 in the nation.

    Despite the absence of their best wrestler, No. 3 Jose Rodriguez (113), No. 8 Massillon Perry (233 points) earned an impressive victory at the Medina Invitational Tournament this past Friday and Saturday in Ohio. The Panthers had seven wrestlers finish inside the top three, including a trio of weight class champions in Jake Newhouse (120), David Bavery (126), and No. 11 Tony Dailey (160); another pair of wrestlers placed seventh and eighth respectively. No. 21 St. Edward finished as runner-up with 200 points, anchored by the title won by the tournament's Most Oustanding Wrestler L.J. Bentley (113), who moves up seven spots to No. 10 nationally. Nine other wrestlers placed for the Eagles. Finishing third was Claymont with three champions -- No. 3 Tyler Warner (106), Cody Burcher (138), and Garrett Harding (220). Four other Mustangs wrestlers placed on the way to a 199 point performance, as they move up nine positions to No. 29 nationally. The fourth Fab 50 team in the field is No. 20 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich., which placed fourth with 163.5 points despite the absence of two likely tournament finalists; and the Shamrocks still had two wrestlers win weight class titles, No. 12 Nick Bennett (152) and No. 13 Andrew Garcia (170).

    No. 24 Brecksville, Ohio won its home tournament for the second consecutive year this past Sunday and Monday, as they scored 216 points. Key to the Bees success was a five-for-six run in the semifinals, which culminated in weight class titles won by No. 12 Austin Assad (120) and Austin Strnad (160). The other Fab 50 team in the field, Davison (Mich.), finished third in the event with 174 points led by a pair of champions in No. 15 Justin Oliver (138) and No. 13 Jordan Cooks (182); as a result, the Cardinals dropped eight spots to No. 27 nationally. Runner-up in the tournament was Delta, Ohio with 191.5 points led by a pair of champions in Drew Mattin (106) and No. 20 Jake Spiess (113). Outstanding Wrestler honors went to No. 14 Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic, Ohio), who upended two-time state champion Lincoln Olson (Davison, Mich.) 8-6 at 126 pounds.]]>    77095Thu, 02 Jan 2014 06:47:51 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: December 26, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-december-26-2013-r77069/OPRF dominates Rex Whitlach Invite, but still a mixed bag

    Despite earning an 80-plus point victory (320.5 to 237) at the Rex Whitlach Invitational hosted by Hinsdale Central, Ill. this past weekend, No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. could not feel fully satisfied with the result. The runner-up Montini Catholic squad, ranked No. 6 nationally, earned victories in three of the five head-on championship finals matches between the two squads.

    The Broncos got victories from Chris Garcia (145), No. 12 Xavier Montalvo (160), and No. 16 Edgar Ruano (220); while the Huskies had wins from No. 7 Jason Renteria (106) and No. 8 Isaiah White (138). However, Oak Park River Forest did end up with five champions, a tournament high, with those additional top of the podium finishes coming from Gabe Townsell (120), No. 10 Davonte Mahomes (195), and Andre Lee (195); while Montini Catholic did not get another tournament champion.

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers to win weight class titles were No. 6 Rudy Yates (113) of Brother Rice, No. 2 Bryce Brill (152) of Mt. Carmel, and No. 4 Brian Allen (285) of Hinsdale Central. In the championship final, Allen earned a 4-3 overtime victory over fellow nationally ranked opponent Adarios Jones of Moline. That came after a 2-1 tiebreaker victory in the semifinal round for Jones over Michael Johson, Jr. of Montini Catholic; Jones moves up to No. 7 nationally, while Johnson drops to No. 9.

    Rounding out the weight class champions were Alec McKenna (126) of New Trier, Jake Tucker (132) of Mt. Carmel, and Jimmy Mickens (182) of Mt. Carmel. Results

    Dvorak to feature preeminent teams in Illinois

    The 30 team field (28 from Illinois, along with single entries from Ohio and Wisconsin), scheduled for Friday and Saturday, is led by a trio of Fab 50 squads, No. 6 Montini Catholic, No. 18 Marist, and No. 30 Marmion Academy. Additional teams to watch include Dakota, which is ranked No. 1 in Class 1A (small-school) by Illinois Matmen; as well as top ten teams from Class 3A in Edwardsville, Hononegah, Glenbard North, Libertyville, and Lockport.

    The field features 13 nationally ranked wrestlers expected to compete in eleven weight classes. This includes a likely showdown between three-time state champions at 132 pounds, as No. 7 at 126 Josh Alber (Dakota) plans on bumping up one weight class to face No. 1 Jered Cortez (Glenbard North), presuming each wrestler advances to that point. The other weight class with multiple nationally ranked wrestlers is at 113 pounds, where No. 10 Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy) and No. 11 Michael Cullen (Cary Grove) are expected to compete.

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers are No. 20 Austin Gomez (Glenbard North) at 106 pounds, No. 16 Brian Rossi (Lockport) at 120, No. 16 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy) at 126, No. 19 Vincent Turk (Montini Catholic) at 138, No. 2 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel) at 152, No. 12 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic) at 160, No. 13 Tyler Johnson (Lockport) at 195, No. 16 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic) at 220, and No. 9 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic) at 285.

    Archer stands on top of 40-team Kansas City Stampede field

    Even in the midst of horrendous weather that came through the Kansas City, Mo. area on Saturday afternoon, the two-day Stampede was completed. When all was said and done, it was Archer, Ga. finishing on top of the standings with 557.5 points led by a trio of runner-up finishes from Vinny Artigues (106), Daniel Bullard (160), and M.J. Couzan (285). The Tigers had four other top five finishes, with three more earning ninth place; as a result, they move up to No. 15 nationally, all the way from No. 34.

    Second place in the team standings went to No. 16 Stillwater, Okla., with 497.5 points, as the Pioneers were led by three finalists: championships were won by No. 9 Joe Smith (152) and No. 6 Chandler Rogers (170), while No. 14 Kaid Brock (132) placed second. Five additional wrestlers placed between fifth and ninth, one in each of the positions.

    Despite missing a nationally ranked wrestler in No. 16 Paxton Rosen (106) and two other starters who were likely to finish top two in their preliminary pool, No. 11 Edmond North, Okla. was still able to muster a fourth place finish with 418 points. The primary drivers for the Huskies were five wrestlers in the back half of the lineup, all of whom finished within the top three: No. 4 Derek White (195) and No. 12 Andrew Dixon (220) won their weight classes, No. 13 Lance Dixon (170) placed second, while Zach Walton (160) and No. 11 Joel Dixon (182) placed third.

    Fab 50 members No. 32 Tuttle, Okla. and No. 33 Bettendorf, Iowa finished third and fifth in the tournament with 444 and 404.5 points respectively. Additional nationally ranked wrestlers to win weight class titles were No. 6 Matt Schmitt (106) of Platte County, Mo.; No. 4 Daton Fix (113) of Sand Springs, Okla.; No. 3 Sean Russell (120) of Collins Hill, Ga.; No. 2 Ke-Shawn Hayes (126) and No. 20 Will Erneste (132) of Park Hill, Mo.; No. 2 Fredy Stroker (138) of Bettendorf, Iowa; No. 8 Grant Leeth (145) of Kearney, Mo.; No. 7 Daniel Lewis (160) of Blue Springs, Mo.; No. 1 Bo Nickal (182) of Allen, Texas; and Bailey Sutko (285) of Staley, Mo. Results

    Apple Valley dominates the Minnesota Christmas Tournament

    No. 4 Apple Valley certainly made a statement to all of Gopher State that their position as not being THE elite team in the state of Minnesota was a one-year thing. At this past weekend's Minnesota Christmas Tournament in Rochester, they lapped the field placing 12 total wrestlers, with seven finalists and scored 292.5 points. Champions for the Eagles were No. 5 Seth Gross (138), No. 14 Dayton Racer (152), and No. 3 Mark Hall (170). Runner-up finishes came from Kyle Rathman (106), Gannon Volk (126), No. 16 Bobby Steveson (182), and Paul Cheney (220).

    With a second-place finish in the tournament, though it was more than 100 points back of first place, West Fargo, N.D., jumped into the Fab50 at No. 42 nationally. The Packers scored 179 points on the strength of nine total placers, even though only three finished inside the top three of their weight class. Leading the way was a second place finish by Jordan Shearer (132), with third place finishes coming from Jared Franek (106) and Weston Dobler (160).

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers to win weight class titles included No. 15 Hunter Marko (113) of Amery, Wis.; No. 4 Tommy Thorn (126) of St. Michael-Albertville; No. 20 Brady Berge (145) of Kasson-Mantorville; No. 1 Ryan Blees (160) of Bismarck, N.D., though it was a much tighter match than expected in the final, as Andrew Fogarty of Scott West held him to a 7-6 decision victory; No. 14 Keegan Moore (182) of Jackson County Central, who moved up five spots in the rankings after a 5-3 victory over Steveson in the championship match; No. 1 Lance Benick (195) of Totino-Grace; and No. 3 Sam Stoll (285) of Kasson-Mantorville.

    The other notable champion was Griffin Parriott of New Prague, who won the 132-pound weight class. Parriott upended two-time state champion Maolu Woiwor of Apple Valley by 4-2 overtime decision in the semifinal before defeating Jordan Shearer, 3-2, in the final. Shearer was previously nationally ranked. Results

    Brecksville Holiday Invitational takes place on Sunday, Monday

    Come Sunday morning, and going through Monday evening, a very deep field of wrestlers will assemble in Brecksville, Ohio for the 53rd annual Brecksville Holiday Invitational Tournament. From the field of 46 teams, approximately 110 wrestlers with state tournament experience -- including 11 who are nationally ranked -- are expected to be a part of the tournament. The leading teams in the field are defending tournament champions in No. 27 Brecksville, as well as No. 19 Davison, Mich. Other teams to watch include Delta, Dayton Christian, Perrysburg, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Mich.

    Two weights in the tournament have a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers. No. 9 Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg) and No. 15 Jordan Cooks (Davison, Mich.) are slated to compete at 182 pounds, while No. 14 Patrick Garren (Bishop Ready) and No. 17 Billy Miller (Perry) are slated at 285 pounds. Additional nationally ranked wrestlers include No. 12 Austin Assad (Brecksville) at 120 pounds, No. 15 Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic) at 126, No. 16 Nate Limmex (Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Mich.) at 132, No. 15 Justin Oliver (Davison, Mich.) at 138, No. 19 Alex Mossing (Toledo Central Catholic) at 145, No. 3 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian) at 152, and No. 15 Tegray Scales (Colerain) at 195.

    National No. 1 Blair Academy starts stern dual meet slate

    After decisive tournament titles in the nation's two best in-season tournaments, the Walsh Jesuit Ironman and the Beast of the East, No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. now starts its dual meet season. It will be a stern schedule of dual meets with at least seven Fab 50 teams on the docket, and it starts on Saturday when the Buccaneers play host to No. 20 St. Peter's Prep, N.J., at 2 p.m. Below are the projected lineups:

    106: Zach Sherman (Blair Academy) vs. Alec Kelly (St. Peter's Prep)
    Sherman was third in Florida last year as an eighth grader, and placed eighth at the Beast of the East; while Kelly was a match away from placing at state last year, and placed third at the Beast.

    113: Requir van der Merwe (Blair Academy) vs. Nicholas Santos (St. Peter's Prep)
    Van der Merwe qualified for New Jersey state last year and placed eighth at the Beast; while the freshman Santos went 4-2, and was one match away from placing at the Beast.

    120: No. 18 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy) vs. Michael Russo (St. Peter's Prep)
    Tucker was a National Prep champion last year, and placed sixth at the Beast; while Russo placed sixth at the state tournament last year, and eighth at the Beast.

    126: No. 6 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy) vs. Isaiah McGowan (St. Peter's Prep)
    Kolodzik is a three-time finalist at the Ironman, including his title this season, and is a two-time runner-up at the Beast; while McGowan went 0-2 at the Beast this weekend.

    132: Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy) vs. Sonny Simonetti (St. Peter's Prep)
    Kutler was a National Prep champion in 2012, placed fifth at the Ironman, and was a match away from placing at the Beast; while the junior Simonetti went 3-2 at the Beast.

    138: No. 1 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy) vs. Connor Burkert (St. Peter's Prep)
    McKenna is a three-time National Prep champion, and pulled off an Ironman/Beast double this season; while Burkert placed seventh at state last year and sixth at the Beast. McKenna pinned Burkert in 1:56 at the Beast.

    145: Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy) vs. Ryan Burkert (St. Peter's Prep)
    Dempsey was a National Prep runner-up last year, and placed fourth at the Beast; while Burkert placed eighth at state last year, and was one match away from placing at the Beast. Dempsey beat Burkert 7-5 at the Beast.

    152: No. 8 Mason Manville (Blair Academy) vs. Manny Ramirez (St. Peter's Prep)
    Manville was runner-up at National Preps last year, and won a title at the Beast last weekend; while Ramirez was one match away from placing at the Beast.

    160: No. 2 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy) vs. Stephen Kellner (St. Peter's Prep)
    Milonas is a two-time National Prep runner-up, and earned a second Ironman/Beast double in three seasons; while Kellner went 0-2 at the Beast.

    170: No. 17 Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy) vs. Luke Leonard/Dean Helstowski (St. Peter's Prep)
    Dallavia was a Cadet freestyle All-American this summer, and placed at both the Ironman and Beast; while projected starter Helstowski is an well-credentialed freshman, but did not compete at the Beast.

    182: Nick DiNapoli (Blair Academy) vs. Jordan Fox/Christian Colucci (St. Peter's Prep)
    DiNapoli went 1-2 at the Beast; while St. Peter's Prep will start one of two accomplished wrestlers. Fox did not wrestle at the Beast, but placed sixth at state last year; while Colucci was a match away from placing at state last year, and a match away from placing at the Beast at 195 pounds.

    195: David Showunmi (Blair Academy) vs. Fox/Colucci (St. Peter's Prep)
    Showunmi placed sixth at National Preps last year, and finished sixth at the Beast; this includes a 3-1 win over Colucci in the consolation round of 12.

    220: Neil Putnam (Blair Academy) vs. Armond Cox (St. Peter's Prep)
    Putnam was a runner-up in the state of Hawaii last year, and placed seventh at the Beast; while Cox did not compete at the Beast, but was one match from placing at state last year.

    285: Will Cooley (Blair Academy) vs. Jose Palomino (St. Peter's Prep)
    Cooley placed eighth at the Beast, while Palomino placed eighth at state last year but was one match away from placing at the Beast.

    Other highlights of last weekend

    No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J., made it fourteen consecutive titles at the Beast of the East, while No. 5 Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) earned Outstanding Wrestler honors after winning the 126 pound weight class. Recap and Results

    No. 34 Poway, Calif., moved up eight sports after winning the Reno Tournament of Champions. The most notable match result came at 145 pounds, where Tyler Berger (Crook County, Idaho) upended future Nebraska teammate Hayden Tuma (Centennial, Idaho) 2-0 on the way to the title; these wrestlers are now ranked 4th and 5th at that weight class. Recap and Results

    No. 18 Marist, Ill., upended No. 30 Marmion Academy, Ill., 37-22, as part of a quad meet hosted by Marist on Saturday. Also in the quad meet, it was a battle of three-time state champions as No. 7 Josh Alber (Dakota, Ill.) upended Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy) 3-1 in overtime.

    After a dominant title at the Tri-State Invitational at North Idaho College, Kuna, Idaho jumps into the Fab 50 in the No. 50 position.

    On Sunday as part of the Agon II event, Lowell upended Davison 34-33 in a battle of top Michigan squads. The teams split the fourteen matches. Davison dropped one spot to No. 19, while Lowell jumps three positions to No. 23.

    No. 5 Clovis, Calif., dominated the Zinkin Classic at Buchanan High School near Fresno, as they won the event by almost 100 points. The Cougars had finalists in ten weight classes, and produced five champions: Khristian Olivas (132), Brody Brand (170), A.J. Nevills (195), Matt Weiss (220), and No. 1 Nick Nevills (285).

    Horrendous weather in the Hawkeye State caused some chaos with the Battle of Waterloo. However, it did not impact the performance from No. 36 Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa, as the Go-Hawks won all six matches by 30 or more points.

    Additional notes for the week ahead

    A separate event-specific preview for the POWERade Christmas Wrestling Tournament was posted today. Two top-ranked wrestlers in the country and four ranked second nationally anchor the field individually, while No. 10 Franklin Regional, Pa., and No. 45 Greater Latrobe, Pa., are the top squads in the tournament that will happen on Friday and Saturday.

    No. 3 St. Paris Graham, Ohio and No. 15 Archer, Ga., headline the over 50-team field slated to compete in the GMVWA Wrestling Tournament, which will take place on Friday and Saturday at the Nutter Center near Dayton, Ohio.

    No. 4 Apple Valley, Minn., and No. 42 West Fargo, N.D., anchor the almost 70-team Rumble on the Red field. The event takes place Friday and Saturday at the FargoDome.

    No. 5 Clovis, No. 39 Gilroy, and No. 48 Vacaville headline the field of approximately 80 teams slated to compete at the California Coast Wrestling Classic on Friday and Saturday at Aptos H.S.

    No. 7 Bergen Catholic and No. 31 Don Bosco Prep headline the teams competing at the Bergen County Coaches Association Tournament in New Jersey on Saturday and Sunday.

    No. 9 Massillon Perry, No. 17 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.), No. 21 St. Edward, and No. 38 Claymont lead the field of about 40 teams slated to compete at the Medina Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Medina, Ohio.

    No. 29 Robinson, Va., travels to the Manheim Lions Holiday Tournament hosted by Manheim Central, Pa. on Friday and Saturday. Easton has the status of being perennial champions in this event; however, it is a wide open tournament this year. Joining Easton and Robinson, Va. as contenders are Kiski Area and North Allegheny.]]>    77069Thu, 26 Dec 2013 09:04:38 +0000    No. 1 Blair Academy leads Beast of the East after Day 1https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-1-blair-academy-leads-beast-of-the-east-after-day-1-r77059/
    Team Standings:
    1. No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 121 (12 quarterfinalists/1 consolation)
    2. No. 7 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. 99 (5/4)
    3. No. 9 Bergen Catholic, N.J. 92.5 (3/6)
    4. Nazareth, Pa. 88.5 (2/4)
    5. Massillon Perry, Ohio 78.5 (5/3)
    6. No. 19 Brecksville, Ohio 78 (2/3)
    7. No. 20 St. Peter's Prep, N.J. 69.5 (2/6)
    8. No. 47 Boyertown, Pa. 64 (1/4)
    9. No. 50 McDonogh, Md. 63 (4/2)
    10. No. 24 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. 61.5 (3/1)

    Other Fab 50 teams: 13. No. 23 Don Bosco Prep, N.J. 58.5 (3/2), 14) No. 29 Robinson, Va. 57.5 (3/1)

    Quarterfinal Pairings:

    106:
    No. 5 Ty Agaisse (Delbarton, N.J.) vs. Thomas Genetin (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
    Alec Kelly (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.) vs. Nick Lattanze (Malvern Prep, Pa.)
    Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Chris Cuccolo (St. Benedict's Prep, N.J.)
    Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.)

    113:
    No. 2 Nick Surano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Logan Havrich (Cape Henry Collegiate, Va.)
    Tyshawn White (Central Dauphin, Pa.) vs. Patrick D'Arcy (Holy Spirit, N.J.)
    Luke Karam (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. No. 20 Trent Olson (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    T.K. Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Connor Sheehan (Solanco, Pa.)

    120:
    No. 10 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Austin Smith (John Carroll, Md.)
    Anthony Cefolo (Hanover Park, N.J.) vs. No. 15 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, NJ.)
    No. 7 Scott Parker (Pennridge, Pa.) vs. No. 11 Luis Gonzalez (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
    Steven Simpson (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) vs. No. 13 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio)

    126:
    No. 2 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Sean Button (Kellam, Va.)
    Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.) vs. A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa.)
    David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Ben Ross (Pennridge, Pa.)
    Brandon Olsen (Indian River, Va.) vs. No. 5 Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.)

    132:
    No. 5 Anthony Giraldo (North Bergen, N.J.) vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    Jack Mutchnik (St. Paul's, Md.) vs. No. 15 at 126 Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic, Ohio)
    Zach Valley (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.)
    No. 17 Chase Zemenak (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. No. 13 Coy Ozias (Christiansburg, Va.)

    138:
    No. 1 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Matt Raines (Fauquier, Va.)
    Connor Burkert (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.) vs. Travis Vasquez (Delbarton, N.J.)
    Michael Sprague (Georgetown Prep, Md.) vs. Alex Wolfe (Cumberland Valley, Pa.)
    Peter Tedesco (Belmont Hill, Mass.) vs. Cortlandt Schuyler (Manheim Township, Pa.)

    145:
    No. 7 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) vs. Garrett Tingen (Fauquier, Va.)
    Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 14 at 138 David McFadden (DePaul Catholic, N.J.)
    No. 19 Neal Richards (Matoaca, Va.) vs. Cameron Harrell (McDonogh, Md.)
    Max Good (Cedar Cliff, Pa.) vs. No. 10 at 138 Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley, Pa.)

    152:
    No. 9 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Dorian Giantonio (Christiansburg, Va.)
    A.J. Pedro (Phillips Exeter Academy, N.H.) vs. No. 17 Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
    No. 14 Zach Hertling (Ocean Township, N.J.) vs. Justus Weaver (Battlefield, Va.)
    Mikey Springer (Norristown, Pa.) vs. No. 11 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

    160:
    No. 4 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley, Pa.) vs. Chris Almony (John Carroll, Md.)
    No. 17 Logan Breitenbach (Archbishop Spalding, Md.) vs. Zak DePasquale (Robinson, Va.)
    Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.) vs. No. 20 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    Jordan Pagano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. No. 5 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.)

    170:
    No. 2 at 160 Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin, Pa.) vs. Connor Wagh (St. Paul's, Md.)
    Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Luke Farinaro (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
    No. 8 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) vs. Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    No. 10 at 160 Ryan Preisch (Milton, Pa.) vs. No. 6 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.)

    182:
    No. 2 Johnny Sebastian (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Clay Conaway (Sussex Central, Del.)
    Nicolino Sevi (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. Dylan Wisman (Millbrook, Va.)
    Cole DePasquale (Robinson, Va.) vs. Nick DePalma (DePaul Catholic, N.J.)
    Josh Colello (Cedar Cliff, Pa.) vs. No. 20 Joey Balboni (David Brearley, N.J.)

    195:
    Daniel Hawkins (Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.) vs. Desmond Johnson (Chestunt Hill, Pa.)
    No. 17 Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.) vs. L.J. Barlow (Haverford Prep, Pa.)
    David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Matt Correnti (Holy Cross, N.J.)
    Kevin Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) vs. Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio)

    220:
    No. 6 Zach Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) vs. Neil Putnam (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    Bo Spiller (Solanco, Pa.) vs. Steffano Millin (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
    Antonio Pelusi (LaSalle, Pa.) vs. Thomas Ott (Cape Henelopen, Del.)
    Matthew Doggett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. No. 8 Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.)

    285:
    No. 2 Thomas Haines (Solanco, Pa.) vs. Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.)
    Will Cooley (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    Jake Pinkston (Robinson, Va.) vs. Zack Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.)
    Andrew Dunn (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Kevin Wilkens (St. Joseph Montvale, N.J.)]]>    77059Sun, 22 Dec 2013 07:50:21 +0000    2013 Beast of the East Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/2013-beast-of-the-east-preview-r77044/
    A live pay-per-view broadcast of the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship final is being available by NSide Wrestling and can be found here. Bracket results and updates can be found here.

    No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J., is the prohibitive favorite to take home a 14th consecutive championship at the Beast of the East, which would be their 18th in all. The Buccaneers will be joined by ten other nationally ranked teams in this prestigious field: No. 7 Wyoming Seminary, Pa., No. 8 Massillon Perry, Ohio, No. 9 Bergen Catholic, N.J., No. 19 Brecksville, Ohio, No. 20 St. Peter's Prep, N.J., No. 23 Don Bosco Prep, N.J., No. 24 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa., No. 29 Robinson, Va., No. 47 Boyertown, Pa., and No. 50 McDonogh, Md.

    Based on registered participants, and the preliminary seeds, 41 nationally ranked wrestlers are slated to compete in the tournament this weekend. Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 138 pounds is the lone top-ranked wrestler, while there are five wrestlers ranked second nationally in the tournament: Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) at 113, Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 126, Garrett Peppelman (Central Dauphin, Pa.) up a weight class at 170, Johnny Sebastian (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) at 182, and Thomas Haines (Solanco, Pa.) at 285 pounds.

    Four wrestlers will be seeking to defend their championships from last year: Suriano, No. 10 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) at 120, No. 7 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) at 138, and Peppelman; while two others, McKenna and No. 5 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 160 will be seeking to regain titles won in December 2011.

    The following is a brief summary of the field in each weight class.

    106: The top seed is No. 5 Ty Agaisse (Delbarton, N.J.), who placed seventh at state last year and third in the Super 32 in October. No other nationally ranked wrestlers are featured in the weight class, though it does include five wrestlers who earned All-American status this past summer in Fargo including second seed Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.)

    113: Suriano is the top seed in this weight class, and was an undefeated state champion last year in New Jersey. He is also a two-time finalist at the Super 32 Challenge, winning that tournament last year before his freshman season. He is a strong favorite in a weight class featuring just one other nationally ranked wrestler in sixth seed Trent Olson (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), who is ranked No. 20 in the country. Pennsylvania state runners-up Connor Sheehan (Solanco) and Luke Karam (Bethlehem Catholic) hold the second and third seeds. Injury to a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers in Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio) and Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) make this weight class more barren than it would otherwise be.

    120: Defending Beast champion Fleetwood will have a tough path in order to earn a repeat championship. There are five other nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight bracket; however, four of them are in the other half of the draw. The lone ranked wrestler in his half is the fourth seed Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), who is ranked No. 15 nationally and an opponent that Kolodzik beat 8-7 in the semifinal round this past week. Seeds 2, 3, 6, and 7 are all nationally ranked, in order: No. 7 Scott Parker (Pennridge, Pa.), returning Beast runner-up No. 13 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), No. 18 Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.), and No. 11 Luis Gonzalez (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.). The fifth seed in this weight is Anthony Cefolo (Hanover Park,N.J.), who won a state title in 2012 and was a Junior Greco-Roman All-American and Super 32 Challenge placer this off-season.

    126: The two nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight have finished as runners-up in past editions of the Beast of the East. Kolodzik, ranked No. 2 nationally, was runner-up last year and is coming off of a Walsh Ironman title last week; while No. 5 Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) was runner-up at this tournament in 2010 and 2011, but missed last year's event due to injury. These wrestlers are the top two seeds in the weight class. Three other returning placers at the Beast of the East are in the weight class: third-seeded David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio), fourth-seeded A.C. Headlee (Waynesburg, Pa.), and seventh-seeded Brandon Olsen (Indian River, Va.)

    132: A quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers is in this weight bracket, including the top two seeds in No. 5 Anthony Giraldo (North Bergen, N.J.) and No. 13 Coy Ozias (Christainsburg, Va.). Joining them as nationally ranked wrestlers are fourth seed Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic, Ohio), who is No. 15 at 126 pounds; and No. 17 Chase Zemenak (Nazareth, Pa.), who is the seventh seed. Additional returning place-winners in this tournament are Zach Valley (Northampton, Pa.), the tournament's third seed, and seventh seed Christian Innarella (Delbarton, N.J.). National Prep champion Jack Mutchnik (St. Paul's, Md.) is the fifth seed.

    138: McKenna, the nation's top ranked wrestler in this weight class, is the lone nationally ranked wrestler in the field. The next two seeds are returning Beast placers in Corland Schuyler (Manheim Township, Pa.) and Clay Walker (Eastside, S.C.)

    145: Defending tournament champion, and last year's Most Outstanding Wrestler Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) is ranked No. 7 nationally and the tournament's top seed. He is joined by three other nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight class, who are also the second through fourth seeds: No. 10 at 138 Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley, Pa.), No. 19 Neal Richards (Matoaca, Va.), and No. 14 at 138 David McFadden (DePaul Catholic, N.J.). The next two seeds are National Prep runner-up Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.) and two-time Maryland public schools state champion Cameron Harrell (McDonogh, Md.)

    152: Five nationally ranked wrestlers are featured in this weight class, and they hold down the top five seeds. That group is led by No. 9 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), who was runner-up in this tournament last year. Rounding out the top five seeds are No. 11 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 12 Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.), No. 14 Zach Hertling (Ocean Township, N.J.), and No. 17 Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio). Other notables include sixth seed Toby Hague (McDonogh, Md.), a three-time National Prep placer, and returning Beast of the East placer Chase McDaniel (Cave Spring, Va.), who is seeded eighth.

    160: Likewise, it is five nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight class. The top three seeds in this weight are all nationally ranked: No. 4 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley, Pa.), 2011 Beast of the East champion Dylan Milonas, and No. 12 Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio). The other nationally ranked wrestlers are seeded sixth and seventh, which mean ranked vs. ranked battles in the quarterfinals: No. 17 Logan Breitenbach (Archbishop Spalding, Md.) is the sixth seed, while No. 20 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) is the seventh seed. Seeded fourth and fifth are state champion Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.) and returning Beast of the East placer Zak DePasquale (Robinson, Va.)

    170: Likewise, it is a quintet of nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight class. That group is led by defending tournament champion Peppelman as the top seed. The next two seeds are No. 6 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) and No. 8 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.); those wrestlers met in the semifinals last year at 160 with Martin winning 1-0, before Martin lost 3-2 in the final to Peppelman. No. 17 Luke Farinaro (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) is the tournament's fourth seed, while No. 10 at 160 Ryan Preisch (Milton, Pa.) is seeded seventh. Ironman placers Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio) and Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.) hold down the fifth and sixth seeds respectively, with Super 32 Challenge placer Bobby Fehr (Northampton, Pa.) holding down the eighth seed.

    182: The nation's second-ranked wrestler Sebastian, a two-time New Jersey state champion, holds down the top seed. The weight class's other nationally ranked wrestler, No. 20 Joey Balboni (David Brearley, N.J.) is the second seed. Additionally in this weight class is Dylan Wisman (Millbrook, Va.), the tournament's third seed who placed fourth in both styles this summer in Fargo at the Junior Nationals.

    195: The lone nationally ranked wrestler in this weight class is No. 17 Hunter Ritter (John Carroll, Md.); however, the National Prep third place finisher and Cadet Nationals double All-American (Greco-Roman champ) is seeded fifth. The top seed is Daniel Hawkins (Mt. St. Joseph, Md.), a returning Beast of the East placer, who is a two-time Junior Greco-Roman All-American; second seed is Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio), a Junior freestyle All-American; third seed is returning Beast of the East placer David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.); while two-time National Prep placer L.J. Barlow (Haverford Prep, Pa.) is the fourth seed. Other notables in this weight class include Cadet freestyle All-American Matt Correnti (Holy Cross, N.J.), who is the sixth seed; and state champion Anthony Mancini (Salesanium, Del.), the seventh seed.

    220: A pair of nationally ranked underclassmen features in this weight class, No. 6 Zach Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) -- last year's runner-up at this weight class -- and No. 8 Jordan Wood (Boyertown, Pa.). Returning Beast of the East placers Antonio Pelusi (LaSalle, Pa.), Stefano Millin (Massillon Perry, Ohio) and Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.) are the third through fifth seeds respectively.

    285: Thomas Haines (Solanco), a three-time state champion ranked No. 2 in the country, is the lone ranked wrestler in this weight class at the Beast of the East. He is obviously the top seed. Returning Beast of the East placers Kevin Wilkins (St. Joseph Montvale, N.J.) and Jake Pinkston (Robinson, Va.) are the next two seeds, with two-time Junior National freestyle All-American Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) the fourth seed. Super 32 Challenge placer Andrew Dunn (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) is not listed as a seed.]]>    77044Fri, 20 Dec 2013 08:42:49 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: December 18, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-december-18-2013-r76990/
    Ten wrestlers in all are nationally ranked in their respective weight classes, including a pair at the 285 pound weight class: No. 4 Brian Allen (Hinsdale Central) and No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic). Those other ranked wrestlers are No. 9 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest) at 106 pounds, No. 7 Rudy Yates (Brother Rice) at 113, No. 7 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest) at 138, No. 10 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest) at 145, No. 2 Bryce Brill (Mt. Carmel) at 152, No. 13 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic) at 160, and No. 14 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic) at 220.

    Bethlehem Catholic dominates King of the Mountain

    No. 24 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. moved up six spots in the Fab 50 after their dominant performance at this past weekend's King of the Mountain Tournament. The Hawks placed ten wrestlers in all, including a pair of wrestlers each taking first, second, and third place. Winning titles were No. 5 Zeke Moisey (126) and Nick Cortopassi (182).

    Second place went to Boyertown, Pa., which enters the Fab 50 at No. 47 this week. They were led by No. 8 Jordan Wood (220), who won his weight class with three first period pins followed by a 5-1 victory in the championship bout. Seven other wrestlers earned a placement finish for their team.

    The most notable championship match came at 120 pounds, where it was a battle of Pennsylvania state champions that Luke Pletcher (Greater Latrobe) won by 4-3 decision in the tiebreaker over Ethan Lizak (Parkland). Pletcher moves up to No. 2 in the nation, and Lizak dropped to No. 4 nationally. Zack Zavatsky, ranked No. 5 nationally at 182, joined Pletcher as a wrestler to win his weight class for Greater Latrobe.

    A couple other matches during the tournament placed nationally ranked wrestlers against one another. In the 145 pound final, it was No. 2 Jason Nolf (Kittaning) earning a 22-8 major decision victory over No. 10 at 138 Patrick Duggan (Cumberland Valley); while No. 4 T.C. Warner (Cumberland Valley) used a 13-0 major decision over No. 18 Dom Scalise (Greater Latrobe) in the semifinals to catalyze his title run at 160.

    West Coast showdowns in Reno

    Many of the best wrestlers from the western third of the country, along with some traveling in from the midwest and mid-atlantic states, will assemble this Friday and Saturday for the Reno Tournament of Champions. Leading the very large field are four teams in the Fab 50 team rankings: No. 37 Vacaville, Calif., No. 39 Maple Mountain, Utah, No. 42 Poway, Calif., and No. 49 Centennial, Idaho.

    Additionally, eight nationally ranked wrestlers are featured in the field: No. 15 Gionn Peralta (Vacaville, Calif.) at 113 pounds, No. 20 Sean Cannon (Green Valley, Nev.) at 120, No. 19 Ralphy Tovar (Poway, Calif.) at 138, No. 4 Hayden Tuma (Centennial, Idaho) at 145, No. 10 Tyler Berger (Crook County, Ore.) at 152, No. 6 Jon-Jay Chavez (Centennial, Idaho) at 160, No. 7 Kimball Bastian (Maple Mountain, Utah) at 170, and No. 5 Jeramy Sweany (Vacaville, Calif.) at 195.

    Potential battle of three-time champions in Illinois

    As part of a quad meet on Saturday afternoon hosted by No. 17 Marist, Ill., there is the likelihood of a match between a pair of three-time state champions when No. 30 Marmion Academy, Ill. and Dakota, Ill. take to the mat. No. 8 Josh Alber (Dakota) and No. 16 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy) are both slated to compete in the 126 pound weight class. Each wrestler has won three state titles so far in their career, and the wrestlers did meet last year at the Dvorak Memorial -- Alber won that meeting by 3-2 decision in the 120 pound final.

    Joining No. 17 Marist, No. 30 Marmion Academy, and Dakota in this quad meet is Gordon Tech. The additional item to note is the Fab 50 dual meet between Marist and Marmion Academy which will also happen.

    Quick and dirty dual meet happenings

    On Wednesday, Dec. 11 it was Davison defeating Detroit Catholic Central 31-28 in a battle of the two top teams in the state of Michigan.

    Thursday, Dec. 12 saw Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa and Linn-Mar, Iowa split the 14 weight classes in a 38-34 victory for Cedar Rapids Prairie. However, Linn-Mar avenged that loss on Saturday by a 40-29 score when two of their key starters returned to the lineup.

    On Friday night, it was Marist earning a 33-28 victory over No. 26 Lowell, Mich. needing a decision victory in the last weight class to seal the dual meet.

    Finally on Saturday, St. Johns, Mich. earned a 35-33 upset victory over Detroit Catholic central. However, the Shamrocks were missing two starters -- Trevor Zdebski (125) and No. 11 at 170 Andrew Garcia (171) that directly impacted the outcome of the match. The victorious Redwings did move up eight spots in the rankings to No. 36, while the Shamrocks drop five spots to No. 16, and Davison moved up two spots to No. 18 nationally.

    Minnesota Christmas Tournament

    Most of Minnesota's best teams will assemble this Friday and Saturday in Rochester for the Minnesota Christmas Tournament, where they will be joined by some out of state opposition (three squads from Wisconsin and two from North Dakota). A trio of Fab 50 teams is in the event: No. 4 Apple Valley, Minn., No. 38 Bismarck, N.D., and No. 41 Kaukauna, Wis.

    Twelve nationally ranked individuals are in the field, including a pair ranked No. 1 nationally and another pair ranked No. 3 nationally. Top ranked wrestlers in this tournament are Ryan Blees (Bismarck, N.D.) at 160 pounds and Lance Benick (Totino-Grace) at 195, while Mark Hall (Apple Valley) at 170 and Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville) at 285 are ranked third. The one weight with multiple nationally ranked wrestlers is at 182 pounds, which features No. 15 Bobby Steveson (Apple Valley) and No. 19 Keegan Moore (Jackson County Central).

    Additional nationally ranked wrestlers include No. 17 Hunter Marko (Amery, Wis.) at 113 pounds, No. 4 Tommy Thorn (St. Michael-Albertville) at 126, No. 19 Jordan Shearer (West Fargo, N.D.) at 132, No. 5 Seth Gross (Apple Valley) at 138, No. 20 Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville) at 145, and No. 16 Dayton Racer (Apple Valley) at 152.

    Iowa teams assemble for Battle of Waterloo

    Thirty-two schools, all from the Hawkeye State, will convene at Young Arena in Waterloo on Friday and Saturday for a dual meet tournament known as the Battle of Waterloo. The format of the event is identical to The Clash National Wrestling Duals, which take place in Minnesota right around the first of the year. There are four brackets on the first day of eight teams each, which have three dual meets per squad. Teams then will wrestle a round-robin of three matches on Saturday against the teams placing in the same bracket position that they did on Friday.

    The two brackets competing early on Friday (9AM/11AM/1PM Central Time) are headed by No. 31 Waverly-Shell Rock and No. 43 Linn-Mar. One of the brackets competing late on Friday (4PM/6PM/8PM CT) is headed by No. 46 Cedar Rapids Prairie; while the other is relatively open with West Delaware Manchester, Davenport Assumption, and Alburnett each having a shot at the title.

    The championship round-robin on Saturday will take place in the late segment, 4PM/6PM/8PM. View full team assignments in this article.

    First state champions of 2013-14

    The Alaska Class 123A (small-school division) state tournament was held this past weekend at the Anchorage Christian School. Yet again, it was Bethel winning the title with 217 points. However, they did not have a single weight class champion; but had six wrestlers place second and another three take third. Results.

    Upcoming quick bits

    Six nationally ranked teams, and 25 ranked individuals, will be competing in the Kansas City Stampede. A separate preview was posted about that event.

    Arguably the nation's second-best in-season tournament is this Saturday and Sunday at the Bob Carpenter Center on the University of Delaware Campus. A separate preview for the Beast of the East will be posted on Friday.

    Three Fab 50 teams -- No. 5 Clovis, No. 32 Clovis West, and No. 35 Gilroy -- will be competing in the Zinkin Classic this Friday and Saturday at Buchanan High School near Fresno, Calif. Additional notable teams in the field include Buchanan and Santiago Corona.

    The Tri-State Invitational, featuring some of the better wrestlers and teams from the Pacific Northwest will be held on Friday and Saturday at North Idaho College in Cour d'Alene, Idaho. 64 teams are slated to compete in the event including notables such as Deer Park (Wash.), Hermiston (Ore.), Kuna (Idaho), Lake Stevens (Wash.), Lewiston (Idaho), and Post Falls (Idaho).

    On Sunday, No. 18 Davison and No. 26 Lowell will compete in a dual meet in Flint, Mich. as part of the AGON II event.]]>    76990Thu, 19 Dec 2013 00:37:08 +0000    Blair wins Walsh Ironman title, Lee named OWhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/blair-wins-walsh-ironman-title-lee-named-ow-r77014/Related: Results | Standings | Placers

    CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio -- The 20th annual Walsh Jesuit Ironman certainly lived up to its position as the nation's best in-season tournament. A cast of the nation's elite won weight class titles, and many of the nation's top teams did battle over the two-day event. At the end of the two days, every person at Walsh Jesuit High School had to feel like it was truly worth being a part.

    In mid-November there was concern that No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. would be unable to attend the event due to NFHS regulatory issues. However, those resolved themselves; and the Buccaneers won their third straight Ironman title, fifth in six years scoring 207.5 points.

    Key to their tournament title was a 6-1 record in quarterfinal matches, followed by a 4-2 record in semifinal matches, and then having three wrestlers earn weight class titles. Champions for tops in the nation Blair Academy were No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (126), No. 2 Joey McKenna (138), and No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (160). Additional placers for the Buccaneers were No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville, who took second at 152 pounds; No. 9 Charles Tucker (120) and Jordan Kutler (132) taking fifth fifth; while Brandon Dallavia (170) and David Showunmi (195) took sixth.

    "It was a good performance, especially for it being the start of the season," said head coach Solomon Fleckman. "However, we do have things to work on going forward."

    Kolodzik, runner-up as a freshman and sophomore at the Ironman, earned his first title in dominant fashion. He earned two wins by fall on Friday, had major decisions over a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers in the quarterfinals and semifinals, and then upended Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham) 5-0 on takedowns in the first and third period.

    A native of Bellbrook, which is in southwest Ohio, Kolodzik has worked out with Seipel for years. "We've wrestled each other (in practice) hundreds of times," said Kolodzik, "All throughout the summers at (Jeff) Jordan's Wrestling Camps from 7-9 PM." About winning that elusive title, "It's certainly a relief, but it feels good."

    The senior McKenna was fifth and second at the Ironman as a freshman and sophomore before missing last year's event due to an injury. His championship bout, a 3-1 victory over No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.), was keyed by a first period takedown. Last year at the POWERade, which was McKenna's first tournament back in competition, Kemerer won the meeting between them by a 2-1 decision in the semifinals.

    "There was a revenge factor in play," said McKenna. "I felt more confident this time around because I was ready to go, and knew I was bigger as he had been down at 132 for Who's Number One."

    Fellow senior Milonas was champion at the Ironman as a sophomore and finished third last year. However, after placing third at the Beast of the East and runner-up at the POWERade, he was out the rest of the season due to injury. Milonas also did not compete during the summer in either the Junior Duals or Fargo (Junior Nationals) in freestyle.

    "My coaches (Buxton, Grey, Clavel, etc.) and teammates (McKenna, Coover, etc.) did a good job of keeping me going," said Milonas. "It feels good to be back on the mat, and able to prove to the (wrestling public) that I'm a high level wrestler."

    Milonas won his finals match by fall at the 4:51 mark, one in which he scored takedowns in the first and second period before scoring the fall from a sequence which started with he had a 5-1 advantage. The win came against sophomore Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham), who is ranked No. 5 in the nation and now is a two-time Walsh Ironman runnerup.

    Spencer Lee (Photo/Rob Preston)
    The individual star of stars was Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), the champion at 113 pounds. The nation's top-ranked wrestler in the weight class, and also the top overall freshman in the country, won both the Most Outstanding Wrestler award and the Ray Mendoza Award (scoring the most team points in the tournament).

    The sensational freshman earned 35.5 points for his squad earning two pins, three technical falls, and a 12-2 major decision. One of those two pins came in the championship finals bout against Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) at the 1:44 mark. In that match, Lee had already opened the bout with a takedown and scored two other three-point near falls prior to securing the fall.

    "I want to be a FILA Cadet world champ (in freestyle)," said Lee, when asked about his motivation to continue his level of dominance. "I honestly didn't expect to win the (Outstanding Wrestler) awards, but it feels great."

    Another pair of individual stars was the Valencia brothers from St. John Bosco, Calif. Zahid, ranked No. 5 nationally at 132 pounds, won a third Ironman title in as many years with a 5-3 victory over No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.). Valencia scored a takedown in the opening stanza, and then with the match tied at 3-3, scored a takedown in the third period to earn the victory. Should Zahid win next year, he will join David Taylor (St. Paris Graham, Ohio/Penn State) as the only four-time champions in the event's history.

    "This was something I trained for (all off-season)," said Zahid, about winning a third Ironman title. "I'm already looking forward to the chance to win a fourth next year."

    Anthony, ranked No. 6 nationally at 170 pounds, wrestled in the evening's last match -- the main event. He earned an 8-2 victory over No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.). Both wrestlers are ranked among the top 11 Class of 2015 wrestlers in the country and have very explosive and dynamic attacks. However, on this evening, it was Valencia's time to shine.

    "Always being a lighter weight (138/145 last year), wrestling last was totally new to me," said Valencia. "However, I was very prepared, getting my warm-up timing right. Right after seeing Zahid win, I started getting ready to wrestle."

    Second place in the team standings with a stellar performance was St. Paris Graham, scoring 171 points on the strength of seven placers, six of whom are underclassmen. The Falcons have now finished inside the top four at the Walsh Ironman for thirteen consecutive seasons. Head coach Jeff Jordan was truly elated with his team's performance, "What more could I ask for? Everyone stepped it up this weekend, and multiple wrestlers bounced back very well from losses to place rather high."

    The lone Graham champion was the lone senior placer Micah Jordan, who is ranked No. 2 in the country at 145 pounds. Jordan, runner-up last year in this tournament, had a huge win in the semifinals; 7-1 over Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), the No. 3 ranked wrestler in the country, on the strength of late takedowns in each period. However, the finals match against No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) was razor tight. The wrestlers traded escapes, but a second stalling call against Bannister with thirty seconds left gave Jordan the deciding point.

    "I couldn't get my offense going (tonight)," said Jordan. "Bannister's defense was just too good. However, to win Ironman is an honor. It's one of the four things we peak for as a program: the St. Edward dual, the Blair Academy dual, the state tournament, and this."

    Prior to the tournament, the team projected to finish second was No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. However, the Huskies finished in third place with 154.5 points. Like St. Paris Graham, they had seven wrestlers place; however, only one was a finalist, Jason Renteria who took second at 106 pounds. OPRF also had one third, fourth fifth place finishes, and an eighth place finish.

    "This is a wake-up call for our team," head coach Mike Powell said. "There were too many inconsistencies in our team's performance." However, Powell also took pride in his team placing seven kids in the nation's toughest in-season tournament.

    Three No. 1-ranked wrestlers in their weight class entered the tournament. Two of them won weight class titles this weekend. Joining Spencer Lee in doing so was Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) at 182 pounds. Nickal dominated his first three matches with a trio of first-period falls; however, he had a narrow 6-5 victory in the semifinal against No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.) before a 5-1 victory in the final against Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio).

    That 5-1 score is slightly deceptive, as all of Nickal's scoring came in the first period. He scored the match's opening takedown and secured a three point near fall later in the period. However, Nickal chose down in the second period and got ridden for the full two minutes. Then, Caywood chose top in the third period, rode Nickal for the full two minutes with Nickal also being hit for two stalling calls.

    "It's a real priority for me," said Nickal about starting matches strong. "Getting that first takedown is always something I want. However, these last two matches showed that I have things to work on going forward."

    Failing to win his weight class as a No. 1-ranked wrestler in the country was Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), who did not earn a placement at 220 pounds. He lost in the quarterfinal 5-4 to Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio). Dixon had the match's only takedown; however, a third caution late in the third period equalized it 3-3 to force overtime, and then a fourth caution in the tiebreakers was enough for Pfarr after the wrestlers traded escapes in the :30-:30.

    Dixon then lost 5-3 to Stefano Millin (Massillon Perry, Ohio) in the consolation round of 12. Even with that under-performance, and some other placement results below projection, No. 16 Edmond North still finished fourth in the standings with 114.5 points.

    "We had some obvious hiccups, but all in all, we hoped to place top five coming in and we did that," said head coach Andy Schneider.

    The Huskies did get a champion in No. 4 Derek White, who was dominant up to the final with a pair of pins in a combined two minutes on Friday before major decisions in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. However, the finals match was tighter, a 3-2 decision over Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio), keyed by a first period takedown.

    "I feel comfortable with a variety of attacks, it makes the opponents unsure of what I'm going to do," said White. "Winning the Ironman (in mostly dominant fashion) is something to be very happy about."

    After the upset over Andrew Dixon, Pfarr did advance to the final at 220 pounds, where he ran into No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.). This time, Ruano got the only takedown and made that stand up in a 3-2 finals victory.

    Ruano was a defensive tackle on the state runner-up Broncos football team, which played its last game two weeks ago. He came straight into wrestling from football. "The coaches did an awesome job getting me ready to wrestle this weekend," he said. "It feels good to win the tournament, and it's a great start to the season."

    Montini Catholic picked up a second weight class champion in No. 6 Michael Johnson, who won the 285 pound final 2-1 over Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio). The match was scoreless in the first with each wrestler hit for a stalling warning, and then Johnson rode Bonner out in the second period and earned an immediate escape in the third period. Both wrestlers were hit for a second stalling call in the third period as well.

    Like his teammate Ruano, Johnson was on the Broncos' football team, though he played on the offensive line. "It's great to be back at home," said Johnson, who was at Wyoming Seminary as a freshman and sophomore. "Earning this title is something I've wanted, and it was great to do it together (with Ruano)."

    Winning the 106-pound title was Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio), who is ranked No. 4 in the nation at the weight class. He upended No. 12 Renteria in a 12-2 major decision. Warner controlled the whole match, scoring in each period and controlling all the positions. His older brother Dustin also placed at the Ironman, finishing sixth at 113 pounds.

    "We make each other better," said Tyler about Dustin. "He's always on me about everything, and wants the best for me, as does my other brother Kyle (who is an assistant coach, after placing four times at state from 2009-2012)."]]>    77014Sun, 15 Dec 2013 05:52:23 +0000    Walsh Ironman Team Standingshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-team-standings-r77011/2. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 171
    3. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 154.5
    4. No. 16 Edmond North 114.5
    5. No. 4 Montini Catholic 110
    6. No. 8 Massillon Perry 105.5
    7. No. 10 Franklin Regional 98.5
    8. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 94.5
    9. No. 15 Broken Arrow 80
    9. No. 47 Claymont Uhrichsville 80
    11. Perrysburg 75
    12. No. 37 Robinson 74.5
    13. Dayton Christian 68.5
    13. No. 21 St. Edward 68.5
    15. McDonogh School 68
    16. No. 12 Brecksville 66.5
    17. Park Hill 64.5
    18. Allen 63
    19. No. 13 Cincinnati Moeller 61
    20. St. John Bosco 59
    21. Canon McMillan 55.5
    22. No. 19 Marmion Academy 52.5
    22. Oregon Clay 52.5
    24. Broomfield 51.5
    25. N. Allegheny 50
    26. Caesar Rodney 48.5
    27. Loveland 47
    28. Santiago 46
    29. Marysville 42
    30. Arvada West 38.5
    31. Good Counsel 38
    31. Smyrna 38
    33. Reynolds 37.5
    34. Union County 37
    35. Kearney 36
    36. Elyria 35.5
    37. Huntington 32
    38. Folsom 31.5
    39. Pittsburgh C. Catholic 30.5
    40. Omaha North 29
    41. Trinty Christian 28.5
    42. Cuy. Valley Christian 27
    42. Mechanicsburg 27
    42. Saegertown 27
    45. Colerain 25
    45. St. Mary`s Ryken 25
    47. Malvern Prep 24
    48. St. Christopher 23
    49. St. Ignatius 22
    50. Sultana 21
    51. Cheyenne 20.5
    51. Padua 20.5
    53. Perry 20
    53. Scottsbluff 20
    53. Wauseon 20
    56. Parkersburg South 19
    56. Walsh Jesuit 19
    58. Beachwood 18
    59. Georgetown Prep 17
    59. Toledo C. Catholic 17
    61. San Marino 15
    61. Sandusky Perkins 15
    63. Haverford Prep 14
    64. Strongsville 13
    65. Hanover 12.5
    66. Bellbrook 11
    67. St. Vincent St. Mary 10.5
    68. Central Crossing 10
    68. Grassfield 10
    68. Troy Christian 10
    71. Howland 9.5
    72. Cardinal Newman 9
    72. National Trail 9
    74. Franklin 8
    74. Rootstown 8
    74. Urbana 8
    77. Archbold 7
    77. Fresno Central 7
    77. Kiski Prep 7
    80. Tri-Valley 5
    81. Tallmadge 3
    82. Liberty Benton 2
    83. Centennial 1
    84. Ashland 0
    84. Bishop McNamara 0
    84. Lake Catholic 0
    84. Lutheran West 0
    84. Tiffin Columbian 0]]>    77011Sun, 15 Dec 2013 04:21:25 +0000    Walsh Ironman Placement Match Resultshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-placement-match-results-r77010/106:
    1st: No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) maj. dec. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 12-2
    3rd: Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.) dec. Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.), 7-4
    5th: Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) dec. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 5-4
    7th: Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.) dec. Chris Lacayo (Santiago Corona, Calif.), 3-2

    113:
    1st: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) pinned Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 1:44
    3rd: No. 10 Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Tex.), 4-0
    5th: L.J. Bentley (St. Edward, Ohio) dec. No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio), 3-2
    7th: Christian Clary (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. Howard Smith (Allen, Texas), 3-2

    120:
    1st: No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) dec. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.), 3-0
    3rd: No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 3-1
    5th: No. 8 Charles Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), 7-2
    7th: Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.) dec. Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian Academy, Tex.), 8-4

    126:
    1st: No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Eli Sepiel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 5-0
    3rd: No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) dec. Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), 9-7
    5th: No. 10 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.) dec. Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.), 6-4, SV
    7th: David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio) pinned No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 4:58

    132:
    1st: No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.), 5-3
    3rd: Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.), 5-1
    5th: Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio), 5-0
    7th: Richie Screptock (Oregon Clay, Ohio) dec. Sammy Gross (Beachwood, Ohio), 7-5

    138:
    1st: No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.), 3-1
    3rd: No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.) dec. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.), 4-3
    5th: No. 5 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. Kyle Lawson (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 3-1
    7th: Vince Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. No. 8 at 132 P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.), 6-4

    145:
    1st: No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), 2-1
    3rd: No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.) dec. No. 11 at 138 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.), 7-1
    5th: No. 11 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) by medical forfeit over No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
    7th: Alex Mossing (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio) pinned No. 17 Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 2:09

    152:
    1st: No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), 4-2
    3rd: No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. No. 14 Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.), 3-2
    5th: No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.) by medical forfeit over No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.)
    7th: Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio) dec. Matt Rundell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 3-2

    160:
    1st: No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) pinned No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 4:51
    3rd: No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) dec. Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 8-3
    5th: Kamal Bey (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) by medical forfeit over No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.)
    7th: No. 17 at 170 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. David-Brian Whisler (Warren Howland, Ohio), 3-2

    170:
    1st: No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.), 8-2
    3rd: No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.) maj. dec. Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 13-3
    5th: No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.), 7-4
    7th: No. 9 Joel Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) dec. No. 15 Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio), 3-1 SV

    182:
    1st: No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) dec. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio), 5-1
    3rd: Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.) dec. No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.), 1-0
    5th: No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.) dec. No. 9 Joel Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), 3-1
    7th: Anthony McLaughlin (St. Ignatius, Ohio) dec. Cole DePasquale (Robinson, Va.), 3-2

    195:
    1st: No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) dec. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio), 3-2
    3rd: Andre Lee (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.), 12-6
    5th: No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.), 5-3
    7th: No. 20 L.J. Barlow (Haverford, Pa.) by medical forfeit over Gunner Gambill (Loveland, Ohio)

    220:
    1st: No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio), 3-2
    3rd: Jerry Thornberry (Moeller, Ohio) by medical forfeit over Seth Brennock (Loveland, Ohio)
    5th: Stefano Millin (Massillon Perry, Ohio) dec. Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 5-3 SV
    7th: Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.) dec. Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio), 7-6

    285:
    1st: No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio), 2-1
    3rd: Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. Zach Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.), 1-0
    5th: Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.) dec. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio), 5-2
    7th: Andrew Alten (Loveland, Ohio) dec. Jake Pinnedkston (Robinson, Va.), 3-1]]>    77010Sun, 15 Dec 2013 04:14:53 +0000    Walsh Ironman Finals Resultshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-finals-results-r77007/Listed in order of finals matches

    182: No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) dec. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio), 5-1
    195: No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) dec. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio), 3-2
    220: No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio), 3-2
    285: No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio), 2-1
    106: No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) maj. dec. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) , 12-2
    113: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) pinned Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 1:44
    120: No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) dec. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.), 3-0
    126: No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 5-0
    132: No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.), 5-3
    138: No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.), 3-1
    145: No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), 2-1
    152: No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), 4-2
    160: No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) pinned No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 4:51
    170: No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.), 8-2]]>    77007Sat, 14 Dec 2013 23:02:51 +0000    Walsh Ironman Finals Pairingshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-finals-pairings-r77006/Listed in order of finals matches

    182: No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio)
    195: No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio)
    220: No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio)
    285: No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio)
    106: No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    113: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.)
    120: No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) vs. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.)
    126: No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    132: No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.)
    138: No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.)
    145: No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.)
    152: No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    160: No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    170: No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) vs. No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.)]]>    77006Sat, 14 Dec 2013 19:53:29 +0000    Walsh Ironman Semifinal Resultshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-semifinal-results-r77005/106:
    No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) pinned Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 0:12
    No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) pinned Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio), 1:25

    113:
    No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) tech. fall No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas), 15-0 (6:00)
    Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) dec. No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio), 2-1

    120:
    No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) dec. No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), 8-7
    No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) dec. No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), 6-1

    126:
    No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) maj. dec. No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), 15-5
    Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.), 3-0

    132:
    No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.), 10-4
    No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) dec. Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio), 4-1

    138:
    No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.), 7-3
    No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) dec. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.), 6-2

    145:
    No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), 7-1
    No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) dec. No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.), 4-2 UTB

    152:
    No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.), 8-3
    No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.), 2-1

    160:
    No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio), 5-2
    No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 3-1

    170:
    No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 6-3
    No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) dec. No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), 12-5

    182:
    No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) dec. No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.), 6-5
    Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio) dec. No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.), 9-2

    195:
    No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) maj. dec. Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.), 9-1
    Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio) dec. No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio), 3-1 TB1

    220:
    Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio) dec. Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 4-1
    No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio), 6-4 SV1

    285:
    No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) maj. dec. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio), 12-4
    Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio) dec. Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.), 2-1 SV]]>    77005Sat, 14 Dec 2013 19:53:05 +0000    Walsh Ironman Semifinal Pairingshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-semifinal-pairings-r77004/106:
    No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio)

    113:
    No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas)
    No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.)

    120:
    No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.)
    No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) vs. No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio)

    126:
    No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
    Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.)

    132:
    No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) vs. Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio)

    138:
    No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.)
    No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.)

    145:
    No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
    No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) vs. No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.)

    152:
    No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.)
    No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.)

    160:
    No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio)
    No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    170:
    No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) vs. No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.)

    182:
    No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.)
    No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio)

    195:
    No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.)
    No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio) vs. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio)

    220:
    Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio) vs. Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
    No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio)

    285:
    No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio)
    Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio) vs. Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.)]]>    77004Sat, 14 Dec 2013 17:31:50 +0000    Walsh Ironman Quarterfinal Resultshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-quarterfinal-results-r77003/106:
    No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.), 8-4
    Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. Tommy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 5-0
    Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) dec. Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.), 5-0
    No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) pinned Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.), 6:00

    113:
    No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) maj. dec. Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio), 12-2
    No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas) dec. Howard Smith (Allen, Texas), 3-0
    Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) dec. Tyler Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.), 1-1 UTB
    No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) dec. Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 6-4

    120:
    No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) maj. dec. Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), 11-1
    No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.), 3-1
    No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 3-1
    No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) maj. dec. Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas), 12-2

    126:
    No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) maj. dec. No. 13 Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), 9-1
    No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) dec. No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
    Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
    Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.) pinned No. 10 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 1:01

    132:
    No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.), 9-3
    Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. John Erneste (Park Hill, Mo.), 7-2
    No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) dec. Aaran Gessic (Perry, Ohio), 12-6
    Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio) pinned Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.), 2:20

    138:
    No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 5 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 3-2
    No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.) dec. No. 8 at 132 P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.), 5-4
    No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) dec. Vincent Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 10-4
    No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.) dec. Michael Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), 4-2

    145:
    No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. No. 11 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 12-6
    No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) dec. No. 19 at 138 Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 9-2
    No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) dec. No. 11 at 138 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.), 5-4
    No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.) pinned Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.), 4:23

    152:
    No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. Colstin DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.), 9-2
    No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.) dec. Matt Rundell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), 6-1
    No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 3-1
    No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.) dec. Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 8-8 UTB

    160:
    No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 7-6
    No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) dec. No. 17 at 170 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 6-0
    No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.) maj. dec. No. 18 Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio), 14-6
    No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) pinned Zach Walton (Edmond North, Okla.), 3:51

    170:
    No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) dec. Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.), 6-1
    No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. No. 9 Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), 7-2
    No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.) dec. No. 18 at 182 Travis Linton (Rootstown, Ohio), 7-0
    No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.) maj. dec. No. 15 Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio), 15-5

    182:
    No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) pinned Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio), 1:28
    No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.) dec. Gabe Dzuro (St. Edward, Ohio), 1-0
    No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) pinned Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.), 4:59
    Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio) pinned Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.), 3:05

    195:
    No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) maj. dec. Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 15-6
    Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.) dec. Gunner Gambill (Loveland, Ohio), 9-2
    Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio) dec. No. 20 L.J. Barlow (Haverford Prep, Pa.), 8-7
    No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. Josh Couchman (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 9-4

    220:
    Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio) dec. No. 1 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), 5-4 TB
    Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.) dec. Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio), 4-2 SV
    Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio) pinned Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 1:28
    No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Mike Smith (McDonogh, Md.), 5-1

    285:
    No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Zach Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.), 8-4
    Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio) dec. Chase Henderson (Franklin, Ohio), 5-4 2OT
    Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio) dec. Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 2-1
    Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.) pinned Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), 5:57]]>    77003Sat, 14 Dec 2013 17:28:11 +0000    Walsh Ironman Team Standings (After Day 1)https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-team-standings-after-day-1-r76995/2. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. (5) 81.5
    3. No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio (5) 71
    4. No. 16 Edmond North, Okla. (5) 66.5
    5. No. 8 Massillon Perry, Ohio (3) 63
    6. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. (4) 61-1/2
    7. No. 4 Montini Catholic, Ill. (7) 61
    8. No. 15 Broken Arrow, Okla. (3) 58
    9. No. 10 Franklin Regional, Pa. (4) 53
    10. No. 37 Robinson, Va. (0) 52.5
    11. No. 21 St. Edward, Ohio (3) 47.5
    12. No. 47 Claymont, Ohio (2) 47
    13. Oregon Clay, Ohio 45.5
    14. No. 13 Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio (1) 45
    15. No. 12 Brecksville, Ohio (2) 44.5
    Other nationally ranked team: 28) No. 19 Marmion Academy, Ill. (2) 29.5]]>    76995Sat, 14 Dec 2013 03:04:43 +0000    Quarterfinals set at Walsh Ironmanhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/quarterfinals-set-at-walsh-ironman-r76993/
    106:
    Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.) vs. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    Tommy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio)
    Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio)

    113:
    No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio)
    Howard Smith (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas)
    Tyler Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.)
    No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    120:
    No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio)
    No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.)
    No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
    Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas) vs. No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.)

    126:
    No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 13 Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.)
    No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.) vs. No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
    David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.) vs. No. 10 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.)

    132:
    No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.)
    John Erneste (Park Hill, Mo.) vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) vs. Aaran Gessic (Perry, Ohio)
    Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio) vs. Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.)

    138:
    No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 5 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.) vs. No. 8 at 132 P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.)
    No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Vincent Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.)
    Michael Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) vs. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.)

    145:
    No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 11 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) vs. No. 19 at 138 Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.)
    No. 11 at 138 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.) vs. No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.)
    Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.)

    152:
    No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. Colstin DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.)
    Matt Rundell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.)
    No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio)

    160:
    No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
    No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) vs. No. 17 at 170 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. No. 18 Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio)
    Zach Walton (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)

    170:
    No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.)
    No. 9 Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.) vs. No. 18 at 182 Travis Linton (Rootstown, Ohio)
    No. 15 Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio) vs. No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.)

    182:
    No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) vs. Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio)
    Gabe Dzuro (St. Edward, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.)
    No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) vs. Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.)
    Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio)

    195:
    No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
    Gunner Gambill (Loveland, Ohio) vs. Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.)
    No. 20 L.J. Barlow (Haverford Prep, Pa.) vs. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio)
    Josh Couchman (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio)

    220:
    No. 1 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio)
    Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.) vs. Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio)
    Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio) vs. Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.)
    Mike Smith (McDonogh, Md.) vs. No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    285:
    No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Zach Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.)
    Chase Henderson (Franklin, Ohio) vs. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio)
    Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio)
    Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio)]]>    76993Sat, 14 Dec 2013 01:57:56 +0000    2013 Walsh Ironman Running Notebookhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/2013-walsh-ironman-running-notebook-r76994/The most recent updates will appear at the top of this page. Refresh to see the latest updates.

    2:55 p.m. ET: Team standings.
    1. No. 1 Blair Academy 189.5
    2. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 158.0
    3. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 135.5
    4. No. 16 Edmond North 107.5
    5. No. 4 Montini Catholic 101.0
    6. No. 10 Franklin Regional 92.5
    7. No. 6 Massillon Perry 89.5
    8. No. 15 Broken Arrow 80.0
    9. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 77.5
    10. No. 47 Claymont 75.0
    10. NR Perrysburg 75.0
    12. No. 37 Robinson 69.5
    13. NR McDonogh School 66.0
    14. No. 21 St. Edward 64.5
    15. NR Dayton Christian 63.5
    16. No. 12 Brecksville 62.5

    2:52 p.m. ET: Bonner WINS 2-1 on a second stall from Cook. That concludes the semis, which more or less means updates will be very limited from here in. FINALS AT 6:00 P.M. TONIGHT!

    2:50 p.m. ET: Johnson majors, 12-4. OVERTIME Cook/Bonner at 1-1.

    2:47 p.m. ET: Bonner escaped in the second, he leads 1-0 with :40 left in said period. Johnson up 7-2 :40 left in second as well.

    2:43 p.m. ET: Ruano takedown, wins 6-4, very quick TD. 285 semis.
    No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic) vs. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian)
    Cale Bonner (Perrysburg) vs. Wyatt Cook (McDonogh)

    2:42 p.m. ET: Pfarr an Ironman finalist, second stalling and a takedown, he's a finalist on 4-1 victory. Ruano late takedown ties it at 4-all, OVERTIME.

    2:38 p.m. ET: 1-1 third period in Pfarr/Allen. Thornberry got a takedown late in the second period, but I thought time was up. It's a 4-1 advantage though for Thornberry despite the Montini coaches disagreeing, down for Ruano in third.

    2:34 p.m. ET: Ruano up 1-0 after one on a penalty point. Scoreless after one in Pfarr/Allen, Pfarr down in second.

    2:30 p.m. ET: Scales wins 3-2 in the tiebreaker, second ranked wrestler that he beat today. White 9-1 over Smith. 220 semis.
    Austin Pfarr (Mayrsville) vs. Steven Allen (Broken Arrow)
    Jerry Thornberry (Moeller) vs. No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini)

    2:28 p.m. ET: OVERTIME Murphy/Scales 1-1 match. 5-0 White after two periods.

    2:25 p.m. ET: 1-0 Scales after two, Murphy down in third. 5-0 White halfway through the match.

    2:23 p.m. ET: Finals start tonight at 182 pounds, ending at 170. White leads 2-0 after one. Scoreless Scales/Murphy after one, Murphy let Scales up to make it 1-0 Scales early second.

    2:18 p.m. ET: Nickal wins 6-5. Caywood did give up a takedown to Perkins, it was 5-2, then to 6-2 on a penalty, and 7-2 lead, then 9-2 final for Caywood. 195 semis.
    No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North) vs. Zach Smith (North Allegheny)
    Tegray Scales (Colerain) vs. No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville)

    2:15 p.m. ET: Nickal up 6-3 after two, Caywood up 3-0 after two. Perkins neutral in third. Caywood wins that scramble, and is up 5-0! Second stalling on Nickal, Griego down and trails 6-4.

    2:12 p.m. ET: Nickal up 2-1 after one, Caywood up 2-0 after one. Caywood down, Nickal down.

    2:08 p.m. ET: Valencia wins 6-3, Martin wins 12-5. 182 semis.
    No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen) vs. No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana)
    No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North) vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg)

    2:00 p.m. ET: Seventh place matches will happen in the main facility on two mats after the semis are done. Consolation semifinals downstairs. 2-1 for Valencia after one, now it's 4-3 Valencia late second. Martin after two leads 5-4.

    1:57 p.m. ET: Milonas 5-2 final over Reese. Marinelli comes on top in the scramble, almost got reversed, but it's two near falls and a 5-1 victory. 170 semis.
    No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco) vs. No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (OPRF)
    No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken) vs. No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh)

    1:55 p.m. ET: Marinelli escaped in the second, 1-0 after two periods. Milonas up 3-2 midway through the third, escaped early in the third. Now it's 1-1 after Montalvo escaped. Marinelli leg attack, Montalvo defense, TWOO for Marinelli with 75 seconds left.

    1:52 p.m. ET: Scoreless after one in Marinelli/Montalvo, down for Marinelli. Milonas led 2-1 after one, Reese down in second, escaped.

    1:48 p.m. ET: It was borderline tedious through the second and third periods of Manville/Shields. Manville wins 2-1, riding for almost the whole four minutes. 160 semis.
    No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy) vs. No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg)
    No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic) vs. No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham)

    1:44 p.m. ET: Danishek wins 8-3, second straight Ironman final. Manville rides out for the second period but trails 1-0. Manville down third, reversals back very early third period, Shields 2-1.

    1:42 p.m. ET: Unnecessary roughness call on Manville, Shields goes up 1-0 with :43 left in the second. Danishek up 4-1 with 90 seconds left in regulation.

    1:38 p.m. ET: Both semifinals went scoreless at 152. Danishek down in second, Shields down in the second.

    1:35 p.m. ET: Went to ULTIMATE TIEBREAKER. Bannister scored first in the match, second period escape, chooses down position. Reversal ends it with a 4-2 outcome for Bannister. 152 semis.
    No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian) vs. No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield)
    No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy) vs. No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional)

    1:30 p.m. ET: Micah Jordan 7-1 winner! Three takedowns to zero for Chishko. Dominated the end of every period. OVERTIME in Leeth/Bannister, Leeth is in deep at the edge, Bannister with a whizzer and splits, :05 left in that then possibly TIEBREAKS.

    1:27 p.m. ET: Another late period takedown, Micah Jordan is up 5-0! No. 2 OVER No. 3 in the country!! 1-1 in Bannister vs. Leeth early in the third period.

    1:25 p.m. ET: TWOOO for Micah Jordan right at the end of the period, rides out the last :12 of it, 2-0 lead over Chishko. Body lock off a single attack. Scoreless after one in Bannister/Leeth, Bannister down in the second.

    1:20 p.m. ET: Kemerer wins 6-2 on a five-point move inside the last :30 of the match, trapped a shot of his attack for the near falls. McKenna will win as well, it's 7-2 right now with :31 left. 145 semis.
    No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham) vs. No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan)
    No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara) vs. Grant Leeth (Kearney)

    1:15 p.m. ET: Kemerer called for an illegal headlock penalty, ties it at 1-1. Adams has choice in the third period, which is down. McKenna up 5-0 with :40 left in the second period.
    2-1 Adams now on the very quick escape.

    1:12 p.m. ET: 2-0 McKenna after most of one, takedown was within seconds of the start. Scoreless after one in Kemerer/Adams.

    1:08 p.m. ET: Finals, 10-4 Zahid, 4-1 Ervin. 138 semis.
    No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair) vs. No. 18 at 145 Mike Longo (Santiago Corona)
    No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional) vs. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.)

    1:05 p.m. ET: Zahid up 10-4 early third, Ervin up 2-1 early third. Neutral in first match, Ervin down in the other.

    1:01 p.m. ET: Valencia 6-2 after one, Ervin/Hodges scoreless, Hodges down position second period.

    12:58 p.m. ET: Kolodzik 15-5 major, Seipel 3-0 final 132 semis.
    No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy)
    No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County) vs. Wade Hodges (Wauseon)

    12:55 p.m. ET: 8-3 Kolodzik after two, 3-0 Seipel early third period.

    12:52 p.m. ET: 2-0 after one period in both matches, Kolodzik and Seipel have the advantage.

    12:48 p.m. ET: Hayes wins 6-1. Fleetwood wins 8-7. 126 semis.
    No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair) vs. No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan)
    Eli Seipel (Graham) vs. Trae Blackwell (Union County)

    12:42 p.m. ET: One period over in both semis, Fleetwood 5-1, Hayes 2-0.

    12:38 p.m. ET: Bosco gets the takedown with a minute left, rides it out for a 2-1 victory. Beats his second ranked wrestler of the year. 120 semis.
    No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna) vs. Charles Tucker (Blair)
    No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville) vs. No. 6 at 120 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill)

    12:35 p.m. ET: Spencer Lee with the 15-0 tech fall at 5:59. He's number one in America for a reason! Warner up 1-0 on Bosco. Ride out in the second period, Bosco let him up right at start of the third. 1:15 to go in match.

    12:27 p.m. ET: Warner PIN at 1:18 113 pound semis
    No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional) vs. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian)
    Anthony Bosco (Marmion) vs. No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont)

    12:25 p.m. ET: Semis right NOW!! 106 pounds
    No. 12 Jason Renteria (OPRF) vs. Tanner Smith (Graham)
    Allan Hart (St. Edward) vs. No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont)
    --Renteria PIN at :22

    12:18 p.m. ET: Quarters are done, semis are set, brief five minute break then we go. Jackson (Dayton Christian) won 4-2 in the tiebreaker ultimate, will face Johnson (Montini). Bonner vs. Cook (McDonogh), Cook fall at 5:57 over Vough.

    12:15 p.m. ET: Bonner (Perrysburg) 2-1 over Scanlan, and that means Wyoming Seminary has ZERO in the semis. Updated team scores right now, top ten.
    1. Blair Academy 130.5
    2. Graham St Paris 99.0
    3. Oak Park River Forest 98.5
    4. Edmond North 76.5
    5. Montini Catholic 71.0
    6. Franklin Regional 69.0
    7. Massillon Perry 68.5
    8. Broken Arrow 66.0
    9. Wyoming Seminary 62.5
    10. Claymont Uhrichsville 62.0

    12:09 p.m. ET: Murphy wins 9-4, and faces fellow Ohio state placer Scales in the semi at 195. The last semi of the day is on the mats at 285, the freshman Vough (Elyria) v Cook (McDonogh). 1-1 third period in Henderson/Jackson.

    12:06 p.m. ET: Ruano of Montini wins 5-1 at 220, Johnson leads 6-4 with :45 left in regulation at 285, would make it a 3-4 round for Montini. On mat two, Murphy leads 5-1 over Snyder with :50 left in regulation. On mat three, the new match is Scanlan (Wyoming Sem) vs. Bonner (Perrysburg). Mat four has 1-0 for Jackson (D. Christian) after two periods against Henderson (Franklin).
    Johnson 8-4 final.

    12:03 p.m. ET: New matches. Mat one HVY Johnson (Montini) v Parker (C. Rodney), 4-1 Johnson. Mat two: 195 Murphy (Brecksville) v Snyder (G. Counsel), that is Kyle's younger brother Kevin, scoreless. Mat three 220 Ruano (Montini) leads 3-0 against Smith (McDonogh). Mat four 285 Henderson (Franklin) v Jackson (D. Christian)

    12:00 p.m. ET: The nation's number one kid falls to defeat!!! Pfarr (Marysville) wins 5-4 in the tiebreakers against Dixon (E. North). WOW!
    At 182 Perkins (O. North) with a pin in 2:53 over Fiegener (Folsom). Allen 4-2 in OT at 220.

    11:58 a.m. ET: TIEBREAKERS Dixon/Pfarr. New match 220 is Thornberry (Moeller) vs. Anderson (Malvern Prep), Thornberry with the fall at 1:27. 2-2 in Knapp/Allen, both escapes for each kid, both double stalling for a second too. OVERTIME coming.

    11:55 a.m. ET: Scales wins 8-7 in ultimate. Dixon/Pfarr is in OVERTIME. 182 new match on mat two with Perkins (Omaha North) v Fiegener (Folsom) on mat two. 220 mat one is Knapp (St. Edward) v Allen (B. Arrow), Allen 1-0 lead early third; both kids two weeks off of football.

    11:53 a.m. ET: Confirm Martin to the semis against Llopez, rematch of the Nat Prep final that Martin dominated before Llopez defaulted. Martin 15-5 as a final. :30-:30 TB has Barlow score in his, Scales down coming. 3-3 tie match in Dixon/Pfarr. New mat one match at 220 is Knapp (St. Edward) v Allen (Broken Arrow).

    11:50 a.m. ET: Smith (N. Allegheny) wins 9-2 over Gambill, will face White (E. North) in the semis at 195. Martin (McDonogh) up 13-5 on Harris in the quarters at 170. 195 in OT on mat three has Scales (Colerain) v Barlow (Haverford); Scales was DPOY in football at LB this fall in big-school; mat four has the nation's top-ranked wrestler Dixon (E. North) leading Pfarr (Marysville) 3-2 after two.

    11:45 a.m. ET: Caywood (Perrysburg) pins Stodden (Broomfield) in 3:02 on mat four. New match at 220 is the nation's number one wrestler Andrew Dixon (Edmond North) against Pfarr (Marysville). Graham is 4-0 in quarters with Marinelli's fall at 3:58 at 160. He faces Montalvo in semis. New match at 170 has Martin (McDonogh) up 4-1 over Harris (Beachwood) after one period. After two periods, it's Scales up 4-3 over Barlow.

    11:42 a.m. ET: Matches on the board, mat one has 195 with Gambill (Loveland) v Smith (N. Allegheny), Smith up 5-0; mat two is Marinelli up 5-2 against Walton at 160; mat three is 195 with Scales (Colerain) leading barlow (Haverford) 4-1; mat four is 182 with Stodden (Broomfield) and Caywood (Perrysburg) scoreless after one.

    11:38 a.m. ET: Shields survives with the 8-8 UTB RO victory. Next is Marinelli (Graham) v Walton (Edmond North) at 160. Updates mat one has Griego (Sultana) up 1-0 over Dzuro (St Eds) at 182, Griego second period rideout and third period escape. Updates on three and four: White up 13-5 with a minute to go against Rogers, and it's 7-0 lead for Llopez over Linton in the final.

    11:32 a.m. ET: New matches, mat three at 195 White (Edmond North) v Rogers (Wyoming Seminary), mat four 170 has Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken) leading 2-0 with :40 left in the first against Linton (Rootstown), both those ranked.
    First TB had Shields ride out Sparkman.
    182 on mat one is Griego (Sultana) vs. Dzuro (St. Edward)

    11:28 a.m. ET: Bo Nickal win the FALL at 1:28 in the 182 quarters, nation's number one in that weight beat Jack Harris (Urbana). Sparkman/Shields is in OVERTIME on mat two. Mahomes up 5-2 on one against Dixon with short time, he will advance to face Valencia, make that a 7-2 final. Montalvo wins 14-6 over Schram.
    Go TIEBREAKERS on Sparkman/Shields.

    11:25 a.m. ET: Valencia wins 6-1 at 170, and is the first semifinalist there. Shields/Sparkman is 6-6 with :30 left in regulation. 170 top half quarter has Mahomes (OPRF) up 5-1 vs. Dixon (Edmond North) with :20 left in the second. Montalvo at 160 on mat four is up 8-3 with most of the third period to go against Schram.

    11:20 a.m. ET: Reese wins 6-0 over Weiler, faces Milonas next in the semis. The last 152 quarter has Sparkman about to beat his second ranked wrestler of the tournament, is up 5-2 over Shields very late in the second period. At 160 on mat four, Montalvo up 4-1 on Schram. On mat three, Anthony Valencia up 4-1 on Dallavia.
    Shields escapes before time is up, so it's 5-3.

    11:18 a.m. ET: Reese leads 4-0 after two periods on mat one at 160. Mat two at 152 is 2-2 tied with Sparkman/Maruca. Mat three is a newe match of A. Valencia (St. John Bosco) vs. Dallavia (Blair) at 170. Mat four will be 160 with Montalvo (Montini) vs. Schram (Bellbrook).

    11:16 a.m. ET: Manville 3-1 over Reenan and Milonas 7-6 over Dailey, Blair Academy wins both with takedowns inside the last :20. Six-for-six for Blair Academy in the quarters!!

    11:13 a.m. ET: Danishek advances 9-2 to face Downing. Sparkman/Shields 2-2 after two periods, Manville leads Reenan 1-0 after two with Reenan down. 160 semis in the top half: Dailey up 5-3 on Milonas in the third, Milonas down; Reese (Mechanicsburg) opens with a takedown against Weiler (Wyoming Seminary).

    11:07 a.m. ET: Bottom quarters at 145, Bannister (B. McNamara) with the bull rush late in the third period, and he will beat Joseph (PCC) 5-4! Leeth (Kearney) with a pin in 4:22 against Maruca. Downing (Broomfield) wins 6-1 over Rundell, OPRF struggling a bit in this round. Danishek up 4-2 with two takedowns mid second.
    New matches - mat 2: Sparkman (M. Perry) v Shields (Franklin Regional), mat 3 Tony Dailey (M. Perry) 3-1 on Milonas (Blair) very late first period (would be an upset), mat 4 has Manville (Blair) v Reenan (Wyoming Seminary).

    11:05 a.m. ET: Micah outlasts Early 12-6, didn't have the greatest third period though. The semi with Chishko is ON! 145 other two quarters have Joseph (PCC) up 4-2 on Bannister (Bishop McNamara) early third, and Leeth (Kearney) up 7-2 on Maruca (Franklin Regional) after two.
    152 semis in the top half - Danishek (Dayton Christian) up 2-1 on DiBlasi (Park Hill) first minute of the match, and it's Downing (Broomfield) up 4-0 on Rundell (OPRF) with :90 left.

    11:00 a.m. ET: Adams advances to the semis, 4-2 over Kostandaras, faces Kemerer in the bottom semi. Chishko closes out the 9-2 victory at 145. McKenna 3-2 over White at 138, Blair four-for-four in quarters already. New matches - mat 2 has Bannister (Bishop McNamara) vs. Joseph (Pittsburgh CC), mat 3 has Maruca (Kearney) vs. Leeth (Kearney), and mat 4 has Rundell (OPRF) vs. Browning (Broomfield).
    145 update, Jordan up 4-2 halfway through against early.

    10:55 a.m. ET: Longo gets the escape, and holds off Klee by 5-4 score. At 145 next is Micah Jordan (Graham) vs. Early (ORPF). 2-1 on mat two now, Adams up after two periods. McKenna up 3-1 over White after two periods. Chishko taking it to Garcia, 9-2 early third. Micah Jordan cement job to open up 2-1, might be 4-1 shortly.

    10:50 a.m. ET: 10-4 Kemerer win was the final. New match on four is Chishko (Canon McMillan) already up 2-1 on Garcia (Montini). Ervin is in at a 12-6 quarter win at 132 over Gessic, he'll face Hodges; Kutler wins 4-2 over Erneste, and faces Valencia in semi. McKenna (Blair) opening takedown against White (OPRF) on mat three. Mat 2 at 138 has Kostandaras (Walsh) vs. Adams (Scottsbluff). Klee tied it up with Longo 4-4, 1:13 left.

    10:48 a.m. ET: Kutler rides out Erneste in the second. Longo up 4-1 in the second period on Klee. Ervin is up 10-4 after two full periods. Kemerer will pretty much advance, up 10-2 with less than 30 seconds left.

    10:45 a.m. ET: Kemerer up 9-2 after two periods on four. Ervin up 4-2 after one on three. Kutler/Erneste is 2-2 after one, early in second with Erneste down. Mat one, new 138 match had Longo (Santiago Corona) vs. Klee (Cardinal Newman) in nationally ranked battle of California kids. Longo opening takedown.

    10:40 a.m. ET: Macri wins 11-4, faces Kolodzik in semis. Seipel of St. Paris Graham will get the 4-3 win over Bavery to face Blackwell in the semis. At 138, Kemerer (Franklin Regional) torching Turk (Montini) 7-1 halfway through the six minutes. 132 matches in the middle are now: Kutler (Blair) opens with takedown against Erneste (Park Hill), 2-0 lead; Gessic (Perry) vs. Ervin (Union County), and Ervin up 2-1. Zahid up 9-3 on mat 1, and looks safe to be the top semifinalist at 132.

    10:35 a.m. ET: Hodges (Wauseon) with the fall, and he's a semifinalist at 132 pounds, 2:19 the time. We'll check that to make sure though. Mat 3, 126 has Seipel 2-2 with Bavery in the second period. Macri up 7-3 over Jeffries on mat two early third period. Zahid up 3-0 on mat two against Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona)

    10:32 a.m. ET: Tucker wins 3-1 over Hight, faces Fleetwood. Takedown at about :10 left in the match. Assad wins 3-1 on a pair of penalties. Assad/Hayes semi. New matches will be 126 semis of Jeffries (Broken Arrow) vs. Macri (Canon-McMillan), Macri now up 4-1 in that affair; that winner will face Kolodzik, who won 9-1 over Forys. The other 126 just starting was Seipel (Graham), opening takedown inside of :30 over Bavery (Massillon Perry). Hodges at 132 up 2-0 on Meredith late first period.

    10:30 a.m. ET: Blackwell with the PIN over No. 10 in the nation Jimenez at 126. New match at 132 will be Meredith (Cheyenne Central) vs. Hodges (Wauseon). Kolodzik 7-0 very late second on mat one. Assad up 2-1 in the third, must have been a penalty point in there. 1-1 in Hight/Tucker.

    10:28 a.m. ET: Hayes wins 9-2, faces Assad/Simmons winner in semi, Assad up 1-0 :30 left in the second. New 126 match is Blackwell (Union County) vs. Jimenez (Marmion). At 120, it's Tucker up 1-0 after two periods, Hight down in third; 126 Kolodzik up 5-0 in second, Forys in deep though at the edge.

    10:25 a.m. ET: Fleetwood 11-1 winner. He faces the winner of Tucker (Blair) vs. Hight (Caesar Rodney), Tucker up 1-0 early second period; Hight beat Fleetwood last week. Assad/Simmons scoreless after one, and Hayes up 5-1 in the middle of the third.
    First 126 semi has No. 3 Kolodzik (Blair) leading No. 13 Forys (North Allegheny) 2-0 1:00 into the match.

    10:22 a.m. ET: Bosco wins 1-1 UTB RO, faces Warner in semi. All 120s are on. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio); No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.); No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.); Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas) vs. No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.)
    Fleetwood 7-0 after two periods. Hayes riding top in a scoreless match, make it 3-0 now in the second.

    10:20 a.m. ET: Fleetwood (Smyrna) in a tilt-a-thon over Mackall (Walsh Jesuit), it's 7-0 inside the first period. Mueller (Trinity Christian) looks good to advance, up 3-0 with :40 left in the match, will face Spencer Lee in the semis. Megonigal/Bosco ULTIMATE.

    10:18 a.m. ET: Megonigal vs. Bosco went to TIEBREAKS. That's for the right to face Dustin Warner (Claymont), who joins his younger brother with a 6-4 win over Duncan (Montini). Torres (Allen) chose neutral in the second, and is now in the third scoreless with Mueller (Trinity Christian) who is in the down position.

    10:16 a.m. ET: Megonigal (McDonogh) and Bosco (Marmion) went to OVERTIME. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional), nation's number one wrestler, closes out a 12-2 victory at 113.

    10:15 a.m. ET: "Move down or kneel". Number two of MANY.

    10:10 a.m. ET: These quarterfinals are on, or will be on in about :20. No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio); Howard Smith (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas); Tyler Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.); No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    10:08 a.m. ET: Allan Hart (St. Edward) is our first quarterfinalist. 5-0 with a reversal to the back late to beat CN GR champ Joey Prata (St. Christopher's). He'll be facing Tyler Warner (Claymont), who will upend freshman Paxton Rosen (Edmond North) 5-0. Also a quarterfinalist is Reneteria, with the 9-4 win. He'll face Tanner Smith (Graham), up 5-0 with a minute left right now.

    10:00 a.m. ET: Only scoring so far in any quarterfinal is on mat one, and it's Renteria - who is favored - leading the top seed Logan Grass 4-1 after one period.

    9:55 a.m. ET: Quarterfinals at 106 will go first to the mats. Four mats of wrestling downstairs are consolation only (Con16 & Con12 need to be won for top 8 placement. These will be the first four matches:
    Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.) vs. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
    Tommy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)
    Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio)
    Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio)

    9:40 a.m. ET: SATURDAY is here! Quarters in 20 minutes, all in the main facility. Tops in the nation Blair Academy with 7 in the quarters, and they lead No. 2 OPRF by 95-1/2 to 81-1/2. No. 6 St. Paris Graham in third with 71 and five in the quarters. Updates will come starting at 10:00 a.m.

    8:55 p.m. ET: Will be signing off here for tonight. Quarterfinals at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, semifinals to follow. Finals start at 6:00 p.m. sharp tomorrow night with pre-finals ceremonies at 5:45 p.m. Check the main page for quarterfinal pairings and team scores.

    8:38 p.m. ET: No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. has the joint most quarterfinals with seven, along with No. 4 Montini Catholic, Ill. The Broncos are without Anthony Ferraro at 195, who blew weight. Five each in the quarterfinals for No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill.; No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio; and No. 16 Edmond North, Okla.

    8:33 p.m. ET: Wyatt Cook won in the ultimate tiebreaker at 285 pounds. He advances to the quarterfinals, and those pairings have: No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Zach Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.), Chase Henderson (Franklin, Ohio) vs. Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio); Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio), Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio)

    8:30 p.m. ET: One last 285 round of 16 match left. We are into the last consolation round of the evening on all other mats. After this round there will be the eight quarterfinals, and eight kids left in consolation. At some point soon, I will be leaving the facility for the night.

    8:22 p.m. ET: Team scores top ten and ties. 1. No. 1 Blair Academy 84.5, 2. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 74, 3. No. 16 Edmond North 65.5, 4. No. 6 St Paris Graham 64, 5. No. 4 Montini Catholic 60, 6. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 57.5, 7. No. 8 Massillon Perry 53, 8. No. 15 Broken Arrow 51, 9. No. 10 Franklin Regional 49, 10. No. 37 Robinson 45.5, 10. No. 24 St. Edward 45.5

    8:20 p.m. ET: 220 quarterfinals. No. 1 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio), Steven Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.) vs. Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio); Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio) vs. Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.), Mike Smith (McDonogh, Md.) vs. No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.)
    --Anderson's win over Doggett was a reversal of last week.

    8:00 p.m. ET: Ohio Division I defensive player of the year Tegray Scales (Colerain) upends Andre Lee (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) 3-2 at 195 pounds. He advances to the quarters. The quarter matches. No. 4 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Gunner Gambill (Loveland, Ohio) vs. Zach Smith (North Allegheny, Pa.); No. 20 L.J. Barlow (Haverford Prep, Pa.) vs. Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio). Josh Couchman (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio)

    7:50 p.m. ET: Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio) barely escapes with the 4-3 victory, as Kyle Coniker (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.) almost had a takedown at the edge when the clock expired, but the clock did expire. The 170 quarterfinals are: No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 9 Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.); No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary’s Ryken, Md.) vs. No. 18 at 182 Travis Linton (Rootstown, Ohio), No. 15 Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio) vs. No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.)

    7:47 p.m. ET: 182 quarterfinals. No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) vs. Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio), Gabe Dzuro (St. Edward, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.); No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) vs. Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.), Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio)

    7:42 p.m. ET: Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), a JN FS AA, with the tight margin win over Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio). He's in the quarters at 170 against most likely Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.); Mahomes, a JN FS runner-up.

    7:35 p.m. ET: Super 32 3rd placer Anthony McLaughlin (St. Ignatius, Ohio) lost 4-3 to Cadet freestyle runner-up Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio); Harris did not placed at Super 32. Harris vs. Junior free champ Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) in the morning quarterfinal round at 182.

    7:30 p.m. ET: 160 quarters are set. No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio), No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) vs. No. 17 at 170 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.); No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. No. 18 Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio), Zach Walton (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)

    7:25 p.m. ET: Caywood continues the string of positive performances with the 2-1 upset victory in the TB over Dixon. He's in the quarters tomorrow morning.

    7:23 p.m. ET: Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio) with a takedown right before the horn, and he will advance with the 4-3 upset over Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.). The quarters at 152. No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. Colstin DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.), Matt Rundell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.); No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio)

    7:20 p.m. ET: Overtime downstairs with Junior free AA Joel Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) against Super 32 placer Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio) in a 1-1 match.

    7:15 p.m. ET: Reenan up 3-1 with 1:00 to go. He looks good to hit the quarters against Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), a runner-up here last year two weights below. Matt Rundell (OPRF, Ill.) hits the quarters at 152, 6-1 lead over Toby Hague with :15 left, and will face 2x JN GR AA Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.) in that round.

    7:10 p.m. ET: Got a Fargo Cadet finals rematch on mat four between Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) and Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.) at 152 pounds. Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.) leads 5-4 against Jeff Hojnacki (CVCA, Ohio), also at 152, on mat two with most of the third period to go.

    7:05 p.m. ET: Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio) won the battle of nationally ranked wrestlers in the round of 16 at 160 pounds, 5-3 over Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.). Schram is in the quarters.

    7:03 p.m. ET: 145 quarterfinals. No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 11 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) vs. No. 19 at 138 Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.); No. 11 at 138 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.) vs. No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.)

    6:53 p.m. ET: Team scores update, top ten. 1. No. 1 Blair Academy 77.5, 2. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 67, 3. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 58, 4. No. 16 Edmond North 50.5, 5. No. 8 Massillon Perry 48, 6. No. 15 Broken Arrow 47, 7. No. 4 Montini Catholic 46, 8. No. 10 Franklin Regional 44, 9. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 43.5, 10. Robinson No. 37 42.5
    Larry Early with a big 6-5 win over Tanner Bailey in a 145 round of 16 match placing nationally ranked wrestlers against one another.

    6:50 p.m. ET: 126 quarterfinals. No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 13 Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Collinsville, Okla.) vs. No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.); David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.) vs. No. 10 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.)

    6:45 p.m. ET: Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.) hangs on for the 3-2 win over Alex Mossing (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio) at 145. Solomon Chishko (Canon McMillan, Pa.) also advanced.
    Quarterfinal pairings at 138 pounds. No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 5 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.) vs. No. 8 at 132 P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.); No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Vincent Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.), Michael Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) vs. No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.)

    6:40 p.m. ET: Vince Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.) looking for another impressive win, would be his second over a Super 32 Challenge placer. Leads 4-3 over Blake Clevenger (Kearney, Mo.) at 138 pounds with :20 left in regulation.
    Turk wins 6-4 when all was said and done.
    Longo won 4-2 in overtime.

    6:35 p.m. ET: Couple Blair Academy one seeds have advanced to the quarters where they will get stern tests. Matthew Kolodzik at 126 faces Super 32 runner-up Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), while Joey McKenna at 138 faces Cadet freestyle champion Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)

    6:30 p.m. ET: Got some crazy tight action downstairs at 138 pounds. Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.) in the quarters at 126 with a pin over Austin Riggs (Robinson, Va.). Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.) vs. Ryan Skonieczny (SVSM, Ohio) in OT round of 16 at 138 downstairs.

    6:18 p.m. ET: Team scores updated, top ten. 1. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 65, 2. No. 1 Blair Academy 63.5, 3. No. 16 Edmond North 48.5, 4. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 46, 5. No. 8 Massillon Perry 45, 6. No. 4 Montini Catholic 44, 7. No. 37 Robinson 42.5, 7. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 42.5, 9. No. 15 Broken Arrow 41, 10. No. 10 Franklin Regional 40.

    6:10 p.m. ET: 126 round of 16 about to start up here. 132 quarters are set. No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.), John Erneste (Park Hill, Mo.) vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.); No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) vs. Aaran Gessic (Perry, Ohio), Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio) vs. Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.)

    6:05 p.m. ET: Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.) with a very narrow escape in the round of 16. Had to ride out Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) to force overtime, and then wins an intense scramble in sudden victory, 4-2 victory.
    Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio) - ranked No. 3 nationally at 113 pounds - defaulted out of the tournament completely after the first round injury. Not good for Massillon Perry in terms of team standing performance.

    5:56 p.m. ET: Confirm the Duncan upset. Quarterfinals at 113. No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio), Howard Smith (Allen, Texas) vs. No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas); Tyler Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.), No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    5:53 p.m. ET: 120 pound quarterfinal pairings. No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), No. 8 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.); No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) vs. No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas) vs. No. 6 at 126 KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.)
    --Duncan now up 4-0 against the defending champion Stickley! About :30 left in regulation.

    5:50 p.m. ET: Bosco wins 8-4 with 2+2 late. Warner wins 7-3. After one period, Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) leads defending Ironman champion Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 2-0 after a period, also at 113.

    5:45 p.m. ET: Tight 113 action on mats 3 & 4. Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) leads Madrigal (OPRF, Ill.) 4-3 with :14 left. Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio) leads Mario Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) with :15 left second period.

    5:42 p.m. ET: Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.) has wrestled three tight matches, most recently 2-0 over JN FS AA Armando Torres (Elyria, Ohio), to hit the quarters at 120 pounds. Atkins (Trinity Christian, Texas) also beat Townsell (OPRF, Ill.) 3-1 at 120.

    5:37 p.m. ET: Quarterfinals at 106 pounds - Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.) vs. No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), Tommy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio); Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.) vs. Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio), Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio).

    5:35 p.m. ET: Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) with takedowns in the second and third periods to beat NHSCA Soph champion Jordan Allen (Huntington, W. Va.) 5-4. He faces Brent Fleetwood (Smryna, Del.) in the quarterfinal round.

    5:30 p.m. ET: Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio) beats state champion Adrian Camposano (Central, Calif.) 10-4 in the 113 round of 16. Lee was 3rd and 6th in Indiana the last two years. Second big win downstairs gets freshman Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) to the quarters at 106, beats Junior folk champion Chris Lacayo (Santiago Corona, Calif.)

    5:20 p.m. ET: Big win downstairs for Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham), 5-4 over state placer Hunter Bray (Dayton Christian, Ohio). That gives the Falcons their first of - for sure to be - many quarterfinalists.

    5:15 p.m. ET: The match ended for Lee winning 15-0. His second such technical fall of the tournament to go with an opening round pin. He is the nation's NUMBER ONE freshman!

    5:10 p.m. ET: Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) on the mat for his round of 16 match, he's up 10-0 after a period. Almost got a pin, but time was up, it was the "Logan Stieber special".

    5:05 p.m. ET: Team score update as the round of 32 is virtually done but for one match, and the round of 16 will start shortly. Top 8 in the table. 1. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 63, 2. No. 1 Blair Academy 58.5, 3. No. 16 Edmond North 46.5, 4. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 41, 5. No. 4 Montini Catholic 40, 6. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 37.5, 7. No. 15 Broken Arrow 36.5, 7. No. 10 Franklin Regional 36.5

    5:00 p.m. ET: Round of 16 matches will start shortly. Odd weights downstairs, even weights in the main facility -- through 138.
    170 pound round of 16 notables. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.), Troy Lang (Brecksville, Ohio) v Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.), Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) v Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio), Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.); Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), Travis Linton (Rootstown, Ohio), Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio), and Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.).

    4:55 p.m. ET: Kevin Khoma of St. Edward with the upset over state 3rd placer Detuan Smith (Colerain, Ohio), 6-5 in the round of 32. Smith is three weeks off of football, where he was fist-team all-state at tailback in Division I.

    4:45 p.m. ET: Only front side matches left, which would be round of 32, are up in the main facility at 170. Right now, the lone ranked wrestler on the mats is Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), and he has a 4-1 lead after one period.

    4:43 p.m. ET: Round of 16 notables 285. Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.), Zack Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.), Chase Henderson (Franklin, Ohio), Nate Jackson (Dayton Christian, Ohio) v Gene Ringer (REynolds, Pa.); Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) v Antonio Zapata (Oregon Clay, Ohio), Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio) v Adam Lemke-Bell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.), and Kevin Lough (Elyria, Ohio).

    4:35 p.m. ET: Into the consolation round downstairs - prelim losers vs. some rd 32 losers. Still rd32 at 170 upstairs. Team scores, top 8: 1. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 59, 2. No. 1 Blair Academy 57., 3. No. 16 Edmond North 42.5, 4. No. 6 St. Paris Graham 41, 5. No. 4 Montini Catholic 40, 6. No. 15 Broken Arrow 36.5, 7. No. 3 Wyoming Seminary 34.5, 8. No. 10 Franklin Regional 34.

    4:25 p.m. ET: 145 round of 16 notables. Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) v Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Solomon Chishko (Canon McMillan, Pa.), Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.) v Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.); Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh CC, Pa.) v Logan Day (Archbold, Ohio), Alex Mossing (Toledo CC, Ohio) v Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) v Cameron Harrell (McDonogh, Md.), and Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.)

    4:17 p.m. ET: 195 round of 16 notables. Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.), David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.); L.J. Barlow (Haverford, Pa.), Andre Lee (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) v Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio), Kevin Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.), and Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio).

    4:15 p.m. ET: Top 6 teams right now. 1. No. 1 Blair Academy 53.5, 2. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 53.0, 3. No. 16 Edmond North 39.0, 4. No. 6 St Paris Graham 37.0, 4. No. 4 Montini Catholic 37.0, 6. No. 15 Broken Arrow 36.5

    4:10 p.m. ET: Got 145s up here in the main then 170s. Last three weights downstairs. Then it's a quick consolation round before a joint round.

    4:05 p.m. ET: 220 round of 16 notables. Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), Kordell Cheney (Sandusky Perkins, Ohio) v Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio), and possibly Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio); Jerry Thornberry (Moeller, Ohio), Matt Doggett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Mike Smith (McDonogh, Md.), Emonte Logan (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) v Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    3:55 p.m. ET: Moore is now up 9-3 after two periods. Notable round of 16 stuff. Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.), Jeremy Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.) v Nate Hagan (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio), John Erneste (Park Hill, Mo.) v Jacoby Ward (Moeller, Ohio) who beat state champ Carney from Delaware, Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.) v Sammy Gross (Beachwood, Ohio); Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.) v Julian Flores, Will Crisco (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) v Wade Hodges (Wauseon, Ohio), Brent Moore v Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.)

    3:50 p.m. ET: 3-2 final for the No. 18 sophomore Flores over the No. 29 sophomore Budock. Now on mat three is another 132 sophomore showdown between Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) and Hunter Ladnier (St. Edward, Ohio). Ladnier late reversal cuts deficit to 4-3 after a period.

    3:45 p.m. ET: Big match in progress at 132 between a couple of the nation's best sophomores. 1-1 involving Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.) and Julian Flores (San Marino, Calif.). Flores gets a takedown with :44 to go, up 3-1.

    3:40 p.m. ET: Round of 16 182 notables. Bo Nickal (Allen, Tex.), Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio) v Anthony McLaughlin (St. Ignatius, Ohio), Gabe Dzuro (Perry, Ohio) v Alec Schenk (Perry, Ohio), Dylan reynolds (Saegertown, Pa.) v Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.); Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.) v Nate Traxler (Marmion Academy, Ill.), Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.), and Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio) v Joel Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.)

    3:30 p.m. ET: Notables in the round of 16 at 160. Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.), Kamal Bey (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) v Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio), Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio) v David-Brian Whisler (Warren Howland, Ohio), Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.); Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.), Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio) v possibly Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.), and Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio).

    3:28 p.m. ET: There will be a WEIGH OUT tonight at +1, as opposed to a second day weight in. You can still make weight tomorrow morning.

    3:20 p.m. ET: Round of 16 120 lowers, notables. Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio) v Justin Patrick (Kiski Prep, Pa.), Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.) v Armando Torres (Elyria, Ohio), Thayer Atkins (Trinity Christian, Texas) v Gabe Townsell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), and KeShawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) v either Eric Hong (Germantown Prep, Md.) or Brad Taton (Lake Catholic, Ohio).

    3:15 p.m. ET: Round of 16 at 152 pounds, notables. Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio), Colstin DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.) v Paden Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Matt Rundell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) - note that Hague was upset, and Phil Downing (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.); Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.) v Lorenzo De La Riva (Folsom, Calif.), Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.) v Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Josh Shields (Lake Catholic, Pa.) v Jordan Allen (Hanover, Va.), and Casey Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio) v Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.).

    3:10 p.m. ET: Upper half round of 16 at 120. Notables Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.), Jordan Allen (Huntington, W. Va.) v Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.) v JD Gregory (Hanover, Va.), and Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.) v Garrett Hancock (Troy Christian, Ohio)

    3:00 p.m. ET: Round of 16 notables in the 138 weight class. Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.), Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. Shea Conley (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Ryan Skonieczny (SVSM, Ohio) vs. Mike Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.), Jesse Rodgers (North Allegheny, Pa.) vs. P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.); Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.), Vince Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Blake Clevenger (Kearney, Mo.), Cody Burcher (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Mike Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio), and Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.)

    2:55 p.m. ET: Top five scores to the minute ... 1. No. 1 Blair Academy 29.5, 2. No. 2 Oak Park River Forest 28.5, 3. No. 15 Broken Arrow 26.5, 4. No. 10 Franklin Regional 23.5, 5. St. Paris Graham St 20.0

    2:52 p.m. ET: Big result downstairs as Vince Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.) uses third period takedown and rides out the last minute to upend freshman sensation Kyle Lawson (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 4-2.

    2:48 p.m. ET: Hart came up with the big 2-0 win over Genetin. Much bigger for purposes of Division I in Ohio going forward. 106 round of 16 notables Logan Grass (Huntingon, W. Va.), Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), Jimmy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Jared Bronstrup (Brecksville, Ohio), Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Hunter Bray (Dayton CHristian, Ohio); Joey Prata (St. Christopher's, Va.), Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.), and Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio).

    2:45 p.m. ET: 126 round of 16 is set. Notables include Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.), Danny Boychuck (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.) vs. Austin Riggs (Robinson, Va.), Drew Pappodopolous (Edmond North, Okla.) vs. Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.); David Bavery (Massillon Perry, Ohio), Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.) vs. Zander Wick (San Marino, Calif.), Josh Wimer (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) vs. Johnny Jimenez (Marion Academy, Ill.)

    2:38 p.m. ET: 113 round of 16 is set. Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio) v Adrian Camposano (Central, Calif.), Christian Clary (Dayton Christian, Ohio), Adam Whitesell (Good Counsel, Md.) v Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian, Tex.); Tyler Megonigal (McDOnogh, Md.), ANthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.), Mario Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) v Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio), and Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) the notables.

    2:35 p.m. ET: Big match right now in the main facility is at 106 in first round between freshman Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) and senior Tommy Genetin (Massillon Perry, Ohio). Hart leads the Junior freestyle All-American 2-0 after one period, and the winner faces Chris Lacayo (Santaigo Corona, Calif.)

    2:20 p.m. ET: Going to be doing limited twitter and vast majority on the notebook here. Seven top ten teams in the field, 15 of the Fab50. Just heard that No. 3 Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio) lost by default due to too many injury time accruals - that at 113 pounds. He is the second seed of the weight class.

    2:15 p.m. ET: I will be posting updates on this running notebook.]]>    76994Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:15:12 +0000    2013 Walsh Ironman Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/2013-walsh-ironman-preview-r76992/
    Wrestlers ranked first in the country include Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) at 113 pounds, Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) at 182, and Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) at 220; while number two ranked wrestlers include Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 138, Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) at 145, and Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio) at 152.

    Nationally ranked teams in the Walsh Ironman this weekend include No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.), No. 2 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.), No. 3 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), No. 4 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 6 St. Paris Graham (Ohio), No. 8 Massillon Perry (Ohio), No. 10 Franklin Regional (Pa.), No. 12 Brecksville (Ohio), No. 13 Cincinnati Moeller (Ohio), No. 15 Broken Arrow (Okla.), No. 16 Edmond North (Okla.), No. 19 Marmion Academy (Ill.), No. 21 St. Edward (Ohio), No. 37 Robinson (Va.), and No. 47 Claymont (Ohio).

    Wrestling will start at 1 p.m. ET on Friday and occur through the round of 16 on the championship side, which will set up the quarterfinals on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. ET. Consolation wrestling on Friday will eliminate about half the field so that 16 overall wrestlers remain in each weight class. Semifinals will follow the Saturday morning quarterfinals, with all matches but those for first, third, and fifth occurring in said session. Top six medal matches to occur Saturday night at 6 p.m. ET.

    Josh Lowe, InterMat high school analyst, will be covering the tournament with updates on his personal twitter account. Updated quarterfinal pairings and team scores will be provided after Friday's competition with a recap game story being published after the completion of the event. Brackets and tournament updates will be available through Track Wrestling.

    The following is a look at each of the weight classes, their key components, and the key dynamics for how the tournament might play out. Information is based on participants listed on http://www.walshironman.com as of Wednesday evening, and unfortunately cannot account for any scratches and/or weight changes between now and the tournament's start.

    106:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 4 Tyler Warner (Claymont, Ohio) and No. 12 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) and Will Moss (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Thomas Genetin (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Chris Lacayo (Santiago Corona, Calif.), and Hunter Bray (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. Tanner Smith (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)

    Commentary: Many (historically) great wrestlers have won opening weights at the Ironman -- Harry Lester, Cory Cooperman, Ryan Lang, Robbie Preston, David Taylor, and Hunter Steiber for instance. However, this field does not feature that type of wrestler, or anywhere remotely close to the depth of a normal Ironman 106 pound weight class.

    The top seed is two-time state finalist Logan Grass (Huntington, W. Va.), who this past weekend lost 5-0 to the St. Paris Graham backup. However, for the sake of balance in the bracket, one of the two best wrestlers in this weight class is in the 1-8-9-16 cluster in Renteria, who draws a round of 16 match against National Prep placer Nick Lattanze (Malvern Prep, Pa.). After clearing that, he is likely to face the winner of the Bray vs. Smith round of 16 match in the semifinal, presuming they are able to beat state placer and Cadet Greco All-American Jimmy Pawleski (Montini Catholic, Ill.) in a likely quarterfinal bout.

    The bottom half of the draw is anchored by defending state champion Warner, who placed fifth at the Super 32 Challenge. His likely path to the final involves a quarterfinal match with Paxton Rosen (Edmond North, Okla.), a very talented freshman; with a semifinal bout against either Cadet Greco-Roman national champion Joey Prata (St. Christopher's Va.), or the winner of the Gentin vs. Lacayo round of 16 bout.

    Predicting a finals match: Warner over Renteria

    The rest of the top eight: Rosen, T. Smith, Genetin, Lacayo, Bray, and Prata

    113:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), No. 3 Jose Rodriguez (Massillon Perry, Ohio), No. 7 Jack Mueller (Trinity Christian Academy, Texas), No. 8 Dustin Warner (Claymont, Ohio), No. 9 Adrian Camposano (Central, Calif.), No. 10 Eli Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), and No. 14 Trent Olson (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state qualifiers Requir van der Merwe (Blair Academy, N.J.) and Brendan Price (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Christian Clary (Dayton Christian, Ohio) vs. Dustin Warner; Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.) vs. Trent Olson; Mario Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) vs. L.J. Bentley (St. Edward, Ohio), which is a rematch of a go-to-state upset win for Guillen earned on a five-point countermove that shocked all of the Buckeye State; and Adrian Camposano vs. Hayden Lee (Marysville, Ohio)

    Commentary: Let's be perfectly honest about things, the Ironman truly starts with this weight class. Seven nationally ranked wrestlers, and a few others that are right on the precipice of a national ranking. All that being said, there is a clear favorite, and that is the freshman sensation Spencer Lee. He is ranked No. 1 in the nation for a reason, having already appeared in two Super 32 Challenge high school finals -- winning the title this fall -- and was a FloNationals runner-up this past spring.

    His path to the finals will most certainly be thorough, as it likely involves a round of 16 bout against Cadet Greco-Roman runner-up Dylan Duncan (Montini Catholic, Ill.), followed by a quarterfinal against the Camposano/Hayden Lee winner, and then a semifinal against a nationally ranked wrestler in either Jack Mueller or Dustin Warner.

    The other half of the draw is likely going to yield a semifinal bout, which is a rematch of last year's Ironman final at 106 pounds in which Eli Stickley used a reversal with less than five seconds left to defeat Jose Rodriguez. The path for Stickley involves National prep third place finisher T.K. Megonigal (McDonogh, Md.) in the round of 16 and then Bentley in the quarterfinal; while Rodriguez likely has a path involving Junior Greco-Roman All-American Adam Whitesell (Good Counsel, Md.) in the round of 16 and then the Bosco/Olson winner in the quarterfinal round.

    Predicting a finals match: S. Lee over Rodriguez (rematch of a Super 32 Challenge semifinal)

    The rest of the top eight: Mueller, Warner, Camposano, Stickley, Olson, and Bentley

    120:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 6 at 126 Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.), No. 9 Chaz Tucker (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.), No. 14 Austin Assad (Brecksville, Ohio), No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.), and No. 12 at 113 Eric Hong (Georgetown Prep, Md.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Cadet National double finalist Gabe Townsell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), Preseason Nationals champion A.J. Jaffe (Marmion Academy, Ill.), along with state placers Cy Trindle (Edmond North, Okla.) and Conner Ziegler (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Brent Fleetwood vs. Eric Hong, a rematch of a tournament semifinal from last week that Fleetwood won 5-1; Ke-Shawn Hayes vs. Justin Patrick (Kiski Prep, Pa.), Armando Torres (Elyria, Ohio) vs. Markus Simmons, and Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) vs. Jordan Allen (Huntington, W. Va.)

    Commentary: The top seed in this weight is Brent Fleetwood, a highly talented wrestler who has had -- to put it mildly -- a rather poor last two months. The three-time state champion, two-time Super 32 Challenge placer, two-time Junior freestyle All-American, and defending Beast of the East champion failed to make the second day at the Super 32 Challenge and then lost a match this past weekend to fellow three-time state champion Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.) in the Ray Oliver final.

    Given that susceptibility, life is not easy for him. It starts with the already cited round of 16 match, and then continues with a likely quarterfinal match against either Mackall or Allen. Mackall is a returning Ironman placer and a Cadet freestyle All-American, while Allen is a two-time state champion and a NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion. The winner in that quarter of the draw is likely to face Junior freestyle All-American Chaz Tucker in the semifinal round.
    Tucker's advancement is no guarantee, as if involves a round of 16 match against state champion and Cadet freestyle All-American J.D. Gregory (Hanover, Va.) and then a quarterfinal date against most likely Micah Hight.

    The other half of the draw is one in which returning Ironman runner-up Hayes is the clear favorite. His toughest match prior to the semifinal is the likely round of 16 bout against two-time fourth in the state Patrick, who also placed at the FloNationals. In terms of a semifinal opponent, that should on paper either be two-time state runner-up Austin Assad, also twice a FILA Cadet freestyle All-American; or two-time state finalist Markus Simmons, who placed at the FloNationals this spring. However, Simmons faces state runner-up at Junior freestyle All-American Armando Torres in the round of 16.

    Predicting a finals match: Hayes over Tucker

    The rest of the top eight: Simmons, Assad, Allen, Torres, Hight, and Mackall

    126:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 10 Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.), No. 12 Dalton Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), No. 13 Domenic Forys (North Allegheny, Pa.), No. 14 Anthony Tutolo (Lake Catholic, Ohio), and No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: notable freshmen Drew Pappadopolous (Edmond North, Okla.) and Jamie Hernandez (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), along with Cadet folkstyle champion Zander Wick (San Marino, Calif.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Matthew Kolodzik vs. Josh Wimer (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) and Trae Blackwell (Union County, Ky.) vs. Domenic Forys

    Commentary: The top seed in this weight is Kolodzik, who has twice finished as runner-up in the Walsh Ironman, and enters this edition as a solid favorite to earn that elusive championship. However, life will not be easy with the five other nationally ranked wrestlers standing in his way. Based on the bracket, he will have to beat four substantive opponents to earn that title, starting with a round of 16 match against Josh Wimer, who was a NHSCA Junior Nationals All-American.

    The path continues with a possible quarterfinal date with two-time state placer Domenic Forys, who just under two months ago was very impressive in a runner-up finish at the Super 32 Challenge; while the other possible opponent is multi-time state champion Trae Blackwell, who Kolodzik was quite frankly lucky to eke out an overtime victory against last year in the Walsh Ironman round of 16. His likely semifinal would then be against the nationally ranked Macri, who was a state runner-up and Ironman placer last year; Kolodzik beat him 6-4 in the quarterfinal here last year.

    The other half of the draw is led by second seed Johnny Jimenez, a three-time state champion who has twice placed at the Walsh Ironman (3rd last year, 4th in 2010). His path won't be easy with state champion and returning Ironman placer Eli Seipel (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) looming in the quarterfinal round, and then a semifinal bout against one of two nationally ranked wrestlers: Anthony Tutolo or Davion Jeffries, these wrestlers met for seventh at the Super 32 Challenge with Tutolo earning a 5-3 victory.

    Predicting a finals match: Kolodzik over Jimenez (rematch of 3-2 semifinal victory for Kolodzik in last year's Ironman)

    The rest of the top eight: Macri, Forys, Tutolo, Jeffries, Bavery, and Seipel

    132:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 5 Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.), No. 6 Brock Ervin (Union County, Ky.), and No. 8 P.J. Klee (Cardinal Newman, Calif.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: National Prep placer Matt Lattanze (Malvern Prep, Pa.); state placers Julian Flores (San Marino, Calif.), Taylor Vath (Saegertown, Pa.), and Nolan Whitely (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio); Cadet freestyle All-Americans Justin Demicco (Brecksville, Ohio) and Nate Hagan (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio); along with Hunter Ladnier (St. Edward, Ohio)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Zahid Valencia vs. Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.) vs. Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.); Brock Ervin vs. Jordan Kutler (Blair Academy, N.J.); and Sammy Gross (Beachwood, Ohio) vs. Aaran Gessic (Perry, Ohio), the three-time state placer and two-time state placer tied a preview match three weekends ago 1-1.

    Commentary: This is the rare middle-weight of the Walsh Ironman which is shallow when it comes to nationally ranked wrestlers, with only three. However, all three are top ten wrestlers, which should make for intrigue. An additional goofy thing with this bracket is that the next few best wrestlers are all extremely low seeds, which leaves some relatively barren pods of competition on Friday.

    The junior Valencia has won the Ironman each of his first two years of high school, and is the slight favorite to earn his third title this year (David Taylor is the only wrestler to ever win four titles at the Ironman). His round of 16 match is one that will be tougher than the quarterfinal, with state placer Brent Moore (St. Paris Graham) -- who made the second day at the Super 32 in a loaded bracket -- looming in that round. The likely quarterfinal opponent is either FILA Cadet freestyle runner-up Will Crisco (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) or two-time state placer Richie Screptock (Oregon Clay, Ohio).

    Looming big in the semifinal for Valencia is P.J. Klee, in what could be a preview of the California state final at the end of the season. Klee placed fourth last year at the Ironman and is a two-time Beast of the East runner-up. He was also the Outstanding Wrestler at this year's InterMat JJ Classic. Klee is almost a prohibitive favorite to hit the semifinal round.

    From the bottom half of the draw, third seed Brock Ervin is the favorite to hit the final. He is a multi-time state champion, was champion at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this spring, and third in the Super 32 Challenge. He has a dangerous round of 16 match against the much-improved Jordan Kutler. The second seed in this weight is Bryce Meredith (Cheyenne Central, Wyo.), a two-time Junior freestyle All-American who placed seventh in the Ironman last year. However, he only placed sixth at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and did not make the second day at the Super 32 Challenge. Meredith will face a thorough examination from National Prep runner-up Kevin Budock (Good Counsel, Md.) in the round of 16.

    Predicting a finals match: Valencia over Ervin

    The rest of the top eight: Klee, Meredith, B. Moore, Kutler, Budock, and Crisco

    138:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 2 Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 4 at 132 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional, Pa.), No. 5 Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 12 at 132 Colton Adams (Scottsbluff, Neb.), and No. 18 at 145 Michael Longo (Santiago Corona, Calif.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Super 32 placer Kyle Lawson (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 2012 National Prep placer Michael Sprague (Georgetown Prep, Md.), state placer Dane Robbins (Robinson, Va.), and Joseph Dominguez (St. John Bosco, Calif.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Blake Clevenger (Kearney, Mo.) vs. Michael Longo, a battle of Super 32 Challenge placers; Cody Burcher (Claymont, Ohio) vs. Jesse Rodgers (North Allegheny, Pa.), a battle of FloNationals placers; and Isaiah White vs. Michael Kostandaras (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio)

    Commentary: Junior National double finalist Joey McKenna, a three-time National Prep champion, enters this weight class as a relatively strong favorite even though four other nationally ranked wrestlers stand in his way. The path for McKenna is not the easiest, as a quarterfinal date with Cadet freestyle champion Isaiah White looms, along with a likely semifinal bout against a very tough Longo. That assumes Longo is able to clear Junior Greco-Roman runner-up Clevenger in the round of 16 and then a likely quarterfinal bout against returning Ironman placer Ryan Skonieczny (Akron SVSM, Ohio), who was a state runner-up last year.

    The other half of this weight class sets up as a two-man show between two-time state runner-up Michael Kemerer, a Junior freestyle All-American and three-time Super 32 finalist; and Colton Adams, who placed third at the Ironman last year with a win over Kemerer in consolation and is a three-time state champion in his own right. Adams is looking at a quarterfinal against the winner of a Burcher vs. Rodgers round of 16 bout; while Kemerer is looking at one against either state champion Shea Conley (Broken Arrow, Okla.) or state runner-up Vincent Turk (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    Please keep in mind that there is an ultimate bracket-buster here in freshman sensation Kyle Lawson, who placed sixth at the Super 32 Challenge and was a state runner-up in Kentucky last year. His placement in this weight class will be a pain in the rear to somebody.

    Predicting a finals match: McKenna over Kemerer (to avenge Kemerer's 2-1 POWERade semifinal victory from last year)

    The rest of the top eight: White, Longo, Adams, Lawson, Clevenger, and Skonieczny

    145:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 2 Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), No. 3 Solomon Chishko (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), No. 6 Alfred Bannister (Bishop McNamara, Md.), No. 9 Grant Leeth (Kearney, Mo.), No. 11 Larry Early (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 11 at 138 Vincenzo Joseph (Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pa.), No. 17 Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), and No. 19 at 138 Chris Garcia (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: state runner-up Nick Vestal (Dayton Christian, Ohio), state placers Kyle Kaminski (Padua, Ohio) and Justin Thomas (Santiago Corona, Calif.), NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Tyler Ponte (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and Ray Barr (St. Edward, Ohio)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Vincenzo Joseph vs. Logan Day (Archbold, Ohio), Chris Garcia vs. Walker Dempsey (Blair Academy, N.J.), Alfred Bannister vs. Alex Mossing (Toledo Central Catholic, Ohio), Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Cameron Harrell (McDonogh, Md.), and Tanner Bailey vs. Larry Early

    Commentary: Like last year's bracket at 145 pounds, this one is absolutely loaded with eight nationally ranked wrestlers, and another few wrestlers that are on the precipice of a national ranking. However, the seeding is slightly distortive with the two best wrestlers set to meet in the semifinal round. Micah Jordan is seeded first and Solomon Chishko is seeded fifth. Jordan is a three-time state champion and was runner-up the Ironman last year losing a razor tight final to Aaron Pico (who is currently out of the country working on his freestyle exploits); while Chishko won state last year after placing third the previous two years, and is a four-time Super 32 Challenge placer.

    In terms of draw, Jordan is looking at a quarterfinal meeting with one of two nationally ranked wrestlers, either three-time state placer and defending state champion Tanner Bailey or two-time state placer and FILA Cadet freestyle All-American Larry Early. Chishko is looking at a quarterfinal date with either two-time Ironman Chris Garcia, who won state this past year, or National Prep runner-up Walker Dempsey.

    The bottom half of the draw does feature three nationally ranked wrestlers, with sixth seed Alfred Bannister the highest of that group; he was a National Prep and Beast of the East champion in 2012-13 after finishing runner-up in both tournaments the previous year. He has an extremely challenging path though, with state champion Mossing in the round of 16 before a quarterfinal date against Junior freestyle All-American Vincenzo Joseph (or state runner-up Logan Day, who beat Chris Garcia for third at the Preseason Nationals).

    Two-time Super 32 Challenge finalist Grant Leeth, a Junior freestyle All-American, is the second seed in this weight, and is looking at either two-time state placer and 2012 Walsh Ironman placer Josh Maruca or two-time state champion Cameron Harrell in the quarterfinal round.

    Predicting a finals match: Jordan over Bannister

    The rest of the top eight: Chishko, Leeth, Early, Joseph, Bailey, and Dempsey

    152:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 2 Jacob Danishek (Dayton Christian, Ohio), No. 8 at 145 Mason Manville (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional, Pa.), No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 14 Jack Bass (Robinson, Va.), and No. 19 Phil Downing (Broomfield, Colo.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: two-time state placer Alec Wyatt (Arvada West, Colo.) and Cadet freestyle runner-up Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Jack Bass vs. Isaac Sparkman (Massillon Perry, Ohio), Mason Manville vs. Lorenzo De La Riva (Folsom, Calif.), Nick Reenan vs. J.P. Newton (Perrysburg, Ohio), Josh Shields vs. Corbin Allen (Hanover, Va.), and Paden Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.) vs. Colstin DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.)

    Commentary: The performance chronology of Danishek, the top seed in this weight class, shows how this tournament can change the career track of a wrestler. Even though he had already won a pair of state titles before last year's Ironman, there was little to suggest superstardom. In October 2012, he had finished two matches away from placing in the Super 32 Challenge at 138 pounds (one weight class below his Ironman run at 145 pounds). Danishek's journey to a runner-up finish at the Ironman had its defining moment in a 10-5 win over defending champion Dylan Milonas in the quarterfinal round. Since then he won a third state title, going unblemished after the Ironman finals defeat; was champion at the Super 32 Challenge this fall; and is currently ranked No. 22 overall in the Class of 2014.

    A one word description of Danishek's path to a second straight Ironman final would be "manageable." His quarterfinal match is likely to be against one of two solid juniors, either two-time state placer Paden Bailey or returning state champion Colstin DiBlasi; with a semifinal date against most likely Phil Downing, a two-time Junior Greco-Roman All-American, or three-time National Prep placer Toby Hague.

    The other half of the draw features a quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers, led in the seeding by three-time state runner-up Jack Bass, who was fourth at the Super 32 Challenge in October. Bass has a challenging round of 16 match against returning state placer Casey Sparkman, who was champion at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past April. The winner of that match has the winner of a round of 16 match between a pair of excellent juniors in returning Ironman placer Josh Shields and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Corbin Allen.

    In the other quarter of the bottom half, returning Ironman runner-up Mason Manville has not so easy a path himself, starting with a round of 16 match against returning state placer Lorenzo De La Riva, and then a likely quarterfinal bout against Cadet Triple Crown winner Nick Reenan; in fact, Reenan beat Manville at the FILA Cadet Nationals this past spring in freestyle.

    Predicting a finals match: Danishek over Manville

    The rest of the top eight: Reenan, Shields, Bass, Downing, P. Bailey, and Sparkman

    160:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 3 at 152 Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 5 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), No. 10 at 170 Xavier Montalvo (Montini Catholic, Ill.), No. 17 at 170 Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 15 Austin Reese (Mechanicsburg, Ohio), No. 18 Ben Schram (Bellbrook, Ohio), and No. 20 Taylor Misuna (Grassfield, Va.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Austin Reese vs. David-Brian Whisler (Warren Howland, Ohio), battle of nationally ranked wrestlers with Taylor Misuna vs. Ben Schram, and Tony Dailey (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Kamal Bey (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)

    Commentary: An interesting weight class overall with a trio of clear standouts, with a group of six-to-ten wrestlers sitting behind and seeking to identify which ones stand ahead relative to each other. The top seed in this weight class is 2011 Ironman champion Dylan Milonas, who is a two-time National Prep runner-up but missed the second half of his junior season due to injury. Last year, Milonas placed third at the Ironman and Beast of the East, with a runner-up at the POWERade before his season came to an end. In terms of earning a second Ironman title, the tests will start in the quarterfinal round where he will face either NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Tony Dailey or Cadet freestyle runner-up Kamal Bey.

    Presuming Milonas clears to the semifinal round, he'll face the wrestler who exits from a very balanced 4-5-12-13 pod. The favorite to do so would be Chris Weiler, who placed at the Ironman last year as a freshman and was a Junior freestyle All-American this past summer. However, he'll have to navigate returning state placer Nick Stencel (Oregon Clay) in the round of 16 and then a quarterfinal match against either Super 32 Challenge third place finisher Austin Reese or returning state placer David-Brian Whisler.

    The second seed in this weight is sophomore sensation Alex Marinelli who was less than half a minute away from winning the Ironman as a freshman last year, and went on to win a state title. Marinelli has an extremely manageable path to the semifinal round, where he'll likely face returning Ironman placer Xavier Montalvo, who was a Junior Greco-Roman runner-up at Preseason Nationals champion. That presumes Montalvo is able to navigate past either two-time state finalist Taylor Misuna or NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Ben Schram in the quarterfinal round.

    Predicting a finals match: Marinelli over Milonas

    The rest of the top eight: Montalvo, Weiler, Dailey, Bey, Reese, and Misuna

    170:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 5 Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.), No. 6 Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.), No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 9 Lance Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.), No. 11 Josh Llopez (St. Mary's Ryken, Md.), No. 15 Ryan Harris (Beachwood, Ohio), and No. 18 at 182 Travis Linton (Rootstown, Ohio)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Cadet freestyle All-American Brandon Dallavia (Blair Academy, N.J.) and state placer Freddie Garcia (Santiago Corona, Calif.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Lance Dixon vs. Detuan Smith (Colerain, Ohio) and Travis Linton vs. Aaron Schuette (Wauseon, Ohio)

    Commentary: This weight class features seven nationally ranked wrestlers. However, in reality, there is a steep gradient between the top five and the rest of the field. Those top five wrestlers will be the ones battling it out for a weight class title, and depending on how they perform, any could win it. The top seed in this weight class is two-time Ironman placer and two-time California state finalist Anthony Valencia, who was a Junior freestyle All-American this summer and had a big-time upset win over Mark Hall in the NUWAY Vegas final this October. He is very likely to advance to the semifinal through a quarterfinal win against either three-time state placer Seth Williams (Tiffin Columbian, Ohio) or two-time state third placer Jacobi Jones (Omaha North, Neb.).

    The other top half quarterfinal is likely to be a battle of Junior freestyle All-Americans in Davonte Mahomes and Lance Dixon. That presumes each is able to clear a round of 16 match against an Ohio state placer whom they are strong favorites to beat: Mahomes against NHSCA Junior Nationals placer Isaac Bast (Massillon Perry, Ohio), and Dixon against Detuan Smith, who was an all-state running back this fall.

    The bottom half semifinal is likely to be a rematch of one that occurred at least four times last year. One in which Myles Martin earned victories against Josh Llopez in all meetings after their season opening clash at the Ray Oliver Invite, including a win in the National Prep final. Martin is ranked No. 2 overall in the Class of 2015, and is a two-time FloNationals runner-up as well as a two-time FILA Cadet freestyle All-American; while Llopez won two state titles in Maryland's public school division, is a two-time Super 32 Challenge finalist, and ranked No. 53 in the Class of 2014.

    Martin has a likely quarterfinal against two-time Super 32 Challenge placer Ryan Harris, who was an undefeated state champion last year; while Llopez is likely to face returning Ironman placer Travis Linton, who won state last year and was a FloNationals placer this past spring.

    Predicting a finals match: Martin over A. Valencia

    The rest of the top eight: Mahomes, L. Dixon, Llopez, Harris, Linton, and Williams

    182:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas), No. 5 Javaughn Perkins (Omaha North, Neb.), No. 6 Corey Griego (Sultana, Calif.), and No. 9 Joel Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Preseason Nationals champion Nathan Traxler (Marmion Academy, Ill.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Bo Nickal vs. Rocco Caywood (Perrysburg, Ohio), Javaughn Perkins vs. Dylan Reynolds (Saegertown, Pa.), Gabe Dzuro (St. Edward) vs. Cole DePasquale (Robinson, Va.), and a state medal round rematch with Michael Weber (Loveland, Ohio) vs. Anthony McLaughlin (St. Ignatius, Ohio)

    Commentary: Four wrestlers are nationally ranked in this weight class, and those four are the clear standout figures. That group is led by the nation's top ranked wrestler Bo Nickal, who was a FILA Cadet Nationals and Junior Nationals freestyle champion this past summer. The supremely talented wrestler is ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2014, and arguably will be the best wrestler in the whole Ironman field. While he is a strong favorite, credentialed opponents loom in his path, starting with Super 32 Challenge placer Rocco Caywood in the round of 16. He then would likely face another Super 32 Challenge placer in Anthony McLaughlin in the quarterfinals, as I pick McLaughlin to avenge a state medal round loss to Weber in the round of 16 (Weber was playing defense last week for a state title winning football team).

    The semifinal opponent for Nickal is likely to be returning Ironman placer Corey Griego, who has also placed twice at state including a runner-up finish last year. This presumes Griego clears through a round of 16 match against returning state placer Alec Schenk (Perry, Ohio) and a quarterfinal match against either returning Ironman runner-up Gabe Dzuro or returning state runner-up Cole DePasquale, who beat a nationally ranked wrestler just last week.

    The bottom half is very likely to be a battle between nationally ranked wrestlers in Joel Dixon and Javaughn Perkins. Dixon is looking at a quarterfinal against either state champion Zach Stodden (Broomfield, Colo.) or Cadet freestyle runner-up Jack Harris (Urbana, Ohio); while Perkins has a legitimate round of 16 match against returning state placer Dylan Reynolds, followed by a quarterfinal match against most likely state runner-up Nick Fiegener (Folsom, Calif.)

    Predicting a finals match: Nickal over Perkins

    The rest of the top eight: Griego, J. Dixon, Fiegener, McLaughlin, C. DePasquale, and Caywood

    195:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Derek White (Edmond North, Okla.), No. 17 Josh Murphy (Brecksville, Ohio), and No. 20 L.J. Barlow (Haverford, Pa.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: NHSCA Sophomore Nationals All-American Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Aaron Adkins (Akron SVSM, Ohio) vs. Andre Lee (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) and Tegray Scales (Colerain, Ohio) vs. Kevin Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.)

    Commentary: Upper weights have never been a bastion of extreme quality in Ironman fields past, and this year is no exception, as the overall field really drops off starting with this weight class. Though there are three nationally ranked wrestlers here, two of them are in the back end of the rankings and closer in quality to the rest of the field than the top seed. Speaking of the top seed, that would be state champion Derek White, who was third in Junior freestyle this summer and a Super 32 Challenge runner-up.

    Looking through White's path, there is a likely quarterfinal against either two-time state placer Tegray Scales, who was state Defensive Player of the Year in football this fall; or sophomore Kevin Snyder, a state placer last year and the younger brother of the nation's top senior Kyle Snyder. Then, there is a semifinal against either returning Ironman placer David Showunmi (Blair Academy, N.J.), who was fifth at National Preps last year, or returning state qualifier Andre Lee.

    The second and third seed, both of whom are nationally ranked, met in the seventh place match last year at the Ironman in this weight; Josh Murphy defeated L.J. Barlow by a 5-1 score. Murphy was a Junior freestyle All-American after placing at state and the NHSCA Junior Nationals; while Barlow is a two-time National Prep placer, who has twice placed fifth at the FloNationals. Murphy likely is looking at a quarterfinal against one of two state placers, Gunner Gambill (Loveland, Ohio) or Tyler McClellan (CVCA, Ohio); while Barlow has a likely quarterfinal against state champion Anthony Ferraro (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    Predicting a finals match: D. White over Murphy

    The rest of the top eight: Barlow, A. Lee, Showunmi, Snyder, Scales, and Adkins

    220:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 1 Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) and No. 17 Edgar Ruano (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: 2012 state qualifier Garrett Harding (Claymont, Ohio)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Edgar Ruano vs. Emonte Logan (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), a battle of National Prep placers with Matt Doggett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Jake Anderson (Malvern Prep, Pa.), and a battle of state placers with Austin Pfarr (Marysville, Ohio) vs. Kordell Chaney (Sandusky Perkins, Ohio)

    Commentary: Three-time state placer Andrew Dixon, a state champion this past year and a Junior freestyle All-American in 2012, is the nation's number one wrestler in this weight class. He is also a strong favorite in this weight class with only one other nationally ranked wrestler present. Dixon is looking at a path involving a quarterfinal against either Austin Pfarr or Kordell Chaney, and then a semifinal against one of two state qualifiers: Junior freestyle All-American Parker Knapp (St. Edward, Ohio) or Stefano Millin (Massillon Perry, Ohio), who competed at 285 pounds last year. Of note, is that Knapp will be only two weeks off of playing on the defensive line in a state football semifinal.

    Similarly, the second seed Ruano is two weeks off of football, where he was part of a state runner-up squad. He is a two-time state placer, and was a Junior freestyle All-American this past summer. He is looking at a dangerous round of 16 bout against Emonte Logan followed by a quarterfinal most likely against Cadet freestyle runner-up Mike Smith (McDonogh, Md.). In the other quarter of the bottom half, look for either two-time state placer Jerry Thornberry (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio) or two-time National Prep placer Matt Doggett to advance through to face Ruano in the semifinal round.

    Predicting a finals match: A. Dixon over Ruano

    The rest of the top eight: Thornberry, Millin, Doggett, Knapp, Smith, and Logan

    285:

    Nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 6 Michael Johnson, Jr. (Montini Catholic, Ill.) and No. 17 Billy Miller (Perry, Ohio)

    Notable non-seeded wrestlers: Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), a Cadet Greco-Roman All-American; NHSCA Freshman Nationals runner-up Joe Hensley (Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio); along with state qualifiers Andrew Alten (Loveland, Ohio) and Antonio Zapata (Oregon Clay, Ohio)

    Key potential round of 16 matchups: Gene Ringer (Reynolds, Pa.) vs. Cale Bonner (Perrysburg, Ohio) and Wyatt Cook (McDonogh, Md.) vs. Zack Parker (Caesar Rodney, Del.)

    Commentary: Two-time National Prep runner-up Michael Johnson, Jr. has moved back to Illinois after competing his first two years of high school at Wyoming Seminary, and will seek to improve up his runner-up finish from the Walsh Ironman last year. He will be a strong favorite to do so. A likely quarterfinal match looks against 2012 National Prep placer Wyatt Cook, who should be able to replicate last week's victory over state champion Zack Parker in the round of 16 this week. A semifinal bout is likely against nationally ranked Billy Miller, a state champion and FloNationals placer last year; presuming Miller gets past the winner of a round of 16 match between Ironman placer Greg Ringer and state placer Cale Bonner.

    The second seed in this weight class is returning Ironman placer and two-time state finalist Jake Pinkston (Robinson, Va.). He has a likely quarterfinal bout against Cadet National double All-American Adam Lemke-Bell (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) The other quarterfinal of the bottom half should place two-time Junior freestyle All-American Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) against returning state third placer Chase Henderson (Franklin, Ohio).

    Predicting a finals match: Johnson, Jr. over Scanlan

    The rest of the top eight: Miller, Pinkston, Henderson, Bonner, Cook, and Lemke-Bell

    Team Standings:

    1. Blair Academy, N.J.
    Eight projected placers, including two champions and three others in second

    2. Oak Park River Forest, Ill.
    Eight projected placers, but only one in the finals

    3. St. Paris Graham, Ohio
    Seven projected placers, including a pair of champions

    4. Massillon Perry, Ohio
    Six projected placers, but only one in the finals

    5. Edmond North, Okla.
    Five projected placers, including two champs and three others inside the top four]]>    76992Thu, 12 Dec 2013 07:43:58 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: December 11, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-december-11-2013-r76931/
    No. 1 Millhof upset at The Graves Invitational

    In the final of the Graves Invitational held at Brandon High School this past weekend outside of Tampa, Fla., the nation's top 126-pound wrestler in the country, Ryan Millhof (Collins Hill, Ga.) was upset by Dylan Lucas of Brandon, Fla. Lucas, who is ranked No. 20 nationally at 132 pounds, upended Millhof by a 3-1 score in the 126-pound final. He was one of five champions for No. 22 Brandon, which won the tournament by just under 100 points with Camden County, Ga. in second place (343 to 246). Additional weight class winners for the championship team were Frankie Bruno at 106 pounds, No. 5 Kyle Norstrem at 113, Dontae McGee at 170, and Robert Enmon at 220.

    Cedar Rapids Prairie enters the Fab 50 team rankings

    With a tournament championship at the Independence Invitational, previously unranked Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa jumps into the Fab 50 team rankings at No. 46. The Hawks beat out nationally ranked Linn-Mar, which drops a few slots down to No. 49, for the tournament title by a score of 190 to 164.5. Finishing third in the standings was the top small-school squad in Iowa, Alburnett with 157.5 points.

    Cedar Rapids Prairie was led by the weight class titles won by Marcus England (106) and Skyler St. John (160), with four other wrestlers placing second -- Dylan Kleinschmidt (113), Sam Uthoff (120), Zack Fiser (126), and Jesse Hynek (195). Finishing in third place were Trey Blaha (152) and Jarod Cadena (182). The Hawks were also missing returning state placer Josh Wenger from the lineup at 132 pounds.

    For the runners-up from Linn-Mar, they were led by weight class titles from No. 16 Alijah Jeffrey (120), Ross Lembeck (152), and Andrew Holladay (195). Another pair of wrestlers, Toby Northrup (145) and Shea Hartzler (160), finished in second place, while Alex Streicher (126) earned a third place finish. They were without the presence of 2012 Junior National freestyle All-American Nolan Ajram (113) and two-time state placer Matt Wempen (126) from the lineup.

    Interestingly, there is a dual meet slated for Thursday night between No. 46 Cedar Rapids Prairie and No. 49 Linn Mar to be held at Prairie H.S. The two squads are also part of the Five Seasons Duals on Saturday and the Battle of Waterloo to be held next weekend.

    Five Seasons Duals

    Three nationally ranked teams -- No. 28 Bettendorf, No. 46 Cedar Rapids Prairie, and No. 49 Linn Mar -- are featured in the Five Seasons Duals to be held this Saturday at two of the high schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Other preseason ranked teams in Iowa per The Predicament in the field include Mason City (6th in Class 3A), Iowa City West (8th in Class 3A), and Alburnett (1st in Class 1A).

    It is likely that Bettendorf will be the top seed with Cedar Rapids Prairie and Linn Mar the second and third seed, which would mean they would be slated to meet in the semis on Saturday after wrestling a dual meet on Thursday night. With those six teams all in the field, it should produce a pair of interesting quarterfinals, along with solid matches in the semifinals and medal rounds.

    No. 25 Southeast Polk wins Gardner Edgerton Invitational in Kansas

    In a tournament field that featured 15 teams from four states, it was supposed to be 16 from five states but No. 15 Broken Arrow, Okla. had to pull out due to treacherous weather conditions in Oklahoma this past weekend, it was No. 25 Southeast Polk, Iowa that came out on top. On the strength of going five-for-five in first place matches, the Rams were able to outlast Skutt Catholic, Neb. by 34 points (213.5 to 179.5).

    Weight class champions for Southeast Polk were Nolan Hellickson (120), Aaron Meyer (138), Briar Dittmer (145), Ethan Andersen (220), and No. 19 Jacob Marnin (285). They also had third place finishes coming from Keegan Shaw (132) and Deion Mikesell (195).

    Tournament runners-up Skutt Catholic also had seven wrestlers inside the top three, but only Jake Walker (152) was able to come up on top of his weight class. Finishing in second place were Brian Peska (120), Bailey Vanderpool (138), and Nick Hollins (170). Third place finishes came from Korbin Meink (106), Jeff Heinz (113), and Landon Gotschall (160).

    Rounding out the weight class champions were No. 10 Matt Schmitt (106) and Matthew Barmann (113) from Platte County, Mo.; Reese Cokeley (126), Ben Vanlerberg (160), and Trent Salsbury (182) from St. James Academy, Kans.; Chris Walters (132) from Iowa City West, Iowa; along with Dustin Williams (170) and Seth Pesek (195) from Gardner Edgerton, Kans.

    Wyoming Seminary with a bold statement at home

    Wyoming Seminary, Pa. dominated its way to the championship at The Friends of Sem duals held this past Saturday, and moves up one spot to the No. 3 position in the Fab 50 as a result. The expected to be competitive finals dual meet against No. 10 Franklin Regional, Pa. proved to be anything but that, as the Blue Knights dominated their way to wins in eleven of the 14 weight classes for a 60-13 match victory.

    Heading into the week, it was going to be a steep task for the tenth-ranked Panthers to match the overall depth of Wyoming Seminary. However, that turned into impossible with the ever lingering delay of the eligibility appeal hearing for Devin Brown -- ranked No. 5 nationally at 106 pounds -- and the inability of either Michael Kemerer or Tyler Smith, both nationally ranked, to get down to 132 pounds yet due to certification results. Those situations will also keep Brown and one of Kemerer or Smith out of the Walsh Ironman this weekend.

    Further exacerbating things for Franklin Regional was the exclusion of Gus Solomon, a very good ninth grader, from their dual meet lineup. However, the Panthers did get wins out of three of their four remaining “stars” in the lineup as No. 1 Spencer Lee dominated his way to a 15-0 technical fall victory over No. 14 Trent Olson at 113 pounds, No. 13 Tyler Smith earned a 25-10 technical fall victory over National Prep placer Will Verallis at 138 pounds, and two-time state placer Josh Maruca earned a 3-1 victory over NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Tyler Ponte at 145 pounds.

    Wyoming Seminary got the dual meet's most impressive victory though, as No. 13 Nick Reenan upended No. 12 Josh Shields by a 13-7 score at 152 pounds. The Blue Knights overall depth was just overwhelming in the match, as 12 of their wrestlers placed at either their state tournament or National Preps last year, while a 13th did not place at National Preps but was a NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up.

    Highlight upcoming events

    A pair of notable dual meets happens today. This afternoon, No. 20 Davison, Mich. travels to No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. A preview article for the in-school assembly dual was posted on InterMat yesterday. This evening, No. 43 Parkland, Pa. hosts District XI rival Easton, Pa. in a season opening contest for both teams. Easton swept the pair of dual meets between the squads last year, winning 30-27 in January during the regular season and then earning a 28-26 victory in the District XI Class AAA championship in early February.

    After competing at home against Davison on Wednesday, the Shamrocks travel to Holland, Mich. for the Tim Horn Memorial Duals where they will likely face No. 44 St. Johns, Mich. in the finals.

    There are two other notable dual meet tournaments to be held on Saturday. No. 50 Prior Lake, Minn. will host its dual meet event, one that includes a probable matchup with No. 33 St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.; and No. 34 Archer, Ga., travels to the 16-team Cleveland Duals in Tennessee, where additional notable teams include Father Ryan, Tenn., The Baylor School, Tenn., and Pope, Ga.

    Two notable tournaments happen in the Sooner State on Friday and Saturday. No. 27 Collinsville, Okla., travels to Enid for the Mid-America Nationals where they will also be joined by Lawton McArthur, Okla., and Tuttle, Okla. No. 23 Stillwater, Okla., travels to Perry for the Perry Tournament of Champions where they will also be joined by Tulsa Union.

    No. 32 Clovis West, Calif., will host the Clovis West Shootout this Friday and Saturday. Friday's portion of the event is assigned dual meets involving the 16-team field, while Saturday's portion is a bracketed event with upper and lower brackets of eight wrestlers each. Other notable teams in the field include No. 7 Clovis, Calif. and Buchanan, Calif.

    A very early state tournament: The Last Frontier

    The small-school division in Alaska (Class 123A) conducts a fall/early winter season for its scholastic wrestling as opposed to the traditional winter season. Its state tournament will be held this coming Friday and Saturday at Anchorage Christian School. Bethel is seeking a fourth consecutive state title, after finishing runners-up in Class 123A the previous two years, and have qualified wrestlers in 13 of the 15 weight classes (98 pounds is also contested in addition to the 14 NFHS weight classes, 106-285). Eight of those wrestlers won their state qualification tournament this past weekend.

    Quick notes from the past weekend

    No. 12 Brecksville, Ohio travelled to No. 47 Claymont, Ohio and used wins in ten of 14 weight classes to earn a 41-18 victory. Most notable was the 6-3 upset earned by Austin Hiles, who bumped up to 138 pounds for Brecksville, in defeating three-time state placer Cody Burcher from Claymont.

    No. 5 Apple Valley, Minn., absolutely trounced No. 50 Prior Lake, Minn., in a dual meet on Friday night, as the Eagles won 12 of 14 weight classes in a 57-9 victory.

    McDonogh, Md., outlasted Good Counsel, Md., to win the Ray Oliver Tournament by eleven points (208.5 to 197.5). The battle for third place between Delaware rivals Smyrna and Caesar Rodney was decided by one point, with Smyrna nabbing it 168 to 167. The top two teams monopolized the weight class finals, as McDonogh went 4-3 in championship matches while Good Counsel went 5-1. Most notable among the performances was Micah Hight (Caesar Rodney, Del.) winning the battle of three-time state champions with a 5-1 upset victory over No. 11 Brent Fleetwood (Smyrna, Del.) 5-1 at 120 pounds.

    In a dual meet matching up the top two teams in Iowa Class 2A this past Thursday, it was second-ranked Davenport Assumption pulling out a 31-29 victory over Mediapolis. However, both teams were missing multiple wrestlers that could make the outcome different moving forward. Davenport Assumption wrestled without state qualifier Darrien Collins (106) and three-time state placer Eric Clarke (132). Mediapolis was absent two-time state placer Cole Erickson (145); No. 20 Adam Drain (182), a three-time state placer and state champion last year; as well as state runner-up Steven Holloway (195). Also to note is that Mediapolis won eight of the weight classes, including a 6-5 upset victory from Bradley Conley over state runner-up Tristen Finch at 138 pounds; but the Knights came up with four wins by fall, including one by state qualifier Danny Bush over two-time state placer Drew Buster at 152 pounds.

    Results from the El Dorado Invitational in California lead to a straight swap in the rankings. Poway, which won the tournament with 306.5 points, will come into the rankings at No. 45; while Buchanan, which finished in second place with 204, will drop from the rankings. Three Poway wrestlers won weight class titles: Ray Cordova at 113 pounds, No. 18 (at 138) Ralphy Tovar at 145, and Sergio Enloe at 152. An additional nine wrestlers placed in the tournament, including another three in second and four in third.

    Also falling out of the team rankings this week was Park Hill, Mo. Ranked No. 39 nationally headed into the weekend, they were upended by Kearney, Mo., 38-33, in dual meet action this past Saturday.

    Highlights in separate InterMat content

    Separate articles were posted to InterMat about three major events held this past weekend: No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich., tied St. Edward, Ohio 37-37 in a Saturday dual meet, but the Shamrocks earned the victory on the ninth tiebreaking criterion, and St. Edward moves up three spots in the Fab 50 to No. 21; No. 2 Oak Park River Forest upended No. 17 Marist, winning nine of 14 weight classes in a 43-23 victory; and No. 28 Bettendorf, Iowa won the Keith Young Invitational by nine points over No. 31 Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa (213 to 204 was the team score).

    The nation's best in-season tournament, the Walsh Jesuit Ironman, will be dissected in a preview article to be posted on InterMat tomorrow (Thursday) morning. In addition, a breakdown of the King of the Mountain -- which includes three nationally ranked teams in No. 30 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa., No. 36 Greater Latrobe, Pa., and No. 43 Parkland, Pa. -- will be posted on InterMat tomorrow as well.]]>    76931Wed, 11 Dec 2013 06:04:41 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: December 4, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-december-4-2013-r76906/
    Friends of Sem Wrestling Duals

    No. 4 Wyoming Seminary, Pa., will host seven other teams in a dual meet tournament on Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. There will be two pools of four, with each squad wrestling three dual meets in preliminary competition. The host Blue Knights has dual meets against Malvern Prep, Pa., St. Benedict's, N.J., and The Hill School, Pa. While the other pool is anchored by No. 10 Franklin Regional, Pa. The Panthers will compete in dual meets against Wyoming Valley West, Pa., Johnson City, N.Y., and St. Anthony's, N.Y.

    Should things go to plan, the top ten showdown between Wyoming Seminary and Franklin Regional will happen at 3:30 p.m. The following are the projected matchups:

    106: John Busiello (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Andrew Marshall (Franklin Regional)
    Busiello placed third in New York State last year at 99 pounds as a freshman.

    113: No. 14 Trent Olson (Wyoming Seminary) vs. No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional)
    Olson was state champion in Wyoming last year at 106 pounds, and an NHSCA Freshman Nationals runner-up at 113 pounds. Lee is a two-time Super 32 Challenge finalist, winning the title this year, and the nation's number one wrestler in the Class of 2017.

    120: Will Verallis (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Gus Solomon (Franklin Regional)
    Verallis placed fourth in National Preps last year as a freshman at Northfield Mt. Hermon, while Solomon is a ninth grader but has already made it to the final 16 in the Super 32 Challenge and Flo Nationals.

    126: Danny Boychuck (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Kyle Berk (Franklin Regional)
    Boychuck has placed twice at National Preps, and was a FILA Cadet Greco-Roman world team member in 2012. The junior Berk was a sectional champion and WPIAL placer last year.

    132: Will Crisco (Wyoming Seminary) vs. No. 4 Michael Kemerer (Franklin Regional)
    Crisco placed third at National Preps last year, after winning a New England regional title as a sophomore in 2012; while Kemerer is a two-time state runner-up, a three-time Super 32 Challenge finalist, and a Junior freestyle All-American.

    138: C.J. Moyer (Wyoming Seminary) vs. No. 13 Tyler Smith (Franklin Regional)
    This is a battle of seniors. Smith was a state champion last year, and earned All-American honors in Junior freestyle over the summer.

    145: Tyler Ponte (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Josh Maruca (Franklin Regional)
    Ponte was runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals in the spring, while Maruca has already placed twice in the state tournament and is only a junior.

    152: No. 13 Nick Reenan (Wyoming Seminary) vs. No. 12 Josh Shields (Franklin Regional)
    This is the premier matchup of the dual meet. The sophomore Reenan was a state champion in Texas last year, and won a Cadet Triple Crown during this past off-season; while the junior Shields has already placed twice in the state tournament, and finished third at the FloNationals.

    160: No. 17 (at 170) Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Brandon Yant (Franklin Regional)
    Weiler placed fifth at National Preps as a freshman and was a Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer, while the senior Yant went 3-2 in the WPIAL meet.

    170: Ryan McMullan (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Nate Painter (Franklin Regional)
    This is a matchup placing seniors against one another. McMullan missed last year due to injury, while Painter went 2-2 in the WPIAL meet.

    182: Greg Kleinsmith (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Jacob Pickup (Franklin Regional)
    Kleinsmith qualified for state as a freshman in New York in 2012, but was unable to compete during the state series last year due to injury; while Pickup qualified for the WPIAL meet last year as a freshman.

    195: Mike Rogers (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Justin Rose (Franklin Regional)
    Rogers qualified for the Pennsylvania state tournament, and placed fourth at the NHSCA Sophomore Nationals last year.

    220: Matthew Doggett (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Brett Zanotto (Franklin Regional)
    The senior Doggett is a two-time National Preps placer.

    285: Jake Scanlan (Wyoming Seminary) vs. Charlie Mazon (Franklin Regional)
    The senior Scanlan placed fourth at the Iowa state tournament each of the last two years, and is a two-time Junior National freestyle All-American.

    Based on the projected lineup, look for Wyoming Seminary to win the dual meet due to their superior balance, especially in the back half of the lineup. One item to note here is that Devin Brown, a state champion last year and No. 5 at 106 pounds, is out of the lineup for Franklin Regional. He was ruled ineligible by the WPIAL last month; however, the ruling is under appeal to the PIAA, whose decision should be made in the first half of this month.

    Oak Park River Forest, Marist to battle in Washington

    As part of a quad meet hosted by Washington, Ill., that will start at 10 a.m. CT, No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill., and No. 17 Marist, Ill., are slated to compete in a dual meet. Among other teams in the event include Minooka, Ill., St. Rita, Ill., and host Washington, Ill. Webcast information for the event is available here - http://www.illinoismatmen.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51351. Link to webcast, http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/channels/illinois-matmen.

    The following represents projected matchups for the Huskies against the Red Hawks:

    106: No. 12 Jason Renteria (OPRF) vs. Nick Lukanich (Marist)
    The freshman sensation Renteria battles two-time Fargo freestyle All-American Lukanich.

    113: Roberto Campos (OPRF) vs. Jimmy McAuliffe (Marist)
    Campos qualified for state last year as a freshman, while the freshman McAuliffe comes in as a multi-time IKWF placer.

    120: Gabe Townsell (OPRF) vs. Mike Mullaney (Marist)
    Townsell qualified for state last year as a freshman, and was a Cadet Nationals double finalist in Fargo this summer, while the senior Mullaney was a backup to Duda last year.

    126: Jamie Hernandez (OPRF) vs. Mark Duda (Marist)
    The freshman Hernandez enters high school as a two-time IKWF champion, while the senior Duda has finished as state runner-up the last two seasons.

    132: Savonne Bennette (OPRF) vs. David Kasper (Marist)
    This is a battle of juniors, with Kasper having placed sixth and fourth at state in his two years of high school to date.

    138: No. 5 Isaiah White (OPRF) vs. Mario Leveille (Marist)
    White placed third at state as a freshman and was a Cadet freestyle champion this past summer, while the senior Leveille has qualified for state each of the last two years.

    145: No. 11 Larry Early (OPRF) vs. Nick Gasbarro (Marist)
    Early has finished third and second at state in his first two years of high school, and earned All-American honors in both FILA Cadet and Cadet National freestyle this past off-season; while fellow junior Gasbarro qualified for state last year.

    152: Matt Rundell (OPRF) vs. Jakada Hull (Marist)
    This is another battle between juniors. Rundell finished second at 106 as a freshman, and qualified for state last year at 120, while Hull qualified for state last season.

    160: Kamal Bey (OPRF) vs. No. 14 Peter Andreotti (Marist)
    This is a battle between returning state fifth place finishers. The sophomore Bey also was a Cadet Nationals freestyle runner-up this past summer, while the senior Andreotti is now a two-time state placer.

    170: No. 8 Davonte Mahomes (OPRF) vs. Louie DePasquale (Marist)
    The senior Mahomes has placed third at state each of the last two seasons, and was a Junior Nationals double finalist this summer.

    182: Allen Stallings (OPRF) vs. Alex Benoit (Marist)
    Stallings qualified for state last year as a freshman, while the junior Benoit is a two-time state placer.

    195: Andre Lee (OPRF) vs. Kenny Condon (Marist)
    The senior Lee qualified for state last season.

    220: Emonte Logan (OPRF) vs. Mitch Schleyer (Marist)
    This is a battle between seniors laden with potential, but yet to demonstrate it with credentials.

    285: Andre Lemke-Bell (OPRF) vs. Jake Ford (Marist)
    This is a battle of juniors with state placement potential. Lemke-Bell was a FILA Cadet freestyle champion and Cadet Nationals double All-American; however, Ford earned wins over Lemke-Bell in both freestyle and Greco-Roman this past spring.

    Based on projected lineups, Oak Park River Forest is a strong favorite to win this dual meet. It will take a lot for Marist to keep this dual meet close, as OPRF just has too much top end talent and too much depth. However, it is entirely possible Marist wins six of the weight classes.

    Other notable events

    No. 5 Apple Valley, Minn., hosts No. 49 Prior Lake, Minn., on Friday night with wrestling slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. CT. A preview was published on InterMat Monday afternoon. InterMat will be providing a live video stream of the dual meet courtesy of Minnesota/USA Wrestling with Steve Elwood and Lance Hughes as the commentators.

    No. 12 Brecksville, Ohio travels to No. 48 Claymont, Ohio on Friday night with wrestling slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. A preview for that dual meet will be posted on InterMat.

    No. 28 Bettendorf, Iowa and No. 31 Waverly Shell-Rock, Iowa anchor the 15-team field at this Saturday's Keith Young Invitational hosted by Cedar Falls High School, starting at 10 a.m. CT. The field features eight top-ranked and ten number two ranked wrestlers from the preseason Iowa Class AAA rankings published by The Predicament. InterMat published a preview on Wednesday.

    No. 24 St. Edward, Ohio will host both No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. and CVCA, Ohio in a triangular meet starting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. All three teams will wrestle one another.

    The top two teams in Iowa's Class 2A preseason rankings will compete in dual meet competition on Thursday night, when Davenport Assumption travels to Mediapolis for a match starting at 6:30 p.m. CT.

    Gardner-Edgerton Invitational features notables from five states

    Gardner-Edgerton, Kansas hosts its season opening tournament on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. CT. Sixteen teams from five states will be featured in the event, with the championship match in each weight to be wrestled at 4:45 p.m. CT. Anchoring the field is a pair of nationally ranked teams, No. 15 Broken Arrow, Okla., and No. 25 Southeast Polk, Iowa. Additional teams to note in the field are Skutt Catholic, Neb., state champions in Class B last year; St. James Academy, Kansas, the top ranked team in that state in the preseason; and Junction City, Kansas, which is ranked second in Class 6A (big-school division) in the preseason.

    The following is a list of notable wrestlers projected to compete in each weight class:

    106: No. 10 Matt Schmitt (Platte County, Mo.), Gary Joint (Junction City, Kans.), and Adam Brown (Southeast Polk, Iowa)

    113: Tanner Rohweder (Iowa City West, Iowa), Brian Peska (Skutt Catholic, Neb.), Stephen Tujague (St. James Academy, Kans.), Jacob Bonham (Gardner-Edgerton, Kans.), and Tyler Kester (Pittsburg, Kans.)

    120: No. 17 Markus Simmons (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Nolan Hellickson (Southeast Polk, Iowa), and Mason Wallace (Manhattan, Kans.)

    126: No. 15 Davion Jeffries (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Reese Cokeley (St. James Academy, Kans.), Clay Weil (Dodge City, Kans.), and Ethan Karsten (Platte County, Mo.)

    132: Chris Walters (Iowa City West, Iowa), Blake Stovall (Olathe North, Kans.), Zak Hensley (St. James Academy, Kans.), Bailey Vanderpool (Skutt Catholic, Neb.), Zack Edwards (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Keegan Shaw (Southeast Polk, Iowa), and Johnny Blankenship (Platte County, Mo.)

    138: Shea Conley (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Andrew Tujague (St. James Academy, Kans.), Aaron Meyer (Southeast Polk, Iowa), Tristen Bowers (Iowa City West, Iowa), and Caleb Crabatree (Platte County, Mo.)

    145: No. 17 Tanner Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Briar Dittmer (Southeast Polk, Iowa), and Josh Mullin (Manhattan, Kans.)

    152: No. 20 Andrew Millsap (Junction City, Kans.), Paden Bailey (Broken Arrow, Okla.), and Daemion Gray (Topeka Seaman, Kans.)

    160: Ben Vanlerberg (St. James Academy, Kans.), Braxton Owens (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Austin Chauncey (Manhattan, Kans.), and Jeryl Denton (Junction City, Kans.)

    170: Dustin Williams (Gardner-Edgerton, Kans.), Nick Hollins (Skutt Catholic), Mason Kerr (Southeast Polk, Iowa), Matt Pratt (St. James Academy, Kans.), and Micah Felton (Junction City, Kans.)

    182: Steve Allen (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Donovan Doyle (Iowa City West, Iowa), and Trent Salsbury (St. James Academy, Kans.)

    195: Seth Pesek (Garnder-Edgerton, Kans.) and Deion Mikesell (Southeast Polk, Iowa)

    220: Ethan Andersen (Southeast Polk, Iowa) and Micah Kelsay (Iowa City West, Iowa)

    285: No. 19 Jake Marnin (Southeast Polk, Iowa) and Aydan Wynos (Iowa City West, Iowa)]]>    76906Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:19:28 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: November 27, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-november-27-2013-r76879/
    State Championships Calendar

    As we prepare for the start of the season, let's lay out when the state championships in each state will be conducted:

    Individual:
    12/13 & 12/14 -- Alaska (Class 123A), they conduct a fall season
    2/7 & 2/8 -- Alaska (Class 4A)
    2/13 to 2/15 -- Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, and Utah
    2/14 & 2/15 -- Arkansas, Florida, Montana, North Dakota, and Texas
    2/20 to 2/22 -- Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Carolina
    2/21 to 2/22 -- Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, National Prep, Nevada, New Mexico, Virginia, and Washington
    2/27 to 3/1 -- Idaho, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
    2/28 & 3/1 -- Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming
    3/6 to 3/8 -- Pennsylvania
    3/7 & 3/8 -- California, New England, and Maryland
    3/7 to 3/9 -- New Jersey

    Dual:
    1/9 to 1/11 -- Georgia
    1/31 & 2/1 -- Tennessee
    2/6 to 2/8 -- Pennsylvania
    2/8 -- North Carolina and Ohio
    2/11 -- Delaware
    2/13 -- North Dakota
    2/15 -- Maryland, Oklahoma, and South Carolina
    2/16 -- New Jersey
    2/19 -- Iowa
    2/21 & 2/22 -- Michigan
    2/27 -- Minnesota
    3/1 -- Illinois and Nebraska
    3/7 & 3/8 -- Wisconsin

    Football/Wrestling Combos

    While winter sports are just beginning in high schools across the country, the football season is still not over for some teams across the country. With certain teams making deep postseason runs, it will take some wrestlers out during the course of the early season. Here is a breakdown of the football successes for programs in the top 25 portion of the Fab50:

    No. 3 Montini Catholic, Ill., has its starters in the last four weight classes all on an undefeated 13-0 football team that will be going for an Illinois Class 5A state title on Saturday night. With a win, this would be a fifth consecutive title for the Broncos. Michael Maduko, the starting 182-pound wrestler, is the team's leader in tackles from a linebacker position. Defending state champion Anthony Ferraro, slated to start at 195 pounds this year, also is a starting linebacker. Two-time state placer Edgar Ruano, the projected 220-pound starter and a Junior National double All-American, stars along the defensive line. Michael Johnson, ranked No. 6 in the nation at 285 pounds, is a starter along the offensive line. Two weeks from the state title game is the Walsh Ironman, so it will be interesting to see (1) if they participate (2) what shape they are in.

    Nick Nevills (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
    No. 7 Clovis, Calif., has five potential starters on a football team that is in the CIF Central Section Division 1 semifinals on Friday night. State qualifier Lane Barnes, slated to start at 145 pounds this year, is a defensive back. State qualifier Josh Hokit, who was a match away from state placement last year, is slated to start at 152 or 160 pounds and plays defensive back. Brandon Barnes, a possible starter at 182 pounds, is a linebacker. State qualifier Hexton Coronado, who was a match away from placing at state last year, is the starter at 220 pounds and offensive line. Nick Nevills, who is ranked No. 1 in the nation at 285 pounds, is a starter along the defensive line and plays some at tight end. The Cougars open their wrestling season next week, which would be concurrent to a championship game, and travel to the Clovis West Shootout in two weeks' time.

    No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich., has two potential starters on a football team that is playing for a Division 1 state title on Saturday. Returning state placer Nick Giese is slated as the 195/215-pound starter, and plays fullback and linebacker on the football team; while Dylan Roney is in contention to start at 285 pounds, and the Naval Academy football commit is a fullback and defensive end on the football team. The Shamrocks open their wrestling season next Saturday with dual meets against No. 24 St. Edward, Ohio and CVCA, Ohio; they also have a showdown with No. 20 Davison, Mich. two weeks from today (December 11th).

    No. 13 Cincinnati Moeller, Ohio, has at least four starters on a football team that plays in a Division I state semifinal on Saturday night, as the Crusaders seek to defend the state football title that they won last year. State placer from 2011 Dean Meyer is slated to start at 170 pounds this wrestling season, and is a running back on the football team. Defending state champion Dakota Sizemore, who is ranked No. 15 at 182 pounds, is the starting middle linebacker. Returning state runner-up Quinton Rosser, who will start at 195 pounds, is also a linebacker. Defending state champion Chalmer Frueauf, who is ranked No. 5 nationally at 285 pounds, is a starter on the defensive line. Moeller opens its wrestling season next Saturday with the Moeller Duals, the date of a potential state title game, and the Walsh Ironman is two weekends from now.

    No. 15 Broken Arrow, Okla., has two starters on a football team which has advanced to the state semifinals this Friday night in Class 6A. A pair of impact defensive linemen, Gage Kaiser and Quintonio Tolon, is slated to start at 195 and 220 pounds respectively. The Tigers open their season with a dual meet one week from Thursday, a tri-meet the next evening, and the Gardner-Edgerton Invite in Kansas one week from Saturday. The week after that is the Walsh Ironman.

    No. 17 Marist, Ill., had five starters on a football team which was eliminated this past Saturday in the Class 8A state semifinal round. The Red Hawks open their season next weekend with a tri-meet on Friday night and a quad on Saturday at Washington, where they are slated to have a dual meet against No. 2 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. State qualifier Nick Gasbarro is slated to start at 145 pounds this year, and was a defensive back on the football team. Two-time state placer Peter Andreotti, who is ranked No. 14 nationally at 160 pounds, plays the running back position. The starter at 195 pounds was a member of the football team -- either wide receiver/defensive back Flynn Nagel or linebacker Kenny Condon. Offensive linemen Mitch Schleyer and Jake Ford as slated to start at 220 and 285 respectively.

    No. 18 St. Peter's Prep, N.J., has starters in the back three weight classes on a football team, which will be playing for a Non-Public Group 4 state title next weekend. Two weekends from that game is the opening date of wrestling in New Jersey, for which the Marauders will be competing in the Beast of the East. Returning state placer Jordan Fox, slated to start at 195 pounds this year, is a linebacker in football. Two-time state qualifier Armond Cox, slated to start at 220 this year, is a defensive lineman. Returning state placer Jose Palomino, slated to start at 285, is an offensive lineman.

    No. 24 St. Edward, Ohio, has its back three weight classes manned by wrestlers also on a football team playing in the state semifinals on Saturday night. Projected 195-pound starter Michael O'Malley is a defensive lineman. Junior National freestyle All-American Parker Knapp, projected to start at 220 pounds, is a defensive lineman. Projected starter at 285 pounds Ralph Nichols is a linebacker. The Eagles open their season with a tri-meet one week from Saturday, which would be the day of a state title football game, against No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, Mich. and CVCA, Ohio. The Walsh Ironman is the next weekend.

    Actual wrestling: Moore-Prettyman Invitational

    One of the states that start its wrestling season this weekend is Illinois, and there are a couple of notable tournaments in the Land of Lincoln on the docket. One of those events is the Moore-Prettyman Invitational hosted by Barrington High School on Friday and Saturday; finals slated for 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. No. 19 Marmon Academy and Libertyville, who is ranked seventh in Class 3A by Illinois Matmen, anchor the 21 squad field.

    From an individual standpoint, the 113-pound weight class is the one which will merit most attention. Two-time state placer, and Junior freestyle third place finisher Michael Cullen (Cary Grove, Ill.) leads a field that features three other state placers and another state qualifier. Those wrestlers are Travis Piotrowski (Prairie Ridge, Ill.), third at state last year and Cadet freestyle All-American; two-time state placer Anthony Bosco (Marmion Academy, Ill.); state sixth placer Nicholas Koch (Fox Lake Grant, Ill.); and state qualifier Jared Sims (Joliet West, Ill.)

    The 126-pound weight class could feature an interesting showdown between three-time state champion Johnny Jimenez (Marmion Academy, Ill.), who is ranked No. 10 nationally; and Stephen Polakowski (Libertyville, Ill.), a Junior freestyle All-American and Preseason Nationals champion. Also likely in this weight class is state qualifier Logan Hanselmann (Cary Grove, Ill.)

    It will be a pair of Cadet Nationals runner-up finishers likely to be at 152 pounds, with Joey Gunther (Libertyville, Ill.) and Trace Carello (Marmion Academy, Ill.) both here. Joining them in the weight class is returning state fifth place finisher Justin Maslow (Hinsdale South, Ill.). Finally, at 285 pounds, No. 4 in the nation Brian Allen, a three-time state placer and defending state champion, anchors the weight class. Also here is returning state qualifier Chris McDermand (Libertyville, Ill.)

    Blair Academy back in the Ironman

    After being ruled out of the Ironman by the National Federation of High School State Associations (NFHS) just under two weeks ago, No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. is back in the Ironman. After protest from Blair Academy, the NFHS reversed its original decision on Tuesday morning. The Ironman, to be held at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio on December 13th and 14th, now features seven of the nation's top ten teams. For full information, check out http://www.walshironman.com.]]>    76879Wed, 27 Nov 2013 08:19:36 +0000    Weekly High School Lowe Down: November 20, 2013https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/weekly-high-school-lowe-down-november-20-2013-r76285/
    Peach State Showdown

    That included in the Peach State, where Archer and Pope -- last year's champions from Class 6A and Class 5A, Georgia's two biggest classifications -- were among sixteen teams to convene at the one-day Trojan Invitational hosted by Lassiter High School in Marietta. In the end, it was No. 34 Archer which escaped with a narrow tournament championship over Pope, by the score of 263 to 254.

    Five Archer wrestlers -- Vinny Artiques (113), Chris Diaz (132), Thomas Bullard (152), Elliott Lee (195), and Jacob Lill (285) -- were among the weight class champions; while another quartet in Sam Bullard (138), Daniel Bullard (160), Garrett Miller (170) and Collin Williams (285) earned second place finishes for the Tigers. Pope countered with four individual champions in Jake Adcock (138), Jake Henson (160), Zeke Weber (182), and Seth Gorman (285); while all fourteen Greyhounds wrestlers placed in the top four.

    Rounding out weight class champions in the event were a pair from Collins Hill, No. 4 Sean Russell (120) and No. 1 Ryan Millhof (126); a pair from Carrollton, Rhett Hembree (145) and No. 19 Taylor Lujan (170); and Harrison Kemp (106) from Allatoona.

    Pico the Spectacular

    Many words have been written about Aaron Pico over the last few days and years. This is a young man who needs very little introduction. Before starting his high school career, Pico had already twice earned Cadet National double titles (i.e. winning both Greco-Roman and freestyle). In the 2012-13 high school season -- which was his freshman year -- Pico was an undefeated state champion for St. John Bosco, Calif., and ended the season ranked No. 1 in the nation at 132 pounds.

    Aaron Pico dominated in Fargo this past summer (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
    Then, during this past spring, Pico swept FILA Junior National titles at 63 kilos (138.75 pounds), and added a FILA Cadet National title at that same weight class to his credit. During the summer months, Pico would earn a Junior National freestyle in Fargo at 138 pounds, winning all ten of his matches by technical fall, and then add a FILA Cadet World championship at 63 kilos to his credit.

    Three major observations about what Pico, the nation's No. 1 Class of 2016 wrestler, has done to date. Number one, his accomplishments in freestyle and Greco-Roman have been against opposition his own age, and Pico has more than dominated the opposition. Secondly, it is rare to see even the elite high school seniors dominate scholastic opposition the way Pico did in 2012-13. Finally, point to what happened this past Saturday afternoon.

    As part of a United States vs. Russia weekend pair of dual meets involving senior level competitors, Pico represented the United States at 66 kilos (145.5 pounds). In that match, he faced Alibeggediz Emeev, who was runner-up at the NYAC Holiday Invitational one week before. The match ended in an 8-0 technical fall victory, as Pico used physical and positional dominance to control the match. While the use of comparative scores is imperfect, Pico's victory over Emeev came in more dominant fashion than those by a pair of past NCAA Division I champions; Emeev was runner-up to Frank Molinaro by a 9-4 score in the NYAC Invitational, while in the Sunday dual meet, Russell scored a late pin against Emeev in a match that went back-and-forth.

    Youth Showcase: Kickoff Classic

    Many of the nation's top youth and junior high wrestlers, as well as a few high school wrestlers, traveled to Tulsa, Okla. this past weekend for the Kickoff Classic. The event is the first leg of the "Trinity Award", given to wrestlers who win the three major World of Wrestling championships (Kickoff Classic, Tulsa Nationals, and Reno Worlds). Over the years, titles in these events have served as a gateway to great success in high school, college, and beyond.

    Three of the nation's top 15 junior high wrestlers were among the champions in the 15U division: No. 3 Anthony Madrigal (Illinois) at 95 pounds, No. 12 Josiah Rider (Colorado) at 135, and No. 7 Jack Jessen (Illinois) at 157.

    Full results and brackets are available here.]]>    76285Wed, 20 Nov 2013 05:09:32 +0000    Blair Academy unable to participate in Walsh Ironmanhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/blair-academy-unable-to-participate-in-walsh-ironman-r76800/
    Blair Academy is a member of the NJAIS, an association of independent schools, and not the NJSIAA - which is the "traditional" state governing body. The NJSIAA initial contest date for wrestling is Friday, December 20. The NJAIS does not have such a constraint.

    Even though Blair Academy is not a member of a NFHS member association, it does adhere to NFHS rules in the high school wrestling program.

    In past years, the Ironman has also been held before the NJSIAA initial contest date, without it being an issue. However, this year it came to be an issue when the NFHS was working with multiple state associations to grant its sanction for the Walsh Ironman.

    Events require NFHS sanction if a team is traveling to a non-contiguous state and eight or more schools are involved, or a team is travling to a non-contiguous state if teams from five or more states are in the field. Part of that sanction process is to get the approval from state governing bodies of all schools involved in the event.

    In a nutshell, when the NFHS was working through the sanctioning process, one of the state associations objected to Blair Academy being in the field, because of the event being before the designated initial competition date for NJSIAA (even though Blair Academy is not a member of said association). Therefore, in order for that state association to sanction the event for its teams, Blair Academy could no longer be in the field.]]>    76800Sat, 16 Nov 2013 04:08:13 +0000    InterMat high school rankings released, Blair No. 1https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/intermat-high-school-rankings-released-blair-no-1-r76790/Rankings: Fab 50 Team Rankings | Weight Class Rankings

    While a new season is just about upon us, there are some things that remain pretty constant: Blair Academy, N.J., is the nation's top-ranked team, and individuals from Pennsylvania dominate the weight class rankings.

    Joey McKenna, ranked No. 2 at 138, is one of the leaders of No. 1 Blair Academy (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)
    Perennial national power Blair Academy is the two-time defending national champions, and has six of their individuals in the weight class rankings. The Buccaneers are led by a trio of individuals in the top three of their weight class: No. 3 Matthew Kolodzik at 126 pounds, No. 2 Joey McKenna at 138, and No. 3 Dylan Milonas at 152. Other ranked individuals are No. 8 Chaz Tucker at 120, No. 8 Mason Manville at 145, and No. 18 Patrick Coover at 170

    The weight class rankings feature 39 individuals from the state of Pennsylvania, led by a trio of Keystone State natives ranked No. 1 in the country at their weight classes: Spencer Lee of Franklin Regional at 113 pounds, Jason Nolf of Kittatining at 138, and Chance Marsteller of Kennard Dale at 170. There is a Pennsylvania wrestler in the rankings at every single weight class, and at least a pair in 13 of 14 weights.

    Three other states have more than 20 nationally ranked wrestlers: Illinois with 27, New Jersey with 24, and California with 23. Both Illinois and California have a pair of top-ranked wrestlers: Jered Cortez of Glenbard North at 132 and Bryce Brill of Mount Carmel at 152 from Illinois, with Aaron Pico of St. John Bosco and Nick Nevills of Clovis at 285 being from California.

    The other half of the nation's number one wrestlers come from different states. Super 32 Challenge champion Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) leads the way at 106 pounds, FloNationals champion Nathan Boston (Woodford County, Ky.) is top at 120, Super 32 Challenge and NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Ryan Millhof (Collins Hill, Ga.) is ranked first at 126, Junior National freestyle champions Ryan Blees (Bismarck, N.D.) and Bo Nickal (Allen, Tex.) are best at 160 and 182 respectively, Cadet Nationals double champion Lance Benick (Totino Grace, Minn.) lead the way at 195, and undefeated state champion Andrew Dixon (Edmond North, Okla.) is atop the rankings at 220.

    Second in the team rankings behind Blair Academy is Oak Park River Forest, Ill. The Huskies, led by head coach Mike Powell, have an extremely deep and talented team featuring four nationally ranked wrestlers: No. 12 Jason Renteria at 106, No. 5 Isaiah White at 138, No. 11 Larry Early at 145, and No. 8 Davonte Mahomes at 170. Furthermore, they will start seven other wrestlers with state tournament experience.

    Rounding out the preseason top five are Montini Catholic, Ill., Wyoming Seminary, Pa., and Apple Valley, Minn. The third-ranked Broncos also feature a quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers, led by Xavier Montalvo (170) and Michael Johnson, Jr. (285) who are in the top ten. Eleven of their lineup positions will feature a wrestler with either a Fargo All-American finish or state tournament experience. Three nationally ranked wrestlers lead the lineup for the fourth-ranked Blue Knights, who have nine state tournament or National Prep placers in their starting group. The fifth-ranked Eagles also have a quartet of nationally ranked wrestlers, led by Fargo freestyle champions Seth Gross (138) and Mark Hall (170). Six state champions are in this lineup.

    The two other teams with four or more nationally ranked wrestlers are No. 10 Franklin Regional, which features five, and No. 16 Edmond North with four of their own. The team rankings also have a group of states, which dominate the proceedings. Six Ohio squads are among the Fab 50: No. 6 St. Paris Graham, No. 8 Massillon Perry, No. 12 Brecksville, No. 13 Cincinnati Moeller, No. 24 St. Edward, and No. 48 Claymont.

    Five squads are in the rankings from New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania. Joining Blair in the Fab 50 is No. 9 Bergen Catholic, No. 14 Bound Brook, No. 18 St. Peter's Prep, and No. 23 Don Bosco Prep. Three-time defending state champion, and winner of state eleven times in all, Clovis leads the California contingent at No. 7 in the rankings. Joining the Cougars in the rankings are No. 32 Clovis West, No. 35 Gilroy, No. 44 Vacaville, and No. 47 Buchanan. Keystone State teams joining Wyoming Seminary and Franklin Regional are No. 30 Bethlehem Catholic, No. 36 Greater Latrobe, and No. 45 Parkland.

    Three other states have four squads in the Fab 50 rankings: Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Oklahoma. Joining Oak Park River Forest and Montini Catholic in the rankings from the Land of Lincoln are No. 17 Marist and No. 19 Marmion Academy. The four Michigan squads in the Fab 50 are No. 11 Detroit Catholic Central, No. 20 Davison, No. 26 Lowell, and No. 46 St. Johns. While Edmond North is joined in the rankings by fellow Sooner State teams in No. 15 Broken Arrow, No. 22 Stillwater, and No. 27 Collinsville.]]>    76790Wed, 13 Nov 2013 07:36:23 +0000