Articles: Articleshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/page/7/?d=1Articles: ArticlesenHaddad named General Manager of Walsh Jesuit Ironmanhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/haddad-named-general-manager-of-walsh-jesuit-ironman-r81956/Corey Haddad with Josh Lowe and Willie Saylor (Photo/Rob Preston)
Corey Haddad has been named Walsh Jesuit Ironman Tournament General Manager (team entries & seeding) by the Walsh Jesuit Ironman Oversight Committee.

Haddad is widely regarded as one of the foremost national experts in high school wrestling and has been involved with the Walsh Jesuit Ironman tournament for nearly a decade. The Walsh Jesuit Ironman is the consensus toughest in-season high school wrestling event in the USA. His duties with the Walsh Jesuit Ironman have included: seeding, recruiting teams, and provide data for the media guide.

He compiles the NHSCA/USA TODAY Super 25 national high school wrestling rankings and has facilitated individual seeding for the NHSCA High School Nationals the past four years. With the NHSCA, he is the Coordinator of High School Wrestling Operations.

The following media and coach's comments attest to the committee's selection.

Willie Saylor, Managing Editor, FloSports: "The Walsh Ironman has an unparalleled history and as it makes its transition to new administration I can think of no one more qualified to ensure its quality and longevity than Corey Haddad, who looks upon the tournament like a proud father. As much as anyone involved in wrestling, his is a labor of passion for the sport. I'm both excited and relieved that the Ironman, which is near and dear to my heart, will be under the direction of Corey, who will no doubt continue its finest tradition for the foreseeable future."

Lee Pritts, Arizona State University, Assistant Coach: "Corey is the man! The Ironman is the equivalent to the NCAA championships for college guys. It's a really special tournament and Corey is going to do an amazing job moving it forward. His level of commitment and hard work will keep the Ironman on top for years to come".

Josh Lowe, InterMat: "Corey is well-positioned to maintain the Walsh Jesuit Ironman as the nation's best in-season high school tournament, as well as to further grow the event. His previous work while serving as an assistant tournament director in helping assemble the nationally elite field through recent years is a clear demonstration. The excellent work as national ranking coordinator for USA Today further demonstrates his knowledge of the ever-changing team and individual landscape in high school wrestling across the country."

Scott Green, Head Coach of Wyoming Seminary, PA, and coached the 2015 Ironman championship team: "I was thrilled to learn that Corey was the choice to bring the Ironman to the next level. In my three decades in the sport I have not met someone as professional as him. His careful research and unbiased approach make him the logical choice to run a tournament of this magnitude."

John Gordon, formerly the Head Coach at Wyoming Seminary and St. Christopher's School -- now the Head Coach at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, OH offered this endorsement: "I can't think of a better choice to continue the Walsh Ironman Tournament's standard of competitive excellence and traditions than Corey Haddad. Corey loves the sport and is a passionate student of it. He has a vast network of relationships, nationwide which he uses to inform the ranking and writing that he does for organizations like NHSCA and Amateur Wrestling News, and his specific knowledge of wrestlers and events is unparalleled. For years Corey has been providing a great service to wrestlers, coaches and fans. I am pleased that in his role as director of the Ironman Tournament, he will be positioned to provide great service to that prestigious event as well as the extended wrestling community. Everyone wins!"
(John Gordon currently serves as Chairman of the National Prep Wrestling Advisory Committee)

Brian Antonelli, Head Coach of Blair Academy, offered his take on Corey Haddad:: "We are excited about Corey Haddad's future with the Ironman tournament as it continues to grow and be the toughest tournament in the country. Corey's knowledge and experience with the sport of wrestling will definitely add to the Ironman tournament."

Furthermore, Corey authors the national high school team and individual rankings for Amateur Wrestling News.

He works in the private sector and resides in Northampton, Pennsylvania with his wife Zoë.

The Walsh Jesuit Ironman, sponsored by The Ron Marhofer Auto Family. The 24th event will be held on December 8-9, 2017 and will feature almost 100 full and partial teams from over 20 states.]]>81956Tue, 17 Jan 2017 15:10:24 +0000No. 11 Wyoming Seminary wins 30-27 over No. 1 Blair Academy: how it happened, what does it mean?https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-11-wyoming-seminary-wins-30-27-over-no-1-blair-academy-how-it-happened-what-does-it-mean-r81912/
The box score of this dual meet is available via the following link, http://s200.trackwrestling.com/tw/seasons/DualMatches.jsp?TIM=1484364023894&twSessionId=piddinsfuilzxvt&dualId=27137010&teamId=69686107

From an individual match-up perspective, the 126 pound weight class match result carries the most impact. No. 18 Jack Davis (Wyoming Seminary) upended No. 16 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy) 3-2 in a battle of returning National Prep champions. Cannon had out-placed Davis at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman, though the two wrestlers did not meet directly in that tournament. The pair is favored to face off in the National Prep final next month at Lehigh University, though Daniel Planta (St. Paul's, Md.) would disagree with that assessment.

The 120 pound match also served as a continuing statement from No. 6 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary) about his supreme talents. The nation's top overall freshman pinned Junior National freestyle All-American Mike Madara in 1:11. Outside an upset loss in the semifinals over the Powerade, Bartlett is undefeated this season, including a championship at the Ironman.

Two individual matches were won by ranked wrestlers for Blair Academy by a margin of two points. No. 13 Nick Incontera upended Drew Munch 5-3 at 106 pounds, while No. 5 Zach Sherman scored a 4-2 victory over Powerade champion Jake Riegel at 132.

Looking at why Blair Academy was upset tonight, one can point to the absence of a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers from the Buccaneers lineup. No. 5 Michael Colaiocco was injured during the 113 pound match, and had to default to Mosha Schwartz; his backup Trevor Mastrogiovanni won the title at the Geary Invitational last week.

In addition, No. 10 Andrew Merola remained missing from the Blair lineup at 160 pounds. As a result, they bumped No. 5 (at 152) Julian Ramirez to cover his spot in the lineup. While the Buccaneers did get a decision win from Ramirez at 160 (6-1) and a decision win from Willy Kaiser at 152 (5-3), the chance for potential bonus points in either match was lost.

Most impactful from a high school Fab50 national rankings perspective is the use of Mansur Abdul-Malik at 285 pounds for Wyoming Seminary. Ineligible to wrestle in NFHS sanctioned competitions (i.e. Walsh Ironman, Powerade), he came into the lineup tonight and secured a pin.

Ultimately, Blair Academy won eight weight classes in the dual meet tonight. However, Wyoming Seminary won on the strength of three pins and a forfeit, while Blair Academy could not muster a single six-point victory.]]>81912Sat, 14 Jan 2017 03:36:03 +0000No. 6 Clovis wins last five bouts to rally for 30-29 victory at No. 9 Bergen Catholichttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-6-clovis-wins-last-five-bouts-to-rally-for-30-29-victory-at-no-9-bergen-catholic-r81911/
Friday afternoon/evening opened for Clovis with a 52-13 victory over DePaul Catholic, winning ten of fourteen bouts over a top five ranked team in the Garden State. This set up a top ten collision between the visiting Cougars and the hosts from Bergen Catholic.

Starting at 113 pounds, the Crusaders flipped their normal starters, with starting 120 pound wrestler Richard Halal wrestling in tonight's opening weight class. Halal, a regional qualifier last year, would win a 3-1 decision over Brandon Paulson. Then, No. 6 (at 113) Robert Howard upended returning state medalist Wyatt Cornelison 4-0 at 120. Bergen Catholic had a 6-0 lead through two matches.

Clovis stopped the early bleeding, but only briefly, with a pin in 32 seconds from No. 4 Justin Mejia at 126 pounds. It was a backup for the Crusaders, as they wisely shifted two-time state placer Carmen Ferrante up one weight class. In that 132 pound weight class, Ferrante would upend Michael Portillo 3-2.

After five more wins in a row, Bergen Catholic would have a 29-6 lead through the 160 pound weight class. Crusaders victories were earned by No. 13 Gerard Angelo (138), Wade Unger (145), No. 7 Shane Griffith (152), No. 19 Christopher Foca (160), and Anthony Astarian (170). Angelo earned a technical fall, Griffith a pin, Foca beat returning state medalist Brandon Martino 5-4, while regional qualifier Astarian knocked off state qualifier Victor Vargas 3-2.

With five matches left, it would almost have to be a clean sweep for Clovis in order to take the dual meet victory, and that indeed is what happened. Sophomore Jacob Good started off the rally with a 7-1 victory over Sage Mosco at 182 pounds. It continued with a pin in 51 seconds from state qualifier Ruger Wyneken at 195, Joey Jaramillo pinned regional qualifier Jordan Michalski in 4:39 at 220, while No. 2 Seth Nevills scored a pin at 1:04 at 285 to set up a winner take all bout at 106 pounds.

That last match of the evening live up to the billing as a battle of excellent freshmen took to the mat. Scoreless after two periods, Giano Petrucelli would get the necessary points in the third period to earn a 2-1 victory over Nick Kayal. The Cougars won 30-29 despite only earning victories in six of the fourteen weight classes.]]>81911Sat, 14 Jan 2017 03:18:49 +0000No. 1 Blair Academy adds cache to Sooner State showdown at Geary Invitationalhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-1-blair-academy-adds-cache-to-sooner-state-showdown-at-geary-invitational-r81865/
Scoring 173 points, Blair Academy placed ten wrestlers inside the top three, including five weight class champions: Trevor Mastrogiovanni (113), Mike Madara (120), No. 18 Chris Cannon (126), Leo Tarantino (170), and No. 1 Chase Singletary (220). Placing second were No. 15 Nick Incontera (106), No. 5 Zach Sherman (132), No. 13 Malcolm Robinson (138), and Willy Kaiser (152); Sherman and Robinson lost in the finals to nationally ranked opposition. The wrestler to finish third was Nick Mosco (195). It should be noted there are matches for true second when the runner-up and third place finisher did not compete earlier in the tournament; however, the results of those matches were not available.

Ranked No. 12 nationally, Tuttle finished second in the tournament scoring 131.5 points on the strength of eight placers. The Tigers were led by a pair of weight class champions, No. 6 Tanner Litterell (138) and No. 17 Brik Filippo (145); Litterell beat No. 13 Malcolm Robinson 5-4 in the championship match. Other placers were Rhett Golowenski (120) in second; Luke Surber (113), Dustin Plott (152), and Tanner Johnson (170) in third; Maison Duke (182) in fifth; and Caleb Berryhill (160). Three other wrestlers were one match away from a top six placement finish.

No. 18 Sand Springs placed fourth in the tournament with 86 points on the strength of six placers. A pair of Sandite wrestlers won championships, No. 1 Daton Fix (132) and Peyton Scott (152); Fix beat No. 5 Zach Sherman by a 7-3 decision. Another three wrestlers placed third, Michael Ritchey (120), Beau Bratcher (145), and Devin Jordan (220); while Cody Mathis (138), who was in the lineup instead of state runner-up Jack Karstetter, placed sixth. Also missing from the lineup was state placer Zane Bosma (170), while three other Sandite wrestlers missed placement by one match.

No. 19 Choctaw placed sixth in the tournament with 70 points, anchored by weight class champion Jaryn Curry (160). Six additional wrestlers finished on the podium, including Colt Newton (113) and Zach Austin (285) finishing second; Andy Schlaepfer (120) placed fourth, Conner Holman (126) placed fifth; while Gabe Johnson (106) and Gary Dockery (195) placed sixth. Adversely impacting the Choctaw standing was mid-tournament injury defaults from state champion Zane Coleman (170) and state runner-up Easton Rendleman (182).

Another Sooner State power with an impressive performance was Broken Arrow, which finished third in the standings with 96 points. They were led by a pair of weight class champions in Gavin Potter (182) and Zach Marcheselli (195). Five other wrestlers placed, a single wrestler each in second through sixth: Caleb Wise (160), No. 16 Trenton Lieurance (285), Tajuan Daniels (132), Blake Gonzales (120), and Joe Hall (170). Two others finished one match short of placement.

Rounding out the weight class champions were T.J. Lang (Tulsa Union) at 106 pounds and Gage Johnson (Norman North) at 285. Lang beat a pair of nationally ranked wrestlers to win his title, 7-4 over No. 10 Wyatt Adams (Lawton McArthur) in the opening round and 5-4 over No. 15 Nick Incontera in the championship match; while Johnson beat No. 16 Trenton Lieurance 5-1 in overtime in the semifinal match.]]>81865Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:37:02 +0000No. 2 Buchanan sizzles, and the elite stars shine, at the Doc Buchanan Invitationalhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/no-2-buchanan-sizzles-and-the-elite-stars-shine-at-the-doc-buchanan-invitational-r81864/
The champion Bears placed ten wrestlers in nine weight classes on the way to 216 points. Four wrestlers won their respective weight classes: No. 17 (at 120) Matthew Olguin earned gold at 113, No. 15 (at 126 Ethan Leake was on top the podium at 120, Brett Villarreal won the title at 138, while Anthony Montalvo emerged victorious at 182. Both Olguin and Leake, state champions last year, upended a nationally ranked wrestler in their championship bout; Olguin won 7-1 over No. 9 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco), while Leake beat No. 20 Ian Timmins (Wooster, Nev.) 4-2.

Leading the other placers for Buchanan was a runner-up finish from Joel Romero (152); Cade Belshay (220) placed third, including a 5-2 win over No. 16 Darryl Aiello (De La Salle) in the consolation final); Chris Gaxiola (145) was fourth; Tyler Deen (126) was fifth; while Tristan Zamilpa (145) and Jake Levatino (170) placed seventh.

For the runner-up Cougars, No. 4 Justin Mejia (126) and No. 2 Seth Nevills (285) both made strong statements in winning championships at their home gym. In his season debut, Mejia beat three-time state placer Robert Garcia (Selma) 12-2 in the semifinal, before a 6-0 victory over returning state runner-up Jaden Abas (Rancho Bernardo) in the final; Abas had beaten No. 12 Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.) 1-0 in the other semifinal bout.

Seven wrestlers in all placed for Clovis. Headlining the other medalists were runner-up finishes from Brandon Martino (160) and Victor Vargas (170). Giano Petrucelli (106) placed third, including a pair of wins over No. 13 Brendon Garcia (Pueblo County, Colo.); Brandon Paulson (113) was sixth; and Ruger Wyneken (195) placed seventh.

The only other team with multiple champions was No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. They finished third in the team standings with 117.5 points. No. 14 Grant (132) and No. 9 Hunter (152) Willits each earned gold; Grant had a 3-2 win in the championship match over No. 12 Theorius Robison (Pomona, Colo.), after Robison beat No. 15 Gary Joint (Lemoore) 5-4 in the semifinal. Additional placers were No. 13 Brendon Garcia (106) in fourth and Nathan Bonham (120) in sixth.

Also over 100 points for the tournament was No. 50 Roseburg, Ore. They were anchored by weight class champion No. 3 Layne Van Anrooy (160). Three other wrestlers earned podium spots on the way to 110 team points. Those podium finishers were Haydn Maley (220) in second, Austin Harris (182) in fourth, and Bennett Mesa (138) in sixth.

Four additional nationally ranked wrestlers struck gold on Saturday night. No. 3 Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro) at 106, No. 4 Navonte Demison (Bakersfield) at 145, No. 7 Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert) at 170, and No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.) at 220. Schultz pinned No. 16 Darryl Aiello (De La Salle) in the semifinal before replicating his Reno TOC semifinal victory over Hadyn Maley (Roseburg, Ore.) by 8-5 decision in the championship bout.

The tournament's other weight class champion was two-time state placer Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo), who won the 195 pound weight class.

No. 22 Pomona, Colo. finished sixth in the tournament standings despite having the third most placers in the tournament. All six wrestlers that they entered in the event earned spots on the podium. Leading the way was No. 12 Theorius Robison (132), who finished second; Coltan Yapoujian (120) was third, Nolan Krone (170) placed fourth, Jason Romero (152) earned fifth, Wyatt Yapoujian (106) finished sixth, while Justin Pacheco (113) was seventh.

The other nationally ranked team in the tournament, No. 30 Gilroy, finished tied for ninth with 92.5 points. However, they placed five wrestlers, which was joint fourth most for any team. Leading their effort was No. 3 Nico Aguilar (113), who placed third despite losing to a wrestler in the quarterfinals that he would out-place. Other podium finishers were Tony Andrade (220) in fifth, Joe Barnes (160) in sixth, Alex Felix (138) in seventh, and Chase Saldate (120) in eighth.]]>81864Sun, 08 Jan 2017 07:08:56 +0000Fourth title for O'Connor, Kerkvliet pair of upset wins headline competition at Cheesehead Invitationalhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/fourth-title-for-oconnor-kerkvliet-pair-of-upset-wins-headline-competition-at-cheesehead-invitational-r81863/
The pair of wrestlers ranked first nationally entering the tournament also won their weight classes. Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) had a technical fall, pin, and three major decisions prior to reaching the championship final at 160 pounds. In that championship final, Berge beat No. 2 Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) 5-3 for a second victory over him in as many tournaments.

Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.), the top overall junior wrestler in the country, torched his way through the 285 pound weight class. He won all six bouts by fall. In fact the first five pins came in the first period, before a second period pin over returning state champion Blaze Beltran (Pewaukee, Wis.)

On the team side of the spectrum, No. 27 Montini Catholic, Ill. used its top end firepower to earn its third Cheesehead Invitational title in the 19-year history of the event, and second in the last four years. Three Broncos wrestlers won weight class titles: Dylan Ragusin (106), No. 12 Joey Melendez (113), and No. 8 Real Woods (126). Another trio from Montini finished in second place: Fidel Mayora (132), No. 11 Will Lewan (145), and Matthew Ortiz (152). Two others placed within the top nine, both in the top four, Jake Stiles (138) finished third and Peter Christensen (170) took fourth. The Broncos scored 506.5 points.

Despite not having a single individual champion, defending tournament champions Mt. Carmel (Ill.) finished as tournament runners-up with 506.5 points on the strength of ten wrestlers finishing inside the top seven. Kendall Coleman (138) led the Caravan with a runner-up finish, while Yahya Thomas (145) placed third. Additional top seven finishers were Rehan Uribe (120), Dillon Hoey (152), and David Riojas (170) placing fifth; Colton Drousias (106), Kaleb Guzior (126), and Jack Mulay (160) earning sixth; with David Devine (132) and Emanuel Terrell (195) taking seventh.

The only team other than Montini Catholic to win multiple weight class titles was No. 26 Kasson-Mantorville, Minn. No. 19 Noah Ryan (220) joined Berge in standing atop the podium, his title coming by 4-3 decision over Evan Foster (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) on the strength of a very late takedown. The Komets had five other wrestlers finish in the top nine to score 480.5 points on the way to a third place tournament standing. Those other placers were Patrick Kennedy (170) in third, Jared Johnson (113) in seventh, Robby Horsman (120) and Ethan Shea (152) in eighth, with Keaton Schorr (132) placing ninth.

Steveson anchored the effort for No. 33 Apple Valley, Minn. The Eagles finished fourth in the tournament with 466.5 points and seven total top eight finishers. Others to earn those placements were Kyle Rathman (138) in fourth, Sebas Swiggum (132) and Tyler Kim (195) in fifth, Jalen Thul (170) in seventh, with Tony Watts (160) and Tanyi Besong (220) in eighth.

Despite the absence of Powerade runner-up Ronald Tucker, Jr. at 285 pounds, No. 24 Lockport, Ill. had an impressive nine wrestlers finish in the top nine. However, they only scored 456.5 points in a fifth place finish. Leading the way was tournament champion Abdullah Assaf (132); Matthew Ramos (106) placed fourth; Trevell Timmons (160) and Peyton Fernandes (182) placed fifth; Anthony Molton (113), James Pierandozzi (120), and Baylor Fernandes (145) placed sixth; Brandon Ramos (138) placed eighth; and Yousif Salah (195) placed ninth.

Austin O'Connor
Among the other weight class champions, a trio were nationally ranked: No. 14 Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) at 120 pounds, No. 4 (at 152) Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) at 145, and No. 17 Jackson Hemauer (Deforest, Wis.) at 182. O'Connor became the third wrestler to win four Cheesehead Invitational titles, this one coming via a 5-3 decision win over No. 11 Will Lewan.

The other two nationally ranked teams in the field finished sixth and eighth in the tournament standings. No. 35 Southeast Polk had seven wrestlers finish between second and sixth in scoring 431 points, while No. 48 Kaukauna had six wrestlers finish between third and ninth in scoring 381.

Rounding out the weight class champions were Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, Ill.) at 138 pounds, Austin Yant (Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa) at 152, and Johnny Mologousis (Lyons Township, Ill.) at 170.]]>81863Sun, 08 Jan 2017 04:14:36 +000019th Cheesehead Invitational to feature many of the midwest's besthttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/19th-cheesehead-invitational-to-feature-many-of-the-midwests-best-r81840/
This year's 31-team field feature squads from seven states (Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin). Six of the teams are nationally ranked: No. 24 Lockport (Ill.), No. 26 Kasson-Mantorville (Minn.), No. 27 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 33 Apple Valley (Minn.), No. 35 Southeast Polk (Iowa), and No. 48 Kaukauna (Wis.)

Additional notable teams include Chicago Mt. Carmel, Marmion Academy, and Carl Sandburg who are all ranked inside the top ten in Class 3A per Illinois Matmen; Stoughton, Milton, Pewaukee, Freedom, Two Rivers, and Fennimore are all ranked inside the top five within their division statewide per Wisconsin Wrestling Online; Waverly-Shell Rock is ranked inside the top five in Iowa Class 3A by multiple outlets; St. Michael-Albertville and Simley are ranked inside the top four of their class in Minnesota per The Guillotine; Platte County is ranked third in Class 3 per MissouriWrestling.com; while Thompson, Ala. was top five in their state tournament last year.

From an individual competitor standpoint, there are 20 wrestlers in this tournament field that won a state title last year and/or appear in the InterMat national high school wrestler rankings. Three wrestlers seek to repeat as champions at the Cheesehead this year: No. 14 Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), No. 9 Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee, Wis.), and No. 1 Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.); another pair of wrestlers seek a third consecutive title, No. 8 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.) and No. 1 Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.); while No. 4 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) is after a fourth consecutive tournament title at the Cheesehead.

Fans will assuredly be treated to an excellent showcase of wrestling over both days of competition, foremost in a pair of weight classes where multiple nationally ranked wrestlers are present. At 160 pounds, it's a trio, including those ranked first and second nationally: Brady Berge, Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), along with No. 19 Trevell Timmons (Lockport, Ill.); while three ranked wrestlers are present at 195 pounds: No. 2 Patrick Brucki (Carl Sandburg, Ill.), No. 9 Jacob Raschka, and No. 10 Daniel Kerkvleit (Simley, Minn.)

In addition to those already mentioned, five other nationally ranked wrestlers are present in the field: No. 12 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) at 113 pounds, No. 11 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) at 145, No. 17 Jackson Hemauer (DeForest, Wis.) at 182, and No. 19 Noah Ryan (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) at 220.

With many weight classes having close to ten wrestlers ranked inside the top eight of their state tournament classification in the bracket, there is guaranteed to be an extremely intense level of competition from first to last whistle over two days in Kaukauna, Wis. at the 19th edition of the Cheesehead Invitational.]]>81840Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:48:41 +0000Best of the Western U.S. collide at Doc Buchanan Invitationalhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/best-of-the-western-us-collide-at-doc-buchanan-invitational-r81839/
The loaded field is anchored by a pair of top ten teams in local rivals, No. 2 Buchanan (Calif.) and No. 6 Clovis (Calif.). Other nationally ranked teams in the field include No. 21 Pueblo County (Colo.), No. 22 Pomona (Colo.), No. 30 Gilroy (Calif.), and No. 50 Roseburg (Ore.).

Eight of the other nine California teams ranked by The California Wrestler in the top 12 for state tournament strength are also in the field: Bakersfield, Clovis North, De La Salle, Del Oro, Oakdale, Rancho Bernardo, Selma, and St. John Bosco. From Colorado, there are a pair of additional teams ranked within the top five for their respective classification per the most recent On the Mat rankings: Greeley Central and Poudre.

Below is a weight-by-weight overview for a tournament field that features a pair of wrestlers ranked second nationally, three more ranked third nationally, and another pair ranked fourth nationally in their respective weight classes.

106 pounds: A pair of nationally ranked wrestlers anchor this weight class in No. 2 Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro) and No. 13 Brendon Garcia (Pueblo County, Colo.); Lorenzo placed at state last year and was a Super 32 Challenge runner-up this fall, while Garcia was a state champion last season and a Junior National double finalist this summer in Fargo. Others to watch in this weight class include returning state qualifiers Cole Reyes (Bakersfield Frontier) and Eric Sanchez (Silver Creek), along with freshmen Giano Petrucelli (Clovis) and Wyatt Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.)

113: Three nationally ranked wrestlers lead the way in what is a most excellent weight class, No. 3 Nico Aguilar (Gilroy), No. 9 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco), and No. 17 (at 120) Matthew Olguin (Buchanan); Aguilar was a state runner-up last year and a Junior National freestyle champion this summer, the freshman Vasquez was finished runner-up at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman, while Olguin won state last season upending Aguilar in the state final. Others to watch in this weight class include two-time state finalist Josiah Nava (Pueblo County, Colo.), state champion Hunter Sparks (Roseburg, Ore.), and state medalist Justin Pacheco (Pomona, Colo.)

120: A pair of nationally ranked wrestlers lead the way in this weight class, No. 15 (at 126) Ethan Leake (Buchanan) and No. 20 Ian Timmins (Wooster, Nev.); Leake was state champion last year, and comes off a Clash Duals where he beat a pair of nationally ranked wreslters on day two, while Timmins is a Flo Nationals champion and three-time state champion. Others to note in this weight class include Cadet National freestyle champion Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.); state placers in Nathan Bonham (Pueblo County, Colo.), Gregory Viloria (Merrill West), Eric Rivera (Clovis North), Alex Nunez (Alta Loma), and Wyatt Cornelison (Clovis); along with state qualifiers Sidney Flores (Bishop Amat), Patrick Ramirez (De La Salle), and Christian Nunez (St. John Bosco).

126: Four high profile wrestlers anchor this weight class, including a pair that are nationally ranked, No. 4 Justin Mejia (Clovis) and No. 12 Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.); Mejia is a three-time state champion, while Alirez won state as a freshman and was runner-up at the Super 32 Challenge in the 120 pound weight class this fall. The other two high profile names are state runner-up Jaden Abas (Rancho Bernardo), who also was a Cadet National freestyle runner-up this fall, and three-time state placer Robert Garcia IV (Selma). Others to watch include three-time state placer Isaiah Palomino (Bellarmine Prep), state placers Izaak Olejnik (Bakersfield) and Job Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.), as well as New Mexico state champion Tyler Deen (Buchanan).

132: Three nationally ranked wrestlers lead the way in this weight class, No. 12 Theorius Robison (Pomona, Colo.), No. 14 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), and No. 15 Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.). Robison won state as a freshman and was a Cadet Greco-Roman champion this summer before winning the Reno Tournament of Champions last month, Willits placed at the Super 32 Challenge this fall and is a two-time state champion, while Joint was a Junior National freestyle All-American and is a three-time state placer. Others to watch in this weight class include Junior National folkstyle champion Chris Deloza (Clovis North), state placers Adam Velasquez (Pittman) and Ricky Torres (Oakdale), along with multi-time state placers in Cole Polluconi (Monarch, Colo.) and Zeke Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.)

138: While this weight class is lacking in a nationally ranked wrestler, it is not lacking for credible talent. Leading the way here are two-time state placers Alex Felix (Gilroy) and Zander Silva (Alta Loma), two-time state champion and two-time Preseason Nationals champion Jacob Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.), 2015 state placer J.J. Figueroa (Bakersfield), state champions Bennett Mesa (Roseburg, Ore.) and Justin Davis (Pueblo County, Colo.), state placers Brett Villarreal (Buchanan) and Tony Mendoza (Selma), state runner-up Erik Contrears (Mountain View, Colo.), and impact freshman Sonny Santiago (St. John Bosco).

145: Back to nationally ranked wrestlers in this weight class with a pair present, No. 4 Navonte Demison (Bakersfield) and No. 10 Jaden Enriquez (Mission Oak); Demison was a state champion last season and is a two-time Junior National folkstyle champion, while five-time Fargo All-American Enriquez placed at state as a freshman and sophomore before missing out last year due to injury during the state series. Others to watch include Cadet Greco-Roman world team member Peyton Omania (De La Salle), a pair of Buchanan state qualifiers in Tristan Zamilpa and Chris Gaxiola, along with state placers Chris Fasano (Pueblo County, Colo.) and Parker Benekas (Ponderosa, Colo.)

152: Headlining the field in this weight class is No. 9 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), a Junior National freestyle All-American, Super 32 Challenge placer, and three-time state champion. Others to watch include two-time state runner-up Jason Romero (Pomona, Colo.), state placers Joel Romero (Buchanan) and Noah Blake (Del Oro), Junior National freestyle All-American David San Miguel (Bellarmine Prep), and National Prep placer John Manning (Villanova Prep, Ontario).

160: Leading the field here is University of Michigan commit Layne Van Anrooy (Roseburg, Ore.), the three-time state champion is ranked No. 3 nationally in this weight class. Among the challengers are a pair of state placers from Clovis in Brandon Martino and Luis Enloe; Flo Nationals placer Aaron Olmos (Mater Dei Catholic); NHSCA Freshman Nationals chamion Joseph Barnes (Gilroy); as well as state qualifiers Ricky Gonzalez (Bakersfield), Bronson Harmon (Oakdale), and Mark Caldwell (Monarche).

170: Another weight class with a single nationally ranked headliner in No. 7 Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert), a Flo Nationals and Junior National Greco-Roman champion this past off-season. Others to watch include 2015 state placer Abel Garcia (Oakdale), state runner-up Andrue Rojas (Greeley Central, Colo.), along with state qualifiers Victor Vargas (Clovis) and Christian Rodriguez (Selma).

182: Bereft a nationally ranked wrestler, the clear favorite in this weight class is Anthony Montalvo (Buchanan), a state runner-up and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion. Others to watch include state champion Dante Garcia (Pueblo County, Colo.), two-time state placer Sam Loera (Bakersfield), Walsh Ironman placer Angel Solis (Lemoore), and state placer Austin Harris (Roseburg, Ore.)

195: The third of three weight classes in this tournament without a nationally ranked wrestler does feature a quartet of returning California state placers. Leading the way is a pair of two-time state medalists, NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo) and Danny Salas (St. John Bosco); the others are Adrian Godinez (Foothill) and NHSCA Freshman Nationals champion Ryan Reyes (Clovis West). Others to watch include state placers Donovan Rincon (Pueblo County, Colo.) and Cameron Campbell (Roseburg, Ore.), along with state qualifiers Trevor Ervin (Buchanan) and Ruger Wyneken (Clovis).

220: A pair of nationally ranked wrestlers feature in this weight class, No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.) and No. 16 Darryl Aiello (De La Salle); Schultz is the nation's top overall sophomore and a two-time Fargo champion, while two-time state placer Aiello is a two-time Junior National All-American. Other contenders include three-time state champion Haydn Maley (Roseburg, Ore.) and state medalist Cade Belshay (Buchanan).

285: Leading the pack here is two-time state champion Seth Nevills (Clovis, Calif.), who is ranked No. 2 nationally in this weight class and only a junior. Other “contenders” include a pair of state medalists in Pablo Miller (Del Oro) and Jesus Flores (Delhi).]]>81839Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:40:31 +0000What high school wrestling was like 80 years agohttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/what-high-school-wrestling-was-like-80-years-ago-r81796/
Today's wrestlers, coaches and fans may be startled at how different prep wrestling was 80 years ago, compared to what we see nowadays.

While we don't have access to time travel, InterMat can provide an idea of what high school wrestling was like in one high school in Minnesota eight decades ago.

In the December issue of The Guillotine -- the monthly publication that covers amateur wrestling in the state of Minnesota -- long-time "View from the Matbird Seat" columnist Bruce Bartels shared information from documents he recently discovered for the first season of wrestling at Osakis High School in Osakis, Minn., a town of approximately 1,700 located just off I-94 about halfway between the Twin Cities and Fargo, N.D.

A handout for a 1936 wrestling event at Osakis featured this startling request:

"In all fairness to the contestants, the audience is asked to refrain from cheering any of the boys during the bout."

The rules from 80 years ago may be equally startling to today's wrestlers and fans. For starters, championship bouts were ten minutes, while all others lasted six ... unless, of course, they ended in a fall. As for pins ... "a fall takes place when an opponent's shoulders are held in contact with the mat for an appreciable length of time." (Who determines what's "appreciable"? The referee? Or the poor kid who's in the pinning predicament?) As in college wrestling at the time, there was no system for awarding points for escapes or takedowns or other specific action. According to the Okasis wrestling event program, "If no fall takes place, the wrestler showing the greater wrestling ability will be awarded the match by a decision of the referee."

Bartels' column also provided a list of "legal" and "illegal" holds from 1936. Among the legal holds: half Nelson and crotch, three-quarter Nelson, hammer lock, double-arm lock, hook scissors, and grapevine and underarm. Illegal holds included the twisting hammer lock, over scissors, full Nelson, strangle hold, and body slams.

The 1947 Perry (Oklahoma) High School wrestling team, pictured here, wore uniforms like those worn by the Osakis (Minnesota) High School wrestling team team 80 years ago
In addition, Bartels mentioned that the Osakis treasure-trove from the 1930s included some team photos. None of these images appeared with his column; however, he provided a description of their uniforms: "The wrestlers were shirtless and wore bottoms closely resembling Speedo swimming trunks, no tights."

While these wrestling uniforms may seem odd now, wrestlers at a number of high schools and colleges wore the trunks/no tights/no shirts look onto the mat right up to World War II ... including Oklahoma State three-time NCAA champ Stanley Henson, who celebrated his 100th birthday at the end of November. (For photos and info on old-school wrestling uniforms before today's singlet, check out this InterMat feature.)

Despite all the changes in rules and uniforms since 1936, thankfully, one thing that hasn't changed: Osakis High School still has a wrestling program.

Thanks to Bruce Bartels and The Guillotine for unearthing this fascinating look back at one high school wrestling program from eight decades ago.

To subscribe to The Guillotine, visit their website.]]>81796Wed, 28 Dec 2016 16:36:30 +0000Clash XV National High School Wrestling Duals: What to expecthttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/clash-xv-national-high-school-wrestling-duals-what-to-expect-r81798/
Competition on Friday is split up into four brackets featuring eight teams each. Each team will get three matches on day one. Teams that win their first dual will finish first through fourth, while those losing in the opening round will finish fifth through eighth. Come day two, there will be eight pools of four teams each, with each team competing in dual meets against the other squads finishing in the same place that they did in bracket competition on day one.

On Friday, Brackets "A" and "B" will compete in the morning session, with matches starting at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Central Time; while teams in Brackets "C" and "D" will compete in the afternoon session, with matches starting at 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Come Saturday, teams competing in the fifth through eighth pools will compete in the morning, while those in the first through fourth pools compete in the afternoon.

Opening round matches in Bracket "A":
No. 2 Buchanan (Calif.) vs. Bismarck Century (N.D.)
Hastings (Minn.) vs. Tahoma (Wash.)
No. 50 Anoka (Minn.) vs. Glenbard North (Ill.)
Zumbrota-Mazeppa (Minn.) vs. No. 37 Roseburg (Ore.)

Opening round matches in Bracket "B":
No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio) vs. Foley (Minn.)
Prior Lake (Minn.) vs. Commerce (Ga.)
Providence Catholic (Ill.) vs. Owatonna (Minn.)
Pierre (S.D.) vs. No. 34 Apple Valley (Minn.)

Opening round matches in Bracket "C":
No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) vs. Thompson (Ala.)
Vacaville (Calif.) vs. Simley (Minn.)
Wasatch (Utah) vs. Corona del Sol (Ariz.)
Kenyon-Wanamingo (Minn.) vs. No. 26 Washington (Ill.)

Opening round matches in Bracket "D":
No. 21 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.) vs. Plattsmouth (Neb.)
Hermiston (Ore.) vs. St. Michael-Albertville (Minn.)
De La Salle (Calif.) vs. Albert Lea (Minn.)
Pewaukee (Wis.) vs. No. 24 Park Hill (Mo.)

Wrestlers to watch in each weight class (27 nationally ranked, including two ranked first nationally):

106 - No. 10 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep), Angelo Rini (St. Edward), Trey Crawford (Park Hill), Sam Latona (Thompson), Christian Goin (Washington)

113 - No. 12 Matthew Olguin (Buchanan), P.J. Ogunsanya (Oak Park River Forest), Kelvin Eblen (Park Hill), Jacob Lindsey (Providence Catholic), Bryce Hepner/Scott Richter (St. Edward), Jeron Matson (Kenyon-Wanamingo), Hunter Sparks (Roseburg), Austin Michalski (Tahoma)

120 - No. 15 Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville), No. 18 Bryce Andonian (St. Edward), No. 19 Dack Punke (Washington), Ethan Leake (Buchanan), Austin Kolvek (Park Hill), Colby Njos (Anoka), Noah Castillo (Lake Highland Prep), Will Turman (Pierre)

126 - No. 3 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep), No. 6 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest), No. 14 Weston DiBlasi (Park Hill), No. 15 Matt Kazimir (St. Edward), Curtis LeMair (Prior Lake), Tyler Delaware (Washington), Dylan Droegemuller (Anoka), Andrew Nielsen (Plattsmouth), Patrick Ramirez (De La Salle, Calif.), Gabe Hixenbaugh (Thompson)

132 - No. 7 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest), No. 10 Allan Hart (St. Edward), Mason Wohltman (Lake Highland Prep), Zak Kohler (Wasatch), Josh Steele (Park Hill), Sebas Swiggum (Apple Valley), Adam McSorley (Hastings), Josh Ramos (Providence Catholic), Nick Whitehead (Tahoma)

138 - No. 2 Austin Gomez (Glenbard North), Tyler Eischens (Anoka), Sam Dover (St. Edward), Brett Villarreal (Buchanan), Kyle Rathman (Apple Valley), Bennett Mesa (Roseburg), Dominick Ambrose (Providence Catholic); Jamie Hernandez (Oak Park River Forest) will be nationally ranked if/when he returns to competition

145 - No. 18 Peyton Robb (Owatonna), Joel Romero (Buchanan), Peyton Omania (De La Salle, Calif.), Brandon Konecny (Corona del Sol), Kai Bele (Lake Highland Prep), Nate Larson (Apple Valley), Garrett Aldrich (Albert Lea), Abe Assad (Glenbard North), Juan Bazaluda (Provience Catholic), Corbin Smith (Wasatch), Lawrence Saenz (Vacaville)

152 - No. 14 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep), Calvin Germinaro (Anoka), Thomas Lisher (Park Hill), Cole Smith (Providence Catholic), Vincent Dolce (Corona del Sol), Owen Brown (Commerce), Jaylen Thul (Apple Valley)

160 - No. 2 Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville), No. 3 Layne van Anrooy (Roseburg), No. 18 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep), Mike Carpenter (St. Edward), Jakob Discher (Wasatch), Valen Wyse (Hermiston), Anthony Marre (Glenbard North)

170 - No. 6 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep), Kenny O'Neil (Prior Lake), Devin Winston (Park Hill), Trevor Swier (Providence Catholic), Chase Forrester (Commerce)

182 - No. 20 Anthony Montalvo (Buchanan), Tyler Stepic (St. Edward), Caden Steffen (Zumbrota-Mazeppa), Ritchie Heywood (Wasatch), Trey Rogers (Hastings), Jacob Rader (Bismarck Century)

195 - No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington), No. 9 Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee), No. 11 Daniel Kerkvleit (Simley), No. 13 Brandon Moen (Owatonna), Kione Gill (Tahoma), Cody Howard (St. Edward), Cole Chancey (Commerce), D.J. Cohen (Wasatch), Cameron Campbell (Roseburg)

220 - No. 5 Jared Campbell (St. Edward), No. 14 Darryl Aiello (De La Salle, Calif.), No. 20 Hadyn Maley (Roseburg), Ben Goldin (Lake Highland Prep), Cade Belshay (Buchanan), Evan Foster (St. Michael-Albertville), Jackson Schichel (Hastings), Tanyi Besong (Apple Valley), Chris Middlebrooks (Oak Park River Forest), Jace Punke (Washington), Saylor Schmit (Foley), Knox Allen (Commerce), John-Henry Line (Hermiston)

285 - No. 1 Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.), Blaze Beltran (Pewaukee), Cade Ridley (Commerce), Jake Levengood (Vacaville), Seth Braun (Bismarck Century)]]>81798Tue, 27 Dec 2016 02:01:17 +0000Ex-Sooner coach Cody now helping at high schoolhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/ex-sooner-coach-cody-now-helping-at-high-school-r81771/Mark Cody (Photo/SoonerSports.com)
Mark Cody, former University of Oklahoma head wrestling coach, is now back in high school.

The former Sooner coach, who resigned this past summer, has stayed in Norman -- OU's hometown -- to join the coaching staff at Norman North High School, the Norman Transcript reported Saturday.

John McKelvey's article emphasizes Cody's unique perspective as a former NCAA Division I coach with nearly a decade-and-a-half of experience, first at American University, then, for the past five seasons at Oklahoma.

"Cody can share valuable lessons with the students, experience they couldn't get at any other high school," McKelvey wrote. "He can teach them techniques used by the best wrestlers in the some of biggest matches the sport has to offer. He can rid the wrestlers of mistakes, those he's seen countless times in young developing athletes. All of the coaching he can bring as an assistant under Brian Garcia is tough to replicate, yet the recruiting insight is the most valuable asset."

"Cody can look at a wrestler and give him an honest assessment of his skills. People pay top-dollar for that elsewhere. With his college connections, he can find the right program for an individual who wishes to carry on their career. The parents don't have to drive halfway across the state, or even across the country, to get to a camp and hope their kid performs well. It's all right here, in the North wrestling room."

When Cody announced his resignation in early August, he had led the Sooners to a 55-34 (.618) overall record and to a 10th-place NCAA finish in 2014, coached five OU wrestlers to a total of 10 All-America honors. Two of those wrestlers won national titles: Kendric Maple in 2013, and Cody Brewer in 2015. By the end of August, Oklahoma had revealed that Ohio State assistant coach Lou Rosselli had been hired as the Sooners' new head coach.]]>81771Mon, 19 Dec 2016 08:07:22 +0000Quarterfinals set at Beast of the Easthttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/quarterfinals-set-at-beast-of-the-east-r81755/Team Scores
1) No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 107 (11 quarterfinalists/1 consolation)
2) No. 8 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. 104 (5/4)
3) No. 9 Malvern Prep, Pa. 86.5 (3/2)
4) No. 45 North Allegheny, Pa. 78.5 (2/6)
5) No. 12 Nazareth, Pa. 77.5 (2/3)
6) No. 7 Bergen Catholic, N.J. 76.5 (4/2)
7) No. 27 Brecksville, Ohio 73 (3/3)
8) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 72.5 (3/2)
9) St. Paul's, Md. 71.5 (4/3)
10) Massillon Perry, Ohio 71 (3/3)
11) Delbarton, N.J. 70.5 (2/2)
12) Mt. St. Joseph's, Md. 67.5 (3/1)
13) McDonogh, Md. 65 (2/1)
14) No. 46 Don Bosco Prep, N.J. 63.5 (3/3)
15) Central Dauphin, Pa. 62.5 (1/3)

Wrestlers in the quarters need one win to place. If in the quarters, they are guaranteed in the top six; losing in the quarters, they have to win their next match to place. Those in consolation - with limited exception - need two wins to place.

Quarterfinal Pairings

106:
No. 2 Kurt McHenry (St. Paul's, Md.) vs. Cullen Day (Phillipsburg, N.J.)
No. 19 Nick Incontera (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 18 Justin Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)
No. 14 Anthony Clark (Delbarton, N.J.) vs. Edwin Suber (Tallmadge, Ohio)
Chris Banrabae (Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.) vs. No. 5 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio)

113:
No. 9 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Brandon Wittenberg (Battlefield, Va.)
Dylan Shawver (Elyria, Ohio) vs. Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep, Pa.)
No. 2 Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Dom DiFrancesco (Hanover Park, N.J.)
Eddie Ventresca () vs. No. 10 Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio)

120:
No. 3 Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.) vs. Killian Cardinale (Brentsville, Va.)
Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Michael Kelly (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.)
No. 13 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Andrew Perelka (Brecksville, Ohio)
No. 15 Jakob Camacho (Danbury, Ct.) vs. No. 4 Matthew Parker (Pennridge, Pa.)

126:
No. 5 Nick Raimo (Hanover Park, N.J.) vs. No. 16 (at 120) Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.)
Sam Book (Robinson, Va.) vs. No. 15 Daniel Planta (St. Paul's, Md.)
No. 12 Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Matthew Marino (Garnet Valley, Pa.)
Levi Englman (Colonial Forge, Va.) vs. No. 16 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.)

132:
No. 6 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Robet Garcia ()
No. 19 Andrew Wert (Central Dauphin, Pa.) vs. K.J. Fenstermacher (Northampton, Pa.)
No. 16 Quinn Kinner (Kingsway Regional, N.J.) vs. Shawn Orem (Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.)
Mac Garofalo (Colonial Forge, Va.) vs. Marshall Keller (Christiansburg, Va.)

138:
No. 13 Gerard Angelo (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Clay Smith (Colonial Forge, Va.)
Evan Deluise (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) vs. Jared Papcsy (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.)
Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Nathan Thacker (Gonzaga, D.C.)
Trace Kinner (Kingsway Regional, N.J.) vs. Malcom Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.)

145:
Trey Howard (Waynesburg, Pa.) vs. Josh Wyland (Benedictine Prep, Va.)
Ethan Krause (Georgetown Prep, Md.) vs. Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.)
Jake Hinkson (North Allegheny, Pa.) vs. Chase Archangelo (Smyrna, Del.)
Ricky Cabanillas (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) vs. No. 17 (at 152) Phil Conigliaro (Belmont Hill, Mass.)

152:
No. 2 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Matt Laird (Eastern View, Va.)
No. 8 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. John Manning (Villanova, Ontario)
Brock Wilson (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.)
Austin Wilkerson (Brookville, Va.) vs. No. 7 Shane Griffith (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)

160:
Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Jared Lough (Colonial Forge, Va.)
Josh Stillings (Pennridge, Pa.) vs. No. 11 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.)
No. 5 Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.) vs. Joe Koontz (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
Ryan Zeiner (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. No. 7 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.)

170:
No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Justin Henry (Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.)
No. 15 Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. No. 13 Bryan McLaughlin (Woodbridge, N.J.)
Dalen Tiongson (St. Paul's, Md.) vs. Leo Tarantino (Blair Academy, N.J.)
Michael Battista (Broad Run, Va.) vs. Dom Mandarino (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.)

182:
No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. Stanley Smeltzer (Smithfield, Va.)
J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio) vs. No. 14 Drew Peck (Chambersburg, Pa.)
No. 8 A.J. Pedro (Phillips Exeter, N.H.) vs. Jack Parr (St. Paul's, Md.)
Zach Brown (Eastern View, Va.) vs. No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.)

195:
No. 3 Brandon Kui (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) vs. Brian Bonino (Paramus, N.J.)
Colin McCracken (Waynesburg, Pa.) vs. No. 11 Jake Woodley (North Allegheny, Pa.)
No. 4 John Borst (Sherando, Va.) vs. Joseph Miller (Salesanium, Del.)
Tony Wuest (Smyrna, Del.) vs. Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.)

220:
No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Chris Kober (Haverford Prep, Pa.)
No. 8 Francis Duggan (Cedar Cliff, Pa.) vs. Robert Melise (Phillipsburg, N.J.)
Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.) vs. Joe Soreco (DePaul Catholic, N.J.)
Brian Wallace (Clarke County, Va.) vs. No. 20 Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.)

285:
No. 7 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Jay'Juan Jones ()
P.J. Mustipher (McDonogh, Md.) vs. No. 17 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.)
No. 8 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) vs. Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
Alex LaGrippo (Woodbridge, N.J.) vs. Eric Pilcher (Tilton, N.H.)]]>81755Sun, 18 Dec 2016 03:52:52 +0000Beast of the East Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/beast-of-the-east-preview-r81747/Patrick Glory won a Super 32 Challenge belt in the fall (Photo/Rob Preston)
This Saturday and Sunday marks the 24th edition of the Beast of the East. No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.) is prohibitively favored to win its 21st title in this tournament, which would be a 17th consecutive championship in the event. Wrestling starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Saturday with the round of 16 slated for about 6:30 p.m. on that day. The second day of competition starts at 8:30 a.m. with the quarterfinals, semifinals slated for around 11:15 a.m., and the top eight placement matches scheduled for 3:15 p.m.

Joining the top in the nation Buccaneers in the 90-plus team field are eight other nationally ranked teams: No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), No. 8 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.), No. 9 Malvern Prep (Pa.), No. 12 Nazareth (Pa.), No. 15 Elyria (Ohio), No. 27 Brecksville (Ohio), No. 45 North Allegheny (Pa.), and No. 46 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.)

In terms of the team standings, a number of the key teams will be competing short-handed. Bergen Catholic is expected to be missing No. 20 Josh McKenzie (195), a returning state placer; Nazareth is absent returning Beast champion Sammy Sasso (145), ranked No. 3 nationally at that weight class; and Elyria is without Ironman placer Mick Burnett (106) and Super 32 placer Tristan Brady (160).

Four returning Beast of the East champions headline the field, as do eight competitors who finished second in the tournament last year. Two wrestlers ranked first in the country, along with six ranked second nationally are in the field as well. In total, 47 nationally ranked wrestlers populate the field, led by the six at 120 pounds.

Below is a weight-by-weight overview of the field.

106: Five nationally ranked wrestlers populate this opening weight class, led by UWW Cadet World champion Kurt McHenry (St. Pauls, Md.), who was runner-up last year in this weight class as a very undersized wrestler. No. 5 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) was a Cadet National freestyle champion this summer in Fargo, and won the Walsh Ironman this past weekend. Other nationally ranked wrestlers include a trio of freshmen from New Jersey: No. 14 Anthony Clark (Delbarton), Cadet freestyle runner-up Justin Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep), and Walsh Ironman placer No. 19 Nick Incontera (Blair Academy).

113: Three nationally ranked wrestlers sit atop the field, including defending Beast of the East champion Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.); he is the top seed and ranked No. 9 in the nation. No. 10 Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) is the second seed after his Walsh Ironman title this past weekend; while the freshman phenom Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) is ranked No. 2 in the nation after his Super 32 Challenge runner-up finish, but is the third seed in this weight class.

Additional wrestlers to watch include National Prep runner-up Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep, Pa.), returning Beast placer Kyle Kaiser (Paramus, N.J.), and Cadet freestyle All-American (Elyria, Ohio). Also among the field are at least five other state champions.

120: Six wrestlers that are nationally ranked appear in this weight class, though two are ranked down at 113 pounds. Leading the way here is returning champion Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.), who is ranked No. 3 nationally and the tournament's top seed. The next two seeds are No. 4 Matthew Parker (Pennridge, Pa.) and No. 13 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.); Parker is a two-time state placer, including his runner-up finish this past season, while Super 32 placer Anderson was runner-up at the Ironman.

Also ranked are 2015 Super 32 Challenge runner-up JoJo Aragona (Pope John, N.J.), who is No. 7 nationally at 113; Super 32 placer Jakob Camacho (Danbury, Ct.), No. 15 in the country at this weight class; along with Logan Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), a Super 32 placer down at 113 and No. 13 nationally in that weight class.

Other stars in the field include Junior National freestyle All-American Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.), Super 32 placer Killian Cardinale (Brentsville, Va.), multi-time state placer Chris Wright (Central Dauphin, Pa.), Ironman placer Ryan O'Grady (Nazareth, Pa.), and freshman phenom Connor O'Neill (DePaul Catholic, N.J.). At least another pair of state champions are present in this field. Not among the seeds would be state medalist Lucas Revano (Camden Catholic, N.J.), though it is only a guess that he would be in this weight class.

126: Five wrestlers that are nationally ranked, including the top four seeds, are present in the field. Leading the way is two-time Cadet National double champion Nick Raimo (Hanover Park, N.J.), who is ranked No. 5 nationally; rounding out the top four seeds are No. 16 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.), a National Prep champion; No. 12 Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.), state champ as a freshman; and No. 15 Daniel Planta (St. Paul's, Md.), a three-time National Prep placer. Also ranked nationally is Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.), a Super 32 placer down at 120 who is ranked No. 16 in the country at that weight class.

Others to watch include two-time state placer Carmen Ferrante (Bergen Catholic, N.J.); at least three multi-time state champions, a group led by Colin Gerardi (Powhatan, Va.); at least three other state champions, led by Levi Englman (Colonial Forge, Va.); as well as state medalist Daniel Percelay (DePaul Catholic, N.J.). Not seeded but worth a watch, if in this weight class, is NHSCA Junior Nationals placer Jake Cherry (Central Dauphin, Pa.).

132: Three nationally ranked wrestlers are present in this weight class, led by No. 6 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.), the tournament's top seed and a Junior National freestyle All-American. Other ranked wrestlers include No. 16 Quinn Kinner (Kingsway Regional, N.J.), a two-time state placer and two-time Flo Nationals placer; along with No. 19 Andrew Wert (Central Dauphin, Pa.), a 2015 state placer and 2015 Super 32 placer.

Additional wrestlers to watch in this weight class are Flo Nationals placer Marshall Keller (Christiansburg, Va.), Super 32 placer K.J. Fenstermacher (Northampton, Pa.), UWW Cadet freestyle All-American Marco Regalbuto (Brecksville, Ohio), along with at least four other state champions.

138: The lone nationally ranked wrestler in this weight is No. 13 Gerard Angelo (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), the tournament's top seed and a runner-up last year in the 120 pound weight class at this event. Others to note in this weight class include two-time National Prep placers Malcolm Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.) and Nathan Thacker (Gonzaga, D.C.), three-time state placer Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.), National Prep placer P.J. Crane (Malvern Prep, Pa.), and 2015 state placer Trace Kinner (Kingsway Regional, N.J.).

145: The absence of No. 3 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.), the defending champion at 138 pounds, certainly opens up the field in this weight class. Though seeded second, the lone wrestler ranked nationally in this weight is No. 17 (at 152) Phil Conigliaro (Belmont Hill, Mass.); the Junior National freestyle All-American is a two-time National Prep placer. The top seed in this weight class is returning Beast of the East runner-up Nicholas Santos (St. Peter's Prep), also a New Jersey state placer.

Other contenders include two-time state placer Jake Hinkson (North Allegheny, Pa.), three-time National Prep placer Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.), National Prep placer Ethan Krause (Georgetown Prep, Md.), two-time state champion Chase Archangelo (Smyrna, Del.), Cadet freestyle All-American Brian Meyer (Phillipsburg, N.J.), and two-time National Prep placer Josh Wyland (Benedictine Prep, Va.).

152: A trio of nationally ranked wrestlers is led by returning Beast of the East champion David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), who is ranked second nationally. Two-time New Jersey state champion Shane Griffith (Bergen Catholic) is ranked No. 7 nationally and the second seed, while No. 8 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.) is the fifth seed; Ramirez lost a 15-9 decision to Carr in the Ironman semifinal, squandering an 8-2 second period lead in the process.

Other contenders include state runner-up Brock Wilson (Nazareth, Pa.), National Prep placers John Manning (Villanova, Ontario) and Bailey Thomas (Bood Counsel, Md.), three-time state qualifier Will Kaldes (Cumberland Valley, Pa.), freshman phenom Gerrit Nijenhuis (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), along with at least three additional state champions.

160: The top seed in this weight class is returning Beast of the East champion Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), who won the title down four weight classes; this fall he placed fifth in this weight class at the Super 32. Three wrestlers in this weight class are nationally ranked, and the next three seeds on the ladder: No. 7 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.), a runner-up at this tournament last year; No. 5 Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.), who won the Super 32 title at 160 pounds; and No. 11 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.), a National Prep champion and last weekend a runner-up at the Ironman.

Other contenders include NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Josh Stillings (Pennridge, Pa.), 2015 state placer Joe Koontz (Massillon Perry, Ohio), two-time state placer Jared Lough (Colonial Forge, Va.), state qualifier Quentin Milliken (Cumberland Valley, Pa.), Super 32 placer Skitch Light (Central Dauphin, Pa.), along with at least three other state champions.

170: The top two seeds in this weight class were both runners-up at the Beast of the East last year, No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) and No. 5 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.); they also met in the finals at the Walsh Ironman this past week, with Labriola winning a 6-3 decision victory. Two others are nationally ranked in this weight class, No. 13 Bryan McLaughlin (Woodbridge, N.J.) and Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio); the pair of Super 32 placers are seeded fifth and sixth.

Other contenders include multi-time state placer Dom Mandarino (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) and Leo Tarantino (Blair Academy, N.J.), National Prep runner-up Dale Tiongson (St. Paul's, Md.), along with a pair of 2015 state champions including Michael Battista (Broad Run, Va.).

182: Four nationally ranked wrestlers headline the field in this weight class, including the pair of wrestlers that met in the Ironman final this past weekend, No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) and No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.); Beard, a runner-up last year at the Beast, won that match by 17-9 major decision. Also ranked nationally in this weight class are No. 8 A.J. Pedro (Phillips Exeter, N.J.), a Junior National freestyle All-American, and a Super 32 placer in No. 14 Drew Peck (Chambersburg, Pa.).

Others to watch include two-time state placer J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio); state placers Zack Blackiston (Massillon Perry, Ohio) and L.J. Castellano (Delbarton, N.J.); National Prep placers David Schultz (Mt. St. Joseph's, Md.) and Carter Davis (St. Christopher's, Va.); along with state champion Stanley Smeltzer (Smithfield, Va.).

195: Three nationally ranked wrestlers populate the field in this weight class, led by No. 3 Brandon Kui (DePaul Catholic, N.J.), the tournament's top seed. Seeded third is No. 4 John Borst (Sherando, Va.), a Super 32 champion and Junior National freestyle runner-up, while No. 11 Jake Woodley (North Allegheny, Pa.) is seeded fourth. The second seed is three-time state placer Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.), last year's National Prep runner-up at 220 pounds.

Others to watch include Junior National double All-American Miles Lee (New Philadelphia, Pa.), state placer Colin McCracken (Waynesburg, Pa.), a pair of Delaware state champions, 2015 National Prep placer Brian Hennessey (St. John's, D.C.), and state runner-up Robert Henesey (Poquoson, Va.).

220: Three wrestlers are nationally ranked in what is an overall robust weight at the Beast of the East, especially for an upper-weight. The top two seeds are No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.), champion at the Ironman last week and runner-up at the Beast of the East last year; along with No. 20 Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.), a Junior National double All-American this summer. Seeded fifth is No. 8 Francis Duggan (Cedar Cliff, Pa.), a two-time lower placer at state and a Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer.

Other contenders include National Prep placer Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.), two-time state placer Robet Melise (Phillipsburg, N.J.), Super 32 placers Joe Soreco (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) and Peter Acciardi (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), along with state placer Devin Fontznez (Saucon Valley, Pa.).

285: Four nationally ranked wrestlers feature in this weight class led by Ironman champion Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), the tournament's top seed and the No. 7 wrestler in the country. Rounding out the top four seeds are No. 12 Eric Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), No. 8 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), and No. 17 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.). Other contenders include National Prep placer P.J. Mustipher (McDonogh, Md.) and Super 32 champion Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.).]]>81747Fri, 16 Dec 2016 05:02:07 +0000Cole Sanderson new head coach at Woods Cross High School in Utahhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/cole-sanderson-new-head-coach-at-woods-cross-high-school-in-utah-r81721/
Cole Sanderson
Cole Sanderson, like his younger brother Cael who is head coach at Penn State, is now at the helm of the wrestling program at Woods Cross High School in his native Utah.

Until taking on the coaching job at Woods Cross, Cole Sanderson had coached at nearby TECH Wrestling Club, where some of the participating wrestlers were also on the Wood Cross Wildcat mat squad. When Cole saw that there was an opening at Woods Cross, he jumped at the opportunity to move into high school coaching.

"[The wrestlers at TECH] were always very respectful and expressed gratitude for my help," he told the Davis Clipper. "When I found out that Woods Cross was losing their coach, I decided to take the position."

Woods Cross, a 1,300-student public high school for grades 10-12, has three returning wrestlers who placed at the Utah state championships last year.

Like his brothers Cael and Cody, Cole Sanderson wrestled at Iowa State, where he was a four-time NCAA qualifier. He was also a four-time placer at the Big 12 conference championships, placing third at 142 pounds in 1998, third at 149 in 1999, third at 157 in 2000, and runner-up at 157 as a senior in 2001. In addition to being a four-time letterwinner for the Cyclones, Cole was an Academic All-American.]]>81721Mon, 12 Dec 2016 04:08:33 +0000Michigan high school wrestler dies after emergency at schoolhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/michigan-high-school-wrestler-dies-after-emergency-at-school-r81720/
The junior was found unresponsive in a locker room while preparing for wrestling practice. His teammates contacted school staff. Emergency responders arrived at the school, then transported him to University of Michigan Hospital in nearby Ann Arbor.

The cause of Estrada's death has not been made public.

Estrada was a multi-sport athlete for the Saline Hornets. In addition to wrestling at heavyweight, he was also a defensive lineman on the football team, and a thrower for the men's track and field team.

"Ryan will be remembered for his humor, his big smile, his love of University of Michigan athletics, and his gregarious personality," Saline Superintendent of Schools Scot Graden wrote in an email to Saline High parents Saturday. "Our hearts and thoughts go out to Ryan's family, friends and teachers."

Athletic director Kirk Evenson wrote the following message on the school's athletics website:

"He will be missed dearly by his friends, coaches and teammates," Evenson said. "Our thoughts are with his family! Ryan will forever be a Hornet!"

Funeral arrangements had not yet been announced as of Saturday evening.]]>81720Mon, 12 Dec 2016 02:08:42 +0000Hovis, Lee among shining stars at Walsh Ironman, Blair runs away with titlehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/hovis-lee-among-shining-stars-at-walsh-ironman-blair-runs-away-with-title-r81706/ No. 3 Quentin Hovis knocked off No. 1 David Carr 5-2 in the finals at 152 pounds (Photo/Rob Preston)
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio -- Year-over-year the Walsh Jesuit Ironman is a tournament where the best wrestlers come out for show. This year was no exception with five wrestlers ranked first in the country at their respective weight class in the field, along with eighteen of the nation's top 50 high school teams. In addition, just under 70 nationally ranked wrestlers were in the field, with multiple weight classes having five or more ranked wrestlers present.

All that being said, the lead story on this Saturday was the number of upsets during the course of the event, along with the number of high-level and high-entertainment finals bouts.

Not all five wrestlers ranked first in the country coming into the tournament finished first in their weight class at the event. At 152 pounds, No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) upended No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) 5-2 in the championship match.

With the score tied at 1-1 early in the third period, Hovis used a bundle to throw Carr to his back for a takedown and two near-fall points. That result avenged a 4-3 win that Carr had last year in the Beast of the East final. In the semifinal round, Hovis beat No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) 2-1 in the tiebreaker.

In addition, a pair of wrestlers not ranked nationally entering the event emerged with weight class titles; furthermore, neither wrestler was a state champion last season, as each finished second at state. Both Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) and Moises Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) had to beat three nationally ranked wrestlers on Saturday to earn their championships at 113 and 138 pounds respectively.

In order to reach the final at 113 pounds, Tagg scored a 10-1 major decision over No. 14 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) in the quarterfinal before upsetting No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio) 3-1 in the tiebreaker during the semifinal round on a reversal. Trailing 4-3 in the third period of his championship bout against No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.), Tagg put the St. John Bosco wrestler to his back to secure the fall in 4:42.

Guillen had a pair of razor tight matches on Saturday to reach the championship match, starting with a 3-2 decision over No. 7 Corey Shie (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio) in the quarterfinal that was keyed by a second period takedown. In the semifinal match, a 3-1 victory over No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.), Guillen used a takedown midway through the third period to score the winning points.

The 138-pound championship match was an action-packed affair, starting off with a first period that ended scoreless; however, the period one big scramble where either wrestler could have gotten big points. Guillen opened up the scoring with an escape in the second period, and then the wrestlers traded takedowns with Guillen getting the late takedown in the second; Matthews would get an escape and takedown to take the lead midway through the third, but Guillen escaped to level the score. In the sudden victory period, Guillen came on top of an excellent scramble to capture the Ironman title.

Also beating a trio of wrestlers to win a Walsh Jesuit Ironman title on Saturday were No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) and No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio), champions at 132 and 160 pounds respectively.

Donathan started his day with a 10-7 win over No. 6 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), which was keyed by a big four-point move midway through the first period. His semifinal match was a more clear and decisive 10-4 victory over No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.)

In the final, Donathan would face No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), who won the Ironman two years ago at 113 pounds as a freshman. The match, which started the evening's program, was tied at 1-1 after regulation with the wrestlers trading escapes at the start of the second and third periods. Donathan would counter a Moore upper-body attack with a throw-by and low-level attack for the finish to win 3-1 in the sudden victory period.

Poullas opened his Saturday of wrestling with a 3-1 victory over No. 10 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.), a match decided by a takedown at the edge late in the first period. The semifinal match was then a 6-3 victory over No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), before drawing No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.) in the championship bout.

Poullas scored a takedown and a penalty point in the first period, along with his choice escape in the second period, to go up 4-1; Merola would then level the match with about 1:20 to go after an escape and takedown to start the third period. Poullas was let loose, so Merola could go after the go-ahead takedown; however, Poullas fended off the attacks and scored a counter of his own to win 7-4.

Four nationally ranked wrestlers also made their way to the top of the podium at this tournament: Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) at 126 pounds, Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) at 182, Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) at 195, and Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) at 220.

Lee advanced to the final with a second period pin, a pair of second period technical falls, and a 5-0 victory over No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.). The Iowa commit is viewed as the best senior in the country, and wrestled in the main event bout of the finals program against No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.).

Silva emerged in the final via a pair of wins over nationally ranked wrestlers via late scores during the Saturday morning session; 6-3 over No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.) on a four-point move in short time, while it was a takedown with 30 seconds left in regulation against No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio).

Lee scored a takedown in each period against a very game Silva, who did penetrate the legs of Lee throughout the match, though the attacks were ultimately fended off on most occasions. However, Silva did score a very late takedown finished by a cradle. The final score was Lee winning 7-3 for his third Walsh Ironman title, a performance that yielded him the Outstanding Wrestler award.

Beard was dominant in the final against the lone nationally ranked wrestler that he faced in the tournament, winning by 17-9 major decision over No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.). Beard scored three takedowns in the first and third periods respectively, while accruing a pair of takedowns in the middle period of the bout.

Warner navigated his way through a weight class that had no other nationally ranked wrestlers in it bereft of true challenge. The Iowa commit gave up a grand total of one point from four matches, as he won by 16-0 technical fall, 9-1 major decision, 11-0 major decision, and a 7-0 decision in the final against Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio).

Singletary was the lone champion for No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. The Buccaneers dominated their way to the tournament title with 196 points on the strength of ten placers. Their 88-1/2 point margin of victory over No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio, which happened to have zero finalists, is the third most in tournament history. It is the biggest since December 2003 when Blair Academy out-pointed Brandon (Fla.) 273-to-183, while the largest in tournament history is when St. Edward amassed a tournament record 297 points in December 1999 to Blair Academy's 200.

The championship match for Singletary was a 4-2 decision over No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.). Singletary used a quick takedown early in the third period to push ahead from a 1-1 tie. Schultz would escape thereafter to cut it to 3-2, but was hit for a penalty point late in the bout to confirm the final margin.

One of two teams to emerge with multiple champions on Saturday evening was No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. The Hawks struck gold with No. 2 Michael Labriola (170) and No. 19 Niko Camacho (285). Labriola dominated No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.) by 18-6 major decision the semifinal before a 6-3 victory over No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.) in the final; it was two second period takedowns for Labriola that separated the championship bout after a scoreless first period. While for Camacho it was a takedown with close to 30 seconds remaining off a single-leg attack to beat Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.) 3-2; Camacho had earned a 5-3 semifinal victory over No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep.)

Rounding out the weight class champions at the 2016 edition of the Walsh Ironman was No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) at 106 pounds, No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) at 120, and No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) at 145; Tagg and Bartlett are among the top overall freshmen nationally.

Julian Tagg won a trifecta of super narrow matches on Saturday in his journey to Ironman gold. In the quarterfinal, it was a 3-2 ultimate tiebreaker victory over No. 13 Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio); the wrestlers traded escapes in regulation and tiebreaker, but the fact Tagg got his regulation escape in the second period enabled him to choose down and escape in the ultimate tiebreaker.

The semifinal was decided when Tagg scored a takedown at about five seconds left in regulation to score a 4-3 win over fellow freshman Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio). No. 8 Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) rallied from a 5-2 deficit after two periods to take Tagg to overtime in the championship bout, but Tagg came through in the sudden victory period with a takedown to win 7-5.

Bartlett, the nation's top overall freshman, was in for a battle on Saturday night against No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.). Bartlett gave up an escape very late in regulation, which extended the match to overtime; however, Bartlett was able to prevail when he secured a takedown for the 6-4 sudden victory result.

Sasso cut through the field like a knife through hot butter. He earned a pair of pins that were sandwiched to the outside of three major decisions. Included in those major decisions was a 10-2 result over No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) in the semifinal round. The finals match was a pin in 2:45 against No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), who had upended No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio) 3-1 in the semifinal round.

Sasso and Rider wrestled to a scoreless first period, as were the first four finals of the evening program (132-to-152). Sasso then escaped to start the second and got a takedown to the back from the fall. He earned the Major Ray Mendoza Award at tournament's end for amassing the most team points of any wrestler.

Team Scores:
1. No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 196 (10 placers)
2. No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio 127.5 (5)
3. No. 4 Lake Highland Prep, Fla. 118 (7)
4. No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio 116 (4)
5. No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic HS, Pa. 115.5 (3)
6. No. 8 Malvern Prep, Pa. 109.5 (3)
7. No. 33 Brecksville, Ohio 87.5 (2)
8. No. 12 Olentangy Liberty, Ohio 85 (4)
9. No. 11 Nazareth, Pa. 79.5 (3)
10. No. 16 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. 78.5 (4)
11. Massillon Perry, Ohio 74 (3)
12. No. 14 Poway, Calif. 73.5 (2)
13. No. 30 Montini Catholic, Ill. 72.5 (3)
14. No. 23 Washington, Ill. 64 (2)
15. Mason, OH 60 (1)

Other nationally ranked teams: T-18) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 55 (3 placers), (20) No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. 51 (2), (22) No. 18 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. 48.5 (2), (27) No. 45 Broken Arrow, Okla. 41 (2), (33) No. 24 Pomona, Colo. 31 (1)

106:
1st: No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. No. 8 Lucas Byrd (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), 7-5 OT
3rd: No. 13 Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) dec. Nick Incontera (Blair Academy, N.J.), 3-2
5th: No. 12 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) by injury default over Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio)
7th: Jacob Allen (Poway, Calif.) dec. No. 3 Mosha Schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 8-3

113:
1st: Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) pinned No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.), 4:42
3rd: No. 16 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio), 6-3
5th: No. 14 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Brakan Mead (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 6-4
7th: No. 18 Nate Keaton (Circleville, Ohio) by forfeit over Jacob Dunlop (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.)

120:
1st: No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), 6-4 OT
3rd: Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio) pinned Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.), 4:50
5th: Julian Sanchez (Genoa, Ohio) dec. No. 15 Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.), 3-1 OT
7th: No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) dec. Ryan O'Grady (Nazareth, Pa.), 4-0

126:
1st: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) dec. No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)
3rd: No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. No. 8 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 5-3 OT
5th: No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) dec. Matt Kazimir (St. Edward, Ohio), 4-3
7th: No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Hunter Kosco (Canal Fulton Northwest, Ohio), 6-2

132:
1st: No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) dec. No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 3-1 OT
3rd: No. 8 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 9 Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio), 8-2
5th: No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) pinned Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.), 3:32
7th: No. 6 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) maj. dec. Chris Deloza (Clovis North, Calif.), 12-3

138:
1st: Moises Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) dec. No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.), 7-5 OT
3rd: Malcolm Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.), 4-2 OT
5th: Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, Ill.) dec. Gage Grunden (Defiance, Ohio), 4-2
7th: J.D. Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) technical fall Alfonso Martinez (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 16-0 2:54

145:
1st: No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) pinned No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), 2:46
3rd: No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio), 6-2 TB
5th: No. 17 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.), 3-2
7th: Jake Marsh (Marysville, Ohio) dec. Jake Polka (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 4-3

152:
1st: No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) dec. No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 5-2
3rd: No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) dec. No. 7 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.), 2-1
5th: No. 13 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) dec. No. 10 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.), 3-2
7th: Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.) maj. dec. Kai Bele (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), 10-0

160:
1st: No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio) dec. No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.), 7-4
3rd: No. 5 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.) dec. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham), 3-2
5th: No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) maj. dec. Joe Koontz (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 10-0
7th: Caleb Wise (Broken Arrow, Okla.) by injury default over No. 10 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.)

170:
1st: No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) dec. No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 6-3
3rd: Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio) dec. Trevor Lawson (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 3-1 OT
5th: No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.), 3-2
7th: No. 20 Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio) pinned Gavin Wilkerson (Reynolds, Pa.), 3:12

182:
1st: No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) maj. dec. No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.), 17-9
3rd: Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio) maj. dec. Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius), 12-1
5th: J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio) dec. Trevor Nichelson (Ashland-Greenwood, Neb.), 4-1
7th: Joel Leise (Reynolds, Pa.) dec. Cole Fitzpatrick (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 4-3

195:
1st: No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) dec. Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio), 7-0
3rd: Kavan Sarver (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.), 3-2
5th: Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.) by injury default over Cody Howard (St. Edward, Ohio)
7th: Dillon Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. Angel Solis (Lemoore, Calif.), 3-2

220:
1st: No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.), 4-2
3rd: No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward, Ohio) dec. Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.), 3-1
5th: Dylan Thorp (Oak Harbor, Ohio) dec. No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio), 6-4, overtime
7th: No. 20 Ben Goldin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.), 2-1 TB

285:
1st: No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) dec. Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 3-2
3rd: No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) dec. No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 6-2
5th: Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.) dec. Austin Gillham (Sultana, Calif.), 1-0
7th: Jon Spaulding (Lakota East, Ohio) dec. Jordan Earnest (Wadsworth, Ohio), 4-2 UTB]]>81706Sun, 11 Dec 2016 05:59:57 +0000Walsh Ironman: Final Team Scores and Placewinnershttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-final-team-scores-and-placewinners-r81704/Blair Academy claimed the team title at the Walsh Ironman (Photo/Rob Preston)
The 2016 edition of the Walsh Jesuit Ironman sponsored by The Chevy Network and Marhoffer Chevrolet came to its conclusion on Saturday night. Below are the final team standings.

1. No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 196 (10 placers)
2. No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio 127.5 (5)
3. No. 4 Lake Highland Prep, Fla. 118 (7)
4. No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio 116 (4)
5. No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic HS, Pa. 115.5 (3)
6. No. 8 Malvern Prep, Pa. 109.5 (3)
7. No. 33 Brecksville, Ohio 87.5 (2)
8. No. 12 Olentangy Liberty, Ohio 85 (4)
9. No. 11 Nazareth, Pa. 79.5 (3)
10. No. 16 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. 78.5 (4)
11. Massillon Perry, Ohio 74 (3)
12. No. 14 Poway, Calif. 73.5 (2)
13. No. 30 Montini Catholic, Ill. 72.5 (3)
14. No. 23 Washington, Ill. 64 (2)
15. Mason, OH 60 (1)

Other nationally ranked teams: T-18) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 55 (3 placers), (20) No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. 51 (2), (22) No. 18 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. 48.5 (2), (27) No. 45 Broken Arrow, Okla. 41 (2), (33) No. 24 Pomona, Colo. 31 (1)

Here were the results for all the medal matches. Championship and consolation finals, along with fifth place, were wrestled on Saturday night; while the seventh place bout was wrestled in the afternoon session.

106:
1st: No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) dec. No. 8 Lucas Byrd (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), 7-5 OT
3rd: No. 13 Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) dec. Nick Incontera (Blair Academy, N.J.), 3-2
5th: No. 12 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) by injury default over Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio)
7th: Jacob Allen (Poway, Calif.) dec. No. 3 Mosha Schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 8-3

113:
1st: Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) pinned No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.), 4:42
3rd: No. 16 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio), 6-3
5th: No. 14 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. Brakan Mead (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 6-4
7th: No. 18 Nate Keaton (Circleville, Ohio) by forfeit over Jacob Dunlop (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.)

120:
1st: No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), 6-4 OT
3rd: Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio) pinned Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.), 4:50
5th: Julian Sanchez (Genoa, Ohio) dec. No. 15 Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.), 3-1 OT
7th: No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) dec. Ryan O'Grady (Nazareth, Pa.), 4-0

126:
1st: No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) dec. No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)
3rd: No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) dec. No. 8 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.), 5-3 OT
5th: No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) dec. Matt Kazimir (St. Edward, Ohio), 4-3
7th: No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. Hunter Kosco (Canal Fulton Northwest, Ohio), 6-2

132:
1st: No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) dec. No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), 3-1 OT
3rd: No. 8 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 9 Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio), 8-2
5th: No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) pinned Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.), 3:32
7th: No. 6 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) maj. dec. Chris Deloza (Clovis North, Calif.), 12-3

138:
1st: Moises Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) dec. No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.), 7-5 OT
3rd: Malcolm Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.), 4-2 OT
5th: Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, Ill.) dec. Gage Grunden (Defiance, Ohio), 4-2
7th: J.D. Stickley (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) technical fall Alfonso Martinez (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), 16-0 2:54

145:
1st: No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) pinned No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), 2:46
3rd: No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) dec. No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio), 6-2 TB
5th: No. 17 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.), 3-2
7th: Jake Marsh (Marysville, Ohio) dec. Jake Polka (Marmion Academy, Ill.), 4-3

152:
1st: No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) dec. No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 5-2
3rd: No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) dec. No. 7 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.), 2-1
5th: No. 13 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) dec. No. 10 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.), 3-2
7th: Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.) maj. dec. Kai Bele (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), 10-0

160:
1st: No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio) dec. No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.), 7-4
3rd: No. 5 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.) dec. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham), 3-2
5th: No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) maj. dec. Joe Koontz (Massillon Perry, Ohio), 10-0
7th: Caleb Wise (Broken Arrow, Okla.) by injury default over No. 10 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.)

170:
1st: No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) dec. No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 6-3
3rd: Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio) dec. Trevor Lawson (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 3-1 OT
5th: No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.), 3-2
7th: No. 20 Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio) pinned Gavin Wilkerson (Reynolds, Pa.), 3:12

182:
1st: No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) maj. dec. No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.), 17-9
3rd: Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio) maj. dec. Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius), 12-1
5th: J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio) dec. Trevor Nichelson (Ashland-Greenwood, Neb.), 4-1
7th: Joel Leise (Reynolds, Pa.) dec. Cole Fitzpatrick (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), 4-3

195:
1st: No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) dec. Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio), 7-0
3rd: Kavan Sarver (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) dec. Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.), 3-2
5th: Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.) by injury default over Cody Howard (St. Edward, Ohio)
7th: Dillon Ryan (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) dec. Angel Solis (Lemoore, Calif.), 3-2

220:
1st: No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) dec. No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.), 4-2
3rd: No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward, Ohio) dec. Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.), 3-1
5th: Dylan Thorp (Oak Harbor, Ohio) dec. No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio), 6-4, overtime
7th: No. 20 Ben Goldin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) dec. Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.), 2-1 TB

285:
1st: No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) dec. Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.), 3-2
3rd: No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) dec. No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 6-2
5th: Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.) dec. Austin Gillham (Sultana, Calif.), 1-0
7th: Jon Spaulding (Lakota East, Ohio) dec. Jordan Earnest (Wadsworth, Ohio), 4-2 UTB]]>81704Sun, 11 Dec 2016 04:33:00 +0000Walsh Ironman: Saturday Morning/Afternoon Notebookhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-saturday-morningafternoon-notebook-r81698/
Those wrestlers starting the day in consolation had to win two bouts to place, while those in the quarters need one win before losing two bouts to finish within the top eight and get a placement finish. Medal matches for first, third, and fifth place start at 6:00 p.m.

Final Team Scores through session two:
1. No. 1 Blair Academy, NJ 182.0
2. No. 3 St. Edward. OH 121.5
3. No. 6 St. Paris Graham HS, OH 114.0
4. No. 9 Bethlehem Cathollic HS (PA) 107.5
5. No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (FL) 107.0
6. No. 8 Malvern Prep, PA 104.5
7. No. 12 Olentangy Liberty (OH) 83.0
8. No. 33 Brecksville, OH 75.5
9. No. 16 Wyoming Seminary, PA 74.5
10. No. 11 Nazareth Area HS (PA) 73.5
11. Perry (Massillon) H.S., OH 72.0
12. No. 14 Poway HS (CA) 69.5
13. No. 30 Montini Catholic, IL 68.5
14. No. 23 Washington, IL 60.0
15. Reynolds, PA 58.0

Other Ranked Teams - (tied 18th) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 51, (20) No. 18 Oak Park River Forest, Fla. 46.5, (22) No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. 45, (tied 25th) No. 45 Broken Arrow, Okla. 41, (32) No. 24 Pomona, Colo. 31

Semifinal notes:

285 - Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.) rode No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) out in the second period, first part of 30/30, and in the ultimate TB to win 2-1. His opponent will be No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Cahtolic, Pa.) who earned a 5-3 win over No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.)

220 - No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) wins 5-0 over No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio), while No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.) beats No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward, Ohio) 3-0.

195 - No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) and Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio) were both decisive winners in the semifinal round.

182 - Both semifinals end in major decision with a top five matchup in the final, No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.) Beard over J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio), Stefanik over Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius, Ohio).

170 - No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.) with a 3-1 overtime decision over No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.). LHP goes 1-3 in the semifinal round, Silva the only winner. No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) torching No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.), it's a final score of 18-6. BECA 2-for-2 so far in semis, with 285 left.

160 - No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio) beats No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) 6-3. No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.) with a 2-1 tiebreaker win over Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio). Blair running a frontal assault on the team race.

152 - No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) rallies from the grave down for a second straight match. Trailed 8-2 after one and was in deep trouble of a No. 7 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.) attack. Got takedown to the back at end of second, then a takedown and two turns in the third to win 15-9. No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Colo.) will advance to the final with a 2-1 tiebreaker win over No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio).

145 - No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.) with a takedown in the third period at about :45 left in the bout, beats No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio) 3-1. No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) separated the margin with a five point move at the end of the first period in a 10-2 win over No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.)

138 - No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) with the 8-2 win over Gage Grunden (Defiance, Ohio). Moises Guillen (Perrysburg) beats his second ranked wrestler today, late takedown in the third period to beat No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) 3-1.

132 - No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) got the pancake off the elevator at the 1:08 mark against Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.). The other finalist is No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) a 10-4 winner over No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), key move was a four-point elevator.

126 - No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) beats a very game No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) 5-0. Takedowns in first and third periods. No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) late takedown and great mat returns thereafter for a 6-4 decision over No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio).

120 - No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) with the late takedown to beat Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.) 3-1. No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) with a statement win over Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio) 14-6, seven takedowns to none.

113 - No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.) beats No. 16 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.) 6-3 on a takedown and near falls at about :05 left in the bout. Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) with a second upset on the day as he beats No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa) 3-1 in the tiebreaker, reversall in the first portion of 30/30.

106 - No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) with the 4-3 decision over Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio). Tagg takedown with about :05 left in the bout after Burnett scored at the edge on a first period takedown. Takedowns in the second and third period propel No. 8 Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) to 6-3 victory over No. 12 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Semifinal pairings and quarterfinal notes:

285 - No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) vs. Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.), No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Cahtolic, Pa.) vs. No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.)

220 - No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio), No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward, Ohio) vs. No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.)

Sullivan 5-0 over No. 20 Goldin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

195 - No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) vs. Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.), Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio) vs. Cody Howard (St. Edward, Ohio)

182 - No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio), No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius, Ohio)

Russell 11-4 over No. 20 Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.)

170 - No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.), No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Blair Academy, N.J.)

Rogers beat No. 20 Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio) 5-1

160 - Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio) vs. No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Merola beat No. 17 Nick Kiussis (Brunswick, Ohio) 6-2, Poullas by 3-1 score over No. 10 Luke Troy (MLK, Calif.)

152 - No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. No. 7 Julian Ramirez (BLair Academy, N.J.), No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) vs. No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.)

Ramirez with a pin from neutral in the second period against No. 13 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), Brady beat No. 10 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.) 5-2 with takedowns in the first and third period.

145 - No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio) vs. No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.)

Lewan wins 3-2 over No. 17 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

138 - No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) vs. Gage Grunden (Defiance, Ohio), No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) vs. Moises Guillen (Perrysbug, Ohio)

Guillen upset No. 7 Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio) 3-2

132 - No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.), No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio)

Joint 3-2 over No. 9 Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio) with a reversal in third and rideouts in the second and third. Willits 2-1 over No. 8 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) on a late reversal. Donathan 10-7 over No. 6 Jason Renteria (OPRF, Ill.)

126 - No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) vs. No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Madrigal 8-4 over No. 10 Real Woods (Montini, Ill.), Silva 6-3 over No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.) on takedown and subsquent turn in last minute.

120 - No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.), No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio)

Anderson with the 3-0 win over No. 19 COltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.). Second period rideout and late takedown in third period.

113 - No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. No. 16 Michael Coliaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.), Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio) vs. No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio)

Tagg beat nationally ranked wreslter Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) by 10-1 major decision.

106 - Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio), No. 8 Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) vs. No. 12 Ryan Chuavin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Tagg beat fellow nationally ranked Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) 3-2 in the ultimate tiebreaker, all scores were escapes. Burnett beat No. 3 Mosha schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 6-3 with takedowns late in the first and third periods.

Updated team scores at the start of Saturday morning wrestling:
1) No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 76 (9 quarterfinalists/2 consolation)
2) No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio 68.5 (5/4)
3) No. 4 Lake Highland Prep, Fla. 62 (6/4)
4) No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio 58.5 (3/6)
5) No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. 56.5 (3/3)
(tie) No. 8 Malvern Prep, Pa. (3/4)
7) No. 12 Olentangy Liberty, Ohio 53 (4/3)
8) No. 14 Poway, Calif. 48 (3/3)
9) No. 16 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. 45.5 (3/3)
10) No. 30 Montini Catholic, Ill. 40.5 (3/2)
11) No. 33 Brecksville, Ohio 38.5 (2/3)
12) Massillon Perry, Ohio 37 (2/5)
13) Mason, Ohio 35.5 (1/4)
14) No. 11 Nazareth, Pa. 34 (2/2)
(tie) No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. (4/1)
(tie) Reynolds, Pa. (2/2)

Other nationally ranked teams: (18) No. 23 Washington, Ill. 32 (3/0), (20) No. 18 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. 31.5 (2/2), (23-tied) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 28 (3/0), (25-tied) No. 24 Pomona, Colo. 27 (2/2), (30-tied) No. 45 Broken Arrow, Okla. 18 (1/1)]]>81698Sat, 10 Dec 2016 14:01:11 +0000Walsh Ironman: Day 1 Notebookhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-day-1-notebook-r81689/
Today's wrestling will set up the quarterfinals slated to start at a.m. Saturday, and pare the field down to 16 total wrestlers in each weight class. Wrestlers in consolation need two wins to place, while those in the quarters need one win before two losses.

No. 1 in the nation Blair Academy, N.J. leads the way with NINE quarterfinalists. Next in line is No. 4 Lake Highland Prep, Fla. with six and No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio with five.

Team Scores (quarterfinalists/consolation in parentheses):
1) No. 1 Blair Academy, N.J. 76 (9/2)
2) No. 3 St. Edward, Ohio 68.5 (5/4)
3) No. 4 Lake Highland Prep, Fla. 62 (6/4)
4) No. 6 St. Paris Graham, Ohio 58.5 (3/6)
5) No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. 56.5 (3/3)
(tie) No. 8 Malvern Prep, Pa. (3/4)
7) No. 12 Olentangy Liberty, Ohio 53 (4/3)
8) No. 14 Poway, Calif. 48 (3/3)
9) No. 16 Wyoming Seminary, Pa. 45.5 (3/3)
10) No. 30 Montini Catholic, Ill. 40.5 (3/2)
11) No. 33 Brecksville, Ohio 38.5 (2/3)
12) Massillon Perry, Ohio 37 (2/5)
13) Mason, Ohio 35.5 (1/4)
14) No. 11 Nazareth, Pa. 34 (2/2)
(tie) No. 21 Pueblo County, Colo. (4/1)
(tie) Reynolds, Pa. (2/2)

Other nationally ranked teams: (18) No. 23 Washington, Ill. 32 (3/0), (20) No. 18 Oak Park River Forest, Ill. 31.5 (2/2), (23-tied) No. 15 Elyria, Ohio 28 (3/0), (25-tied) No. 24 Pomona, Colo. 27 (2/2), (30-tied) No. 45 Broken Arrow, Okla. 18 (1/1)

Quarterfinal pairings (and notes):

285 - No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio) vs. Jordan Earnest (Wadsworth, Ohio), Mason Giordano (Canfield, Ohio) vs. Trenton Lieurance (Broken Arrow, Okla.); No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.), Jon Spaulding (Lakota East, Ill.) vs. No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.)

220 - No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. Jace Punke (Washington, Ill.), No. 20 Ben Goldin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio); No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward) vs. Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.), Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.) vs. No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.)

Schultz was extended to the tiebreakers, but advanced with a 7-2 victory over Christopher Middlebrooks (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)

195 - No. 1 Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) vs. Kavan Sarver (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Sam Stoll (Milan Edison, Ohio) vs. Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.); Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio) vs. Angel Solis (Lemoore, Calif.), Cody Howard (St. Edward, Ohio) vs. Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.)

Howard rallied from a big deficit to beat state champion Zach Marcheselli (Broken Arrow, Okla.) in overtime.

182 - No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.) vs. Austin Cooley (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), Trevor Nichelson (Ashland-Greenwood, Neb.) vs. J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio); No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio), Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius) vs. No. 20 Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.)

170 - No. 2 Michael Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Trevor Lawson (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), Gavin Wilkerson (Reynolds, Pa.) vs. No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.); No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. No. 20 Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio), Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.)

Baughman survived in the tiebreaker, 6-5 against 2015 state champion Michael Battista (Broad Run, Va.). Soehnlen and Karoly both won one point decisions.

160 - No. 7 Max Wohlabaugh (Winter Springs, Fla.) vs. Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), No. 17 Nick Kiussis (Brunswick, Ohio) vs. No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.); No. 10 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.) vs. No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio), No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Cody Surratt (Wadsworth, Ohio)

Surratt upset No. 5 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.) 2-1 in the round of 16.

152 - No. 1 David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Bryce Marcus (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.), No. 13 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. No. 7 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.); No. 10 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.) vs. No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), Jason Romero (Pomona, Colo.) vs. No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.)

145 - No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio) vs. Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.), Trey Grenier (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) vs. No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.); No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. No. 17 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), Kevon Freeman (Lake Catholic, Ohio) vs. No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.)

Grenier upset No. 12 Gus Solomon (Franklin Regional, Pa.) 4-1 in the round of 16.

138 - No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.) vs. Sam Dover (St. Edward, Ohio), Gage Grunden (Defiance, Ohio) vs. Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, Ill.); No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) vs. Malcolm Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.), Moises Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio) vs. No. 7 Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio)

Grunded upset No. 20 Jacob Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.) 6-5 in the round of 16 with a late escape.

132 - No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Chris Deloza (Clovis North, Calif.), Gary Joint (Lemoore, Colo.) vs. No. 9 Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio); No. 8 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)

126 - No. 1 Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) vs. Hunter Kosco (Canal Fulton Northwest, Ohio), No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.) vs. No. 9 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.); No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) vs. Chase Zollman (Poway, Calif.), No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Kosco pinned No. 14 Jaden Abas (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.) in the round of 16 at the 4:58 mark, while Zollman beat No. 12 Jack Davis (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 5-0 in that same round. Madrigal and Woods both won narrow matches in the round, Madrigal 3-2 over freshman Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) and Woods upended Matt Kazimir (St. Edward, Ohio) 2-0.

120 - No. 9 Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Logan Heil (Brunswick, Ohio), Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.) vs. Lukus Stricker (Akron Hoban, Ohio); No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) vs. No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), Nathan Bonham (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio)

Andonian pinned No. 15 Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.) in the round of 16 at the 5:51 mark. He was up by a major decision margin at the time.

113 - No. 12 Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.) vs. Jacob Dunlop (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.), Brakan Mead (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) vs. No. 16 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.); No. 14 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.) vs. Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio), Josiah Nava (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio)

Vasquez pinned No. 18 Nate Keaton (Circleville, Ohio), the tournament's champion last year at 106 pounds in just over a minute in the round of 16. Dunlop upended Super 32 placer Matthew Cardello (CVCA, Ohio) in that same round by a 4-3 score. Also in that round, Colaiocco beat freshman phenom Andrew Cerniglia (Nazareth, Pa.) 4-2, and Tagg beat National Prep runner-up Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep, Pa.) 2-1.

106 - No. 3 Mosha Schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) vs. Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio), No. 13 Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio) vs. No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio); No. 8 Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) vs. Jacob Allen (Poway, Calif.), Nick Incontera (Blair Academy, N.J.) vs. No. 12 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

Big result there was Allen upsetting No. 16 Angelo Rini (St. Edward, Ohio) 6-5 in the round of 16.

Some of the top teams had key wrestlers not part of their lineups:
-St. Paris Graham missing two-time state champion Rocky Jordan (152) and state medalist Jordan Crace (113/120)
-Olentangy Liberty missing three-time state champion Kyle Lawson (160), along with two other middle-weights, one a state qualifier and the other a former Cadet freestyle All-American.
-Oak Park River Forest was without two-time state medalist Jamie Hernandez (138/145) and another state placer
-Pueblo County was without Junior National double finalist Brendon Garcia (106) and another state champion
-Pomona was missing Cadet National double All-American Theorius Robison (138), two other placers, and a state qualifier due to their state football runner-up finish last weekend
-Broken Arrow was missing returning state champion Skyler Haynes (195/220)]]>81689Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:59:35 +0000Walsh Ironman Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/walsh-ironman-preview-r81681/Spencer Lee will be looking to win his third Walsh Ironman title in three tries (Photo/Robbert Wijtman‎)
The 23rd edition of the Walsh Jesuit Ironman sponsored by The Chevy Network and Marhoffer Chevrolet comes this Friday and Saturday in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Competition starts at 1 p.m. (ET) on Friday with wrestling up to the quarterfinal round. Saturday's quarterfinal round starts at 10 a.m. with the semifinals to follow; while consolation rounds up to the consolation finals, as well as seventh place matches, occur in that same session. Matches for first, third, and fifth place commence from 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

Without a doubt the nation's best in-season high school wrestling tournament, this field features eighteen nationally ranked teams and 71 nationally ranked wrestlers. Included in that is an absurd ten of the nation's top 15 teams and fifteen of the top 24 in the rankings, as well as five individuals ranked number one in the country and six others ranked within the top three at their weight class.

From the standpoint of the team race, No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.) is the strong favorite to return to the team championship at the Walsh Ironman after a two-year hiatus. Should the Buccaneers win the title, it would be their 13th title in 23 editions of the tournament. They feature seven nationally ranked wrestlers, as well as ten top eight seeds in total.

In terms of top eight-to-ten seeds, No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) has the next most with seven, while No. 2 St. Edward (Ohio), No. 6 St. Paris Graham (Ohio), and No. 21 Pueblo County (Colo.) have five each; No. 12 Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), No. 16 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), and No. 30 Montini Catholic (Ill.) have four each.

The following represents a weight-by-weight breakdown based on wrestlers entered in the field as of Wednesday afternoon.

Link to preliminary seeds - http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/17166

106: Six nationally ranked wrestlers anchor the field in this weight class, and they are the top six seeds. In order of preliminary seeding position: No. 3 Mosha Schwartz (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 12 Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), No. 8 Lucas Byrd (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), No. 6 Julian Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio), No. 13 Jacob Decatur (CVCA, Ohio), and No. 16 Angelo Rini (St. Edward, Ohio); Schwartz placed fourth in this weight class last year at the Ironman.

Others to watch include a trio of Cadet National freestyle All-Americans in Dylan Ragusin (Montini Catholic, Ill.), Wyatt Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.), and Tim Levine (St. John Bosco, Calif.); as well as Preseason Nationals champion Mick Burnett (Elyria, Ohio).

113: The top four preliminary seeds are nationally ranked, along with all having placed within the top five at last year's Ironman at 106 pounds, listed in seed order: No. 18 Nate Keaton (Circleville, Ohio), No. 7 Dylan D'Emilio (Genoa, Ohio), No. 14 Joey Melendez (Montini Catholic, Ill.), and No. 16 Michael Colaiocco (Blair Academy, N.J.). In last year's Ironman, Keaton upset D'Emilio for the tournament title, while Melendez and Colaiocco placed third and fifth respectively. Also ranked nationally in this weight class is freshman Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco), No. 12 in the rankings but a lower weed in this tournament.

Two other wrestlers in this weight class return from placing last year at the Ironman in the 106 pound weight class, Jacob Dunlop (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.) and state runner-up Gabe Tagg (Brecksville, Ohio). Others to watch include a quartet of two-time state medalists in Brakan Mead (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), Josiah Nava (Pueblo County, Colo.), Caleb Yates (Anthony Wayne, Ohio), and Matthew Cardello (CVCA, Ohio); National Prep runner-up Shane Hanson-Ashworth (Malvern Prep, Pa.); Preseason Nationals placer P.J. Ogunsanya (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.); Cadet National freestyle All-American Dylan Shawver (Elyria, Ohio); and top 25 overall freshman Andrew Cerniglia (Nazareth, Pa.).

120: In testimony to the overall elite quality of this tournament, the presence of just four nationally ranked wrestlers puts it in the lower third in terms of high-end quality. With that being said, there is an excellent and balanced field present, led by the nation's best overall freshman Beau Bartlett (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), who is the top seed and ranked No. 9 nationally in this weight class.

Additional nationally ranked wrestlers are seeded second, third, and sixth at present: No. 15 Mike Madara (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 19 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.), and No. 16 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.). Four returning Ironman placers also populate this weight class: Christian Nunez (St. John Bosco, Caif.), two-time Junior National Greco champion Dack Punke (Washington, Ill.), Julian Sanchez (Genoa, Ohio), and Lukus Stricker (Akron Hoban, Ohio); Nunez was at 106 last year, while the other were at 113.

Additional state champions in this weight class include Brandon Fenton (Elyria, Ohio), Bryce Andonian (St. Edward, Ohio), Noah Castillo (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), and Joseph Otero (Montini Catholic, Ill.); while another wrestler meriting attention is top 50 overall sophomore Jordan Crace (St. Paris Graham, Ohio).

126: Along with the 160 pound weight class, this is the most robust weight class of the tournament, as it features eight nationally ranked wrestlers. Among those is the nation's best high school wrestler Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.), who won this tournament as a freshman and sophomore before missing out last season due to injury. Ranked No. 1 in the nation at this weight, he is a three-time UWW world freestyle champion at 50 kilograms, winning as a Cadet in 2014 and a Junior the last two years.

Other nationally ranked wrestlers going in seed order from second through eighth include No. 4 Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), No. 6 Jordan Decatur (CVCA, Ohio), No. 9 Real Woods (Montini Catholic, Ill.), No. 8 Anthony Madrigal (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.), No. 12 Jack Davis (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), No. 15 Chris Cannon (Blair Academy, N.J.), and No. 14 Jaden Abas (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.); Silva is a two-time Super 32 Challenge champion, Decatur a two-time Cadet National freestyle champion, and Woods won the Ironman last year at 113 pounds.

While the presence of this many nationally ranked wrestlers kind of limits the attention for others in the field, they do bring strong credentials to the table. Among the wrestlers to earn Cadet National freestyle All-American honors are three-time state placer Hunter Kosco (Canal Fulton Northwest, Ohio), Ryan Moore (Walton-Verona, Ky.), and two-time state champion Alex Cruz (Orting, Wash.). Chase Zollman (Poway, Calif.) is a two-time state placer and UWW Cadet freestyle All-American, while a trio of potential bracket busting freshmen are Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), Elan Heard (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), and Dustin Morgillo (Genoa, Ohio).

132: Six nationally ranked wrestlers anchor this weight class, and all reside among the top seven seeds. The top four seeds are each nationally ranked, listed in seed order: No. 3 Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), No. 6 Jason Renteria (Oak Park River Forest Ill.), No. 8 Zach Sherman (Blair Academy, N.J.), and No. 9 Allan Hart (St. Edward, Ohio); Moore was champion at the Ironman in 2014, while Renteria finished runner-up in 2013. Also ranked nationally in this weight class are No. 12 Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) and No. 16 Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.).

Other notables in this weight class include Junior National freestyle All-American Gary Joint (Lemoore, Calif.), multi-time state champions Mason Wohltman (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) and Marshall Keller (Christiansburg, Va.), two-time Junior National folkstyle runner-up Chris Deloza (Clovis North, Calif.), and top 25 overall freshman Fidel Mayora (Montini Catholic, Ill.).

138: Four nationally ranked wrestlers anchor this weight class, including the top three seeds, listed in seed order: No. 18 Cole Matthews (Reynolds, Pa.), No. 7 Corey Shie (Cincinnati LaSalle, Ohio), and No. 9 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.); Matthews finished runner-up at 126 pounds in last year's Ironman, while Aronoff placed fourth in this weight class. Seeded fifth is No. 20 Jacob Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.).

Others notables in this weight class include returning Ironman placer Anthony Cheloni (Marmion Academy, Ill.), also a two-time state placer; three-time state placers Moises Guillen (Perrysburg, Ohio), Brady Barnett (Milan Edison, Ohio), and Justin Davis (Pueblo County, Colo.); two-time National Prep placer Malcolm Robinson (Blair Academy, N.J.); top 50 overall sophomore Sam Dover (St. Edward, Ohio); along with top 25 overall freshmen in Alfonso Martinez (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) and Sonny Santiago (St. John Bosco, Calif.).

145: Six nationally ranked wrestlers anchor this weight class, and they are the top six seeds, listed in seed order: No. 3 Dom Demas (Dublin Coffman, Ohio), No. 4 Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.), No. 10 Will Lewan (Montini Catholic, Ill.), No. 8 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.), No. 12 Gus Solomon (Franklin Regional, Pa.), and No. 17 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.); Lewan was Ironman runner-up down at 138 last year, while Solomon has placed at Ironman the last two years.

Others to note in this weight class include three-time National Prep placer Quinn Devaney (McDonogh, Md.); two-time state placers Sandro Ramirez (Wauseon, Ohio) and Zach Hartman (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.); returning state placers Trey Grenier (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) and Jake Marsh (Marysville, Ohio); along with top 25 overall freshman Nevan Snodgrass (Kettering Fairmont, Ohio).

152: Seven nationally ranked wrestlers lead the way in this weight class, including defending champion David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), who is seeded first and ranked No. 1 in the country. The other six nationally ranked wrestlers, listed in seed order: No. 3 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.), No. 10 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.), No. 7 Julian Ramirez (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 12 Rocky Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), No. 13 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), and No. 15 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio); Jordan and Ramirez also placed at the Ironman last year.

Others to note in this weight class include two-time state finalists Jason Romero (Pomona, Colo.) and Nick Giantonio (Christiansburg, Va.), state runner-up Brock Wilson (Nazareth, Pa.), and National Prep placer Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.).

160: Eight nationally ranked wrestlers make this an absurdly talented weight class, and those wrestlers occupy the top eight seed positions, in seed order: No. 4 Kyle Lawson (Olentangy Libety, Ohio), No. 7 Max Wohlabaugh (Winter Springs, Fla.), No. 5 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.), No. 10 Luke Troy (Martin Luther King, Calif.), No. 12 Andrew Merola (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 17 Nick Kiussis (Brunswick, Ohio), No. 16 Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio), and No. 20 Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.); Wohlabaugh was a runner-up in both styles at Junior Nationals this summer in Fargo, while Kiussis is the only returning Ironman placer in this weight class.

Others to watch in this weight class include Preseason Nationals runner-up Ryan Thomas (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), a two-time state placer; two-time state champion Ben Gore (Orting, Wash.); two-time state placers Mason Smith (Walton Verona, Ky.) and Luke Sorboro (Rootstown, Ohio); Super 32 Challenge placer Tristan Brady (Elyria, Ohio); and Flo Nationals placer Aaron Olmos (Mater Dei Catholic, Calif.).

170: Five nationally ranked wrestlers feature in this weight class, including the top four seeds. Those top four seeds, in seed order: No. 2 Mikey Labriola (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.), No. 7 Ryan Karoly (Malvern Prep, Pa.), No. 5 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), and No. 14 Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.); Karoly was a Cadet National double champion this summer and is the lone returning Ironman placer in this weight class, while Rogers was champion at the Super 32 Challenge. Also ranked nationally is two-time state placer Joey Baughman (Wadsworth, Ohio), at No. 20 in the country.

Others to watch include multi-time state placers Thomas Lambiotte (Parkersburg South, W.Va.), Leonardo Tarantino (Blair Academy, N.J.), and David Crawford (Canfield, Ohio); state runner-up Trevor Lawson (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio); Super 32 Challenge placer Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio); 2015 state champion Michael Battista (Broad Run, Va.); along with Cadet National double All-American Jake Hendricks (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.).

182: As is normal on a year-to-year basis, the concentration of nationally elite wrestlers in the upper-weights tends to be less than in the lower and middle-weights. No exception this year in this weight class, as just three nationally ranked wrestlers are among the field. They occupy the top three seed lines, in order of seed: No. 1 Michael Beard (Malvern Prep, Pa.), No. 20 Chasen Blair (Rancho Bernardo, Calif.), and No. 5 Travis Stefanik (Nazareth, Pa.); Beard and Blair are two of four wrestlers in this weight class field that also placed last year in this weight class.

Joining those two as returning Ironman placers are two-time state placer J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio) and returning state placer Tyler Stepic (St. Edward, Ohio). Others to watch include two-time state champion Trevor Nichelson (Ashland Greenwood, Neb.), two-time state placer Hunter DeLong (Parkersburg South, W.Va.), state champion Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius, Ohio), state placers Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio) and Gage Braun (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Cadet National freestyle All-American Austin Cooley (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.), and National Prep placer Carter Davis (St. Christopher's, Va.).

195: Returning Ironman runner-up Jacob Warner (Washington, Ill.) is a UWW Cadet World freestyle bronze medalist. The University of Iowa early signee is one of the nation's best Class of 2017 wrestlers, and is ranked first nationally in this weight class. However, he is the lone ranked wrestler in this field, which makes him an almost prohibitive favorite.

Others to note in this weight class include three-time state/National Prep placer Nick Mosco (Blair Academy, N.J.), returning Walsh Ironman placer Aaron Naples (Brunswick, Ohio), two-time state placers Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.) and Tony Banister (Wauseon, Ohio), state champions Josiah Gittman (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) and Zach Marcheselli (Broken Arrow, Okla.), along with state placers Kavan Sarver (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) and Cody Howard (St. Edward, Ohio).

220: Five nationally ranked wrestlers are the top seeds in what is a rather deep weight class, especially for upper-weights at the Walsh Ironman. Listed in seed order they are No. 1 Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.), No. 2 Cohlton Schultz (Ponderosa, Colo.), No. 6 Jared Campbell (St. Edward, Ohio), No. 13 Ben Sullivan (National Trail, Ohio), and No. 20 Ben Goldin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.). Singletary was Ironman champion last year at 195; Schultz was runner-up in this weight class last year as a freshman, and is also the top overall sophomore in the country; while Campbell is also a returning Ironman placer.

Others to watch include two-time state/National prep placer Brady Daniel (Good Counsel, Md.); two-time state champion Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.), a Junior National double All-American this summer; returning state placers Johnny Shafer (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), Quinton Mincy (Walnut Hills, Ohio), and Jace Punke (Washington, Ill.).

285: A trio of nationally ranked wrestlers are present in this weight class, while occupying the top three seed positions, listed in seed order: No. 4 Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), No. 8 Seth Janney (Malvern Prep, Pa.), and No. 19 Niko Camacho (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.); Vough was champion of the Ironman in 2014, while Janney placed at 220 pounds in last year's tournament.

Others to watch include 2014 Ironman placer Trenton Lieuance (Broken Arrow, Okla.), a two-time state placer; state runner-up Wade Wheeler (Amherst County, Va.) and Louden Haga (Pakersburg South, W.Va.); state placers Jake Levengood (Vacaville, Calif.) and Jon Spaulding (Lakota East, Ohio); National Prep placer P.J. Mustipher (McDonogh, Md.); and 2014 Ironman placer D.T. Badley (St. Christopher's, Va.).]]>81681Thu, 08 Dec 2016 08:18:35 +0000Preliminary Seeds released for this weekend's Walsh Jesuit Ironmanhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/preliminary-seeds-released-for-this-weekends-walsh-jesuit-ironman-r81673/
Link to seeds - http://walshjesuitironman.com/2016-seeds/

Below is the list of the seeded wrestlers. National ranking per InterMat (as of Wednesday, December 7) is noted in parentheses after the wrestler.

106 pounds
1. Mosha Schwartz - Wyoming Seminary, PA (ranked 3rd nationally)
2. Ryan Chauvin - Lake Highland, Prep (12th nationally)
3. Lucas Byrd - Cincinnati LaSalle, OH (8th nationally)
4. Julian Tagg - Brecksville, OH (6th nationally)
5. Jacob Decatur - CVCA, OH (13th nationally)
6. Angelo Rini - St. Edward, OH (16th nationally)
7. Tucker Windland - Parkersburg South, WV
8. Jacob Allen - Poway, CA
9. Dylan Ragusin - Montini Catholic, IL
10. Mick Burnett - Elyria, OH
11. Wyatt Yapoujian - Pomona, CO
12. Tim Levine - St. John Bosco, CA
13. Oscar Sanchez - Genoa Area, OH
14. Dalton Harkins - Malvern Prep, PA
15. Andrew Smith - Nazareth, PA
16. Blake Saito - Olentangy Liberty, OH

113 pounds
1. Nate Keaton - Circleville, OH (ranked 18th nationally)
2. Dylan D'Emilio - Genoa Area, OH (7th nationally)
3. Joey Melendez - Montini Catholic, IL (14th nationally)
4. Michael Colaiocco - Blair Academy, NJ (16th nationally)
5. Brakan Mead - Olentangy Liberty, OH
6. Gabriel Tagg - Brecksville, OH
7. Josiah Nava - Pueblo County, CO
8. Jacob Dunlop - Belle Vernon Area, PA
9. Caleb Yates - Anthony Wayne, OH
10. Matthew Cardello - CVCA, OH
11. Shane Hanson-Ashworth - Malvern Prep, PA
12. Beau Bayless - Reynolds, PA
13. PJ Ogunsanya - Oak Park-River Forest, IL
14. Dylan Shawver - Elyria, OH
15. Ben Buhler - Tampa Prep, FL
16. Jesse Vasquez - St. John Bosco, CA (12th nationally)

120 pounds
1. Beau Bartlett - Wyoming Seminary, PA (ranked 9th nationally)
2. Mike Madara - Blair Academy, NJ (15th nationally)
3. Colton Yapoujian - Pomona, CO (19th nationally)
4. Lukus Stricker - Akron Hoban, OH
5. Dack Punke - Washington, IL
6. Ryan Anderson - Bethlehem Catholic, PA (16th nationally)
7. Tyler Lawley - Broken Arrow, OK
8. Alex Cruz - Orting, WA
9. Xander Whitehurst - Christiansburg, VA
10. Ronnie Pietro - Vandalia Butler, OH
11. King Sandoval - St. Mary's Ryken, MD
12. Brendon Fenton - Elyria, OH
13. Colin Schuster - Mason, OH
14. Julian Sanchez - Genoa Area, OH
15. Bryce Andonian - St. Edward, OH
16. Christian Nunez - St. John Bosco, CA

126 pounds
1. Spencer Lee - Franklin Regional, PA (ranked 1st nationally)
2. Joey Silva - Lake Highland Prep, FL (4th nationally)
3. Jordan Decatur - CVCA, OH (6th nationally)
4. Real Woods - Montini Catholic, IL (9th nationally)
5. Anthony Madrigal - Oak Park-River Forest, IL (8th nationally)
6. Jack Davis - Wyoming Seminary, PA (12th nationally)
7. Chris Cannon - Blair Academy, NJ (15th nationally)
8. Jaden Abas - Rancho Bernardo, CA (14th nationally)
9. Hunter Kosco - Canal Fulton Northwest, OH
10. Ryan Moore - Walton-Verona, KY
11. Chase Zollman - Poway, CA
12. Mario Ybarra - Scottsbluff, NE
13. Matt Kazimir - St. Edward, OH
14. Tyler Delaware - Washington, IL
15. Luke Martin - Parkersburg South, WV
16. Jeffrey Thomas - St. Paris Graham, OH

132 pounds
1. Mitch Moore - St. Paris Graham, OH (ranked 3rd nationally)
2. Jason Renteria - Oak Park-River Forest, IL (6th nationally)
3. Zach Sherman - Blair Academy, NJ (8th nationally)
4. Allan Hart - St. Edward, OH (9th nationally)
5. Gary Joint - Lemoore, CA
6. Grant Willits - Pueblo County, CO (16th nationally)
7. Zack Donathan - Mason, OH (12th nationally)
8. Mason Wohltman - Lake Highland Prep, FL
9. Chris Deloza - Clovis North, CA
10. Derek Fisher - Pleasant Grove, UT
11. Marshall Keller - Christiansburg, VA
12. Dylan Martinez - Grand Junction, CO
13. Cole Polluconi - Monarch, CO
14. Job Greenwood - Poudre, CO
15. Lamonte Chapman - Fremont Ross, OH
16. Scott Kiyono - Poway, CA

138 pounds
1. Cole Matthews - Reynolds, PA (ranked 18th nationally)
2. Corey Shie - Cincinnati LaSalle, OH (7th nationally)
3. Grant Aronoff - St. Thomas Aquinas, FL (9th nationally)
4. Anthony Cheloni - Marmion Academy, IL
5. Jacob Greenwood - Poudre, CO (20th nationally)
6. Malcolm Robinson - Blair Academy, NJ
7. Moises Guillen - Perrysburg, OH
8. Sam Dover - St. Edward, OH
9. Brady Barnett - Milan Edison, OH
10. Justin Davis - Pueblo County, CO
11. Nicholas Taylor - Broad Run, VA
12. Gage Grunden - Defiance, OH
13. P.J. Crane - Malvern Prep, PA
14. Carson Kharchilava - Olentangy Liberty, OH
15. Blaize Punke - Washington, IL
16. Joe Romero - Lemoore, CA

145 pounds
1. Dom Demas - Dublin Coffman, OH (ranked 3rd nationally)
2. Sammy Sasso - Nazareth, PA (4th nationally)
3. Will Lewan - Montini Catholic, IL (10th nationally)
4. Josiah Rider - Grand Junction, CO (8th nationally)
5. Gus Solomon - Franklin Regional, PA (12th nationally)
6. Jake Brindley - Lake Highland Prep, FL (17th nationally)
7. Ben Rodriguez - Scottsbluff, NE
8. Quinn Devaney - McDonogh, MD
9. Sandro Ramirez - Wauseon, OH
10. Kevon Freeman - Lake Catholic, OH
11. Zach Hartman - Belle Vernon Area, PA
12. Josh Wyland - Benedictine College Prep, VA
13. Trey Grenier - Olentangy Liberty, OH
14. Benny Baker - Wyoming Seminary, PA
15. Dalton Jensen - Washington, IL
16. Joey Sanchez - St. Paris Graham, OH

152 pounds
1. David Carr - Massillon Perry, OH (ranked 1st nationally)
2. Quentin Hovis - Poway, CA (3rd nationally)
3. Anthony Artalona - Tampa Prep, FL (10th nationally)
4. Julian Ramirez - Blair Academy, NJ (7th nationally)
5. Rocky Jordan - St. Paris Graham, OH (12th nationally)
6. Hunter Willits - Pueblo County, CO (13th nationally)
7. Connor Brady - Olentangy Liberty, OH (15th nationally)
8. Jason Romero - Pomona, CO
9. Nick Giantonio - Christiansburg, VA
10. Bryce Marcus - St. Thomas Aquinas, FL
11. Brock Wilson - Nazareth, PA
12. Bailey Thomas - Good Counsel, MD
13. Kyle Goin - Washington, IL
14. Jake Huston - Oak Harbor, OH
15. Matthew Ortiz - Montini Catholic, IL
16. Brock Godzin - Belle Vernon, PA

160 pounds
1. Kyle Lawson - Olentangy Liberty, OH (ranked 4th nationally)
2. Max Wohlabaugh - Winter Springs, FL (7th nationally)
3. Hunter Bolen - Christiansburg, VA (5th nationally)
4. Luke Troy - Martin Luther King, CA (10th nationally)
5. Andrew Merola - Blair Academy, NJ (12th nationally)
6. Nick Kiussis - Brunswick, OH (17th nationally)
7. Georgio Poullas - Canfield, OH (16th nationally)
8. Erich Byelick - Lake Highland Prep, FL (20th nationally)
9. Ryan Thomas - St. Paris Graham, OH
10. Ben Gore - Orting, WA
11. Mason Smith - Walton Verona, KY
12. Caleb Wise - Broken Arrow, OK
13. Luke Sorboro - Rootstown, OH
14. Nate Jimenez - Marmion Academy, IL
15. Joe Koontz - Massillon Perry, OH
16. Mike Carpenter - St. Edward, OH

170 pounds
1. Mikey Labriola - Bethlehem Catholic, PA (ranked 2nd nationally)
2. Ryan Karoly - Malvern Prep, PA (7th nationally)
3. Bryce Rogers - Lake Highland Prep, FL (5th nationally)
4. Casey Cornett - Simon Kenton, KY (14th nationally)
5. Thomas Lambiotte - Parkersburg South, WV
6. Joey Baughman - Wadsworth, OH (20th nationally)
7. Leonardo Tarantino - Blair Academy, NJ
8. David Crawford - Canfield, OH
9. Trevor Lawson - Olentangy Liberty, OH
10. Emil Soehnlen - Massillon Perry, OH
11. Michael Battista - Broad Run, VA
12. Jake Hendricks - Wyoming Seminary, PA
13. Nolan Krone - Pomona, CO
14. Keysean Amison - Sandusky Perkins, OH
15. Brendan Price - Elyria, OH
16. Michael Baker - Cincinnati LaSalle, OH

182 pounds
1. Michael Beard - Malvern Prep, PA (ranked 1st nationally)
2. Chasen Blair - Rancho Bernardo, CA (20th nationally)
3. Travis Stefanik - Nazareth, PA (5th nationally)
4. J.T. Brown - Elyria, OH
5. Trevor Nichelson - Ashland Greenwood, NE
6. Hunter DeLong - Parkersburg South, WV
7. Tyler Stepic - St. Edward, OH
8. Kaden Russell - St. Ignatius, OH
9. Austin Cooley - Wyoming Seminary, PA
10. Carter Davis - St. Christopher's, VA
11. Jared Ball - Hilliard Davidson, OH
12. Gage Braun - St. Paris Graham, OH
13. Erik Eva - Christiansburg, VA
14. Zach Blackiston - Massillon Perry, OH
15. Mark Kimbrell - Kettering Fairmont, OH
16. Nathan Tausch - Poway, CA

195 pounds
1. Jacob Warner - Washington, IL (ranked 1st nationally)
2. Nick Mosco - Blair Academy, NJ
3. Aaron Naples - Brunswick, OH
4. Danny Salas - St. John Bosco, CA
5. Tony Banister - Wauseon, OH
6. Donovan Rincon - Pueblo County, CO
7. Josiah Gittman - St. Thomas Aquinas, FL
8. Zach Marcheselli - Broken Arrow, OK
9. Kavan Sarver - St. Paris Graham, OH
10. Ty Kwak - Christiansburg, VA
11. Cody Howard - St. Edward, OH
12. Angel Solis - Lemoore, CA
13. Sam Stoll - Milan Edison, OH
14. Jody Crouse - Bethlehem Catholic, PA
15. Jaret Lester - Akron SVSM, OH
16. Flynn Leaf - Malvern Prep, PA

220 pounds
1. Chase Singletary - Blair Academy, NJ (ranked 1st nationally)
2. Cohlton Schultz - Ponderosa, CO (2nd nationally)
3. Jared Campbell - St. Edward, OH (6th nationally)
4. Ben Sullivan - National Trail, OH (13th nationally)
5. Ben Goldin - Lake Highland Prep, FL (20th nationally)
6. Brady Daniel - Good Counsel, MD
7. Jeffrey Allen - Amherst County, VA
8. Johnny Shafer - St. Paris Graham, OH
9. Jace Punke - Washington, IL
10. Quinton Mincy - Walnut Hills, OH
11. Clay McComas - Wadsworth, OH
12. Isaiah Jones - Benedictine College Prep, VA
13. David Aranda - St. John Bosco, CA
14. Dillon Thorp - Oak Harbor, OH
15. Christopher Middlebrooks - Oak Park Rive Forest, IL
16. Billy Korber - Belle Vernon Area, PA

285 pounds
1. Kevin Vough - Elyria, OH (ranked 4th nationally)
2. Seth Janney - Malvern Prep, PA (8th nationally)
3. Niko Camacho - Bethlehem Catholic, PA (19th nationally)
4. Trenton Lieurance - Broken Arrow, OK
5. Wade Wheeler - Amherst County, VA
6. Jake Levengood - Vacaville, CA
7. Jon Spaulding - Lakota East, OH
8. Louden Haga - Parkersburg South, WV
9. P.J. Mustipher - McDonogh, MD
10. DT Badley - St. Christopher's, VA
11. Austin Gillham - Sultana, CA
12. Mason Giordano - Canfield, OH
13. Zach D'Anna - Brecksville, OH
14. Adam Robison - Washington, IL
15. Jalen Lea - Good Counsel, MD
16. Mike McNicholas - Montini Catholic, IL]]>81673Wed, 07 Dec 2016 17:56:57 +0000Key events on high school wrestling calendar in 2016-17https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/key-events-on-high-school-wrestling-calendar-in-2016-17-r81551/The Walsh Ironman, one of the nation's premier events ,takes place December 9-10 (Photo/Rob Preston)
With the regular season of high school wrestling coming upon us in just over two weeks, here is a list of some of the key events and dates of the 2016-17 year, based on there being multiple nationally ranked teams present at the event.

Thursday 12/1:
No. 35 Shakopee (Minn.) at No. 39 Apple Valley (Minn.) -- dual meet

Saturday 12/3:
**Gardner-Edgerton (Kansas) Invtiational -- No. 34 Southeast Polk (Iowa), No. 47 Broken Arrow (Okla.)
**Winona (Minn.) Invitational -- No. 33 Kasson-Mantorville, No. 39 Apple Valley

Friday 12/9 and Saturday 12/10:
**Council Bluffs (Iowa) Wrestling Classic -- No. 38 Fort Dodge, No. 39 Apple Valley (Minn.)
**Perry (Okla.) Tournament of Champions -- No. 19 Choctaw, No. 27 Sand Springs
**Walsh Jesuit (Ohio) Ironman - No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.), No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio), No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), No. 6 St. Paris Graham (Ohio), No. 8 Malvern Prep (Pa.), No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.), No. 11 Nazareth (Pa.), No. 12 Olentangy Liberty (Ohio), No. 14 Poway (Calif.), No. 15 Elyria (Ohio), No. 17 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), No. 18 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.), No. 21 Pueblo County (Colo.), No. 23 Washington (Ill.), No. 24 Pomona (Colo.), No. 26 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 32 Brecksville (Ohio), and No. 47 Broken Arrow (Okla.)

Friday 12/16 and Saturday 12/17:
**Kansas City (Mo.) Stampede -- No. 22 Tuttle (Okla.) No. 25 Goddard (Kansas), No. 27 Sand Springs (Okla.), and No. 43 Park Hill
**Minnesota Christmas Tournament (Rochester, Minn.) -- No. 30 Anoka, No. 33 Kasson-Mantorville, No. 35 Shakopee (Minn.), and No. 39 Apple Valley
**Reno (Nevada) Tournament of Champions -- No. 16 Allen (Texas), No. 19 Choctaw (Okla.), No. 24 Pomona (Colo.), No. 37 Roseburg (Ore.), and No. 49 Wasatch (Utah)
**Zinkin Classic (Buchanan, Calif.) -- No. 2 Buchanan, No. 5 Clovis, and No. 31 Gilroy

Saturday 12/17 and Sunday 12/18:
Beast of the East (Newark, Del.) -- No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.), No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), No. 8 Malvern Prep (Pa.), No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.), No. 11 Nazareth (Pa.), No. 15 Elyria (Ohio), No. 32 Brecksville (Ohio), No. 40 North Allegheny (Pa.), No. 44 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), and No. 46 Cumberland Valley (Pa.)

Tuesday 12/20:
No. 36 West Des Moines Valley (Iowa) at No. 34 Southeast Polk (Iowa) -- dual meet

Friday 12/23:
**IHSWCA Team State Duals (Fort Wayne, Ind.) -- Class 3A features No. 13 Brownsburg and No. 41 Portage
**South Jersey Duals (Kingsway Regional, N.J.) -- No. 44 Don Bosco Prep, No. 48 Delsea Regional

Thursday 12/29 and Saturday 12/30:
**Brecksville (Ohio) Holiday Invitational Tournament -- No. 12 Olentangy Liberty, No. 15 Elyria, No. 32 Brecksville, and No. 45 Lowell (Mich.)
**Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) -- No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), No. 17 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), No. 20 Lockport (Ill.), and No. 40 North Allegheny (Pa.)

Friday 12/30 and Saturday 12/31:
**Texas Outlaw Invitational (Allen, Texas) -- No. 16 Allen (Texas), No. 25 Goddard (Kansas)
**The Clash XV National High School Wrestling Duals (Rochester, Minn.) -- No. 2 Buchanan (Calif.), No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio), No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), No. 18 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.), No. 23 Washington (Ill.), No. 30 Anoka, No. 37 Roseburg (Ore.), No. 39 Apple Valley, No. 43 Park Hill (Minn.), and No. 49 Wasatch (Utah)

Thursday 1/5:
No. 47 Broken Arrow (Okla.) at No. 19 Choctaw (Okla.) -- dual meet

Friday 1/6 and Saturday 1/7:
**Cheesehead Invitational (Kaukauna, Wis.) -- No. 20 Lockport (Ill.), No. 26 Montini Catholic (Ill.), No. 33 Kasson-Mantorville (Minn.), No. 34 Southeast Polk (Iowa), and No. 39 Apple Valley (Minn.)
**Doc Buchanan Invitational (Clovis, Calif.) -- No. 2 Buchanan, No. 5 Clovis, No. 21 Pueblo County (Colo.), No. 24 Pomona (Colo.), No. 31 Gilroy, and No. 37 Roseburg (Ore.)
**Geary (Okla.) Invitational -- No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.), No. 22 Tuttle, No. 27 Sand Springs, and No. 47 Broken Arrow (Okla.)

Saturday 1/7:
**No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio) hosts quad meet also featuring No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.) and No. 40 North Allegheny (Pa.)
**No. 10 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) hosts DCC Invitational, also featuring No. 41 Portage (Ind.)

Saturday 1/7 and Sunday 1/8:
Union-Endicott (N.Y.) Duals -- No. 29 Long Beach, No. 42 Hilton

Thursday 1/12:
No. 27 Sand Springs (Okla.) at No. 47 Broken Arrow (Okla.) -- dual meet

Friday 1/13:
No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.) at No. 17 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) -- dual meet

Friday 1/13 and Saturday 1/14:
**Bill Dies Memorial Tournament (Akron Firestone, Ohio) -- No. 15 Elyria, No. 32 Brecksville
**Eastern States Classic (SUNY-Sullivan) -- No. 29 Long Beach, No. 42 Hilton
**Sapulpa (Okla.) Invitational -- No. 27 Sand Springs, No. 47 Broken Arrow

Saturday 1/14:
**No. 10 Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.) hosts DCC Super Duals, also featuring No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio) and No. 18 Oak Park River Forest (Ill.)
**No. 36 West Des Moines Valley (Iowa) hosts multi-team dual meet event that also includes No. 34 Southeast Polk (Iowa)
**No. 45 Lowell (Mich.) hosts multi-team dual meet event that also includes No. 23 Washington (Ill.)

Saturday 1/14 and Sunday 1/15:
Escape the Rock Wrestling Tournament (Council Rock South, Pa.) -- No. 8 Malvern Prep, No. 40 North Allegheny

Friday 1/20 and Saturday 1/21:
Jay Hancock Invitational (Yukon, Okla.) -- No. 16 Allen (Texas), No. 19 Choctaw (Okla.)

Saturday 1/21:
**No. 3 St. Edward (Ohio) at No. 6 St. Paris Graham (Ohio) -- dual meet
**Ed Winger Invitational (Urbandale, Iowa) -- No. 34 Southeast Polk, No. 36 West Des Moines Valley

Sunday 1/22:
Who's Number One Duals (Philadelphia, Pa./University of Pennsylvania) -- No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.), No. 4 Lake Highland Prep (Fla.), No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.), No. 8 Malvern Prep (Pa.), and No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.)

Thursday 1/26:
**No. 2 Buchanan (Calif.) at No. 5 Clovis (Calif.) -- dual meet
**No. 17 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) at No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.) -- dual meet
**No. 21 Pueblo County (Colo.) vs. No. 24 Pomona (Colo.) -- dual meet

Friday 1/27:
No. 34 Southeast Polk (Iowa) hosts the CIML Invitational, also featuring No. 36 West Des Moines Valley (Iowa) and No. 38 Fort Dodge (Iowa)

Friday 1/27 and Saturday 1/28:
Mid-Cals Tournament (Gilroy, Calif.) -- No. 2 Buchanan, No. 14 Poway, No. 22 Tuttle (Okla.), and No. 31 Gilroy

Saturday 1/28:
**EPC Championship Dual -- most likely No. 9 Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.) vs. No. 11 Nazareth (Pa.)
**No. 44 Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) at No. 1 Blair Academy (N.J.) -- dual meet
**No. 45 Lowell (Mich.) hosts Super Six Meet, also including No. 10 Detroit Catholic Central

Sunday 1/29:
No. 17 Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) at No. 7 Bergen Catholic (N.J.) -- dual meet

Thursday 2/2:
No. 38 Fort Dodge (Iowa) at No. 36 West Des Moines Valley (Iowa) -- dual meet

As the regular season closes down in high school wrestling, the post-season tournaments take to the mat. Here are the state championship dates for officially sanctioned dual team and individual bracket championships in the 2016-17 season.

Friday 12/16/16 and Saturday 12/17: Alaska

Thursday 1/12/17 through Saturday 1/14: Georgia (dual team)

Wednesday 1/25: Utah (Class 5A dual team)

Thursday 1/26: Utah (Class 4A dual team)

Friday 2/3 and Saturday 2/4: Tennessee (dual team)

Saturday 2/4: North Carolina (dual team)

Wednesday 2/8 and Thursday 2/9: Utah (Class 5A and 4A)

Thursday 2/9 through Saturday 2/11: Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania (dual team)

Friday 2/10 and Saturday 2/11: Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma (dual team), Utah (Class 3A, 2A, and 1A)

Saturday 2/11: Maryland (dual team), South Carolina (dual team)

Sunday 2/12: New Jersey (dual team), Ohio (dual team)

Tuesday 2/14: Delaware (dual team)

Wednesday 2/15: Iowa (dual team)

Thursday 2/16: North Dakota (dual team)

Thursday 2/16 through Saturday 2/18: Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee

Friday 2/17 and Saturday 2/18: Arkansas, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, North Dakota, Virginia, Washington

Thursday 2/23 through Saturday 2/25: West Virginia, Wisconsin

Friday 2/24 and Saturday 2/25: Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan (dual team), National Preps, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming

Saturday 2/25: Illinois (dual team), Nebraska (dual team)

Thursday 3/2: Minnesota (dual team)

Thursday 3/2 through Saturday 3/4: Michigan

Friday 3/3 and Saturday 3/4: California, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New England, Wisconsin (dual team)

Friday 3/3 through Sunday 3/5: New Jersey

Thursday 3/9 through Saturday 3/11: Ohio, Pennsylvania]]>81551Wed, 16 Nov 2016 05:30:32 +0000Reflections from Super 32 Challengehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/reflections-from-super-32-challenge-r81351/Brady Berge was named Outstanding Wrestler at the Super 32 Challenge (Photo/Rob Preston)
The 2016 edition of the Super 32 Challenge happened this past Saturday and Sunday in Greensboro, N.C. Yet again the field was smattered with elite wrestlers at the top, along with a high quality and quantity of depth throughout the field. The gauntlet of competition that wrestlers have to navigate in order to win and place in this tournament is extremely impressive; heck, just making it to the second day is a genuine battle. Furthermore, it is impressive to see how well run and efficient the event is.

Here are a few points of highlight and discussion from the weekend that was.

Most Outstanding Wrestler Award

The tournament selected an Outstanding Wrestler for a fourth year. In previous years, the high school division Most Outstanding Wrestler went to Spencer Lee (2013), Yianni Diakomihalis (2014), and Nick Suriano (2015). With that being said, the selected wrestler should be among the best in the country and one who had multiple quality wins during the course of the tournament.

This year's OW was Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.), champion of the 152-pound weight class. Berge is ranked No. 9 overall in the Class of 2017, the second highest ranked senior wrestler that competed in the tournament this year. In addition, his path to the title included a pair of wins over fellow top 50 ranked seniors: 10-6 over No. 43 Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.) in the semifinal and 5-3 over No. 20 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) in the championship bout. Two other wins of note were a 10-3 win in the quarterfinal over Cadet National double champion Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.) and a 9-4 round of 16 win over National Prep placer Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.)

That being said, there were a litany of other champions that impressed over the course of the weekend.

Repeat champions

A pair of wrestlers won weight class titles in the high school division for a second straight year. Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.) won the title at 113 pounds, while Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) won the title at 126. It is a fifth straight Super 32 title for Busiello, as the No. 8 overall wrestler in the Class of 2019, also won middle school division titles from 2012-2014. For Silva, ranked No. 21 in the Class of 2018, he beat Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, Pa.) in the championship bout for a second straight year; on this occasion he beat the No. 37 overall senior 7-2.

During the course of the tournament, Busiello had the following wins over credentialed opposition: pin in 3:09 over state champion Trey Lane (Brandon, Fla.), 11-2 major decision over Cadet freestyle All-American Dylan Shawver (Elyria, Ohio), 16-1 technical fall over two-time state champion Joe Thomas (South Carroll, Md.), 10-2 major decision over state champion and Junior Greco-Roman runner-up Joseph Harrison (Omaha Burke, Neb.) in the semifinal, and then a 5-2 finals victory over No. 12 overall freshman Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)

In addition to his victory in the championship bout noted above, Silva had the following wins over credentialed opposition: pin in 2:26 over state medalist Ethan Smiley (Beech Grove, Ind.), pin in 4:56 over two-time state medalist Weston DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.), 11-6 quarterfinal decision over Junior freestyle All-American and three-time state medalist Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.), along with a 14-7 semifinal decision over two-time state medalist Isaiah Perez (Dinuba, Calif.)

The flagship wrestler

Probably the most talented wrestler in the whole tournament was Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.), the No. 3 overall senior and a Cadet World freestyle silver medalist last month. He was the basically unchallenged champion of the 132-pound weight class. The most notable win being an 11-4 domination of now three-time Super 32 Challenge placer Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) in the championship match; Moore is ranked as the No. 12 overall junior.

Other wins of note included a 13-4 major decision over two-time state runner-up Cal Hansen (Deerfield, Wis.); a 14-0 major decision over state champion Kevon Davenport (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.), a Cadet freestyle All-American ranked No. 37 overall in the sophomore class; 3-0 in the quarterfinal over two-time state placer Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio), also a placer at the FloNationals; and a 12-4 major decision over three-time state third place finisher Breyden Bailey (Indianapolis Cathedral, Ind.) in the semifinal.

The most dominant wrestler

If there was an award for the tournament's most dominant wrestler, there would be zero debate. It would go to 138-pound champion Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.), who won all seven of his bouts by bonus point margins. It included two technical falls to open the tournament, three major decisions (including the quarterfinal and final), along with pins in the round of 16 and semifinal.

Last year, Sasso placed third in this tournament at 132 pounds, losing just to Yianni Diakomihalis (you might have heard of him!) in the semifinal round. Since then, he was champion at the FloNationals (his third placement in that event), runner-up to Arujau at the UWW Cadet National freestyle tournament, and a Cadet National freestyle runner-up (which made him a two-time Cadet National double All-American). Sasso is currently ranked No. 9 overall in the Class of 2018.

All three major decisions came against state champions: 18-6 over Alex Rivera (Smithville, Mo.) in the round of 32; 11-3 over Nate Keim (Collinsville, Okla.) in the state final, though three-time state placer Keim won his title in 2015; and 15-1 over Jake Bergeland (Centennial, Minn.). The pair of pins came against wrestlers that placed third in the big-school division of power state tournaments last season; Luke Kemerer (Hempfield Area, Pa.) and Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio).

Stock up: ran the gauntlet

If one was to assess the champions based solely on the credentials of the opposition they faced, the championship journey through the 195-pound weight class by John Borst (Sherando, Va.) would have to be the most impressive. On Sunday, Borst beat a trio of elite wrestlers to earn the belt.

In the quarterfinal it was a 7-2 decision over Andrew Davison (Chesterton, Mich.), who is ranked No. 61 overall in the senior class; Davison is also a Junior National double All-American from Fargo and a Junior folkstyle national champion. In the semifinal it was a 14-9 decision over Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee, Wis.), who is ranked No. 53 overall in the senior class; Raschka was state champion this past season, a FloNationals placer, and a 2015 Cadet National freestyle champion. The championship bout was a 4-3 victory over state champion and FloNationals placer Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, Pa.), ranked No. 26 overall in the Class of 2018.]]>81351Wed, 19 Oct 2016 05:20:03 +0000Placement match results from Super 32 Challenge, Berge named Outstanding Wrestlerhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/placement-match-results-from-super-32-challenge-berge-named-outstanding-wrestler-r81380/
106 pounds
1st: Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro, Calif.) decision Greg Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) 1-0
3rd: Brandon Kaylor (Bonney Lake, Wash.) decision Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) 6-1
5th: Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) decision Elijah Varona (South Dade, Fla.) 5-3
7th: Logan Agin (Lancaster, Ohio) decision Cody Craig (Skowhegan, Maine) 7-6

113 pounds
1st: Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.) decision Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) 5-2
3rd: Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) decision Antonio Mininno (Gateway Regional, N.J.) 4-3
5th: Logan Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) over Joseph Harrison (Omaha Burke, Neb.) by forfeit
7th: Ben Kamali (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.) decision Matthew Cardello (CVCA, Ohio) 5-3

120 pounds
1st: Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.) decision Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.) 4-2
3rd: Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.) decision Jakob Camacho (Danbury, Ct.) 4-2, overtime
5th: Joshua Saunders (Christian Brothers, Mo.) decision Killan Cardinale (Patriot, Va.) 3-1
7th: Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) over Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.) by fofeit

126 pounds
1st: Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) decision Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, Pa.) 7-2
3rd: Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) decision Isaiah Perez (Dinuba, Calif.) 5-3, tiebreaker
5th: Alex Thomsen (Underwood, Iowa) decision Rylee Molitor (Sartell-St. Stephen, Minn.) 9-4
7th: K.J. Fenstermacher (Northampton, Pa.) over Weston DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.) by forfeit

132 pounds
1st: Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.) decision Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 11-4
3rd: Brandon Courtney (Athens, Pa.) decision Breyden Bailey (Indianapolis Cathedral, Ind.) 4-2
5th: Devin Schwartzkopf (Francis Howell Central, Mo.) over Zach Trampe (Council Rock South, Pa.) by disqualification
7th: Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) decision Francisco Valdes (Miami Southwest, Fla.) 6-2

138 pounds
1st: Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) major decision Jake Bergeland (Centennial, Minn.) 15-1
3rd: Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio) pin Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) 0:29
5th: Ryan Vulakh (North Penn, Pa.) decision Colin Cronin (Upper Darby, Pa.) 3-2
7th: Jake Silverstein (Hauppauge, N.Y.) decision Jake Martinez (Licking Valley, Ohio) 3-1

145 pounds
1st: Jarod Verkleeren (Hempfield Area, Pa.) decision Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.) 5-2
3rd: Brayton Lee (Brownsburg, Ind.) decision Justin Ruffin (Union Grove, Ga.) 5-1
5th: Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio) major decision Joe Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) 11-3
7th: Joe Blumer (Kiski Area, Pa.) decision Peter Pappas (Plainview JFK, N.Y.) 7-6

152 pounds
1st: Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) decision Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) 5-3
3rd: Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.) decision Jaden Mattox (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) 8-5
5th: Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) decision Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) 3-2
7th: Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) decision Nathan Atienza (Livonia Franklin, Mich.) 4-1

160 pounds
1st: Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.) decision Emille Shannon (Christian Brothers, Mo.) 2-2, tiebreaker rideout
3rd: Trent Hidlay (Miffin County, Pa.) decision Brad Loughlin (Yorktown, Pa.) 3-1, overtime
5th: Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) pin Mekhi Lewis (Bound Brook, N.J.) 1:00
7th: Tristan Brady (Elyria, Ohio) decision Skitch Light (Central Dauphin, Pa.) 1-0

170 pounds
1st: Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) decision Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) 7-3
3rd: Ethan Smith (Sparrows Point, Md.) decision Bryce McLaughlin (Woodbridge, N.J.) 6-4, overtime
5th: Myles Wilson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) over Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert, Calif.) by forfeit
7th: Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio) pin George Walton (Bound Brook, N.J.) 4:14

182 pounds
1st: Louie Deprez (Hilton, N.Y.) decision Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park, Pa.) 6-0
3rd: Drew Peck (Chambersburg, Pa.) decision Jelani Embree (Warren Lincoln, Mich.) 2-1
5th: Khamari Whimper (Baylor School, Tenn.) decision Matthew Waddell (Gilmer, Ga.) 5-2
7th: Kendall Elfstrum (Monroe Woodbury, N.Y.) decision Clifton Wang (Edgemont, N.Y.) 4-3

195 pounds
1st: John Borst (Sherando, Va.) decision Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, Pa.) 4-3
3rd: Andrew Davison (Chesterton, Ind.) decision Daniel Kerkvleit (Simley, Minn.) 6-2
5th: Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) pin Jacob Rashcka (Pewaukee, Wis.) 3:21
7th: Jake Woodley (North Allegheny, Pa.) major decision Joe Doyle (Council Rock South, Pa.) 11-2

220 pounds
1st: Brian Kennerly (Upper Darby, Pa.) decision Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt, Pa.) 5-4, tiebreaker
3rd: Ryan Vasbinder (Byron Center, Mich.) decision Peter Acciardi (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.) 6-0
5th: Eric Keosseian (Howell, N.J.) decision Joe Soreco (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) 3-1
7th: Diata Drayton (Marist, Ill.) decision Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.) 7-3

285 pounds
1st: Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) decision Sammy deSeriere (Mullen, Colo.) 3-1
3rd: Zach Muller (Downers Grove South, Ill.) pin Mansur Abdul-Malik (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 2:52
5th: Keaton Kluever (Kaukauna, Wis.) decision Michael Kramer (Wilson Central, Tenn.) 6-2
7th: Blake Zalapi (Hononegah, Ill.) pin Paul Robinson (Bremen, Ga.) 1:53

Outstanding Wrestler: Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.), 152 pound champion]]>81380Wed, 19 Oct 2016 01:34:13 +0000Busiello, Silva are repeat champs as Super 32 Challenge concludeshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/busiello-silva-are-repeat-champs-as-super-32-challenge-concludes-r81405/Adam Busiello defeated Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) in the Super 32 Challenge finals (Photo/Rob Preston)
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The nation's best scholastic age folkstyle tournament came to its conclusion on Sunday afternoon from Greensboro, N.C. A pair of wrestlers repeated as champions at the Super 32 Challenge. Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.) won at 113 pounds, while Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) earned a championship at 126 pounds.

Busiello, who won this event last year as a freshman at 106 pounds, was also champion in the middle school tournament from 2012-2014. He opened the tournament with a pair of pins before earning an 11-2 major decision over Cadet freestyle All-American Dylan Shawver (Elyria, Ohio) in the round of 32. It was a technical fall and a pin before his 10-2 major decision victory over Joey Harrison (Omaha Burke, Neb.), a Junior Greco-Roman runner-up last summer, in the semifinal.

Busiello upended freshman phenom Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), who is ranked No. 12 overall in the Class of 2020, by 5-2 decision in the final. The two-time champion had a takedown in the first period and near fall in the second, before a garbage time takedown by Howard shrunk the final margin.

Silva, last year's 120 pound champion, advanced to Sunday's quarterfinal round with a technical fall in the opening round and then a trio of pins. In the quarterfinal, it was an 11-6 victory over Junior National freestyle All-American Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.). The semifinal match was a 14-7 victory over two-time state placer Isaiah Perez (Dinuba, Calif.).

As a result, it led to a finals rematch for the No. 21 overall Class of 2018 prospect against Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, Pa.). This year's bout was much less competitive, as Silva totally dominated the No. 37 overall Class of 2017 prospect by a 7-2 score. Silva scored three takedowns, one in the first period and then a pair in the third period.

Even with those two underclassmen being the shining stars, it was still a senior dominated championship round. Nine of the fourteen weight classes were won by seniors, including six by top 100 wrestlers from the Class of 2017.

Three of these nine beat a pair of top 100 seniors on the way to their championships: Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.), who is ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2017, won the title at 152 pounds; Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), ranked No. 64, won the title at 170; while John Borst (Sherando, Va.) won the 195 title.

Though all but one of Berge's seven wins came by decision, he was not truly challenged in any of them. The three victories on Sunday were rather notable. In the quarterfinal, he beat Cadet National double champion Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.) 10-3; then he beat Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.), the No. 43 overall senior, by 10-6 decision in the semifinal.

This set up a finals match against No. 20 overall senior Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.), after Hovis upset No. 11 overall Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.) by 5-3 decision in the other semifinal. Berge beat Hovis 5-3 in the championship match, with single takedowns in the second and third periods being the determining factor.

Rogers needed a late takedown to beat state champion Myles Wilson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) 4-3 in the quarterfinal round. However, he was absolutely on fire in a 10-3 semifinal victory over returning Super 32 placer Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert, Calif.); Mantanona is ranked No. 32 overall in the Class of 2017. This would lead to a finals showdown against Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), the nation's No. 30 overall senior, and also a returning Super 32 placer; Allar rallied to beat fellow returning Super 32 placer Ethan Smith (Sparrows Point, Md.), the No. 73 overall senior, 7-5 in overtime in his semifinal.

The championship match at 170 had a scoreless first period. However, Rogers would use a late second period takedown to take a 2-1 advantage. Then an escape followed by a pair of third period takedowns gave the Brown commit a 7-3 championship victory.

Junior National freestyle runner-up Borst, also a two-time state champion and NHSCA Junior champion, used two pins sandwiched by a major decision to reach the Sunday morning quarterfinal round. The Virginia Tech commit would advance to the final with a pair of wins over top 100 seniors: 7-2 over No. 61 Andrew Davison (Chesterton, Ind.) in the quarterfinal, before a 14-9 victory over No. 53 Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee, Wis.) in the semifinal.

The championship match was an absolute barn-burner against returning Super 32 placer and Flo Nationals placer Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, Pa.), the nation's No. 26 overall junior. Borst would score the match's only two takedowns, one each in the first and second period. In what was a match with many scrambles and exchanges, the last exchange saw Hoffman have a takedown that was subsequently waved off right before time was up. Borst won the bout 4-3.

Four additional top 100 seniors won championships on Sunday afternoon. No. 3 Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.) at 132 pounds, No. 24 Jarod Verkleeren (Hempfield Area, Pa.) at 145, No. 56 Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.) at 160, and No. 18 Louie Deprez (Hilton, N.Y.) at 182.

Arujau beat Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) by 11-4 decision in the championship bout. It was a third Super 32 Challenge placement for Moore, who is ranked No. 12 overall in the Class of 2018. Arujau, a Cadet World freestyle silver medalist last month, scored takedowns in each period to propel himself to the victory.

Verkleeren beat Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.) by 5-2 decision in his championship bout. For Rider, it was a second Super 32 Challenge placement for the No. 40 overall junior. Verkleeren, a Cadet World freestyle champion last year, scored takedowns in the second and third period to earn his victory.

Cochran beat Emille Shannon (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) by a 2-2 score with a rideout in the tiebreaker for his championship final. Shannon beat another New Jersey state champion Mekhi Lewis (Bound Brook) by a 3-2 score with an escape in the tiebreak period during the semifinal. Cochran won state two weights above Lewis last year, and was also a NHSCA Junior National champion. In this match, he had no takedowns but used two escapes and a second period rideout to tie the bout. Despite the lack of scoring, it wasn't for the lack of offense and opportunities.

Deprez upended Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park, Pa.) 6-0 in a rematch of last year's semifinal bout down a weight at 170 pounds, Deprez earned a 1-0 victory on that occasion. In this finals match, it was a takedown and a turn in the first period that were the decisive points to beat the No. 21 overall senior - and Flo Nationals champion - Bonaccorsi.

Other seniors to win weight class titles at the Super 32 were Brian Kennerly (Upper Darby, Pa.) at 220 pounds and Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) at 285. Kennerly was a total Cinderella in this tournament, having only a state qualification on the resume. His big victory was a 4-3 upset over Junior National double All-American Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.) in the quarterfinal. For his championship match, it was a 5-4 victory over returning Super 32 placer Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt, Pa.) in the tiebreaker.

Furman, yet to make the state tournament in his high school career dominated returning Super 32 placer Mansur Abdul-Malik (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.) 10-3 in the semifinal. Then it was a 3-1 victory over state champion Sammy de Seriere Mullen, Colo.) on a very late takedown in the championship bout.

Rounding out the weight class champions were Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro, Calif.) at 106 pounds, Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.) at 120, and Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) at 138.

Lorenzo, who placed seventh in California at 106 pounds last year as a freshman, beat Greg Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.) 1-0 in the finals bout. He rode out Diakomihalis in the second period, then scored an escape in the third period; Diakomihalis was a high school state champion at 99 pounds last year as an eighth grader, and also a Cadet freestyle All-American.

Glory, ranked No. 49 in the Class of 2018, was runner-up in this tournament last year and is a two-time state runner-up. He started the Super 32 with four pins before a 6-2 decision over state champion Cameron Valdiviez (Rockhurst, Mo.) in the round of 16. He started today's run with a 7-4 quarterfinal victory over Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.), a state champion and the No. 5 overall wrestler in the Class of 2019.

In the championship match, Glory upended Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.) by a 4-2 decision. Alirez, ranked No. 17 in the Class of 2019, scored the match opening takedown and had a 2-1 lead after one period. With the match tied 2-2 to start the third period, Alirez chose the neutral position. Glory scored a very early takedown in the third period, and rode Alirez for the duration.

Sasso, ranked No. 9 overall in the Class of 2018, was in total beast mode throughout this tournament. Saturday started with a pair of technical falls before a pair of major decisions, those coming against state champion Alex Rivera (Smithville, Mo.) and fellow state third place finisher Luke Kemerer (Hempfield Area, Pa.)

Sunday started with an 11-3 major decision over 2015 state champion Nate Keim (Collinsville, Okla.) in the quarterfinal before a pin in 1:31 over two-time state medalist and returning Super 32 placer Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio) to advance to the final. The championship match was total domination, a 15-1 major decision over state champion Jake Bergeland (Centennial, Minn.), who otherwise had a terrific tournament.]]>81405Sun, 16 Oct 2016 23:30:52 +0000Quarterfinals set at Super 32 Challengehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/quarterfinals-set-at-super-32-challenge-r81404/
106 pounds:
Cody Craig (Skowhegan, Maine) vs. Greg Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.)
Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Brendan Kaylor (Bonney Lake, Wash.)
Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio) vs. Elijah Varona (South Dade, Fla.)
Antonio Lorenzo (Del Oro, Calif.) vs. Sammy Alvarez (St. Joseph Montvale, N.J.)

113 pounds:
Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.) vs. Adam Mininno (Gateway, N.J.)
Matthew Cardello (CVCA, Ohio) vs. Joseph Harrison (Omaha Burke, Neb.)
Logan Macri (Canon-McMillan, Pa.) vs. Ben Kamali (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.)
Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.)

120 pounds:
Jakob Camacho (Danbury, Ct.) vs. Joshua Saunders (Christian Brothers College, Mo.)
Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.) vs. Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.)
Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.) vs. Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.)
Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) vs. Killan Cardinale (Patriot, Va.)

126 pounds:
Jake Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.)
Colin Valdiviez (Rockhurst, Mo.) vs. Isaiah Perez (Dinuba, Calif.)
Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) vs. Shane Metzler (West Morris Central, N.J.)
Elan Heard (LaSalle, Ohio) vs. Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, Pa.)

132 pounds:
Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.) vs. Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio)
John Burger (New Milford, N.J.) vs. Breyden Bailey (Indianapolis Cathedral, Ind.)
Brian Courtney (Athens Area, Pa.) vs. Francisco Valdes (Miami Southwest, Fla.)
Zach Trampe (Council Rock South, Pa.) vs. Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio)

138 pounds:
Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.) vs. Nate Keim (Collinsville, Okla.)
Robert Cleary (Bound Brook, N.J.) vs. Corey Shie (LaSalle, Ohio)
Josh Humphreys (St. Alban's, W.Va.) vs. Colin Cronin (Upper Darby, Pa.)
Jake Bergeland (Centennial, Minn.) vs. Chris Sandoval (Windsor, Colo.)

145 pounds:
Joe Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.) vs. Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio)
Peter Pappas (Plainview JFK, N.Y.) vs. Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.)
Brayton Lee (Brownsburg, Ind.) vs. Denton Spencer (Camden County, Ga.)
Ryan Leisure (Clear Lake, Iowa) vs. Jarod Verkleeren (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.)

152 pounds:
Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.) vs. Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.)
Jaden Mattox (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) vs. Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.)
Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.) vs. Matthew Grippi (Fox Lane, N.Y.)
Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.)

160 pounds:
Mekhi Lewis (Bound Brook, N.J.) vs. Isaiah Johnson (A.L. Brown, N.C.)
Emille Shannon (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) vs. Sammy Cokeley (St. James Academy, Kansas)
Trent Hidlay (Mifflin County, Pa.) vs. Brad Loughlin (Yorktown, Ind.)
Dale Tiongson (St. Paul's, Md.) vs. Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.)

170 pounds:
Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.) vs. Ashton Eyler (Claymont, Ohio)
Zach Ancewicz (John Glenn, N.Y.) vs. Ethan Smith (Sparrows Point, Md.)
Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) vs. Myles Wilson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.)
George Walton (Bound Brook, N.J.) vs. Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert, Calif.)

182 pounds:
Louie Deprez (Hilton, N.Y.) vs. Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius, Ohio)
Drew Peck (Chambersburg, Pa.) vs. Matthew Waddell (Gilmer, Ga.)
Jelani Embree (Warren Lincoln, Mich.) vs. Lucas Davison (Chesterton, Ind.)
Khamari Whimper (Baylor School, Tenn.) vs. Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park, Pa.)

195 pounds:
Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.) vs. Daniel Kerkvleit (Simley, Minn.)
Jake Woodley (North Allgeheny, Pa.) vs. Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, Pa.)
Andrew Davison (Chesterton, Ind.) vs. John Borst (Sherando, Va.)
Noah Bushman (Cave Spring, Va.) vs. Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee, Wis.)

220 pounds:
Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt, Pa.) vs. Max Darrah (Whitfield, Mo.)
Joe Soreco (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) vs. Diata Drayton (Marist, Ill.)
Ryan Vasbinder (Byron Center, Mich.) vs. Colin Lawler (Kinkaid School, Texas)
Brian Kennerly (Upper Darby, Pa.) vs. Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.)

285 pounds:
Evan Ellis (Eastern, Ind.) vs. Michael Kramer (Wilson Central, Tenn.)
Will Hare (The Hill School, Pa.) vs. Sammy deSeriere (Mullen, Colo.)
Zach Muller (Downers Grove South, Ill.) vs. Brandan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)
Evan Surgeon (Southeast Guilford, N.C.) vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)

Here are the consolation pairings. These wrestlers need too more wins in a row to finish within the top eight.

106 pounds:
Dylan Ryder (Half Hollow Hills West, N.Y.) vs. Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers College, Mo.)
Eric Barnett (Hortonville, Wis.) vs. Jacob Moran (Portage, Ind.)
Logan Agin (Lancaster, Ohio) vs. Nic Bouzakis (Florida - 8th grade)
Riley Weir (Sand Springs, Okla.) vs. Doug Zapf (Downington West, Pa.)

113 pounds:
Nico Aguilar (Gilroy Calif.) vs. Jake Ferri (Shawseen Valley Tech, Mass.)
Joey Thomas (South Carroll, Md.) vs. Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.)
Caleb Tanner (Collinsville, Okla.) vs. Kyle Golhoffer (Woodland, Ga.)
E.J. Walker (Hopewell, N.C.) vs. Colt Newton (Choctaw, Okla.)

120 pounds:
Luke Werner (Bethlehem Liberty, Pa.) vs. Kyle Cisneros (Jefferson, Colo.)
Sam Hillegas (North Hills, Pa.) vs. Sidney Flores (Bishop Amat, Calif.)
Zurich Storm (New Oxford, Pa.) vs. Chris Wright (Central Dauphin, Pa.)
Connor O'Neill (DePaul Catholic, N.J.) vs. Korbin Meink (Skutt Catholic, Neb.)

126 pounds:
Jakob Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) vs. Alex Thomsen (Underwood, Iowa)
Weston DiBlasi (Park Hill, Mo.) vs. Jet Taylor (Sallisaw, Okla.)
Rylee Molitor (Sartell-St. Stephen, Minn.) vs. Matt Siszka (Kiski Area, Pa.)
Colin Gerardi (Powhatan, Va.) vs. K.J. Fenstermacher (Northampton, Pa.)

132 pounds:
Kris Rumph (Portage, Ind.) vs. Alex Felix (Gilroy, Calif.)
Kevon Davenport (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.) vs. Peyton Robb (Owatonna, Minn.)
Zach Van Alst (Montgomery Catholic, Ala.) vs. Devin Schwartzkopf (Francis Howell Central, Mo.)
Grant Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.) vs. Jose Tapia (Capital, N.M.)

138 pounds:
A.J. Leitten (Rock Hill, S.C.) vs. Ryan Vulakh (North Penn, Pa.)
Jake Martinez (Licking Valley, Ohio) vs. Danny Bertoni (Middletown, Md.)
Jake Silverstein (Hauppauge, N.Y.) vs. Cameron Amine (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.)
Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.) vs. Zander Silva (Alta Loma, Calif.)

145 pounds:
David Johnson (Walsh Jesuit, Ohio) vs. Nick Santos (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.)
Brik Filippo (Tuttle, Okla.) vs. Ryan Monteiro (Minnechaug, Mass.)
Joe Blumer (Kiski Area, Pa.) vs. John Pipa (Bishop McDevitt, Pa.)
Joseph Koontz (Massillon Perry, Ohio) vs. Justin Ruffin (Union Grove, Wis.)

152 pounds:
Jordan Robison (Frisco Liberty, Texas) vs. Isaiah Luellen (Rossville, Kansas)
Nathan Atienza (Livonia Franklin, Mich.) vs. Mason Reiniche (Baylor School, Tenn.)
Bailey Thomas (Good Counsel, Md.) vs. Nicholas Palumbo (Lenape Valley, N.J.)
Joshua Kim (Santiago Corona, Calif.) vs. Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.)

160 pounds:
Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.) vs. Michael Vernagallo (Jack Britt, N.C.)
Skitch Light (Central Dauphin, Pa.) vs. Jared Lough (Colonial Forge, Va.)
Grant Cuomo (Brewster, N.Y.) vs. Tristan Brady (Elyria, Ohio)
Quentin Milliken (Cumberland Valley, Pa.) vs. Josh Stillings (Pennridge, Pa.)

170 pounds:
Michael Battista (Broad Run, Va.) vs. Bryan McLaughlin (Woodbridge, N.J.)
Joe Accousti (Newtown, Ct.) vs. Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio)
Joseph Eiden (Sachem East, N.Y.) vs. Ty Bagoly (Exeter Township, Pa.)
Bumni Smith (Camden County, Ga.) vs. Benjamin Root (Solanco, Pa.0

182 pounds:
Garrett Niel (Pine Creek, Colo.) vs. Kendall Elfstrum (Monroe Woodbury, N.Y.)
Cody Mulligan (Saegertown, Pa.) vs. Miles Lee (South Philadelphia, Pa.)
Clifton Wang (Edgemont, N.Y.) vs. Michael Lopouchanski (Cardinal Gibbons, Fla.)
Nic Casperson (Beresford, S.D.) vs. Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio)

195 pounds:
Miles Nuessle (Liberty, Ariz.) vs. Chris Williams (Cardinal Gibbons, Fla.)
Daniel Conley (Chaminade, Mo.) vs. Joe Doyle (Council Rock South, Pa.)
John Kelbly (Smithville, Ohio) vs. Tony Wuest (Smyrna, Del.)
Jackson Rheault (Somers, Ct.) vs. Kyle Lightner (Delaware Valley, N.J.)

220 pounds:
Johnny Shafer (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) vs. Nathan Feyrer (Parkland, Pa.)
Nico Manzonelli (Allen, Texas) vs. Jaret Lester (Akron SVSM, Ohio)
Eric Keosseian (Howell, N.J.) vs. Tyler Cook (Brookville, Pa.)
Billy Korber (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.) vs. Ron D'Amico (Shaler Area, Pa.)

285 pounds:
Oscar Daniels (Exeter Township, Pa.) vs. Paul Robinson (Bremen, Ga.)
Calvin Hayford (Mt. Anthony, Vt.) vs. Keaton Kluever (Kaukauna, Wis.)
Ryan Stewart (Warwick, Pa.) vs. Blake Zalapi (Hononegah, Ill.)
Donnie Tice (Strawberry Crest, Fla.) vs. Kobe Hicks (Hillgrove, Ga.)]]>81404Sun, 16 Oct 2016 01:27:47 +0000Super 32 Challenge Previewhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/super-32-challenge-preview-r81394/Vitali Arujau wrestling Amirhossein Maghsoudi of Iran in the Cadet World finals (Photo/Gerhard Remus)
Over recent years, the Super 32 Challenge has served as a key measuring stick for the high-end high school wrestler. In the 2016 NCAA Division I tournament, eight of the finalists participated in this event during their high school career. That includes four of the ten NCAA champions: Dean Heil (Oklahoma State), Zain Retherford (Penn State) two-time national champion Isaiah Martinez (Illinois), and Kyle Snyder (Ohio State). Furthermore, of the 330 qualifiers, over one-third were past Super 32 Challenge participants; while 32 of the 80 All-Americans had participated in this tournament during their scholastic career. Also of note, Olympic champion Kyle Snyder won the Super 32 Challenge in October 2012.

This coming year's event should be no exception. The talent level among the approximately 1,500 wrestlers registered to compete is extraordinarily high. Competition starts on Saturday morning (Oct. 15) at 8 a.m. ET, and continues on Sunday (Oct. 16) with 16 wrestlers remaining in the competition, quarterfinals starting at 8 a.m.

Below is a weight-by-weight overview.

Note: Information used for this preview is based on the list of registered wrestlers as of Sunday evening, Oct. 9. There will likely be further changes in weight classes, as well as wrestlers listed here who do not compete in the event.

106: In past years, this opening weight class has been a bastion for star freshmen to win championships. In recent years that list includes Adam Busiello, Cade Olivas, Yianni Diakomihalis, Nick Suriano, and Michael Kemerer. The last non-freshman to win this weight class was Darian Cruz back in 2010. Leading those candidates this year would be No. 6 Jeremiah Reno (Liberty, Mo.), No. 11 Andrew Cerniglia (Nazareth, Pa.), No. 25 Cullan Schriever (Mason City, Iowa), and Greg Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.)

However, the most credentialed wrestler in this weight class is a sophomore, Mosha Schwartz (Ponderosa, Colo.). Ranked No. 34 overall in the Class of 2019, he was a Cadet Triple Crown winner in 2015, a Junior National folkstyle champion this spring, and was on the Cadet World Team in Greco-Roman at 46 kilograms.

In addition to Diakomihalis, at least five other wrestlers in this weight class were state champions last year: two-time Junior freestyle All-American Cody Phippen (Platte County, Mo.), Junior National double All-American Brandon Kaylor (Bonney Lake, Wash.), Ryan Chauvin (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), two-time Junior Greco-Roman runner-up Elijah Varona (South Dade, Fla.), and Junior National double finalist Brendon Garcia (Pueblo County, Fla.)

Additional Fargo freestyle All-Americans from this past summer in this weight class include Eric Faught (Clear Lake, Iowa), Lucas Byrd (LaSalle, Ohio), Eric Barnett (Hortonville, Wis.), Keegan O'Toole (Arrowhead, Wis.), Cevion Severado (Christian Brothers College, Mo.), Dylan Ryder (Half Hollow Hills West, N.Y.), Cody Craig (Skowhegan, Maine), Nathaniel Rankin (Plano East, Texas), Brandon Nunez (John Browne, N.Y.), and Riley Weir (Sand Springs, Okla.). An additional top contender includes Israel Navarro (Wilmar, Minn.), a state medalist who ended the 2015-16 season nationally ranked at 106 pounds.

113: Last year's 106 pound champion Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.), ranked No. 8 in the Class of 2019, will lead an excellent group of wrestlers in this weight class. Three other nationally ranked sophomores are among the stars of the field. No. 16 Coltan Yapoujian (Pomona, Colo.) was a Cadet National freestyle champion this past summer, No. 19 JoJo Aragona (Pope John, N.J.) was runner-up to Busiello at the Super 32 Challenge last year, while No. 42 Colt Newton (Choctaw, Okla.) placed third in Cadet freestyle this summer.

Five other wrestlers have won major national level tournaments during this calendar year. Nico Aguilar (Gilroy, Calif.) was champion in Junior freestyle, and is ranked No. 43 in the Class of 2018; Jaret Lane (Southern Columbia, Pa.) was champion in Junior Greco and at the FloNationals; Jesse Vasquez (St. John Bosco, Calif.) was champion in Cadet folkstyle, and is ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2020; Corey Gamet (Parma Western, Mich.) was a Cadet freestyle champion; Jace Koelzer (Olathe South, Kansas) was champion in Cadet folkstyle and Greco-Roman.

Five additional wrestlers were runners-up in major national level tournaments during the calendar year. Returning Super 32 placer Kyle Biscoglia (Waukee, Iowa) was runner-up in Junior folkstyle, Joseph Harrison (Omaha Burke, Neb.) was runner-up in Junior Greco, Ben Kamali (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.) was runner-up at the FloNationals, while T.J. Hicks (Bradley Central, Tenn.) and Jake Ferri (Shawseen Tech, Mass.) were NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up finishers.

Other notable contenders include state champion Patrick McKee (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), who placed third in both styles at the Junior Nationals this summer; two-time state placer Nate Keaton (Circleville, Ohio), champion at the Walsh Ironman last December; two-time state placer Matt Cardello (CVCA, Ohio), third place at the UWW Cadet Nationals in freestyle; and Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), ranked No. 12 in the Class of 2020.

120: Wrestlers whom are among the best in their grade are abound in this weight class, with ten whom appear in the InterMat national rankings for their respective graduating class. The group is led by 2017 wrestlers Drew Mattin (Delta, Ohio) and Drew West (Highland Riverside, Iowa). No. 63 Mattin is a two-time state champion, two-time Super 32 placer, and two-time Junior National freestyle All-American; while No. 83 West is a three-time state placer, winning a state championship as a sophomore.

Another pair are from the Class of 2018. No. 43 Tommy Hoskins (Legacy Christian, Ohio) is a two-time state champion and placed eighth in Junior freestyle this summer; while No. 49 Patrick Glory (Delbarton, N.J.) was runner-up at the Super 32 last year, and is a two-time state runner-up. Another three are from the Class of 2019, led by No. 5 Julian Chlebove (Northampton, Pa.), a state champion this past season. In addition are No. 17 Andrew Alirez (Greeley Central, Colo.) and No. 43 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.); Alirez is a two-time Cadet freestyle All-American and was also a UWW Cadet freestyle All-American this spring.

Another are elite freshmen in No. 2 Joshua Saunders (Christian Brothers College, Mo.) and No. 4 Sam Hillegas (North Hills, Pa.); Saunders is a two-time middle school division champion at the Super 32 and was a semifinalist in Cadet freestyle this summer, while is a three-time middle school division champion at the Super 32. Lastly is Carson Manville (South County, Va.), No. 2 overall among Junior High wrestlers and champion in the Super 32 middle school division last year.

Four others in this weight class were Junior freestyle All-Americans this summer. Two-time state champions Jet Taylor (Sallisaw, Okla.) and Dominic LaJoie (Gaylord, Mich.) also placed at the FloNationals, while Brock Bergelin (Denmark, Wis.) and Clayton Singh (Kearney, Mo.) are both two-time state champions. Additional wrestlers to watch in this weight class include two-time state placer Anthony Cirillo (Rocky Point, N.Y.), three-time state placer Jonathan Gomez (Locust Valley, N.Y.), state champion Brock Henderson (North Linn, Iowa), three-time state champion Korbin Meink (Skutt Catholic, Neb.), and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Chris Wright (Central Dauphin, Pa.)

126: Five of the top six finishers from last year's 120 pound weight class at the Super 32 anchor the field of this weight class. Joey Silva (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) was the champion, and is ranked No. 21 in the Class of 2018; he also was champion at both the NHSCA Freshman and Sophomore Nationals. Two-time state placer Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township, Pa.) was the runner-up, and is ranked No. 37 in the Class of 2017. Nick Raimo (Hanover Park, N.J.), ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2019, placed third; he is a two-time Cadet National double champion and was a state runner-up during the high school season. Alex Thomsen (Underwood, Iowa) placed fifth, and is ranked No. 29 in the Class of 2018; he was a Junior National All-American in both styles this summer, and is a two-time state champion. State champion Colin Valdiviez (Rockhurst, Mo.) placed sixth, and is ranked No. 80 in the Class of 2017.

Four other wrestlers in this weight class are ranked within their respective grade levels. From the Class of 2017 it is a pair of NHSCA Junior Nationals placers in No. 89 K.J. Fenstermacher (Northampton, Pa.), a two-time state placer; and No. 92 Robert Garcia IV (Selma, Calif.), a three-time state placer. Cadet National freestyle champion Jacori Teemer (Long Beach, N.Y.) is a three-time state champion, and ranked No. 28 in the Class of 2018; while NHSCA Freshman Nationals champion Connor McGonagle (Timberlane, N.H.) is ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2019 and was a New England Regional runner-up last year.

Additional wrestlers to watch include Junior National freestyle All-Americans Dan Moran (Northampton, Pa.) and Jakob Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.), NHSCA Junior Nationals runner-up Jose Tapia (Capital, N.M.), state champion Jake Gliva (Simley, Minn.), 2014 Super 32 placer Shane Metzler (West Morris Central, N.J.), three-time state champion Clai Quintanilla (North Central, Wash.), and UWW Cadet freestyle All-American Chase Zollmann (Poway, Calif.)

132: Seven of the top 100 wrestlers from the Class of 2017 are present in this weight class, most notable among them is No. 3 Vitali Arujau (Syosset, N.Y.). The UWW Cadet world silver medalist in freestyle is a three-time state champion and placed third at the Super 32 last year in that loaded 126 pound weight class. Rounding out the group of seven are No. 23 Brian Courtney (Athens, Pa.), a state champion and FloNationals champion last March; No. 32 Chris Sandoval (Windsor, Colo.), fourth in this weight class at the Super 32 last year and champion in Junior folkstyle; No. 40 Paul Konrath (Connections Academy, Ind.), champion in Junior folkstyle and runner-up in Junior freestyle; No. 54 Kyran Hagan (Eureka, Mo.), runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and a UWW Cadet freestyle All-American; No. 87 Drew Marten (Tecumseh, Mich.), a state champion; and No. 98 Zach Trampe (Council Rock South, Pa.) a two-time state placer and 2015 FloNationals placer.

Six other wrestlers are ranked within their respective grade level. Mitch Moore (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) is ranked No. 12 in the Class of 2018, and is a two-time state champion, two-time Super 32 placer, and two-time FloNationals placer. Cadet freestyle All-American Dustin Plott (Tuttle, Okla) is ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2020, and also won the middle school division at the Super 32 last year; while Austin Boone (Lowell, Mich.) is No. 22 among freshmen. State runner-up Devin Schwartzkopf (Francis Howell Central, Mo.) is ranked No. 24 in the Class of 2019, returning state placer Ryan Vulakh (North Penn, Pa.) is ranked No. 30 in among sophomores, while state champion and Cadet freestyle All-American Kevon Davenport (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.) is No. 47 in the class.

Additional wrestlers to watch in this absolutely loaded weight class include returning Super 32 placers Quinn Kinner (Kingsway Regional, N.J.), Andrew Wert (Central Dauphin, Pa.), and Mason Wohltman (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.); returning FloNationals placers Zack Donathan (Mason, Ohio) and Marshall Keller (Christiansburg, Va.); two-time state placer and NHSCA Sophomore Nationals runner-up Alex Felix (Gilroy, Calif.); five-time state champion Zach Van Alst (Montgomery Catholic, Ala.); Junior freestyle All-American Jeremy Schoenherr (Stratford, Wis.); Cadet National double finalist Mason Phillips (Stanwood, Wash.); and three-time state placer Breyden Bailey (Indianapolis Cathedral, Ind.)

138: Four star juniors are among the anchor wrestlers in this weight class, most notable among them is FloNationals champion Sammy Sasso (Nazareth, Pa.), who is ranked No. 9 overall in the Class of 2018; Sasso placed third in the Super 32 last year, finished runner-up in freestyle at the UWW Cadet Nationals, and earned All-American honors in both styles at the Cadet Nationals each of the last two years. No. 19 Jaden Mattox (Grove City Central Crossing, Ohio) placed in the Super 32 as a freshman and is a two-time state finalist, including a state title this past season. No. 22 Brayton Lee (Brownsburg, Ind.) placed fifth at the Super 32 in this weight class last year, was a state champion this past high school season, and a UWW Cadet freestyle All-American. Rounding it out is No. 31 Grant Aronoff (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.), state champion this past season and champion at the NHSCA Freshman and Sophomore Nationals.

Four other grade level ranked wrestlers are present in this weight class, most notable among them is FloNationals runner-up Ben Freeman. Ranked No. 30 in the Class of 2017, he is also a three-time state champion and two-time Super 32 placer. From the Class of 2019, No. 20 Cameron Amine (Detroit Catholic Central, Mich.) and No. 44 Jake Mariakis (Ridgeland, Ga.) are in the field; state champion Amine was a Cadet National double All-American, while state runner-up Mariakis placed at the FloNationals. Rounding it out is Sonny Santiago (St. John Bosco, Calif.), ranked No. 19 in the Class of 2020.

Additional wrestlers to watch include returning Super 32 placer Corey Shie (La Salle, Ohio), a two-time state placer; New England Regional champion Timmy Kane (Fairfield Warde, Ct.); two-time state champions Jacob Greenwood (Poudre, Colo.) and Josh Humphreys (St. Alban's, W.Va.); NHSCA Junior Nationals placers Jimmy Hoffman (Hazelton, Pa.), Bradley Beaulieu (Marshfield, Me.), Danny Bertoni (Middletown, Md.), Robbie Cleary (Bound Brook, N.J.), and Sammy Hepler (Tri-Valley, Pa.); three-time state champion and FloNationals placer Knox Fuller (Bradley Central, Tenn.); Junior folkstyle runner-up Chris Deloza (Clovis North, Calif.); Cadet folkstyle runner-up Kasper McIntosh (Portage, Ind.); as well as 2014 Super 32 placers Roderick Mosley (Heritage Hall, Okla.) and Jake Silverstein (Hauppauge, N.Y.)

145: Four nationally ranked Class of 2017 wrestlers are among the anchors of this weight class, including No. 11 Austin O'Connor (St. Rita, Ill.), a three-time state champion and runner-up in this Super 32 weight class last year. No. 24 Jarod Verkleeren (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.) placed fourth at the Super 32 two years ago, was a UWW Cadet world champion in freestyle in the summer of 2015, and was a Junior National freestyle runner-up this past summer. The other two ranked seniors are returning Super 32 placers in No. 76 Peter Pappas (Plainview JFK, N.Y.) and No. 91 Denton Spencer (Camden County, Ga.); both wrestlers are also two-time state runners-up, while Spencer also was champion at the NHSCA Junior Nationals this past spring.

Also among the contenders here are a trio of nationally ranked Class of 2018 wrestlers. Most notable among them is returning Super 32 placer Joe Lee (Evansville Mater Dei, Ind.). Ranked No. 8 in the junior class, Lee is a two-time state finalist -- winning this past year -- and was a UWW Cadet National freestyle runner-up at 69 kilograms. No. 15 Anthony Artalona (Tampa Prep, Fla.) is a two-time state champion and beat Verkleeren to win a Junior National freestyle title this summer. No. 40 Josiah Rider (Grand Junction, Colo.) is placed fifth in this weight class last year at the Super 32 and was a state champion come season's end. Two other grade level ranked wrestlers in this weight class are No. 9 Connor Brady (Olentangy Liberty, Ohio), who placed fourth at the state tournament as a freshman; and two-time state placer Ashton Habeil (Lake Gibson, Fla.), who is ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2020.

Others to watch include three-time state finalist Brik Filippo (Tuttle, Okla.), state champion this past season; FloNationals placers in Brock Wilson (Nazareth, Pa.), Jake Hinkson (North Allegheny, Pa.) and Nick Santos (St. Peter's Prep, N.J.); two-time state champions Ryan Leisure (Clear Lake, Iowa) and Justin Ruffin (Union Grove, Ga.); two-time state placers Sandro Ramirez (Wauseon, Ohio) and Tyler Shilson (Centennial, Mass.); NHSCA Junior Nationals placers Zach Hartman (Belle Vernon Area, Pa.), Ryan Monteiro (Minnechaug Regional, Mass.), Chase Archangelo (Smyrna, Del.), and Bryce Marcus (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla.); along with NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion Joe Casey (Bound Brook, N.J.)

152: Five nationally ranked Class of 2017 prospects are among the notable stars of this field. Most notable among them is No. 9 Brady Berge (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.), a three-time state champion -- and 2015 UWW Cadet world team member in freestyle -- who suffered a major injury during the state semifinal round this past season. However, he is back and in good form. Other nationally ranked seniors include No. 20 Quentin Hovis (Poway, Calif.), a returning Super 32 placer and Junior National freestyle All-American this past summer; No. 43 Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook, N.J.), a two-time state finalist (2016 champion) and runner-up at both the NHSCA Sophomore and Junior Nationals; No. 81 Jake Brindley (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.), a two-time state champion and 2014 Super 32 placer; along with No. 96 Hunter Willits (Pueblo County, Colo.), a Junior National freestyle All-American and three-time state champion.

Another pair of stars are ranked from the Class of 2018. David Carr (Massillon Perry, Ohio), champion in the Super 32 last year at 145 pounds, is ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2018 and was a bronze medalist at the UWW Cadet world championships in freestyle last month. Also present is No. 38 Aaron Brooks (North Hagerstown, Md.), a Cadet National double champion this summer and champion in both the NHSCA Freshman and Sophomore Nationals. Additional grade level ranked wrestlers are a pair from the Class of 2020, who won middle school division titles at the Super 32 last year, in No. 7 Nevan Snodgrass (Kettering Fairmont, Ohio) and No. 18 Gerrit Nijenhuis (Canon-McMillan, Pa.)

Others to watch include state placer Connor Melbourne (John Jay Cross River, N.Y.), runner-up at the NHSCA Sophomore and Junior Nationals; state placer and NHSCA Junior Nationals third place finisher Nicholas Palumbo (Lenape Valley, N.J.); state runner-up and FloNationals placer Matt Grippi (Fox Lane, N.Y.); state champion Erich Byelick (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.); two-time state champion Elijah Tanner (Collinsville, Okla.); along with state third place finishers in Joshua Kim (Santiago Corona, Calif.) and Colt Yinger (Mechanicsburg, Ohio).

160: Five grade level ranked wrestlers, including four top 60 Class of 2017 prospects anchor the field. Leading the way here is Junior National freestyle champion Jake Allar (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), a returning state champion and Super 32 placer, who is ranked No. 28 in the Class of 2017. Next in line is No. 36 Hunter Bolen (Christiansburg, Va.), also a returning Super 32 placer, along with being a FloNationals runner-up and two-time state champion. No. 51 Mekhi Lewis (Bound Brook, N.J.) is a three-time state placer, and state champion this past season; while No. 56 Kyle Cochran (Paramus, N.J.) was also state champion this past season, and also won a NHSCA Junior Nationals title. State runner-up and FloNationals runner-up Trent Hidlay (Mifflin County, Pa.) is ranked No. 24 in the Class of 2018, and also placed at the Super 32 last year in this weight class. An additional grade level ranked wrestlers is Cadet freestyle All-American Chris Foca (Bergen Catholic, N.J.), who is ranked No. 45 in the Class of 2019.

Other contenders include returning Super 32 placer Georgio Poullas (Canfield, Ohio), three-time state runner-up Nick Kiussis (Brunswick, Ohio), state champion and Junior freestyle All-American Sammy Cokeley (St. James Academy, Kansas), two-time state champion Braeden Redlin (Allen, Texas), and state champion Emille Shannon (Christian Brothers College, Mo.)

Additional wrestlers with major national event credentials in this weight class include NHSCA Sophomore Nationals champion and Cadet double All-American Josh Stillings (Pennridge, Pa.), FloNationals placer Dale Tiongson (St. Paul's, Md.), Super 32 placer Isaiah Johnson (A.L. Brown, N.C.), NHSCA Junior Nationals placers Shawn Mosca (Wheatley, N.Y.) and Skitch Light (Central Dauphin, Pa.), UWW Cadet Nationals freestyle placer Robert Patrick (Ligonier Valley, Pa.), along with Cadet freestyle All-American Joel Shapiro (West Des Moines Valley, Iowa).

170: Four top 100 ranked seniors anchor the wrestlers in this field, a group headed by No. 32 Anthony Mantanona (Palm Desert, Calif.). The FloNationals and Junior Greco-Roman champion placed fourth in this Super 32 weight class last year and is a two-time state placer. No. 64 Bryce Rogers (Lake Highland Prep, Fla.) is a two-time state champion, and this past spring placed at the FloNationals and was a NHSCA Junior Nationals champion; No. 73 Ethan Smith (Sparrows Point, Md.) was a state champion this past season and placed third at the FloNationals; while No. 74 Bunmi Smith (Camden County, Ga.) is a three-time state placer and was state champion this past season.

Two additional FloNationals placers are in this weight class. Two-time FloNationals placer Casey Cornett (Simon Kenton, Ky.), who also placed third at the NHSCA Junior Nationals; along with state medalist Dalton Group (Susquenita, Pa.). Four additional wrestlers were NHSCA Junior Nationals placers: state medalists George Walton (Bound Brook, N.J.) and Bryan McLaughlin (Woodbridge, N.J.), two-time New England regional third place finisher Joe Accousti (Newtown, Ct.), as well as Ty Bagoly (Exeter Township, Pa.)

Others to watch include state champion Myles Wilson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.), three-time state placer Jason Hoffman (Hadley-Luzerne, N.Y.), state runner-up A.J. Meyers (Toms River East, N.J.), two-time state placer Dom Mandarino (Don Bosco Prep, N.J.), Cadet National double All-American Devin Winston (Park Hill, Mo.), and two-time state qualifier Emil Soehnlen (Massillon Perry, Ohio). Winston is ranked No. 41 overall in the Class of 2019.

182: Five top 100 seniors anchor what is a rather strong field in this weight class. The group is headlined by No. 18 Louie Deprez (Hilton, N.Y.), runner-up at last year's Super 32, also a two-time state champion and FloNationals placer. No. 21 Nino Bonaccorsi (Bethel Park, Pa.) is a two-time state placer, was third at the Super 32 last year, and won a FloNationals title this spring. In that finals match at the FloNationals, Bonaccorsi beat No. 25 Jelani Embree (Warren Lincoln, Mich.), who was a state champion this past high school season and a Junior National double All-American in Fargo this summer. No. 49 Anthony Falbo (Newtown, Ct.) is also a returning Super 32 placer; this past season he won a New England regional title, while in the off-season he won a second straight NHSCA grade-level title and placed fourth in Junior freestyle. Rounding out the quintet of elite seniors is No. 85 Matthew Waddell (Gilmer, Ga.), a two-time state champion, who placed at the NHSCA Junior Nationals and was a Junior double All-American this off-season.

Other notable seniors in this field include state champion and Junior freestyle All-American Jackson Hemauer (Deforest, Wis.), state medalist and returning Super 32 placer Dawson Peck (Chambersburg, Pa.), state champion Kendall Norfleet (Marian Catholic, Ill.), two-time state placer J.T. Brown (Elyria, Ohio), Junior National double All-American Miles Lee (South Philadelphia, Pa.), a pair of state champion and NHSCA Junior Nationals placers in Khamari Whimper (Baylor School, Tenn.) and Antonio Stewart (Camden County, Ga.), state champions Kaden Russell (St. Ignatius) and Stanley Smeltzer (Smithfield, Va.), along with state placer and NHSCA Junior Nationals placer Kendall Elfstrum (Monroe Woodbury, N.Y.)

Additional wrestlers to watch include Cadet folkstyle champion and freestyle runner-up Lucas Davison (Chesterton, Ind.), as well as state medalists Jared Ball (Hilliard Darby, Ohio) and Cody Mulligan (Saegertown, Pa.)

195: Three nationally ranked seniors and two juniors are among the top wrestlers in this weight class field. The highest ranked of the group is Brandon Whitman (Dundee, Mich.), ranked No. 14 in the Class of 2018; the FloNationals runner-up at 182 pounds is also a two-time state champion and placed fifth in both styles at the Junior Nationals this summer in Fargo. No. 26 Gavin Hoffman (Montoursville, Pa.) is the other junior; the state champion is a returning Super 32 placer and finished third at the FloNationals competing at 195 pounds, while also winning a NHSCA Sophomore Nationals title and finishing third in Cadet freestyle.

Heading up the 2017 contingent is No. 53 Jacob Raschka (Pewaukee, Wis.), a 2015 Cadet National freestyle champion, who won a state title and finished fifth at the FloNationals this past year. No. 61 Andrew Davison (Chesterton, Ind.) placed fifth at state in 2015, was a Junior folkstyle champion this spring, and placed seventh in both styles at the Junior Nationals this summer. No. 90 Jake Woodley (North Allegheny, Pa.) was a state champion this past high school season, and then placed at both the FloNationals and Junior National freestyle tournaments this off-season.

Another pair of wrestlers are grade-level ranked in this weight class. Braxton Amos (Parkersburg South, W.Va.) is ranked No. 3 overall in the Class of 2020 and enters high school with a Cadet National double title this summer and winning a middle school division title at the Super 32 last fall; while state champion Daniel Kerkvleit (Simley, Minn.) is ranked No. 36 in the Class of 2019 and placed third in Cadet freestyle losing just to Amos.

Other wrestlers to watch include NHSCA Junior Nationals champion John Borst (Sherando, Va.), who was runner-up in Junior freestyle this past summer; two-time state champion Noah Bushman (Cave Spring, Va.); state placers Kanan Sarver (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) and Joe Doyle (Council Rock South, Pa.); two-time placer John Kelbly (Smithville, Ohio), a NHSCA Junior Nationals placer; two-time state placer Danny Salas (St. John Bosco, Calif.); and state champion Miles Nuessle (Liberty, Ariz.)

220: Two wrestlers are returning Super 32 placers from this weight class last year, Zane Black (Cumberland Valley, Pa.) and Cole Nye (Bishop McDevitt, Pa.). Black is ranked No. 71 in the Class of 2017 and was runner-up at the NHSCA Junior Nationals; while Nye was state champion last high school season and a Junior freestyle All-American in the summer of 2015. The only other grade level ranked wrestler in this weight class is state placer Johnny Shafer (St. Paris Graham, Ohio), who is No. 33 in the Class of 2019.

Additional contenders include two-time state champion Jeffrey Allen (Amherst County, Va.), a Junior National double All-American this past summer; FloNationals placers Ryan Vasbinder (Byron Center, Mich.) and Eric Keosseian (Howell, N.J.); along with state medalists Diata Drayton (Marist, Ill.) and Nino Manzonelli (Allen, Texas).

285: The headline wrestler in this weight class is Kevin Vough (Elyria, Ohio), the No. 15 overall wrestler in the Class of 2017; he was champion at the FloNationals in 2014 and runner-up in Junior freestyle during the summer of 2015. Two others in this weight class are returning Super 32 placers, Evan Ellis (Eastern, Ind.) and Mansur Abdul-Malik (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.); Ellis is a two-time state placer and was a FloNationals placer this spring, while Abdul-Malik is a two-time National Prep placer.

Other contenders include Junior National freestyle All-American Zach Muller (Downers Grove North, Ill.), NHSCA Junior Natonals placers Laith Alsous (Lew-Port, N.Y.) and Sammy deSeriere (Mullen, Colo.), state champion Tyler Shannon (Arkansas City, Kansas), two-time state qualifier Blake Zalapi (Hononegah, Ill.), FloNationals placer Brendan Furman (Canon-McMillan, Pa.), and two-time state runner-up Evan Surgeon (Southeast Guilford, N.C.)]]>81394Mon, 10 Oct 2016 18:09:43 +0000Top high school senior wrestlers in Kansashttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/top-high-school-senior-wrestlers-in-kansas-r81353/Clay Lautt after winning a title at the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman (Photo/Sam Janicki)
Kansas wrestling is on the move.

Last year, Kansas' senior class placed several wrestlers at quality schools, though only three signed with Division I schools: Michael Prieto headed to South Dakota State University, Alan Clothier to Appalachian State University and Sam Elliott to Duke University.

With Kansas' monumental second-place finish in Fargo at the Cadet level in 2016, the Kansas faithful knew that 2017 would bring a deep class of seniors with a swarm of Division I attention.

Here is a look at the top 10 senior wrestlers from Kansas …

1. Clay Lautt
High School: St. James Academy
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 174

Analysis: Clay has been on a steady rise to the top, winning the FILA Cadet National Greco-Roman title and earning a spot on the Cadet World Team this year. He is a two-time state champion and a three-time Fargo All-American. He has been an anchor for the Kansas National Duals teams and has that top-shelf character that is a coaches' dream. The University of North Carolina recognized him early and will be getting an elite athlete from a fantastic family.

Words from the corner: "No two wrestlers have made more of an impact on our program than Clay Lautt and Sammy Cokeley. What these two have done on the mat speaks for itself. Over the last few years these two have spent basically 10 months a year working towards their goals. If not working hard in the room for themselves, they are at youth practices working with Kansas' future wrestlers striving towards being the next All American for Kansas. What we try to teach is 'it's not always about winning, it's about what you're doing to win.'" -- St. James Academy head wrestling coach Mike Medina

2. Kayne Hutchison
High School: Pittsburg
Projected High School Weight Class: 285
Projected College Weight Class: 285

Analysis: Kayne had built an impressive stockpile of hardware as a Cadet 220-pounder, reaching the podium in both styles at UWW Cadet Nationals and Fargo. As an encore he moved up to the 285-pound class and did it again. He was a FILA Cadet freestyle finalist and third-place finisher in Greco-Roman, followed by a double All-American finish in Fargo at the Junior level. In short, this kid is a gem.

Words from the corner: "Kayne Hutchison is a picture-perfect example of a champion in all facets of his life. He is a fierce competitor on the mat and applies the same tenacity with his academics. Kayne's hard work and perseverance drive him to find a way to win the toughest of matches. Kayne takes to the mat to win every match without uncertainty." -- Pittsburg head wrestling coach Scott Rieck

T3. Kameron Frame
High School: Goddard
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157

Analysis: Kameron is a two-time state champion, Cadet National folkstyle champion in 2015, folkstyle All-American in 2014 and a two-time Fargo All-American. With a career record of 97-13, he has been a leader on his back-to-back state champion high school team. These twin brothers are veterans of Kansas' National Dual teams and will likely be traveling together to college, giving some lucky program a double bonus.

T3. Kendall Frame
High School: Goddard
Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157

Analysis: Kendall is also a two-time state champion and three-time state placer. He reached the finals of the Cadet National folkstyle competition and forfeited to his brother Kameron. He is a Fargo All-American and veteran of the National Dual teams. His career record is 99-10. Kansas wrestling fans have been cheering on these twin brothers since a very young age. They are going to make some college coach's year when they sign.

Words from the corner (on Kameron and Kendall): "As a coach you dream about kids like this. They don't miss a practice, training session in the offseason, and wrestle year-round with a great attitude. They are also very coachable and understand that if you are not improving you are going to lose ground. Both are students of the sport, spending countless hours watching videos and attempting to perfect their technique. They don't rest on their past accomplishments." -- Goddard head wrestling coach Brett Means

5. Sammy Cokeley
High School: St. James Academy
Projected High School Weight Class: 170
Projected College Weight Class: 165/174

Analysis: Sammy is the definition of "hard work pays off." With the legacy of his four-time state champion brother Ryne and his state champion brother Reese, Sammy was a two-time state placer with high hopes. He kept chopping wood by traveling to every possible tournament, taking on the nation's best wrestlers. He couldn't have picked a better time to peak than the state tournament. Sammy beat two former state champs and avenged two earlier losses to win his first state title. Everyone could tell the light had turned on. In Tulsa, he went 14-2 at the Junior National Duals, beating a Fargo champion. He then ripped through the backside in Fargo, beating three All-Americans, including Wyatt Sheets from Oklahoma to take home a fourth-place finish in the Junior division. Along with his success in the classroom, this kid will have plenty of college options. Air Force Academy, Cornell, Wisconsin and Columbia are on the short list.

6. Corbin Nirschl
High School: Basehor Linwood
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125

Analysis: Corbin has a career record of 103-5 as a three-time state finalist and one-time champion. He is a Fargo All-American, making the finals in 2014. In 2015, Corbin was runner-up at UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Adding to that hardware, he was a Cadet All-American in folkstyle. He is a veteran on many of the National Duals teams and always keeps himself in top shape.

Words from the corner: "Corbin is one tough kid. I have never seen a more self-motivated kid. He is very hungry to get back to the top of the podium after finishing second the past two years. I know Corbin is going to work harder this year than he ever has to end his high school wrestling career with another state championship." -- Basehor Linwood head wrestling coach Joe Zlatnik

7. Dylan Prince
High School: Pittsburg
Projected High School Weight Class: 195
Projected College Weight Class: 197

Analysis: Dylan has had to overcome many physical hurdles throughout his career. He is a beast who passes any eye test and has excelled on the national stage. He is a three-time Fargo All-American and placed third in the Cadet National folkstyle competition. If I had to pick a kid from Kansas to run through a wall, it would be him.

Words from the corner: "Dylan Prince is an exceptional athlete whose relatively short career just began in the seventh grade. His work ethic and persistence are second to none. Combined with his relentless pride, Dylan gives it his all in every match. His intensity is fueled by his competitive spirit and ambition to succeed on the mat and in the classroom. Dylan is driven and strives for the intrinsic rewards only a true champion recognizes." -- Rieck

8. Mason Wallace
High School: Manhattan
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149

Analysis: Mason is one win away from three state titles. His 120-9 career record and two titles have grabbed the attention of college coaches nationwide. In 2014, he gained All-American status in folkstyle and has several Fargo wins along with being a veteran of the National Duals teams. Coming from a great family, Mason will make any college coach proud.

Words from the corner: "In my forty years as a high school wrestling coach, Mason Wallace exemplifies what we want in our student-athletes. He is a leader by example on and off the wrestling mat. His work ethic is amazing and his ability to instill in his teammates that drive and passion for success. Young people like Mason Wallace energize my life and encourage me to coach forever." -- Manhattan head wrestling coach Bob Gonzales

9. Aryus Jones
High School: Junction City
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 184

Analysis: With a career record of 68-13, it would be easy to overlook this athletic phenom from Junction City. That would be a mistake. True wrestling fans know that Aryus Jones has the potential to make a Division I roster. He is a three-time state placer and went 18-0 last year, winning the 6A state title. At the Kansas freestyle/Greco-Roman state tournament this year, he ran roughshod over two Fargo All-Americans and put everyone on notice to watch this kid's encore senior season.

Words from the corner: "Aryus is a hard worker, not only on the mat but also in the classroom. He has been a great leader for our team and our community. Along with his pure athleticism, his potential is unlimited." -- Junction City head wrestling coach Robert Laster

T10. Paul Stuart
High School: Andover
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141

Analysis: One loss in the state finals of his freshman season stands in the way of Paul attempting to win his fourth state title. With a stellar career record of 110-4 and two state titles, he is an elite technician and crowd-pleaser.

Words from the corner: "Paul leads by example in the wrestling room. He has a huge heart for kids and loves working with them in camps. Paul is much more than just a wrestler in the wrestling room. Paul is family to me. We have spent so much time together in and out of the wrestling room. I will personally miss him next year and our team will be losing a wonderful teammate." -- Andover head wrestling coach Brett Fiene

T10. Tristan Porsch
High School: Hoxie
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141

Analysis: Tristan has a career record of 114-3 and two state titles. He is also a state freestyle and Greco-Roman champion, winning the Southern Plains Regional in Greco-Roman. His win over four-time champion Michael Prieto last season got the attention of many coaches. Tristan is a National Honor Society member with a 3.85 GPA. He is one win away from three state titles. He has a tremendously competitive attitude. College coaches will do well with this kid.

Words from the corner: "Tristan has a great work ethic and what he has accomplished is special because he hasn't had a roomful of workout partners. He wrestles eleven months of the year and has carried on the strong tradition in our wrestling program mostly on his own, since his freshman year. A true leader in our room." -- Hoxie head wrestling coach Mike Porsch

Honorable Mention:
Daniel Butler (Leavenworth)
Tanner Hitchcock (Bonner Springs)
Andrew Johnson (Homeschool)
Anthony Scantlin (Mulvane)
Dylan Servis (Dodge City)
Logan Treaster (Newton)]]>81353Thu, 29 Sep 2016 06:02:48 +0000High school names gym for Jordan Burroughshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/high-school-names-gym-for-jordan-burroughs-r81336/Winslow Township High School honored Jordan Burroughs by naming its gym in his honor in a ceremony on Saturday
It's not every day that a 28-year-old has a high school gym named in his honor.

Then again, how many high schools can claim a graduate with an Olympic gold medal?

New Jersey's Winslow Township High School honored alum Jordan Burroughs by naming its gym in his honor in a ceremony on Saturday.

"You think about all the hours I spent in this gymnasium where you had a dream but you hadn't accomplished anything," the 2012 Olympic gold medalist in men's freestyle wrestling said during a speech in the newly dedicated Jordan Burroughs Gymnasium. "We truly worked our butts off in hopes of something great, in hopes of accomplishing something good.

"You have all these delusions of grandeur and you watch TV, you spend time on social media and you see these amazing athletes from these wonderful places. You dream that it will be you, but you never believe that it actually will be."

Superintendent H. Major Poteat weighed in on Jordan Burroughs' significance as a Winslow Township High grad.

"He epitomizes exactly what we're trying to do here," said Poteat. " ... The climate hasn't changed that much as far as the socioeconomic status of the community.

"He came from one of the more challenging areas in Winslow. We'll always have students coming from that area. But your present circumstance does not dictate what your outcome is going to be. Jordan represents hard work, perseverance, a positive attitude, being a good person, (he's) respectful, accountable. Good things can happen."

Burroughs added his personal perspective on the community where he grew up.

"We're a predominantly African-American community, which I am," said the two-time NCAA champ at the University of Nebraska. "We're a working-class community, which I come from.

"My parents both still work full time. My dad (Leroy) is a construction worker. My mom (Janice) works in a union in Philadelphia. I just want people to recognize it's possible. It takes focus, dedication and really, discipline, to get to this high level of success. But like, I did it. From here. These same teachers, these same facilities, this same community. It's possible. I want people to recognize that."

During his speech, Burroughs disclosed that he received an all-important phone call from area code 856 -- his home area code -- about a week after his being denied an opportunity to earn a second gold medal at this summer's Olympics in Brazil.

"I was a little down on myself and I saw 856, so I figured it was somebody I knew and on the other line was Dr. Poteat," said Burroughs at Saturday's dedication of the gymnasium. "It was really profound to me at that moment of my difficulties and misery. He just reminded me that regardless of my performance they were still going to name the gym after me."

The decision to name the athletic facility the Jordan Burroughs Gymnasium was made by the Winslow Township Board of Education last December.

"It's not all about the accomplishments. It's that people discovered who you were on the way. The love shown immediately after the Olympic Games told me I'm solidified and certified as a legend in the sport and a great individual with a ton of character, so I'm thankful," Burroughs said.

Burroughs expressed that thankfulness to the world beyond his hometown high school in a message on his @allIseeisgold Twitter account Saturday afternoon.

"Thank you to Dr. Poteat and the entire Winslow Township Board of Education for today! It's truly an honor! Jordan Burroughs Gymnasium!"

It was just a decade ago that Jordan Burroughs' graduation ceremony took place in that gym. In fact, he missed his ten-year high school reunion because that night he was at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"I still remember walking out at graduation in a green cap and gown," said Burroughs. "You always want to return better than you left, and I'm glad to be back."

Pretty impressive for a young man who was 16-13 his first season wrestling at Winslow Township High ... but went on to incredible achievements in all levels of wrestling, from New Jersey state titles, national championships, and international acclaim.]]>81336Sun, 25 Sep 2016 15:20:56 +0000Even in death, high school wrestler's spirit serves his teamhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/even-in-death-high-school-wrestlers-spirit-serves-his-team-r81321/Princeton High School
John Harris, who wrestled for Princeton High School in suburban Cincinnati, continues to lend his support to his program long after his murder nearly a decade ago ... thanks to fundraisers for his alma mater in his name.

A journeyman plumber and father of three, Harris was murdered during a carjacking near his home in Northside within the city of Cincinnati in June 2007. The criminals have yet to be caught.

Ever since that crime, John's mother Peggy Harris has spent every day searching for justice and comforting other mothers with the Who Killed Our Kids organization. She has also been active in generating support for the sport at her son's high school.

A 2001 graduate of Princeton High, John Harris was a standout wrestler for the Vikings, and named team captain his senior year. Even after graduation, he was a part of the program coaching kids both on and off the mats.

For the past two years, John's mother Peggy Harris has held a number of fundraisers in her son's memory to help the Viking wrestling program that meant so much to her son ... providing opportunities for young student-athletes who might not otherwise be able to participate.

"I know he loved wrestling, so let's do this, let's give back to the wrestling program," Peggy Harris told WKRC-TV, the CBS affiliate in Cincinnati. "It's fulfilling, it's more joyous than being hurt all the time in so much pain."

"After years of being drawn in trying to wondering who murdered Johnny it was eating me up because we still don't have any closure," said Harris. "I was getting overwhelmed with it."

But wrestling is helping her with that loss, the same way the sport helped her son years ago.

Peggy Harris' latest fundraiser for the Viking wrestling program took place Saturday night, at the Sharonville Convention Center, just up the street from Princeton High. Some of the money collected that night will go towards hotel costs for the team's first away meet in Columbus.

"This is a good night, great night, said Charles Mason, an assistant wrestling coach at Princeton. "Getting good people together, good souls together to celebrate the life of a fallen Viking."

For more information on the Princeton wrestling program and how you can help, visit the team's Facebook page.]]>81321Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:01:21 +0000Louisiana high school wrestling program seeks help after floodhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/louisiana-high-school-wrestling-program-seeks-help-after-flood-r81296/2015-16 Saint Amant wrestling team
Hit hard by last month's flooding in Louisiana, the wrestling program at Saint Amant High School near Baton Rouge is seeking help to replace mats, singlets, headgear, warm-ups, scales and other items destroyed by devastating floodwaters.

A GoFundMe page has been established to raise funds to replace damaged items worth thousands of dollars which had been used by the wrestling team at St. Amant, a public high school of approximately 2,000 students located in Ascension Parish, about 20 miles east of the Louisiana capital. The entire region suffered severe flooding in mid-August caused by 31 inches of rain in 36 hours which damaged over 100,000 homes and businesses in greater Baton Rouge.

"We figured we lost about $40,000 in equipment, uniforms and gear," St. Amant head wrestling coach Brian Hess told InterMat. "We had a wrestling mat, brand-new last season, which we purchased after a fundraiser. It had been used maybe ten times. We found it floating in the water in the wrestling storage room at the high school. It had to be thrown out."

"In addition, we had to toss a digital score clock, digital scale, singlets, and 40 sets of headgear," coach Hess added. "All of our trophies were also destroyed. This really got to me because our boys worked so far for each of them."

"In our district, five schools were flooded," said Hess, a Pennsylvania native. "However, we believe ours was the only wrestling program to have suffered damage."

"I'd say seventy-five percent of my wrestlers had their homes flooded. Three out of four of our coaches live in homes that were damaged by the flooding."

Saint Amant High School on Aug. 16

St. Amant High remains closed one month after the epic flood which damaged approximately 10,000 of the 45,000 homes located within Ascension Parish. All St. Amant High students are now attending a nearby high school within the district on a split-shift basis.

"The tough thing is, our wrestling season starts in about seven weeks," said Hess.

Right now, about the one thing the St. Amant Gators wrestling program will have is off-the-mat uniforms -- T-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts and polo shirts. These items were ordered just two days before the flood, and will be delivered at a later date.

The need remains great. That's why an assistant coach set up the GoFundMe page, with a goal of $20,000. As of Wednesday night, the St. Amant High wrestling program had raised approximately $2,150.

Saint Amant wrestling coaches:Chase Dupuis, Brian Hess and Mike Pernat

"We appreciate any help we can get," said Hess. "Donations to the fund -- as well as items to replace what was destroyed in the flood -- would be welcome."

"I want our wrestlers to have their own (wrestling) things because some of them don't even have school clothes because of the flood."

Saint Amant's new wrestling mat
Founded in 2001, the St. Amant wrestling program has been on the rise in recent years. Hess became head coach in 2011; last season, he led the Gators to a 32-5 overall record. (According to Hess, the state of Louisiana does not have limits on how many total events a team may participate in, other than there's a limit of one dual meet or tournament per week.) He told InterMat that he expected a similar record for the 2016-17 season.

"Over the past three seasons we've become one of the top one or two programs in the state," Hess said of the St. Amant program, which competes in Louisiana's Class 5A.

Readers wishing to help the St. Amant Gators wrestling program may visit the GoFundMe page or contact Coach Hess directly at brian.hess@apsb.org or at (410) 430-4255.]]>81296Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:03:06 +0000New Jersey high school tournament expansion clears first hurdlehttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/new-jersey-high-school-tournament-expansion-clears-first-hurdle-r81232/
On Wednesday the Executive Committee of the NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) approved three proposals that will realign districts and regions for greater equity, increase the number of qualifiers to the individual state championships, and expand the number of teams that qualify for the team championships.

New Jersey's state high school wrestling tournament
The vote to realign the districts and regions passed by a 21-6 vote. The other two proposals were each approved by a unanimous vote.

"This is my 42nd year in athletic administration," said NJSIAA Executive Director Steve Timko. "I don't think I've ever been in a committee before that unanimously approved a specific recommendation.

"This committee did."

All three proposals will need to be officially approved by the Executive Committee on Oct. 19, which Timko pretty much expects to be a done deal.

District/region realignment

Under the proposed realignment, the NJSIAA sought to balance districts and regions both in terms of number of teams and strength of programs.

To that end, teams will be placed into eight regions based on geography. A total of 321 schools have wrestling teams -- 281 public schools and 30 non-public schools.

To even out the strength of the regions, the NJSIAA determined each team's power-point average over the last five years to identify the top 32 programs in the state. An effort then was made to balance those "power" programs among regions, with no region having more than five or fewer than three of the power schools.

Once the regions were determined, efforts were made to even out the strengths of each district as well, according to Timko.

Timko said there has been a long-time push for realignment among coaches and others in wrestling.

"For the 16 years I've been here, I've been hearing concerns about districts and regions," Timko said.

Last December, the NJSIAA Executive Committee voted for separate post-season competitions for parochial and public schools in wrestling and football ... a decision vetoed by the state's commissioner of education, David C. Hespe. That episode gave greater impetus for the NJSIAA's proposed realignment approved Wednesday.

More qualifiers for state individual tournament

In a proposal approved unanimously by the Executive Committee, there will now be a new methodology for determining which individual wrestlers will compete at the state individual championships. Now the number of wrestlers going to Atlantic City from the eight region tournaments will grow from three per weight to four.

The expansion to four qualifiers per region for each weight for the individual championships would result in 448 wrestlers or 32 per weight, instead of 336 wrestlers or 24 per weight that has been in place for many years, when only the top three finishers from each region qualified.
With an increased number of wrestlers competing at Boardwalk Hall during the individual state championships, there would be an increased number of matches, necessitating another full round for both the main and wrestleback portions of the tournament.

If the Executive Committee gives its final blessing to this proposal in October, Timko said he will hold discussions with officials at the iconic Atlantic City venue about starting the first day of competition two hours earlier.

More qualifiers for state team tournament

The third proposal -- also approved by unanimous vote -- would increase the number of teams that qualified in each of the 24 sections to the state team tournament to eight.

This would mean 192 teams will be eligible to participate in the team tournament, instead of 144 teams -- or six per section -- as has been the case in recent years.

The new proposal will eliminate byes within the brackets.

After the Executive Committee's approval of the three proposals that could substantially change the post-season for New Jersey wrestlers, their coaches and teams, Timko said, "I think, without hesitation, this is progress for wrestling."

The changes, if approved in October, will go into effect this season, which begins in early December.]]>81232Thu, 15 Sep 2016 06:19:22 +0000Pennsylvania high school coach Lovello passeshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/pennsylvania-high-school-coach-lovello-passes-r81290/
Sam Lovello
Lovello, who built a 533-226-3 record in 37 seasons at Brandywine Heights High School and two at Wilson, was only the sixth high school wrestling coach in the Keystone State to exceed 500 victories.

The Reading (Pa.) High School graduate also coached two PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) Class AA champions and led the Brandywine Heights Bullets to the PIAA Class AA team title at the 2001 PIAA Wrestling Championships.

"The wrestling world is sadder today after losing one of the giants in our sport at the high school ranks. Sam Lovello, the longtime head coach of Brandywine Heights died early this morning," according to a post at the Berks County Wrestling Facebook page.

At a February 2013 tribute to celebrate Lovello's 500th win -- and the 50th year of Bullet wrestling at Brandywine Heights -- the coach told the Reading Eagle, "I love seeing these kids. It's any coach's dream when kids come back to see them. Any good coach gets attached to his kids. I'm attached to all these kids."

At that same reception three years ago, Brandywine Heights assistant coach Steve Adam said,
"He hasn't changed; he's always the same person. It's always fun coaching with him. He has so much knowledge and his memory is amazing."

Lovello had been welcomed into a number of wrestling halls of fame, including the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1999, and, in 2013, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Tom Elling, an NCAA All-American for Lock Haven and author of "PA Wrestling Handbook" who now shares his insights into the sport in the Keystone State with his Pennsylvania Wrestling website http://pawrsl.com, shared his thoughts on Lovello with InterMat.

"Probably the most recent 'name' wrestler who learned from Coach Lovello would be NC State's Peter Renda. Pete was a 4-time PIAA placer, winning his state title at 179 pounds in 2013. Kyle Kemmerer was his first state champion, winning the 112-pound title in 2003. Sam's son Joey was a three-time placer for his dad."

"Sam was a man of character and was always very humble and gracious," Elling added. "His wrestlers truly loved and respected him.

"I know I'll miss his easy smile at the 2017 PIAA State Tournament."

Funeral arrangements had yet to be announced as of Monday evening.]]>81290Mon, 12 Sep 2016 21:37:06 +0000Legendary high school coach Schmitt passeshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/legendary-high-school-coach-schmitt-passes-r81260/
Bill "Red" Schmitt
The man affectionately known as "Schmitty" coached at Granite City from 1950 to 1985. Under Schmitt, the Warriors captured the 1965 Illinois state wrestling title, marking the first time a team outside of Chicago had won a state wrestling crown. His first three teams at Granite City were undefeated.

Schmitt was the first wrestling coach in the country to reach 500, 600 and 700 career wins, eventually reaching 1,400 dual-meet victories, according to the Alton Telegraph, the newspaper in his hometown. He is a member of numerous national, state and regional wrestling Halls of Fame. http://thetelegraph.com/sports/88472/legendary-wrestling-coach-red-schmitt-dies-at-94

Born in Alton, Illinois in 1922, William C. Schmitt was a champion wrestler at Alton High School, where he graduated in 1940. After serving in World War II, Schmitt earned a bachelor's degree from Shurtleff College and a master's from University of Illinois. He began coaching at Alton's Western Military Academy in 1947, then came to Granite City High, where he remained for 35 years.

Schmitt led Granite City to 18 conference titles and 26 sectional championships. In addition to winning the state title in 1965, Schmitt's Warriors also placed in the top 10 at the state tournament 15 times. Schmitt also had 47 individual state place winners and coached four state champions. With Schmitt at the helm, Granite City had a 605-82-5 record, the Belleville News Democrat reported.

A number of individuals who knew "Red" and "Schmitty" spoke glowingly of the late coach.

"The metro east area lost a great man this weekend," Granite City High School Athletic Director John Moad said. "Coach Schmitt was a coaching legend. He was a wrestling icon not only in southern Illinois. But he was an icon throughout the state."

"He was an iconic figure in Granite City and in wrestling," said current Warrior coach George Kirgan. "He cared about the kids who wrestled for him and when I started coaching, he helped mentor me. I learned a lot of positives from him and we were very fortunate to have him here as a coach."

"Coach Schmitt was the kind of coach that as an athlete you wanted to run through the wall for," said Mike Garland, who served as assistant to Schmitt, then later became head coach at Granite City. "One of the most amazing was the number of dual matches his teams won. Back then, teams didn't wrestle more than 12-15 dual matches a year. For him to win as many as he did was an amazing number.

"Some of it had to do with tradition. Maybe a lot of it," Garland continued. "Coach Schmitt built such a good program and was such a strong part of his athletes lives that as an athlete or a team, you didn't want to be the one or the team to let him down. To let the program down."
"Coach Schmitt was the Dan Gable of high school wrestling," said Mike Garland of the man whose name now adorns the annual Granite City High Christmas wrestling tournament. "He will be missed and remembered forever."

Schmitt is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen; two daughters; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild… along with one brother, Ron.

A memorial celebration for Bill Schmitt will be held on October 9, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Hatheway Gallery on the campus of Lewis & Clark College in Godfrey, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to The Nature Institute, 2213 S. Levis Lane, Godfrey, IL 62035, or to Granite City High School, designated for the William "Red" Schmitt Holiday Wrestling Tournament, 3101 Madison Ave., Granite City, IL 62040.]]>81260Sat, 03 Sep 2016 03:34:18 +0000Remembering Iowa high school coach Boesenhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/remembering-iowa-high-school-coach-boesen-r81200/
Bob Boesen with Waterloo West trophies
Robert Bernard "Bob" Boesen was born in Waterloo on Christmas Eve 1932. He wrestled at Waterloo West High School, placing third as a senior at heavyweight at the 1951 Iowa state championships for then-first-year coach Robert Siddens, one of the all-time great high school wrestling coaches. (One of Siddens' protégés: Dan Gable.) In addition, Boesen was Wahawk team captain that year. He then attended University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls where he wrestled for head coach Bill Koll, and played football as well.

Boesen served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, then was employed by the United States Postal Service until his retirement at age 60.

Boesen had an enduring career as both a football and wrestling coach at schools within the Cedar Valley. He coached football at Sacred Heart School in Waterloo for 40 years, as well as serving as a wrestling coach at Sacred Heart and at Waterloo's Columbus High School through the 2016 season - more than a half-century.

An award was created in coach Boesen's name at Columbus High to recognize an "unsung hero from the wrestling team who exemplifies the best qualities of not only a wrestler but a student and community member," according to his obituary. "To receive this award, a person must have the characteristics that defined Bob: a great work ethic, positive attitude, willingness to help others, and selflessly work for the betterment of others. This award, like its namesake, does so without recognition and strives to do the right thing at all times."

Bob Boesen with Ken Snyder and Chuck Yagla
Among coach Boesen's honors: He was named the Iowa High School Athletic Association Junior High Coach of the Year in 1993, and, in 2004, Boesen served as an assistant coach on the Sailors' one and only state team championship. He was welcomed into the Battle of Waterloo Hall of Fame in 2012.

Arguably one of Boesen's most accomplished wrestlers was Chuck Yagla, two-time NCAA champ for the University of Iowa (1975, 1976), assistant to Dan Gable at Iowa for four seasons, member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's freestyle team, and NCAA referee for nearly a quarter-century.

"(Boesen) influenced many, many young men throughout his years at Sacred Heart Grade School and also Columbus High School," Yagla told InterMat. "He started the wrestling program at Sacred Heart when I was in the fifth grade ... Coach Boesen was very good at teaching the fundamentals and of course he was coached by the legendary Bob Siddens (Coach Siddens' first year at Waterloo West was Bob Boesen's senior year in high school). I always tell people that I was indirectly a product of Coach Siddens as I was coached by two of his pupils -- Bob Boesen and Dan Gable!"

Bob Boesen is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty; three sons; a daughter; and four grandchildren.

Visitation will take place Thursday, Aug. 18 at Locke Funeral Home, 1519 West Fourth St. in Waterloo from 4-7 p.m. Services will be held Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 627 West Fourth Street in Waterloo.]]>81200Thu, 11 Aug 2016 05:11:12 +0000Minnesota's Owatonna High School hires co-head coacheshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/minnesotas-owatonna-high-school-hires-co-head-coaches-r81083/Owatonna People's Press reported Wednesday.

Seykora and Woitalla replace Cliff Casteel, who stepped down from the head coaching job in April after five seasons to spend more time with his family. Casteel will remain as a special education instructor at Owatonna High.

Seykora has spent the last 13 seasons as an assistant coach with the Huskies, and, in fact, was on the staff when OHS won its last Minnesota state team title in 2005. Woitalla comes to Owatonna having graduated from St. Olaf College in nearby Northfield, Minn. in 2016, where, as a wrestler, was a scholar All-American. Woitalla was unable to wrestle for the Oles as a senior because of an injury; instead, he gained experience serving as an assistant on the Northfield High staff where his father, Mark, was the head coach.

Seykora admitted he hadn't even considered the idea of seeking the head coaching position at Owatonna.

"Actually, I didn't apply for the job," Seykora told the People's Press. "It wasn't that I didn't feel like I could do it; I just wanted to make sure they could find a great candidate. When they opened it up, Ryan (Swanson, Owatonna athletic director) came to me and showed me the list of candidates and said he wanted to bring in a younger coach with a fresh look and relate to the kids. He liked Adam's application and he interviewed great. Ryan approached me about the co-head coach at one point -- almost like a student-teacher type of situation."

For Woitalla, having Seykora's knowledge and experience at his side will make for a smooth transition as he launches his coaching career.

"Having a co-head coach was in the works from the very beginning," Woitalla said. "Scott brings amazing experience and knowledge of the community and the wrestling program. You want someone like Scott involved."

According to Seykora, the co-head coaching label will be a "year-to-year" process, with duties to be split evenly.

Seykora and Woitalla agree that their first priority will be to meet with the assistant coaching staff and talk about their vision and direction for the program.

The coaching duo of Seykora and Woitalla will head up an Owatonna wrestling program that has enjoyed a legacy of success, once having been coached by Scot Davis, "the winningest prep wrestling coach in the nation" for a quarter-century, until 2011. All of OHS' six state qualifiers from 2016 are returning, including two-time state title winner Peyton Robb, and195-pound state champ Brandon Moen, once he recovers from a knee injury. Owatonna's AD believes the new co-head coaches will be able to keep the Huskies mat program among the top 10-15 in Minnesota.]]>81083Thu, 14 Jul 2016 19:16:54 +0000Tsirtsis new coach at Chicago's Mt. Carmel High Schoolhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/tsirtsis-new-coach-at-chicagos-mt-carmel-high-school-r81056/Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

Tsirtsis replaces John Kading, 1996 NCAA champ for University of Oklahoma, who has accepted the head coaching job at Leyden High School in suburban Chicago after five years at the helm of the Mt. Carmel Caravan wrestling program which was nationally ranked last season and placed third in Class 2A at the Illinois state championships.

In fact, when Kading announced his departure, he recommended Tsirtsis for the position to Mount Carmel athletic director Dan LaCount.

"Alex's name came up right away," LaCount told the Tribune. "He was No. 1 on our list and we approached him immediately."

As someone who grew up just across the Illinois-Indiana state line in Griffith, Ind., Tsirtsis is familiar with the Mount Carmel mat legacy, and how the IHSA - the governing body for high school sports in Illinois -- allows its teams to travel and compete in tournaments across the country.

"I live in Northwest Indiana, and I think in Illinois, they're a little more competitive on the national scene," Tsirtsis said. "As far as the IHSA is involved, they give less restrictions on travel, which was pretty intriguing for me from a competition standpoint."

LaCount also cited Tsirtsis' residing just across the Chicago Skyway from Mount Carmel, located straight south of the Chicago Loop, as a positive factor.

"We love the fact that he lives in Northwest Indiana and that he has a great pipeline to that area," LaCount said. "He was receptive right away."

Tsirtsis wrestled at Griffith High School, where he compiled a flawless 236-0 record and took home four Indiana state titles. He then headed west on I-80 to Iowa City, where, as an Iowa Hawkeye, Tsirtsis was a four-time Big Ten Conference Championships place winner (2005-2009), and earned All-American honors by placing seventh at 141 pounds at the 2006 NCAA Championships.

In addition, as co-founder of the Region Wrestling Academy in nearby Gary, Ind., Tsirtsis brings coaching experience to the Caravan mat program.

"It's about finding the right people and designing your program so these kids love the sport but still get the training they need," Tsirtsis said. "You'll have your studs and then the guys just trying wrestling out. I wanna grow the sport. I want the guys to love it for the rest of their lives."

Located on the south side of Chicago, Mount Carmel is an all-male, four-year high school run by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Founded in 1900, Mount Carmel has 850 students.]]>81056Thu, 07 Jul 2016 03:16:55 +0000Proposal to add girls wrestling in Kansas high schoolshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/proposal-to-add-girls-wrestling-in-kansas-high-schools-r80976/proposal made this week to the organization which oversees prep sports in the Sunflower State is approved.

Doug Kretzer, head wrestling coach at McPherson High School, put forth a proposal for adding girls wrestling as an approved KSHSAA (Kansas State High School Athletic Association) sport for KSHSAA member schools.

"As with any sport, KSHSAA member schools would have the option to allow girls wrestling at their school," said Kretzer.

The McPherson coach made a strong case for the KSHSAA to add girls wrestling to its list of sanctioned sports, citing growth in participation among girls at various levels -- from youth, high school, and college, and even international women's freestyle competition. Among specific examples mentioned by Kretzer: USA Wrestling card membership and state tournament participation has grown each year after year for the past 5 years ... and new women's college programs being established within the state of Kansas. What's more, 111 girls participated in existing high school wrestling programs within the state last season.

Presently, at least six other states already have separate competition for young women in high school, including separate state championships. Those states include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, and Washington State.

"Other states that have added girls wrestling as a sanctioned high school sport have seen tremendous increase in participation once girls have the opportunity to compete against girls," said Kretzer.

In Kretzer's proposal, the women's wrestling season in Kansas would run parallel to the regular KSHSAA wrestling season. All current wrestling season rules and regulations would apply, except for a unique set of eleven weight classes -- 95, 102, 110, 119, 128, 138, 148, 165, 185, and 215 pounds -- which have been adopted from the weights successfully used in Texas high school girls wrestling. Girls would not be allowed to compete in the boys weight classes unless a specific tournament does not include girls weight classes.

As for the state tournament, there would be a single state tournament incorporating all classes, from 1A through 6A, with no qualifier needed. This allows for KSHSAA and its member schools to monitor/increase participation, according to Kretzer.

Kretzer also addressed potential financial concerns of Kansas high schools.

"By running boys and girls wrestling seasons at the same time -- similar to track and field in the state of Kansas -- the financial impact to schools that choose to participate would be minimal," said Kretzer. "Most schools would not need to increase their coaching staff or travel budgets, as many programs already have girls competing on their teams, this will just give them a platform to compete against like opponents. Increase in costs for hosting events with an added female division will also be minimal, and should require little effort to accommodate. There may be additional costs to KSHSAA when hosting post-season events, but those can even be scheduled to be competed at the same sites already used for wrestling post-season."

In his proposal, Kretzer says that 24 Kansas high schools would need to start girls wrestling programs for the KSHSAA to consider sanctioning the sport. He said three -- McPherson, Clearwater, and Derby -- have already expressed interest. He encouraged coaches and athletic directors at interested schools to contact the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association.]]>80976Wed, 15 Jun 2016 16:00:47 +0000Reports: Easton High School to hire Billman as head wrestling coachhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/reports-easton-high-school-to-hire-billman-as-head-wrestling-coach-r80962/Allentown Morning Call and the Easton Express-Times.

Billman was a two-time Pennsylvania state champ at Easton before going on to Penn State, then Lock Haven University.

The two Lehigh Valley newspapers presented the "return of Billman" news with varying degrees of confidence.

The Express-Times opened its story with this assertive statement: "Easton's new wrestling coach definitely comes from the Red Rovers family.

"Jamarr Billman will succeed Steve Powell as the head wrestling coach at Easton Area High School, according to several sources with knowledge of the situation."

The Morning Call was a bit hedgier, making it clear that any announcement regarding Billman's hiring would have to wait at least a week. Easton's athletic director, Jim Pokrivsak, would not name names, but said, "All I can say is we contacted a candidate about the job. We had 17 applicants and two withdrew. We interviewed five of them and brought two back for second interviews.

"We should get confirmation back from the candidate about whether he's going to take the position by Monday or Tuesday for sure. And then as long as he's approved by the school board [at its June 21 meeting], everything should be fine. Until then, everything is tentative. So we're not done with the process."

Neither paper was able to reach Billman for comment.

Billman does not have head coaching experience, but has served as an assistant coach at Wilson Area High School, and prior to that, as an assistant under Powell at Easton.

Billman graduated from Easton in 1997, where he was a three-time District 11 champ and two-time Northeast Region champ. In addition, he was a four-time PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) placewinner, winning back-to-back state titles in 1996 and 1997. Billman launched his collegiate career at Penn State, where he was Big Ten freshman of the year, placing fifth at 142 pounds at the 1998 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. He then transferred to Lock Haven where he completed a 61-7 record and finished fifth in the NCAA championships at 149 pounds in 2001 and 2002, becoming a three-time NCAA All-American. Billman's overall collegiate record was 117-13.]]>80962Sat, 11 Jun 2016 13:55:57 +0000Hall, Brock named national winners of Dave Schultz, Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Awardshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/hall-brock-named-national-winners-of-dave-schultz-tricia-saunders-high-school-excellence-awards-r80862/
Coach Brandon Slay talks to Mark Hall at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials (Photo/Mark Beshey, The Guillotine)
"Selecting the winners of these two awards is always difficult for our committee because we receive so many deserving nominees, who have all excelled on and off the wrestling mat," said Lee Roy Smith, Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. "We are pleased to name Mark and Katie as our national winners and believe that they are great representatives, who will continue to achieve athletically and academically at the next level."

Hall is the first six-time Minnesota High School state champion, finishing with a career record of 277-4, including 171 consecutive wins. The son of Mark Hall and Melissa Warren, he helped Apple Valley High School win six team state titles to become the only wrestler in state history to earn 12 combined titles.

"Winning the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award is a tremendous honor. When I think of the company that I am in, it makes it that much better," said Hall. "Dave Schultz is a name that rings through the wrestling world and to receive an award named after him is something that I will always remember."

Brock is a four-time Tennessee state champion for Sequatchie County High School in Dunlap, Tennessee, capturing more state championships than any team or individual in school history. The daughter of Scotty and Marsha Brock, she had a career record of 113-2 and earned Best Wrestler honors at the regional and state tournaments as a senior.

"It is so exciting just to have my name mentioned in the same sentence with Tricia Saunders, who is not only known for being an amazing female wrestler but also an outstanding coach. If it were not for her dedication and perseverance I would not have had the opportunity to be where I am today," said Brock. "She made impossible dreams possible for so many young women. From the beginning, my teammates and coaches have viewed me as a wrestler, not as a girl, and have pushed me to give my best in each and every match. They would give up their Saturdays and go to a tournament just to support me. They are my extended family.

"Despite having a very small team, the school and community have been very supportive and stood behind us 100 percent," she added. "It is a privilege that someone from a small town in Tennessee would be honored with such a prestigious award as the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award."

Hall won his second consecutive UWW Junior National title and was named Outstanding Wrestler at the 2016 UWW Junior Freestyle Nationals on April 27-30 in Las Vegas. He captured a Pan American cadet title and a FILA cadet world championship, and competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials where he advanced to the quarterfinals.

Hall has a GPA of 3.72 and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and Mary's Place, which offers transitional apartments for homeless families with children. He has signed a letter of intent to wrestle for national champion Penn State University.

Brock was captain of the wrestling team all four years while also lettering four years in volleyball and serving as team captain as a senior. She has a GPA of 3.54 and has worked as a volunteer with the Sequatchie County Fair as well as being involved with Junior Health Council, Beta Club, and Connect Crew. She has signed a letter of intent to wrestle at Campbellsville University.

The Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award was established in 1996 to honor Olympic and World champion Schultz, whose career was cut short when he was murdered in January of 1996. He was inducted as a Distinguished Member into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1997.

Hall was chosen from the five regional winners - Taylor LaMont of Mapleton, Utah (West Region), Jack Mueller of Dallas, Texas (Central Region), Nick Suriano of Paramus, New Jersey (Northeast Region), and Kyle Norstrem of Valrico, Florida (Southeast Region) - which were selected from the winners chosen from the 49 states that sponsor boys' high school championships.

Past winners of the DSHSEA include Logan Stieber, who became the fourth wrestler to win four NCAA Championships, and Coleman Scott, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. In addition to Stieber, DSHEA winners have won 10 NCAA titles with Steven Mocco, Teyon Ware, and David Taylor each winning two championships.

First presented in 2014, the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award is named for Saunders, a four-time World champion and women's wrestling pioneer. Saunders was the first woman inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2006, and is also a member of the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Brock was chosen from the winners from the seven states that sponsor an all-female girls' high school championship - Roberta Christopher of New Stuyahok, Alaska, Gabby Garcia of Anaheim, California, Teshya Alo of Honolulu, Payton Rigert of Hood River, Oregon, Brianna Holcomb of El Paso, Texas and Jordyn Bartelson of Puyallup, Washington.

The awards recognize and celebrate the nation's most outstanding high school seniors for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service.

The state winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria: success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling; review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions; and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.

Nominations for the DSHSEA award are accepted from the 49 states that sponsor boys' high school championships while nominations for the TSHSEA are accepted from the seven states that sponsor an all-female girls' high school championship. Winners are determined by a committee with input from National Wrestling Hall of Fame State Chapters, where applicable. Five regional winners are chosen for the DSHSEA, and the national winner is selected from those winners.

The inaugural recipient of the TSHSEA in 2014, Marina Doi won the Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association championship and was 30-1 as a sophomore in 2016 after a runner-up finish to four-time national champion Emily Webster as a freshman.

All-Time National Winners of Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award
2016 - Mark Hall II, Apple Valley High School, Apple Valley, Minnesota
2015 - Zahid Valencia, St. John Bosco High School, Bellflower, California
2014 - Chance Marsteller, Kennard-Dale High School, Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania
2013 - Zain Retherford, Benton Area High School, Benton, Pennsylvania
2012 - Taylor Massa, St. Johns High School, St. Johns, Michigan
2011 - Morgan McIntosh, Calvary Chapel High School, Santa Ana, California
2010 - Logan Steiber, Monroeville High School, Monroeville, Ohio
2009 - David Taylor, Graham High School, St. Paris, Ohio
2008 - Jason Chamberlain, Springville High School, Springville, Utah
2007 - Zachary Sanders, Wabasha-Kellog High School, Wabasha, Minnesota
2006 - David Craig, Brandon High School, Brandon, Florida
2005 - Troy Nickerson, Chenango Forks High School, Chenango Forks, New York
2004 - Coleman Scott, Waynesburg High School, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
2003 - C. P. Schlatter, St. Paul Graham High School, Urbana, Ohio
2002 - Teyon Ware, Edmond North High School, Edmond, Oklahoma
2001 - Steven Mocco, Blair Academy, Blairstown, New Jersey
2000 - Ben Connell, Lugoff-Elgin High School, Lugoff, South Carolina
1999 - Zach Roberson, Blue Valley North West High School, Overland Park, Kansas
1998 - Garrett Lowney, Freedom High School, Appleton, Wisconsin and Justin Ruiz, Taylorsville High School, Salt Lake City, Utah
1997 - Jeff Knupp, Walsh Jesuit High School, Akron, Ohio
1996 - David Kjeldgaard, Lewis Central High School, Council Bluffs, Iowa

All-Time National Winners of Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award
2016 - Katie Brock, Sequatchie County High School, Dunlap, Tennessee
2015 - Marizza Birrueta, Grandview High School, Grandview, Washington
2014 - Marina Doi, Kingsburg High School, Kingsburg, California

National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum
America's shrine to the sport of wrestling, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1976 to honor the sport of wrestling, preserve its history, recognize extraordinary individual achievements, and inspire future generations. With museums in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Waterloo, Iowa, the Hall of Fame has the largest collection of wrestling artifacts and memorabilia in the world including the Hall of Honors in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where wrestling legends are enshrined at the national, regional, and state level. The rich heritage and diversity of the sport will be highlighted throughout the newly-renovated museum. There is also a library featuring historical documents and books on the sport as well as a theater. The Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is currently closed to visitors while undergoing an entire interior renovation. It is scheduled to re-open on June 3-4, 2016, just in time to celebrate its 40th anniversary at the annual Honors Weekend induction ceremonies.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, please visit www.NWHOF.org.]]>80862Fri, 06 May 2016 07:03:58 +0000Longitudal study of top high school wrestling programshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/longitudal-study-of-top-high-school-wrestling-programs-r80853/
Coach Scott Green has guided Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) to national top-10 finishes in each of the past five seasons (Photo/Juan Garcia)
Last year's longitudinal study of the Fab 50 national team rankings identified eleven schools that have appeared in the rankings each of the previous five seasons (2011-15) of the rankings' existence. From that group, eight teams ended this season ranked, which means they have now been ranked at the end of the last six seasons.

Four additional teams have ended the last five seasons (2012-16) ranked within the Fab 50, which makes it twelve teams that have been ranked each of the last five seasons. Outside of the three teams that were ranked in the five previous seasons, but were not ranked at the end of this one, another pair of teams have appeared in the final rankings five times in the last six seasons. This reflects seventeen schools that have ended the season ranked five times in the last six years.

The following eight programs have been ranked at the end of each of the last six seasons:

Blair Academy, N.J. (2011: 2nd, 2012: 1st, 2013: 1st, 2014: 1st, 2015: 3rd, 2016: 1st)
St. Paris Graham, Ohio (4th, 8th, 5th, 6th, 1st, 3rd)
Wyoming Seminary, Pa. (11th, 9th, 2nd, 4th, 4th, 2nd)
Clovis, Calif. (7th, 5th, 8th, 3rd, 5th, 9th)
Apple Valley, Minn. (1st, 3rd, 13th, 5th, 17th, 14th)
Bethlehem Catholic, Pa. (21st, 12th, 20th, 13th, 9th, 6th)
St. Edward, Ohio (5th, 2nd, 4th, 50th, 15th, 7th)
Montini Catholic, Ill. (28th, 26th, 12th, 18th, 16th, 39th)

Six of the ten programs ranked in the top ten nationally this season have been nationally ranked in each of the last six seasons; Blair Academy, St. Paris Graham, and Clovis have been top ten in the country each of those seasons.

These four additional programs have ended the last five seasons in the Fab 50:

Oak Park River Forest, Ill. (2012: 31st, 2013: 11th, 2014: 3rd, 2015: 2nd, 2016: 8th)
Southeast Polk, Iowa (13th, 17th, 22nd, 7th, 30th)
Poway, Calif. (21st, 23rd, 32nd, 8th, 13th)
Tuttle, Okla. (28th, 41st, 31st, 23rd, 11th)

An additional pair of Illinois programs have ended five of the last six seasons within the Fab 50 rankings:

Carl Sandburg (2011: 26th, 2012: 36th, 2013: 9th, 2014: NR, 2015: 19th, 2016: 16th)
Marmion Academy (16th, NR, 26th, 27th, 32nd, 15th)

Three teams saw their five-year runs of ending the season within the Fab 50 rankings come to an end this past season: Bettendorf (Iowa), Broken Arrow (Okla.), and Massillon Perry (Ohio)

Two teams have been ranked in the Fab 50 at the end of each of the last four seasons:

Bergen Catholic, N.J. (2013: 34th, 2014: 9th, 2015: 10th, 2016: 4th)
Archer, Ga. (48th, 10th, 11th, 25th)

Bergen Catholic and Oak Park River Forest have ended three straight seasons in the top ten of the national team rankings, while Wyoming Seminary has been top ten in the last five seasons, to join the three schools that have been ranked top ten in all six seasons. Basically demonstrating the monopolistic nature of the mega-programs in the national high school wrestling landscape.

Three other teams were ranked at the end of this season, which made it four times ranked in the last six seasons:

St. Michael-Albertville, Minn. (2011: NR, 2012: 42nd, 2013: 10th, 2014: NR, 2015: 21st, 2016: 19th)
Allen, Texas (36th, 23rd, 15th, NR, NR, 26th)
Lowell, Mich. (NR, 24th, NR, 16th, 25th, 48th)

In addition, three schools were ranked from 2011-2014 but have not ended the last two ranked. Those being Brandon (Fla.), Detroit Catholic Central (Mich.), and St. Johns (Mich.). Look for Detroit Catholic Central to make a strong return to the national rankings in the coming season, as the Shamrocks return five wrestlers that won state titles in early March.

During the past season, four programs saw their three-year strings of ending the season nationally ranked come to an end: Bound Brook (N.J.), Brecksville (Ohio), Don Bosco Prep (N.J.), and Franklin Regional (Pa.). Another pair of programs made it three consecutive years as nationally ranked teams:
Buchanan, Calif. (2014: 39th, 2015: 12th, 2016: 5th)
Delta, Ohio (46th, 31st, 24th)

Three other teams appeared in the final rankings for the third time in six seasons:

Kasson-Mantorville, Minn. (2011: 44th, 2012: NR, 2013: 24th, 2014: NR, 2015: NR, 2016: 27th)
Nazareth, Pa. (32nd, NR, NR, 25th, NR, 21st)
Neosho, Mo. (33rd, NR, NR, NR, 18th, 43rd)

Early indicators suggest that Buchanan will be in top ten contention again next season, while Nazareth is likely to make the leap into that type of position. It should also be noted that eight other teams were not ranked this season, but also have ended three previous seasons in the InterMat Fab 50 national team rankings.

Looking at the 26 other teams that appeared in this year's final Fab 50, three of them were ranked for a second straight season, another three teams were ranked for the second time in the six-year history of the Fab 50, while for 20 teams it was their first time ending the season as a nationally ranked squad.

Those with back-to-back Fab 50 appearances were Belle Vernon (38th, 10th), Boyertown (43rd, 22nd), and Elyria (33rd, 20th). For No. 28 Camden County (40th in 2012), No. 36 Park Hill (3rd in 2013), and No. 50 Good Counsel (42nd in 2013) it marked a return to the rankings after some hiatus.

Four of the 20 debut teams were within the top 25 of the national rankings (No. 12 Lake Highland Prep, No. 17 Washington, No. 18 Mt. Carmel, and No. 23 Malvern Prep); while the other 16 fit into the final 22 spots of the rankings (29th through 50th).

In addition to identifying programs of excellence, a longitudinal analysis of the Fab 50 rankings can identify some trends, which can help provide an assessment of what to expect for the following year of the national team rankings.

The presence of 20 debut teams in the final Fab 50 was the highest number in the history of the rankings, outside of the first year where every team was technically making its debut. The four seasons prior to this one saw anywhere from 13-to-18 schools making their first appearance in the end of season rankings, with the numbers on an overall downward trend, as one would expect on a year-to-year basis:

2012: 18, 2013: 15, 2014: 16, 2015: 13

The following is an exhibit showing the relative position for these debutant schools.



Furthermore, the highest ranking for a school in its initial Fab 50 appearance was eleventh, achieved by Stillwater (Okla.)

To illustrate further the extreme turnover within the national rankings during the 2015-16 season, here is a chart illustrating the number of schools that were ranked in certain tiers of the rankings in the previous season that did not return to the national rankings in the (following) listed season.



The four seasons prior to this one saw either 18 or 19 schools that were ranked the previous season not end that next season in the rankings. On the other hand, 26 teams that were ranked in 2014-15 did not end the 2015-16 season in the final Fab 50.

During the last five years of compiling the Fab 50 national team rankings, 132 different schools from 27 states have appeared in the season-end rankings. The following are some "by the numbers" observations about the rankings.

56 = schools that have been ranked at the end of just one season

34 = schools that have been ranked at the end of exactly two seasons

17 = number of different schools to end the season ranked from Pennsylvania, which is the most of any state (11 different New Jersey and Ohio are next in line)

1 = number of unique schools to be ranked from Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Tennessee

0 = schools to appear in the end of season national team rankings from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi (doesn't have high school wrestling), Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.]]>80853Wed, 04 May 2016 08:24:15 +0000Hall repeats as InterMat High School Wrestler of the Yearhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/hall-repeats-as-intermat-high-school-wrestler-of-the-year-r80779/
Wrestler of the Year: Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.) -- 170 pounds

There is very little that this Penn State-bound wrestler has not accomplished during his prep wrestling career. The six-time state champion ended his scholastic wrestling career with a record of 277-4, having gone undefeated since the middle of his freshman year, and is now InterMat Wrestler of the Year for a second consecutive season. Hall started this period with a championship in the 74-kilo weight class at the UWW Junior Nationals in freestyle, earning victories over Joe Smith and Jason Nolf in the semifinals and finals. The Junior World Team spot was confirmed at the Trials with a two-match sweep over former InterMat Wrestler of the Year Chance Marsteller.

Mark Hall became Minnesota's first-ever six-time state champion (Photo/The Guillotine)
In the preseason Hall earned his fifth straight title at the InterMat JJ Classic. During the high school season he was 47-0 with only three matches not decided by forfeit, pin, or technical fall; those were determined by major decision. Three of those wins were over nationally ranked wrestlers: first-period pins over Marcus Coleman (Ames, Iowa) and Lucas Jeske (St. Michael-Albertville, Minn.), and a 14-5 major decision over Taylor Venz (Farmington, Minn.). Hall also participated in a pair of postseason all-star matches, earning a major decision over No. 2 Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) in the Dream Team Classic before beating nationally ranked Austin Bell (Belle Vernon, Pa.) 8-4 in the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. This past weekend, he won the last chance qualifier for the Olympic Team Trials this coming weekend, competing at 74 kilos in the UNI-Dome.

Previous Wrestlers of the Year:
2015: Mark Hall (Apple Valley, Minn.)
2014: Chance Marsteller (Kennard Dale, Pa.)
2013: Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Pa.)
2012: Jason Tsirtsis (Crown Point, Ind.)
2011: Morgan McIntosh (Calvary Chapel, Calif.)

Other Top-Ranked Wrestlers at their weight class …

106 pounds: Adam Busiello (Eastport-South Manor, N.Y.)
The freshman earned a second consecutive state title, winning last season at 99 pounds in eighth grade, as New York State allows junior high wrestlers to compete in high school. After placing third in Cadet freestyle at 106 pounds, Busiello was completely dominant during the folkstyle portion of this period. He was champion at the Super 32 Challenge in this weight class, and went undefeated during the high school season.

113 pounds: Gavin Teasdale (Jefferson-Morgan, Pa.)
The sophomore went undefeated for a second straight season on the way to a state title, and has started his career with an 82-0 record. Last spring he earned a second consecutive UWW Cadet National freestyle championship, this time qualifying for the Cadet World Championships at 50 kilos. Most notable on the regular season resume this year was a second consecutive title at the Powerade with wins over a pair of top ten ranked wrestlers in the semifinal and final.

120 pounds: Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.)
Like Teasdale before him, this Pittsburgh area native is undefeated for his career, a three-year career record of 109-0. While his junior season was short on matches due to recovery from injury sustained before and during the Junior World Championships, his career resume is just the opposite in terms of accomplishments. Testament to his ability is a 15-0 technical fall in the state final over a top five wrestler in the nation in his weight class, Austin DeSanto (Exeter Township). This past summer Lee was a Junior World champion in freestyle at 50 kilos, one year after winning a Cadet World title in that weight class.

126 pounds: Nick Suriano (Bergen Catholic, N.J.)
Suriano ended his high school career as a four-time undefeated state champion, including four titles at the Beast of the East and two titles at the Doc Buchanan Invitational, which are among the nation's preeminent regular season tournaments. During his senior season Suriano went 5-0 in matches against three wrestlers ranked in the top ten nationally. Prior to the season, he won a second Super 32 Challenge title, advancing to a third such tournament final in his high school career. Suriano has signed with Penn State.

132 pounds: Chad Red (New Palestine, Ind.)
Red also ended his career as a four-time undefeated state champion, including a one-point victory in this year's state final over a returning state champion, who ended the season ranked third nationally (Nick Lee). During the fall he also earned victories over a pair of elite wrestler in the next weight class at the "Who's Number One" preseason all-star event. The Nebraska signee won titles at the Super 32 Challenge and FloNationals during the 2014-15 school year.

138 pounds: Yianni Diakomihalis (Hilton, N.Y.)
The junior has won state titles in each of the last four high school seasons, including one in eighth grade at 99 pounds. This fall he joined an exclusive club of wrestlers to win three Super 32 Challenge titles, and could become the first to win a fourth in October. The verbal commit to Cornell was also a UWW Cadet National freestyle champion at 58 kilos last spring, and them won a Cadet World title in that weight class during the summer.

145 pounds: Cameron Coy (Penn Trafford, Pa.)
The three-time state finalist went an undefeated 37-0 during his junior season to earn a second state title in three seasons. Coy, who has verbally committed to the University of Virginia, has a three-year record of 110-11. Most notable regular season wins this year were those over nationally ranked Mekhi Lewis in the Powerade final, and Cadet World freestyle champion Jarod Verkleeren in the WCCA Tournament final.

152 pounds: Mason Manville (Wyoming Seminary, Pa.)
The Penn State signee won his second National Prep title at the end of this season, and was undefeated during his senior year of high school. Manville's folkstyle evaluation period included titles at the Super 32 Challenge, Walsh Ironman, and Powerade. It included six wins over four wrestlers ranked in the top four at their respective weight classes nationally (two over Hayden Hidlay, two over Griffin Parriott, with single wins over Thomas Bullard and Evan Wick). The past offseason included a UWW Junior National runner-up finish in Greco-Roman and All-American finishes in both styles during the Junior Nationals in Fargo.

160 pounds: Isaiah White (Oak Park River Forest, Ill.)
The Ohio State signee won his third state title, and second straight in undefeated fashion. White has at least 105 wins in the last three seasons against just four losses, with his last loss coming at the Detroit Catholic Central Super Duals in January 2014 (4-3 to Justin Oliver). Most notable in terms of major event accomplishments is his 2014 Walsh Ironman title and 2014 Junior National freestyle title.

182 pounds: Beau Breske (Hartford Union, Wis.)
The four-time state finalist won 175 of his last 176 matches in his high school career, losing just a 5-4 tiebreaker decision in the state final during his junior year. Breske was a three-time state champion in high school with a career mark of 203-3, winning titles at the Cheesehead Invitational each of the last three years. In terms of offseason accomplishment, he was a Junior National freestyle champion this past summer after winning Cadet National titles in both styles during 2013 and 2014. Breske has signed with the University of Nebraska.

195 pounds: Chase Singletary (Blair Academy, N.J.)
During his junior season, Singletary won an initial National Prep title to go with the Florida state titles earned in seventh and eighth grade. He also was runner-up at National Preps last year, third in Florida his freshman year, and runner-up in Florida during sixth grade. In terms of the 2015-16 season, Singletary was champion at the Walsh Ironman and runner-up at the Beast of the East; most notable was a 2-0 record over the second-ranked wrestler in this weight class (wins over Nick Reenan in the late January dual meet and at National Preps).

220 pounds: Gable Steveson (Apple Valley, Minn.)
Just a sophomore, Steveson already has been in the state final three times in his high school career. (Junior high wrestlers can compete varsity in Minnesota.) His last loss came in the state finals at 195 pounds during the eighth grade season, and Steveson has an 89-0 record over the last two seasons. Last spring he beat returning Cadet World silver medalist Jordan Wood in qualifying for the Cadet World freestyle team at 100 kilos. Steveson would subsequently win a World title, and also won a Cadet National freestyle title in Fargo. Though Cadet eligible, he won a Junior folkstyle title last weekend.

285 pounds: Osawaru Odighizuwa (David Douglas, Ore.)
The UCLA signee as a defensive lineman finished his scholastic career with three undefeated state title-winning seasons, amassing 131 consecutive wins along the way. Odighizuwa would also win two Fargo freestyle titles, one at the Cadet level in 2014 and then one at the Junior level in 2015; during those years, Odighizuwa was runner-up in Cadet Greco-Roman and third in Junior Greco-Roman.]]>80779Wed, 06 Apr 2016 14:03:32 +0000Blair Academy wins fourth national title in five yearshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/blair-academy-wins-fourth-national-title-in-five-years-r80733/Link: Final Fab 50 Team Rankings

Like last year, this 2015-16 season has had twists and turns throughout the national rankings landscape. However, for the fourth time in the last five years (and fourth in the six year existence of the InterMat Fab 50 national team rankings), Blair Academy (N.J.) has been crowned as the national champions.

Below is the list of national champion teams in the previous five years for the rankings:
2014-15: St. Paris Graham (Ohio)
2013-14: Blair Academy (N.J.)
2012-13: Blair Academy (N.J.)
2011-12: Blair Academy (N.J.)
2010-11: Apple Valley (Minn.)

Though Blair Academy was tabbed as the preseason No. 1 team in the country in mid-November, the Buccaneers did not hold a "wire-to-wire" grip on the No. 1 position. Directly behind them in the preseason Fab 50 rankings were Wyoming Seminary (Pa.), Bergen Catholic (N.J.), and St. Paris Graham (Ohio).

Wyoming Seminary ascended to the No. 1 position after winning the Walsh Ironman in mid-December, a tournament in which Blair Academy placed second and St. Paris Graham placed third. The Blue Knights then held the No. 1 position until a 35-20 dual meet loss at Blair Academy on Sunday, January 24; the Buccaneers took home victories in nine of the 14 weight classes that afternoon.

In December, Blair Academy won its 16th straight Beast of the East title, and finished 39.5 points ahead of runner-up Bergen Catholic (Photo/Rob Preston)
At that point, Blair Academy ascended to the top position in the rankings, despite a 27-24 dual meet loss on Saturday, Jan. 2 at St. Paris Graham, a match in which the teams split the bouts at seven apiece. The Buccaneers held onto the top position in the rankings throughout the rest of the season, confirming their ranking with a dominant performance at the National Prep Championships at the end of February. On that occasion, they won seven weight class titles to beat Wyoming Seminary by 30-plus points.

The overall strength of schedule for Blair Academy was rigorous this season. The Buccaneers competed at the nation's top two individual bracket tournaments, the Walsh Ironman (they finished second) and the Beast of the East (an event that they won); won the Geary Invitational, an individual bracket tournament that featured two other Fab 50 teams; went 3-1 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top ten nationally (splitting matches against teams ranked No. 2 and No. 3); and won the National Prep Championships over the No. 2 ranked team.

Rounding out the top ten in the national rankings are the following squads:

2. Wyoming Seminary (Pa.)
Ironman champions, Powerade champions (third best individual bracket tournament in the country), Eastern States Classic champions, split dual meets against top five teams nationally (beat Bergen Catholic, lost to Blair Academy), National Prep runners-up

3. St. Paris Graham (Ohio)
Ironman third place, dual meet wins over teams ranked No. 1 and No. 7 nationally, state dual meet and individual tournament champions

4. Bergen Catholic (N.J.)
Beast of the East runners-up, Doc Buchanan champions, went 2-2 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top 12 (beat Clovis and Lake Highland Prep, lost to Wyoming Seminary and Bethlehem Catholic), state dual meet champions

5. Buchanan (Calif.)
Clash XIV Duals champions, Doc Buchanan runners-up, went 5-0 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top 14 (wins over St. Edward, Oak Park River Forest, Clovis, Tuttle, and Apple Valley), state tournament champions

6. Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.)
King of the Mountain champions, Beast of the East third place, went 3-1 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top 12 (beat Bergen Catholic, Belle Vernon Area, and Lake Highland Prep; lost to Blair Academy), state dual meet and individual tournament champions

7. St. Edward (Ohio)
Ironman fifth place, Clash XIV Duals runners-up, went 3-2 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top 11 (beat Oak Park River Forest, Belle Vernon Area, and Tuttle; lost to St. Paris Graham and Buchanan), four other victories over Fab 50 teams, state dual meet and individual tournament champions

8. Oak Park River Forest (Ill.)
Clash XIV Duals third place, went 5-2 in dual meets against teams ranked in the top 17 (beat Tuttle, Marmion Academy (twice), Carl Sandburg, and Washington; lost to Buchanan and St. Edward), state dual meet champions

9. Clovis (Calif.)
Doc Buchanan third place, went 0-3 in dual meets against top six teams nationally (losses to Blair Academy, Bergen Catholic, and Buchanan), state tournament runners-up with four individual champions (single class state)

10. Belle Vernon Area (Pa.)
Ironman sixth place, Powerade runners-up, Escape the Rock champions, went 2-1 in dual meets against Fab 50 opposition (beat Kiski Area and Nazareth, lost to Bethlehem Catholic), state dual meet third place

Teams from 19 states were represented in the rankings to start the season, and the same number of states have teams represented in the end of season rankings. Leading the way with seven Fab 50 teams is the Keystone State, Pennsylvania. Next is Illinois with six nationally ranked teams, while five schools from Minnesota and Ohio also find themselves ranked. Three states have a trio of teams ranked: California, Iowa, and Missouri; while six have a pair ranked: New Jersey, Oklahoma, Georgia, Indiana, Colorado, and New York; those with a single team ranked include Florida, Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, and Maryland.

From the preseason rankings to the final end of season rankings, there was a turnover of 18 teams, all of whom were ranked 28th through 50th in the pre-season rankings. That includes 12 of 14 teams ranked from No. 37 through No. 50, including all those from 42 through 50.

The highest ranked team at the end of the season not to be ranked in the preseason was No. 21 Nazareth (Pa.). Others teams within the top 30 included No. 27 Kasson-Mantorville (Minn.) and No. 28 Camden County (Ga.), while 15 of the 20 teams ranked from 31 through 50 were not in the preseason Fab 50 rankings.

Final Fab 50 Team Rankings of 2015-16

1. Blair Academy, New Jersey
2. Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania
3. St. Paris Graham, Ohio
4. Bergen Catholic, New Jersey
5. Buchanan, California
6 Bethlehem Catholic Pennsylvania
7. St. Edward, Ohio
8. Oak Park River, Forest Illinois
9. Clovis, California
10. Belle Vernon Area, Pennsylvania
11. Tuttle, Oklahoma
12. Lake Highland Prep, Florida
13. Poway, California
14. Apple Valley, Minnesota
15. Marmion Academy, Illinois
16. Carl Sandburg, Illinois
17. Washington, Illinois
18. Mt. Carmel, Illinois
19. St. Michael-Albertville, Minnesota
20. Elyria, Ohio
21. Nazareth, Pennsylvania
22. Boyertown, Pennsylvania
23. Malvern Prep, Pennsylvania
24. Delta, Ohio
25. Archer, Georgia
26. Allen, Texas
27. Kasson-Mantorville, Minnesota
28. Camden County, Georgia
29. Warren Central, Indiana
30. Southeast Polk, Iowa
31. West Des Moines Valley, Iowa
32. Fort Dodge, Iowa
33. Brownsburg, Indiana
34. Pomona, Colorado
35. Anoka, Minnesota
36. Park Hill, Missouri
37. Olentangy Liberty, Ohio
38. Pueblo County, Colorado
39. Montini Catholic, Illinois
40. Hilton, New York
41. Platte County, Missouri
42. Long Beach, New York
43. Neosho, Missouri
44. Goddard, Kansas
45. Choctaw, Oklahoma
46. Kiski Area, Pennsylvania
47. Kenyon-Wanamingo, Minnesota
48. Lowell, Michigan
49. Post Falls, Idaho
50. Good Counsel, Maryland]]>80733Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:33:29 +0000Where were Division I All-Americans ranked in high school?https://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/where-were-division-i-all-americans-ranked-in-high-school-r80697/Nahshon Garrett runs out onto the mat for his NCAA finals match (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)One of the big keys for team success at the NCAA tournament is having a talented roster that can then perform at peak levels during the event. A tool available to assess the raw talent of the wrestlers is to see where they were ranked as high school prospects.

Here is a look at where the 2016 NCAA Division I All-Americans were ranked during their senior year in the season-end graduating class rankings. Note: WC = weight class but not graduating class, NR = ranked in neither
.
It is also of interest to note that of the five NCAA finalists for Penn State, all were "can't miss" recruits out of high school. Nolf was the lowest ranked at No. 7 in his class.

125:
1. Nico Megaludis (Penn State) -- 5/2011
2. Thomas Gilman (Iowa) -- 10/2012
3. Nathan Tomasello (Ohio State) -- 15/2013
4. David Terao (American) -- NR/2011
5. Conor Youtsey (Michigan) -- 60/2011
6. Dylan Peters (Northern Iowa) -- 65/2012
7. Ryan Millhof (Oklahoma) -- 38/2014
8. Connor Schram (Stanford) -- 24/2013

133:
1. Nahshon Garrett (Cornell) -- 49/2011
2. Corey Clark (Iowa) -- 15/2012
3. Cody Brewer (Oklahoma) -- 42/2011
4. Zane Richards (Illinois) -- 21/2012
5. Eric Montoya (Nebraska) -- NR/2012
6. Jordan Conaway (Penn State) -- WC/2011
7. Earl Hall (Iowa State) -- 84/2011
8. Jade Rauser (Utah Valley) -- 32/2011

141:
1. Dean Heil (Oklahoma State) -- 17/2013
2. Bryce Meredith (Wyoming) -- NR/2014
3. Joey McKenna (Stanford) -- 8/2014
4. Anthony Ashnault (Rutgers) -- 7/2013
5. Chris Mecate (Old Dominion) -- 75/2011
6. Solomon Chishko (Virginia Tech) -- 11/2014
7. Joey Ward (North Carolina) -- 33/2012
8. Randy Cruz (Lehigh) -- 37/2012

149:
1. Zain Retherford (Penn State) -- 3/2013
2. Brandon Sorensen (Iowa) -- 62/2013
3. Lavion Mayes (Missouri) -- NR/2012
4. Anthony Collica (Oklahoma State) -- 20/2013
5. Mike DePalma (Kent State) -- NR/2011
6. Alec Pantaleo (Michigan) -- NR/2014
7. Justin Oliver (Central Michigan) -- 99/2014
8. Geo Martinez (Boise State) -- NR/2013

157:
1. Isaiah Martinez (Illinois) -- 5/2013
2. Jason Nolf (Penn State) -- 7/2014
3. Nick Brascetta (Virginia Tech) -- 37/2011
4. Dylan Palacio (Cornell) -- 64/2012
5. Chad Walsh (Rider) -- 91/2014
6. Ian Miller (Kent State) -- 45/2011
7. Joe Smith (Oklahoma State) -- 16/2015
8. Tommy Gantt (North Carolina State) -- NR/2011

165:
1. Alex Dieringer (Oklahoma State) -- 15/2011
2. Isaac Jordan (Wisconsin) -- 19/2012
3. Bo Jordan (Ohio State) -- 1/2013
4. Daniel Lewis (Missouri) -- 34/2014
5. Steven Rodrigues (Illinois) -- 90/2011
6. David McFadden (Virginia Tech) -- 12/2015
7. Austin Wilson (Nebraska) -- WC/2011
8. Anthony Perrotti (Rutgers) -- WC/2011

174:
1. Myles Martin (Ohio State) -- 4/2015
2. Bo Nickal (Penn State) -- 5/2014
3. Zach Epperly (Virginia Tech) -- 26/2013
4. Casey Kent (Penn) -- NR/2012
5. Nathan Jackson (Indiana) -- NR/2012
6. Lelund Weatherspoon (Iowa State) -- NR/2012
7. Cody Walters (Ohio) -- NR/2011
8. Alex Meyer (Iowa) -- 49/2012

184:
1. Gabe Dean (Cornell) -- WC/2012
2. T.J. Dudley (Nebraska) -- 17/2012
3. Pete Renda (North Carolina State) -- 54/2013
4. Nolan Boyd (Oklahoma State) -- 100/2012
5. Matthew Miller (Navy) -- NR/2011
6. Willie Miklus (Missouri) -- 27/2012
7. Nate Brown (Lehigh) -- 52/2011
8. Sammy Brooks (Iowa) -- 14/2012

197:
1. J'den Cox (Missouri) -- 6/2013
2. Morgan McIntosh (Penn State) -- 1/2011
3. Brett Pfarr (Minnesota) -- NR/2012
4. Nathan Burak (Iowa) -- NR/2011
5. Patrick Downey (Iowa State) -- NR/2011 (not considered due to lack of senior high school season)
6. Jared Haught (Virginia Tech) -- 68/2013
7. Conner Hartmann (Duke) -- NR/2011
8. Brett Harner (Princeton) -- 45/2013

285:
1. Kyle Snyder (Ohio State) -- 1/2014
2. Nick Gwiazdowski (North Carolina State) -- 12/2011
3. Adam Coon (Michigan) -- 2/2013
4. Ty Walz (Virginia Tech) -- WC/2012
5. Amarveer Dhesi (Oregon State) -- NR/2013 (not considered because from Canada)
6. Austin Marsden (Oklahoma State) -- 22/2011
7. Michael Kroells (Minnesota) -- 41/2012
8. Max Wessell (Lehigh) -- NR/2010

All-Americans by graduation year from high school:
2010 = 1
2011 = 26 (9 in semis)
2012 = 22 (11 in semis)
2013 = 18 (12 in semis)
2014 = 10 (7 in semis)
2015 = 3 (1 in semis)

All-Americans by state (or country) of high school attendance:
12 = PA
10 = OH
6 = IL, MI
5 = IA, NJ
4 = CA, MD
3 = MO, CO, NY
2 = NE, MN, OK
1 = HI, WY, WI, TX, SC, Canada, GA, FL, NM, MT, WV, WA, VA]]>80697Tue, 22 Mar 2016 06:37:07 +0000Former high school wrestler dies after falling during spring breakhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/former-high-school-wrestler-dies-after-falling-during-spring-break-r80682/
Tyler Gilmore
Panama City Beach police said Gilmore was found by a passerby after midnight Sunday morning at the parking garage for the Shores of Panama residential building where he was staying with friends. Police said it's unclear at what height Gilmore was when he fell.

Gilmore's death is under investigation, but authorities don't suspect foul play.

As a wrestler at North, Gilmore went on to become a 2014 regional champion and two-time semi-state qualifier. He was also a two-time Amateur Athletic Union All-American on North's Disney Duals wrestling team.

"He had a magnetic personality," North head wrestling coach Mark Frisz told the Terre Haute Tribune-Star by email. "When he first came out for wrestling as a freshman, he immediately challenged me to a match (one that never took place)."

After learning about this death, friends posted messages on Gilmore's Facebook page . One said that Gilmore "helped build a family in the Terre Haute wrestling room."

Gilmore's Facebook page listed "Orderly at Terre Haute Regional Hospital" as one of his jobs, along with Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Terre Haute. His Facebook page includes a coupon for guests to have 10 percent of their dinner check donated to help pay for funeral expenses.

Gilmore had studied nursing at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, becoming among the first men admitted to the on-campus undergraduate program at what had been a women's school.

"I had the opportunity to be first at something, and it got me excited to do it," Gilmore said in an interview with the Tribune-Star back in August. He left Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in December, according to the school's executive director of college relations.

"Tyler had a lasting impact on me and our wrestling family," said coach Frisz, who noted that Gilmore would continue to visit the North wrestling room from time to time. "His passing hurts, and I feel for all of Tyler's family and friends. The great memories we all share will help us as time goes on."]]>80682Mon, 14 Mar 2016 22:02:35 +0000High school wrestler killed in Delaware truck crashhttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/high-school-wrestler-killed-in-delaware-truck-crash-r80681/
Tyler Brown
A resident of Gloucester County, New Jersey, Brown was a passenger in a Dodge Dakota pickup that was crossing U.S. 301 when it was struck on the right side by a semi tractor-trailer at 11:30 p.m. Friday in Middletown, Del. The driver of the pickup as well as a passenger in the back seat sustained serious injuries. The semi was knocked onto its side, and the driver and passenger were both seriously injured, according to Delaware State Police.

Brown was a multi-sport athlete at Salesianum. In addition to being a wrestler, Brown played rugby and lacrosse. He was also a participant in the school's Model United Nations program.

Brown was planning to go to Syracuse University in the fall to study architectural design. His art teacher, Brian Magargal, said Brown had worked hard to get into Syracuse, his number one choice.

"He had never picked up a paintbrush before last fall, but he wanted to go in for architecture," Magargal told DelawareOnline.com . "The good architecture schools ask for an art portfolio, so he came to me and asked for help."

Magargal soon found Brown had a natural talent. Brown was working on a very large painting, a streetscape he was painting from a photo he took of a town in New Jersey, which is about three-quarters of the way finished, Magargal said.

Brown's artwork was on display at a Saturday evening Mass held at the gym at Salesianum. More than 600 people offered prayers for Brown and for the recovery of his Salesianum classmate John W. Kirsch (the driver of the Dakota) and Kelley Muschiatti, a student at Padua High School, who was in the back seat. The school also had its chapel open Sunday afternoon for prayers.

"On Monday, we will mark this sad occasion with a special schedule at school, and provide opportunities for students and staff to grieve and receive support," said Salesianum principal The Rev. Chris Beretta in a letter posted at the school's website. "This will be a difficult week for our school community. All of us will deal with it in different ways; many will struggle. Every Salesian needs to arrive Monday knowing that we are grieving the loss of one of our own."]]>80681Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:28:56 +0000Suriano achieves perfection, Bergen Catholic has 4 champshttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/suriano-achieves-perfection-bergen-catholic-has-4-champs-r80651/
Nick Suriano was one of four Bergen Catholic wrestlers to win a state title this past weekend in Atlantic City
In addition to Suriano, three additional Crusaders repeated as state champions on Sunday. No. 4 Shane Griffith, just a sophomore, rallied to earn a 4-2 overtime victory over No. 18 Michael Van Brill (Clearview) at 138 pounds. In another showdown of ranked wrestlers, No. 6 Kevin Mulligan knocked off No. 16 Dean Drugac (Morris Knolls) 5-1 in the 195 pound final. Also winning his second title was No. 10 Joe Grello at 170 pounds.

The fifth repeat champion of the tournament was No. 10 Brandon Cray (Steinert), who beat No. 3 Nick Raimo (Hanover Park) 5-2 in the final. It should be noted that Raimo had the much tougher path to the final, having to beat both No. 17 Gianni Ghione (Brick Memorial) and returning state champion No. 16 Gerard Angelo (Bergen Catholic) in order to make the final; it was 9-3 in the quarterfinal over Ghione, and 3-1 in the semifinal over Angelo, who had won his title at Hanover Park last year.

The other wrestler seeking to defend his title was No. 5 Kyle Bierdumpfel (Don Bosco Prep) at 160 pounds, who was also runner-up at state as both a freshman and sophomore. However, Bierdumpfel was upset 3-2 in the final by Kyle Cochran (Paramus), an opponent he had beaten in both the regular season and in the district final.

In addition to the trio of champions from Bergen Catholic, and also Brandon Cray, who beat fellow nationally ranked opponents to earn their title, the final at 113 pounds pitted ranked wrestlers against one another. No. 3 Sebastian Rivera (Christian Brothers Academy) recovered from a third period deficit to pin No. 5 Patrick Glory (Delbarton) at the 5:59 mark in the championship match, which was a rematch of the pre-season Super 32 Challenge final; said result condemned the sophomore Glory to a second straight runner-up finish. Rivera also had to beat No. 10 Jonathan Tropea (St. Joseph Montvale) 6-3 in the semifinal round.

Other nationally ranked wrestlers to win titles at Boardwalk Hall on Sunday were No. 15 Mekhi Lewis (Bound Brook) at 145 pounds, No. 9 Stephan Glasgow (Bound Brook) at 152, and No. 3 Matt Correnti (Holy Cross) at 220.

Capping off an undefeated season to win their state titles were Joe Manchio (Seneca) at 106 pounds and Zack Firestone (Clearview) at 132. Manchio upset No. 2 JoJo Aragona (Pope John) 3-0 in the semifinal round. Rounding out the state champions were Brandon Kui (DePaul Catholic) and Eric Chakonis (Don Bosco Prep), the pair of juniors ascending to the top of the podium at 182 and 285 respectively.]]>80651Tue, 08 Mar 2016 07:29:31 +0000Marinelli claims fourth state title, St. Paris Graham rolls to 16th straight state championshiphttps://intermatwrestle.com/articles.html/high-school/marinelli-claims-fourth-state-title-st-paris-graham-rolls-to-16th-straight-state-championship-r80650/
However, this weekend Seth Beard (Napoleon) took out No. 7 Tyler Warner (Claymont) 6-4 in the Division II 120-pound semifinal. The Kent State bound senior would go on to win the state title over returning state runner-up Justin Stickley (St. Paris Graham) by a 6-3 score, a championship that was also the first ever for his school. Beard opened the tournament with a 15-0 technical fall and a 9-0 major decision in the quarterfinals against a returning state medalist. Said performance earned him Outstanding Wrestler honors in Division II for the state tournament.

Alex Marinelli won his fourth state title
All that being said, the real Outstanding Wrestler in Division II -- at least in my opinion -- was Alex Marinelli (St. Paris Graham). The No. 2 ranked 170 pound wrestler in the country dominated this tournament with three pins and then a 15-7 major decision in the championship match. Marinelli's victories in the semifinal and final came against returning state medalists. The Iowa-bound wrestler finishes his career as Ohio's 28th four-time state champion, with a career record of 200-4, and a 137 bout winning streak that goes back to midway through is sophomore campaign.

Furthering his case as Outstanding Wrestler was the 160 and 182 pound finals in the division. Both contestants in each final were competing at 170 pounds during various points of the season. At 160 it was Garrett Jordan (St. Paris Graham), who flipped weight classes with Marinelli in late December; and Eric Fasnacht (Padua), who dropped right before the state series. Then at 182, Tyler Wiederholt (Bellbrook) and Robbie Bowers (Defiance) each moved up a weight class right after finding out about the Marinelli/Jordan weight class switch.

St. Paris Graham, ranked No. 3 nationally, was the story of the tournament from a team standpoint. The Falcons won their 16th straight Division II state title, qualifying (and placing within the top five) 13 wrestlers. The 253 team points eclipsed last year's 250 point total as the second-most in the history of the state tournament for any team/division (St. Paris Graham in 2009 scored 282 points).

Marinelli was joined by four other Graham wrestlers as state champions: No. 12 Mitch Moore (126), No. 8 Brent Moore (138), No. 13 Rocky Jordan (145), and Garrett Jordan (160). Moore won the most anticipated Division II final, besting No. 10 Tariq Wilson (Steubenville) by 5-3 decision, propelled by a reversal and three-point near fall in the third period. Stickley was joined as runner-up by Jeff Thomas (113); placing third were Jordan Crace (106), Ryan Thomas (113), and Kanan Sarver (195); while Joey Sanchez (152), Gage Braun (182) and Johnny Shafer (220) placed fifth.

Other highlights in Division II included a state title for No. 20 Georgio Poullas (Canfield) at 152 pounds, as he anchored their team runner-up finish; No. 8 Jack Harris (Urbana) and Matt Adams (New Lexington) were the first individuals from their program to win state titles, doing so at 195 and 285 pounds respectively; Ana Abduljelil (Whitehall) won his program's second state title, the other one coming in 1960; while Josh Venia (Toledo Central Catholic) repeated as state champion at 106 pounds.

St. Edward ranked No. 7 nationally won its 30th (individual) state tournament title, its 18th in the last 20 years, as they cleared through a field featuring two other nationally ranked teams. Led by state champions in Bryce Andonian (106) and No. 9 Hunter Ladnier (138), the Eagles placed nine wrestlers in amassing 152 points. Other medalists were runner-up No. 9 Jared Campbell (220), Matt Kazimir (113) and Allan Hart (126) finishing third, Jack Conway (152) finishing fourth, Sam Dover (132) finishing fifth, with Mike Carpenter (160) and Tyler Stepic (182) placing sixth.

Team runner-up honors went to No. 20 Elyria with 105 points, their highest total in program history. The Pioneers overcame major adversity in the last month of the season: losing returning state medalist Nico O'Dor (152) and returning state qualifier Josh Breeding (120) in go-to-state bouts at the district tournament, along with multiple injury issues. None the less, two of their seven individual state qualifiers brought home state titles: Brandon Fenton (113) and a repeat title for No. 4 Ben Darmstadt (195). Other medalists were No. 3 Kevin Vough (285) finishing as runner-up, J.T. Brown (182) earning fourth, and Mikah Price (160) placing fifth.

No. 38 Olentangy Liberty scored 95 points, also placing five wrestlers, led by now three-time state champion No. 12 Kyle Lawson (160). Other placers for the Patriots were state runner-up Trevor Lawson (170), third place medalists Brakan Mead (106) and Trey Grenier (145), along with Connor Brady (132) finishing fourth.

Leading the individual highlights were the first two state titles in program history for Central Crossing, coming from No. 7 Jaden Mattox (132) and No. 12 Kameron Teacher (285). Teacher led No. 3 Vough by a 7-2 score midway through the third period when Vough had to default from the match due to injury. The most anticipated match of the whole state tournament was the 145 pound final, one in which No. 2 David Carr (Massillon Perry) dominated No. 8 Dominick Demas (Dublin Coffman), the final score of 8-4 was arguably not fully reflective of the dominance shown by Carr.

Joining Darmstadt as two-time state champions were No. 12 Noah Baughman (Wadsworth) at 120 pounds and No. 4 Matt Stencel (Oregon Clay) at 220. Stencel pinned No. 9 Campbell in the second period to avenge last week's district final loss, and win the season's rubber match. Other notable finals bouts saw Mario Guillen (Perrysburg) upset No. 18 Alex Mackall (Walsh Jesuit) 7-5 in overtime, as well as Austin Hiles (Brecksville) avenge a regular season loss to upend Nick Kiussis (Brunswick) 11-9, a result that made the junior Kiussis a three-time state runner-up.

In Division III, the story of the tournament was the overall dominance of No. 25 Delta, which won four state titles on the way to 159 pounds. Winning gold for the Panthers were Drew Mattin (120), Jake Spiess (132), Dustin Marteney (138), and Jesse Beverly (152); it was a second title for Mattin and a third in four years for Spiess. Three of their four additional state qualifiers also placed on the podium: Devin Richard (220) and returning state champion Chance Veller (285) took third, while Cole Mattin (106) finished fourth.

Tournament runner-up Dayton Christian placed four wrestlers on the podium, three of them in the state final, on the way to 92.5 points. No. 10 Logan Lacure (145) won his third state title, it was a second state title for No. 16 Tommy Hoskins (113), while Nick Vestal (152) placed second and Ronnie Pietro (106) finished third. Dual team runners-up Mechanicsburg placed third with 86.5 points, placing six of their eight state qualifiers; however, only Kaleb Romero (160) finished as state champion. Romero, ranked No. 11 nationally, won all four of his bouts by technical fall and has the potential to become a four-time state champion next year; he was named Oustanding Wrestler in Division III.

Other highlights in the division included freshman Dylan D'Emilio (106), ranked No. 5 nationally, winning his first of a possible four state titles; the first individual state title in school history for Wayne Trace coming from George Clemens (126), who finished his season undefeated; along with junior James Handwerk (Lutheran West) becoming a two-time state champion.]]>80650Tue, 08 Mar 2016 07:02:56 +0000