2007 Brakeman Report

2007 High School Wrestling Forecast
36th Annual Edition
Written by Brian F. Brakeman
January 27, 2007

Introduction

The object of these annual reports encompasses two basic goals. First is to acquaint everyone with the basic character of each weight class and identify the participants who are likely to play a major role in its resolution. In addition, each individual district is examined as to whom its representatives might be. Second is to stimulate interest in the whole State tournament process throughout Ohio. Naturally, accuracy is also of primary concern, so care is taken to develop the most comprehensive list possible of outstanding wrestlers, though of necessity, the evaluation of their final place is, in part, subjective. This report was written during a ten-day period ending January 25, based on the information available at that time. Because this material was written by that time (and in some cases somewhat earlier) and in the hands of the typists after that I have not included any information that may become available after that time. It’s kind of a snapshot in time, with a picture that will surely change in many ways by tournament time. Certainly many of those listed at weight classes where they are currently ranked will move up or down for competitive reasons facilitated by the new rules which make it so much easier to do so. In fact, some of those moves may well be precipitated by information contained within this document.

There are several ways you can help make this report more accurate. First by sending me bracket sheets for tournaments you enter either by fax or mail – I’m especially interested in sectional and district bracket sheets this year and any tournaments for next year. Also, phone calls, or better yet, e-mail messages dealing with results, weight class selection, or whatever, are gratefully received. I especially appreciate coaches who provide an honest overview of their squad and superior wrestlers they’ve seen in competition. Already I get messages and information from too many people to name individually, but I appreciate it all.

2006 DISTRICT RESULTS AT STATE TOURMENT*

		Championship Rounds		Consolation Rounds		Grand Total
Division I	Waite	68-44	60.7%	40-45	47.1%	108-89	54.8%
	Mentor	55-49	52.9%	39-44	47.0%	94-93	50.3%
	Darby	40-51	44.0%	41-49	45.6%	81-100	44.8%
	Fairfield	37-56	39.8%	60-42	58.8%	97-98	49.7%

Division II	Firestone	63-46	57.8%	47-40	54.1%	110-86	56.1%
	Ontario	51-52	49.5%	50-35	58.8%	101-87	53.7%
	Watkins	46-53	46.5%	39-53	42.4%	85-106	44.5%
	Goshen	43-52	45.3%	40-48	45.5%	83-100	45.4%

Division III	Maple	52-46	53.1%	40-46	46.5%	92-92	50.0%
	Owens	50-49	50.5%	42-37	53.2%	92-86	51.7%
	Steubenville	50-51	49.5%	42-43	49.4%	92-94	49.5%
	Fairmont	47-53	47.0%	48-46	51.1%	95-99	49.0%

* Records reflect only those bouts between wrestlers emerging from different districts.

NUMBER FROM EACH DISTRICT FINISHING
	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	Total Placers	Point System*
Waite	7	4	2	6	3	3	3	4	32	157
Mentor	5	3	3	2	6	4	2	1	26	130
Darby	2	4	1	3	4	5	3	6	28	108
Fairfield	0	3	8	3	1	2	6	3	26	109

Firestone	5	7	4	2	6	4	4	4	36	171
Ontario	3	4	5	3	4	3	8	1	31	139
Watkins	2	3	2	6	2	5	1	5	26	109
Goshen	4	0	3	3	2	2	1	4	19	85

Maple	5	3	3	1	5	4	2	5	28	125
Owens	4	4	5	4	2	2	4	3	28	135
Steubenville	3	4	3	5	2	2	5	4	28	123
Fairmont	2	3	3	4	5	6	3	2	28	121

Brakeman Report – 2006 Results
		Won State Title
Picked First		25

Second		10
Third		2
Fourth		1
Fifth		2
Sixth		1
Lower Than Sixth		1

DIVISION I

This is a banner year in Division I wrestling. At last year’s state meet 19 of the 28 finalists were underclassmen – – nine of whom won titles. In addition two state champions and a runner-up from previous years are also competing making this one of the best and most competitive tournaments in many years.

One of the questions that interested me this year was the value in team points for each level of placement. On average what is, for example, the differential in team points between a second place finish and a third place result. Summing over the 42 weight classes decided in 2006 the results, shown below, have some interesting features.

Placement	Average Team Points	Difference From Preceding Place	Highest Scorers For That Placement
First	25.01	—	L. Palmer D. Taylor	29.0 28.0
Second	19.90	5.11	B Sergent	23.5
Third	16.85	3.05	T Blanton	22.0
Fourth	14.31	2.54	Many with	18.0
Fifth	11.01	3.30	J. Fose	16.0
Sixth	8.05	2.96	J. Mohney	12.0
Seventh	6.75	1.30	F. Becker	10.0
Eighth	4.88	1.87	J. Neff	8.0

There can be substantial variability between places. For example, Blanton scored 22 team points finishing 3^rd while the runner-up at that same weight class, Wolff scored but 18. Note that the biggest point spread, on average, is, as it should be, between first and second place. That gives a strong team component as well as individual glory on Saturday night. Also, it is clear that pins are always very important since they are very heavily weighted – – especially in the consolation rounds.

One last item. There are two districts in Division I that substantially blur district lines. At Waite last year two sectionals from the Northeast and two from the Northwest competed while at Darby there were three Central District sectionals and one from the

Dayton area. The breakouts look like this:

Expected Actual

Qualifiers Qualifiers

At Waite Northeast 28 36

Northwest 28 20

At Darby Central 42 45

Southwest 14 11

103 #

Projected Champion: Jamie CLARK (St. edward)

Top Contenders

2	White (Massillon Perry)	15	Corrill (Moeller)
3	Robinson (St. Ignatius)	16	Meuer (Medina)
4	Bolger (Strongsville)	17	Corbett (Elder)
5	Sako (St. Edward)	18	Riegle (Springboro)
6	Lawrence (Westlake)	19	Smith (Centerville)
7	Li (Reynoldsburg)	20	Manley (Holland Springfield)
8	Farber (St. Xavier)	21	Smutak (Nordonia)
9	Giffin (Harrison)	22	Seiple (Coffman)
10	Regan (Miamisburg)	23	Hupp (Marietta)
11	Foore (Wadsworth)	24	Brunner (Avon Lake)
12	Millar (Davidson)	25	Toth (Riverside)
13	Cruz (Lorain Soutview)	26	Wimer (Central Crossing)
14	Mines (Maple Heights)

For much of the history of the state wrestling tournament big school wrestling has been dominated by schools from the Northeast District. Then in the 1990’s that dominance began to fade as big schools from other parts of the state (particularly the Southwest) began to win on a more consistent basis. For example in three years beginning in 1999 only half the individual titles (21 of 42) were won by Northeast District competitors. Now, however, we see a turn to the past as in the last three years 86% (35 of 42) of the Division I title went to the Northeast. Based on results from the Junior High States this may be a temporary glitch with other areas of the state doing very well in that venue – – although much of that talent appears to flow to Division II or III schools.

As is often the case this is a freshman/sophomore dominated weight class. My choice is the exceptional freshman from St. Edward, Jamie Clark, who has more than lived up the high expectations set for him. A two time state junior high champ and a Cadet National Champ at Fargo Clark is experienced way beyond his years. He was 3^rd at the Ironman losing to Stieber by one point and shutting out both White and Robinson. He lost to Taylor by two points in the dual and was 2^nd to White at Medina. In that last bout he controlled the action took most of the shots but could not finish against White’s stout defense and size advantage. That may be the issue. Clark is a small 103 pounder and as the weight allowance rises it becomes an increasing disadvantage.

White is also very good. He was 4^th at Fargo and backed up Genetin last year at Massillon Perry. Robinson beat him at the Ironman, but I remain unconvinced that it will happen again. Clark will want to get White at the State Meet relatively early to help negate the possible size differential on Saturday night. In a break with tradition I’ve rated Sako in my top five despite the fact that he is unlikely to compete at tournament time. A junior high state champ he backs up Clark and has had an outstanding year winning big, for example, at Perry and Marion Harding. His wrestle-off with Clark, in other circumstances, would be a closely watched state bout.

There are three excellent 103’s at Mentor. Clark will be joined by the previously mentioned Robinson who was 4^th at the Ironman, won at the CIT, but did not compete at Wadsworth. He has lost twice to Clark, but has beaten White. He is dangerous. Lawrence, another freshman, is easily overlooked because of Westlake’s low profile schedule, but he is very good. He has crushed every opponent and should be away from Clark at districts. The fourth spot will depend substantially on accurate pairings and a hot hand. Cruz probably has the inside track, but Manley, Avon Lake champion Brunner or Chorney (Solon) are certainly in the mix.

The field at Perry is deeper, but the top two boys stand out. We’ve already talked about White, but Bolger has also put together a great season. He won at Solon and was 3^rd at Brecksville defeating both Farber and Li in overtime. Strong and a good rider he should prosper in the often more conservative district and state tournaments. There are a great many contenders for the last two state berths and it is difficult to separate them. Foore was 2^nd at Wadsworth and North Canton while Mines won against a relatively weak field at Kenston. Smutak, Meuer and, maybe Toth or Hupp are other possibilities as we see a two-tier system with White and Bolger on the top level and half-dozen or more below.

Most of the top boys are from the north, but there are several potential place winners lurking at Fairfield, I think the best of them is the sophomore Farber. He won the SWOCA, was 2^nd at the CIT to Robinson, and 5^th at Brecksville – – losing in overtime to Bolger and by one point to Li. I think by year’s end Farber will reverse at least one of those defeats. The trio of Giffin, Corrill, and Corbett are all relatively close after finishing in that order at the SWOCA. None of them are going to be a big, huge problem for the top boys. Giffin and Corrill both beat Corbett by two to emphasize their closeness. Three Dayton area boys deserve mention here, but of course, we don’t know in which direction they’ll head for districts. I think Regan is the best of the trio finishing 2^nd at GMVWA and finishing ahead of Riegle and Smith, but then did not place at North while Smith took a 4^th.

The Darby District has two bonafide contenders for placement with Li having by far the best shot. A sturdy senior he has performed well against all but the very best boys – – getting a 4^th at Brecksville and a 3^rd at North Canton. A state qualifier last year he’ll be a tough first round match-up. Millar was the state alternate last year winning over 30 times. He lost to Li at districts and still trails him in this area. I think he missed the early part of the year so at Brecksville it looked like he was working himself into top form. He lost early and bad to Farber, but ended up winning five bouts and finishing 6^th. Bolger majored him and Farber beat him a second time in a much closer bout. After this duo the visitors from the Dayton area may get at least one of the other spots although Seiple and Wimer could be major factors.

112 #

Projected Champion: BO Touris (Lakota West)

Top Contenders

2	Lang (Brecksville)	15	Hillock (Jackson)
3	Genetin (Massillon Perry)	16	Cruz (Lorain Southview)
4	Mitcheff (Elyria)	17	Zupancic (Barberton)
5	Sulzer (St Edward)	18	Hartley (Pickerington North)
6	Mattingly (Uniontown Lake)	19	Kelly (Twinsburg)
7	Ciccarello (Brush)	20	Few (Reynoldsburg)
8	Guerra (Waite)	21	Speelman (Mansfield Madison)
9	Schilling (Mentor)	22	Conn (Teays Valley)
10	Roeth (Miamisburg)	23	Farkas (Massillon)
11	Crasto (Centerville)	24	Olson (Fairfield)
12	Lichtenberg (Strongsville)	25	Trauth (St. Xavier)
13	Leedy (Start)	26	Schlegel (Maumee)
14	Sherman (Milford)	27	Quinones (Perrysburg)

This is just a terrific weight class with more plot lines, surprises, and turnabouts then any place else. Almost every weekend results come in that amaze and confound the prognosticator and I’m sure the rest of the year will be in the same rein. Beginning at the sectional level this will be a roller coaster ride with results changing from weekend to weekend. This is a weight class to be enjoyed.

For much of baseball history starting pitchers were expected to pitch the whole game. Relief pitchers were guys who were struggling as starters, rookies, or over-the-hill veterans. There were a few exceptions–“Grandma” Johnny Murphy or a Firpo Marberry – – but for the most part relief specialists were unknown. That changed in the late ’50’s and early ‘60’s as teams built up bullpens featuring one star reliever who would pitch two or three innings. Then, in the late ‘80’s and ‘90’s the concept of the closer took hold–a pitcher who came in only to pitch the 9^th inning, in other words to “save” games. In point of fact late leads are lost just as often nowadays as in the past but the “closer” is now one of the highest paid jobs in baseball.

Kyle Lang is probably the most talented 112-pounder in a weight class that features many gifted wrestlers. As a freshman last year he led Danny Genetin 8-1 in the state semi-finals and then in two minutes gave up ten unanswered points to lose ll-8 and eventually place 4^th. This year at the Ironman he was in the process of dismantling Bo Touris when suddenly things fell apart and he was fortunate to gain a 11-9 win, and again at Brecksville he dominated Mitcheff for five minutes before almost losing at the end. If he can learn to close he’ll have gone a long way toward a state title.

Touris, by the way, holds three victories over Lang including a finals win at Brecksville. He is the logical choice here – – the only senior and the most consistent performer – – but he has had some unexpected results. Last year he lost to Mitcheff in the state semis, and this year he was pinned by Genetin under controversial circumstances.

Genetin lost in overtime in last year’s state final to Mitcheff after wrestling a great district and having the big rally against Lang. He was 5^th at the Ironman losing this time 9-2 to Lang, but won big at Medina pinning Sulzer in the final. His big advantage is that he can score from the top with that deadly cradle – – as Touris discovered.

State champion Mitcheff has just not been himself this year. After beating Touris and Genetin back-to-back at Columbus he has struggled at 112#. He lost to Sulzer at the Ironman and then defaulted out and then lost to Lang and Sergent at Brecksville. I think you often see that when a 103-pounder moves up weight classes and is no longer bigger than his competition. A saving grace for him is that while many of the top boys will be in a tremendous struggle just to qualify out of the tough Perry District, he has a somewhat easier path at Mentor.

There is no surety at this weight class. Random factors will, I believe, have much to do with determining the champion since the top four, in particular, are so evenly matched. In that case you have to go with the most consistent performer, which I believe is Bo Touris. Lang might be the most talented wrestler, Genetin the most dangerous, and Mitcheff the most explosive, but I think consistency has the best odds of winning—albeit that is still less than 50%.

The top two contenders Mitcheff will face at Mentor should be the excellent St. Edward freshman Nick Sulzer and state alternate Justin Guerra. Sulzer was 2^nd at Medina beating both Mattingly and Ciccarello in very close bouts. He is good at close, conservatively wrestled bouts. Touris won quite easily against him in the Ohio Duals. Guerra was at the brutal 112# class at Brecksville and failed to place after being pinned by Touris and majored by Papesh. However, he bounced back at Perrysburg with a big win over Quinones (Perrysburg)- – a Michigan state champ last year. I think Tommy Cruz or Bryce Leedy have a good shot at the fourth spot with maybe, the young Speelman or Frehmeyer (Parma) in the mix.

I count at least 10 state caliber wrestlers at Perry. Genetin and Lang have already been discussed. Ciccarello was 5^th last year losing only to Mitcheff and Lang. This year he has been a consistent placer, but has lost twice to Mattingly and once to Sulzer. Mattingly won at North canton but was only 4^th at Medina. State alternate Schillling is solid and tough defensively who wrestlers a lot of low scoring bouts. Zupancic is solid, but I’m not sure he can “go” with the top quintet. However, he could get to Columbus and he could score there. I’ve always liked Lichtenberg, but somehow he never quite wins the close one. He was 2^nd at Solon, but did not place at Brecksville losing to Sergent and Schilling (by a point). Kelly was a state qualifier last year, but it will be a difficult task to replicate that performance. The sophomore Leek is an intriguing possibility. He was a district semi-finalist last year after pinning eventual state placer Dinda. I believe he will end up at 119#. He must be carefully watched and accounted for. That leaves Farkas and Hillock whose chances are slim at this powerful class. I would not be surprised to see some movement to 119#, though it is not easy at that class either.

All this power in the north could be short circuited by the powerful Touris. While they struggle he will have it much easier at Fairfield. He has not lost in the southwest in two years – – I’m not even sure he’s had a close bout in that time frame. At the SWOCA nobody even went six minutes with him. State qualifier Sherman is probably next best, but he is a giant step behind Touris. He was 3^rd at the SWOCA, but 4^th at Wadsworth in a relatively weak field. State qualifier Roeth is also back at this weight class and was 4^th at North Canton at 119# – – before moving down. Other possibilities are Crasto, Trauth, and Olson.

There is very little at Darby. The good 112’s in the Dayton area may well want to move in this direction. There are no returning state qualifiers and the field is wide open. Hartley, Few and Conn have some local credentials, but nobody here has come close to winning one of the major tournaments.

119 #

Projected Champion: Ryan Fields (Lakota West)

Top Contenders

2	Rini (Massillon Jackson)	17	Boosz (Glen Oak)
3	Squire (Wadsworth)	18	Fuller (Waite)
4	Pretty (Elder)	19	Martin (Fitch)
5	Zamaria (Brecksville)	20	Comar (Twinsburg)
6	Stoll (Coffman)	21	Henry (Solon)
7	Harger (Moeller)	22	Gyorfi (Lorain Southview)
8	A. Radsky (Thomas Worthington)	23	Leedy (Start)
9	Dukes (Princeton)	24	Bencivenni (Eastlake North)
10	Cobos (St. Edward)	25	Martin (Scioto)
11	Skilton (Mentor)	26	Fayette (Centerville)
12	Newberry (Milford)	27	Stemen (Teays Valley)
13	Leak (Howland)	28	Dalton (Barberton)
14	Nein (Reynoldsburg)	29	Herrington (Sycamore)
15	Mead (Harrison)	30	Lardiere (St. Charles)
16	McLaughlin (Sandusky)

Fields in another wrestler who has struggled in the early going; however his past track record is exceptional. A state runner-up the past two years (to Jameson and Palmer) he has been one of Cincinnati’s brightest stars. Last year he had 46 consecutive wins before running into Palmer who was at his brilliant best in the finals. This year it’s been a different story. At the Ironman he defaulted in the first round and then lost again after two consolation wins. At the SWOCA he lost 6-1 to Pretty in what was a major surprise. At Brecksville Zamaria was pinning him when the referee broke it for injury (giving Zamaria a 5-0 lead), but came back to pin him (as he also did last year) with a headlock. Then he beat Pretty this time to take the title. Fields has beaten almost all the top contenders the past couple of years (including Rini), and I expect him to round into top form before we all go to Columbus.

If the natural progression of things were to happen Rini should be first this year. He was 3^rd as a sophomore (losing to Fields), second last year at this weight to Jameson, and now as a senior first would seem his due. Maybe. We haven’t seen much of Rini this year with injuries and possibly weight issues, but there was sighting at Brecksville before defaulting out. If he is ready and healthy he could be Fields’ major obstacle as both look for a first state title after some very near misses. Perry is again a loaded district. State placer Zamaria returns and as already noted had Fields in deep trouble in the semi-finals at Brecksville. State qualifier Boosz also returns but will be on the bubble in terms of state qualification. That because there will be at least three other serious challengers. The best and most intriguing one is the freshman Squire. An absolutely brilliant middle school wrestler he missed much of the year with injuries. However, at Wadsworth he rolled through the field majoring state qualifier Mead for the title. Folks, he’s the real deal and he can go with most anyone. Skilton is also a threat at this class. He lost to Fields in the 4^th tie breaker at Brecksville then inexplicably failed to place. He can win bouts at the state level. Also watch for the fast improving Comar whose performances have ranged from average to excellent. Other possibilities include the high scoring Bencivenni and Dalton with the transfer Martin a real threat once he gets acclimated to 119#.

I’m looking at five state qualifiers trying to squeeze into four state berths at Fairfield. Fields has to be the favorite, but Pretty has been a big surprise. A rather non-descript state qualifier at 103# last year (he went 1-2) who was crushed by Ciccarello, he suddenly bloomed moving up to 119#. Pretty became beautiful. He has become a scoring machine winning the SWOCA with wins over Dukes (9-0), Herrington (10-0), and Fields (16-1). He came right back the next week at Brecksville with four falls before losing narrowly to Field, 5-3. Perhaps the engine has cooled slightly with a 3^rd at the CIT., but he could be a finalist. Newberry, Mead, and Dukes all have state qualification on the resumes, but the numbers are going to work against at least one of them. Each of them went 1-2 in their state appearance so they know they can win at that level. Just as big a problem is the rapid emergence of the freshman Pierce Harger. Lost among all the Moeller stars I never noticed him at the Ironman at 125#, but now at 119# he’s easy to find – – on the podium. He was 3^rd at the SWOCA finishing ahead of Dukes and Newberry, was undefeated at the Ohio Duals, and pinned Pretty while winning the CIT. Also here is the long-shot Herrington who will need to pull an upset or two to qualify.

The Mentor District’s best, probably are looking at middle to low state places. State qualifier McLaughlin is explosive and this sophomore keeps getting better. I don’t know if he has four good bouts in a row, but he certainly has one to spring the big upset. State qualifier Cobos has been hurt all year and his only bout was a 60 second pin at Willard. He’ll be fresh at tourney and should qualify out of this district. Gyorfi and Henry are other possibilities out of the Cleveland area, but I think the quartet out of Toledo – – state alternate Espinoza (Toledo St. John), Fuller, Leedy, and Bowman (Whitmer) – – are just as good. Fuller won at Perrysburg while Leedy took top prize at Northwood. Bowman had a district 6^th last year after losing a tough battle to Lang in the go-to-state bout. Factor in Betzel Elyria) who pinned Espinoza early in the year and you have what the NFL wants – – parity.

Alex Radsky seems to have come into his own this year at 119#. His big win at the Top Gun including a victory over Longstreath confirms him as a co-favorite with Stoll at this district. Last year Stoll lost two tough luck matches at Columbus 5-4 and 6-5 denying him placement opportunities. This year he should do better especially if he can hold off Radsky and get the district title. Also back is state qualifier Martin, but I don’t see him challenging the top duo, in fact, depending on the Dayton teams, he could struggle to gain a repeat state berth. I like the freshman Fayette along with Ballentine (Springfield North) and Phillips (Northmont) from that area. Nein was a state alternate last year with Stemen and Lardiere other possibilities.

125 #

Projected Champion: Collin Palmer (st. edward)

Top Contenders

2	McGuire (Miamisberg )	15	Lester (Reynoldsburg)
3	Horner (Massillon Perry)	16	Carmona (Waite)
4	Sutter (Clay)	17	Kretz (Twinsburg)
5	Reese (Shaker Hts.)	18	Garrett (Cloverleaf)
6	Lambert (Stow)	19	Palmer (St. Ignatius)
7	Highbaugh (Maple Hts.)	20	Wallander (Moeller)
8	McCoy (Elder)	21	James (Teays Valley)
9	Dinda (Garfield Hts.)	22	Moore (Beavercreek)
10	Mercado (Lorain Southview)	23	Puskas (Mayfield)
11	Krummert (Milford)	24	Funk (Nordonia)
12	Channel (Central Crossing)	25	Ducilli (Olentangy)
13	V. Radsky (Thomas Worthington)	26	Marler (West Carrollton)
14	Crine (Barberton)	27	Fehring (Amelia)

I’m not sure I’ve seen a better performance recently then Palmer’s win over the undefeated Fields in last year’s state finals. It was three minutes of pure beauty against an outstanding opponent. On that night Fields never had a chance as the always smiling freshman Palmer had a lot to enjoy. This year Palmer may well better the three falls he had last year at Columbus as the competition at this weight class will not much challenge him. If Palmer has a weakness it’s in the down position, but that will not be tested this time around. We’ve twice had a set of two brothers each win four titles – – the Jordans and the Schlatters – – and it feels very much like the Palmers will join that very distinguished company. The Northeast District has now produced the champion at this weight class eight consecutive years and 11 of the past 12 while St. Eds has placed here seven straight including five champions. Those streaks do not appear in jeopardy in 2007.

I see seven possible qualifiers at Mentor. Palmer, of course, has one wrapped up so that means there’ll be a 50% attrition rate for the other six. From a talent perspective Reese would appear the best choice from the remaining half-dozen. Two years ago, as a sophomore, he finished 5^th at 103#, in a weight class loaded with good people. He did not compete last year, but won the Solon Tourney and was 5^th at the Top Gun – – losing twice to Stephens including one in overtime. There are three solid possibilities out of Toledo. Sutter was 8^th at 103# last year and earlier in the year won the Sylvania Southview at 130#. He was a solid 2^nd at the GMVWA including a big win over McGuire in the semi-finals, 6-3. Carmona has vacillated between 125# and 130#. He won handsomely at Perrysburg (125#), but was 4^th at Waite (130#). He missed placement at Brecksville (125#), but he’ll have to step it up to qualify at this district. Smith, a transfer from Eastwood, placed, like Sutter, at 103# last year. He was 3^rd at Perrysburg and will need to pull an upset to qualify. Besides Reese the northeast area will add Mercado and Johnson. The first named was undefeated until Waite where he lost early and finished 3^rd. He was a district semi-finalist last year before losing to Birt and Roshawn Jones in what had to be a tough Saturday afternoon for him. He had beaten Jones in the first round 8-2. The third possibility is the excellent Johnson. He’ll have to make a choice between here and 130#. I’m not sure what would be best. If here, he’s a real threat. He was 2^nd at Solon to Boing and 2^nd at Clyde to former state champ Gambill, 8-7 in overtime. Should Johnson be at 130# another Palmer, William, could be a dark-horse candidate along with young Marrone (Parma).

There are five returning state qualifiers at Perry – – three of whom placed. Horner was terrific last year finishing 3^rd at 112#. His only loss was to Fields and he defeated a lot of good people. He has, however, had a slow start this year. He lost early and often at the Ironman (pinned by Nevin Brown), failed to place at Medina (pinned by Garrett), and was 3^rd at the Big 8. He did much the same last year coming into States with ten losses, but, never the less, I’m worried. Dinda was 5^th at 112# and has been gradually working himself down to the class. He wrestled at 135# the first week. He has finally reached 125# and was 2^nd at the Dies to Lambert, 7-4 and ahead of some good people. Puskas, placed in Division III, before transferring to Mayfield. It could be a struggle for him at this very difficult district. State qualifier Lambert is a better bet to qualify. He won the Dies, Hudson, and was 2^nd at Wadsworth. He lost both his state bouts, but his first round double overtime loss, 7-6, to the undefeated Adams was exciting. Highbaugh, also a state qualifier, has been at 130# most of the year. This year he was 1^st at Hudson and 2^nd to Hayes at Kenston—all at 130#. There is a quartet of excellent competitors at least one of whom, in my opinion will qualify. That group consists of Crine, Kretz, Garrett, and Funk. They would be strong choices in some of the other districts, but they are just on the periphery of qualification here.

With some of the Dayton teams going to Darby it’s difficult to know where some of the best contenders will end up. So, as in many weight classes, I’m just guessing as to whom will be at Fairfield. In this case there are two standouts. McGuire was 4^th at 119# after losing in the first round. He won at North Canton and Sycamore but was 4^th at the GMVWA losing to Sutter and getting crushed by Kolodzik. He should place again. McCoy was 8^th at 112# and won the SWOCA this year narrowly over Krummert. State qualifier Wallander was 3^rd at the SWOCA but did not compete at the CIT as his back-up, Andrew Hammer, finished 76^th. Krummert beat Wallander by five at the SWOCA in finishing 2^nd. However, he failed to place at Wadsworth losing to William Palmer. Fehring, Price (Harrison), Redavide (Fairmont) and Marler are certainly in the mix here although the latter could end up at the somewhat easier Darby District.

At Darby, there are four returning state qualifiers who went a combined 0-8 in Columbus. Radsky and Ducilli are up three weight classes and seem to be struggling at 125#. Lester missed a good part of the year, but returned two weeks ago. He lost all three of his bouts at the Ohio Duals, but came back strong at Waite finishing 2^nd to Ulinski and ahead of Mercado. Channel was 5^th at Wadsworth – – losing badly to Lambert and Henline – – but 1^st at Franklin Hts. over Radsky. James may be as good as any of this quartet and the Dayton contingent could include McGuire, Marler or both Moores – – Gavin and Ryan.

130 #

Projected Champion: Neil Birt (St.Edward)

Top Contenders

2	Palivoda (Marysville)	15	Melink (Moeller)
3	Haas (Jackson)	16	McHenry (Elyria)
4	Wentink (Cloverleaf)	17	Freed (Springboro)
5	Dennis (Holland Springfield)	18	Hotopp (Harrison)
6	Lopez (Waite)	19	J. Schreiner (Mentor)
7	Weaver (Olentangy)	20	Hayes (Mayfield)
8	Johnson (Midview)	21	Gordon (Scioto)
9	Sanders (Westland)	22	Groh (Northmont)
10	Green (Lakota West)	23	Yetzer (Mansfield Madison)
11	Cline (Uniontown Lake)	24	Oberschlake (Fairborn)
12	Price (Massillon)	25	Sasfy (Reynoldsburg)
13	Duffy (Lakewood)	26	Shadrach (Parma)
14	Parra (Barberton)

Most seasons begin with wrestlers searching for the optimal weight class in terms of performance and competition. Initially you see clumping with some classes overloaded with strong performers and others deficient in that category. Under the old weight certification procedure there would be a gradually smoothing out process where wrestlers would move (sometimes after heroic or foolhardy weight loss) into more congenial classes gradually evening out the competition. I’m not sure that is happening under this new system though, under these rules, it is too early to tell. The alpha weight limitation may leave some weights glutted with talent while an adjacent one is far easier.

That may be the case at 130#. At this point in time, though still unsure of many possibilities, this weight class is easily the weakest in Division I. Ironically, as we shall shortly see 135# is absolutely loaded with incredible talent.

At least on paper the Mentor District is strongest. Birt was 6^th two years ago as a freshman at 103#, but after winning this district at 119# last year went 1-2 at the state level – -including a loss to a wrestler he beat this previous week. This year he was a semi-finalist at the Ironman finishing 3^rd, but missed the Medina tourney and the Ohio Duals. Dennis was 3^rd last year winning five consolation bouts after a first round loss. He was a semi-finalist at Medina, but lost to Birt’s back-up. He bounced back at Perrysburg with some big wins and should be a factor. Lopez was the district runner-up at this weight class last year defaulting to Gonsor, and then was unable to wrestle at States. He has been at 135# much of the year, but I have been assured he will end up here – – clearly, the correct choice. He was 4^th at Brecksville losing only to Pelton and Casey Thome and was 2^nd at Waite losing to Webb in overtime. He will be a dynamite 130 pounder. Also here is state alternate Duffy and excellent sophomore McHenry – – who won three bouts at the Ironman and four at Brecksville. Yetzer won the Gorman and was 6^th at the Top Gun and is getting better rapidly. Finally, if Johnson opts for this weight class this will be an exceptionally interesting competition.

The Perry District is not as strong as normal. With Jameson choosing to stay at 135# it has become a wide-open competition. Haas, a state qualifier, has just dropped to this weight class and could be an enormous factor. He was 6^th at Brecksville losing two close bouts to Lybarger. Then he took Spicel into overtime before losing 3-1. Price has had a great year and might be the best here. He won at Waite and was 3^rd at North Canton and Wadsworth, both losses to Division II contenders. North Canton champ Cline is solid as is Medina champ Wentink. They’ll need to string together a series of good bouts to qualify. Schreiner, Parra, and the young Hayes could also be factors in a weight class that is wide open.

Palivoda was a state semi-finalist at 119# last year narrowly losing to Rini at that point and falling to 5^th. It was his second state placement. He was 3^rd at Brecksville losing to the young Thome in the semi-finals in a bout he should have won. Otherwise undefeated he has finalist potential – – and, maybe, even more. I also like Weaver. He won at Darby and was 3^rd at Medina beating both Cline and Parra. Right with him is the sophomore Sanders who was a district finalist last year, but was unable to compete at the state level. He was 1^st at Franklin Hts., but only 4^th at Wadsworth losing to Sulzer and Price. Sasfy has done some good work here with Gordon another possibility. Freed and Groh from the Dayton area also have qualification chances. Freed was 3^rd at Wapakaneta behind Palivoda and was 4^th at the GMVWA – – and the top placing Division I wrestler. Factor in a 2^nd place finish at Fairfield and were seeing a level of consistency that could be rewarded at this weight class.

I’m struggling just to come up with names at Fairfield. Tyler Green qualified for a state berth in an unusual manner last year. After winning identical 4-1 decisions on Friday night to reach the semi-finals, he advanced when Gobin could not make weight. This year he won the SWOCA beating Melink in the process 15-4. He was 8^th at Brecksville. Melink was 4^th at the SWOCA after losing to Green. Last year he came on strong at the districts and missed qualification again. He failed to place at the CIT’s toughest weight class after getting pinned by Skonieczny. Hotopp is another contender. Freed, of course, could be at this district with Obershlake another contender.

135 #

Projected Champion: tony jameson (Fitch)

Top Contenders

2	Spicel (Brunswick)	15	E. Schreiner (Mentor)
3	Clopton (Shaker Hts.)	16	Myers (Butler)
4	Gasber (St. Edward)	17	Hammer (Moeller)
5	Habat (St. Ignatius)	18	Drake (Upper Arlington)
6	Speelman (Mansfield Madison)	19	Gallagher (St. Xavier)
7	Mencini (Twinsburg)	20	Gray (Celina)
8	Webb (Sandusky)	21	Herrick (Waite)
9	Alboreo (Stow)	22	Tuttle (Whetstone)
10	Paplacyzk (Thomas Worthington)	23	Nickolai (Piqua)
11	Sheppard (Western Brown)	24	Millsaps (Green)
12	Dooley (Lakota West)	25	Shilt (Greenville)
13	Kolevski (Reynoldsburg)	26	Languis (Scioto)
14	Byers (Holland Springfield)

This is a weight class of exceptional strength and depth. It is so good that I would not be surprised to see some folks move up to 140# or, perhaps, with the right alpha weight look to compete at 130#. Almost all of this talent is located in the two northern districts where some state caliber wrestlers will be left home. What is interesting is that many of the top boys are fun to watch – – we have very few of the backers, grabbers, and stallers that clog up some of the other weight classes.

The choice here is two-time state champ Tony Jameson now a junior, and better than ever. Only five of Ohio’s 42 state champs ended up undefeated last year with Jameson being one of the two who returns. He is someone who wrestles without fear and with a willingness to try almost anything. It occasionally gets him into trouble, but he is fun to watch and spectators tired of “push and shove” love him. He’ll be a small 135 pounder, but that was the case when he won last year at 119# as well. In last year’s semi-finals Roshawn Jones used his superior strength and defensive skills to thwart Jameson for five minutes. It was a beautiful combination of mat management and execution. Then Jameson narrowed the lead to a single point with a takedown. The conventional strategy would normally be a quick “give-up” escape and a try for bout tying takedown. Not Jameson. Working against both Jones and the clock he locked up one of his unorthodox cradles and won the bout with a stunning fall. A potential problem for Jameson is that he seems to lose focus when ahead – – gets bored, maybe, or tries something goofy just to make it interesting. I saw him do it with Lybarger and get put on his back for four points.

Former state champ Richie Spicel will exit at Perry – – the same district as Jameson. As a freshman Spicel had a completely improbable run through the state tournament winning the title in overtime after winning two other one-point bouts. Last year an injured ankle kept him at way less than 100% in the tournaments – – but he still managed to qualify although he did not place. He is tremendously quick and has a wonderful portfolio of takedowns, and should be better on his feet than Jameson. He is not as good on the mat and, like Jameson, has his moments of carelessness. At Medina he took St. Ed’s excellent sophomore Andrew Gasber down five times in the semi-finals, but escaped with a 15-13 win when he twice was trapped on his back for nine points at the end of the second and third period. He has won everything this year, but Haas did take him into overtime. Being at the same district Spicel and Jameson should be in opposite halves of the draw at Columbus.

State runner-up Clopton is also at this weight class. He had to default to Straughn in the finals. This year he was 2^nd at Solon (at 140#), but beat Haas, 8-0, to win at North Canton and also won at Kenston. Then at the Top gun he beat Jordan in the semis, 4-3, before losing to Jameson 11-7. In that bout he fell behind early, but took Jameson down three times in the late going. Crushingly strong and surprisingly mobile he is very difficult to beat.

You have to look at it this way. Jameson will have to combat Spicel’s takedowns and Clopton’s size and strength to win. He can do this, but only with six minutes of focus and wrestling.

Joining Spicel and Jameson at Perry is state qualifier Mike Mencini – – who I think is very talented. He won at Solon, Kenston, and Hudson (defeating Alboreo). His only tournament loss was to Spicel, 5-1, at the Dies. This is a great trio and let’s hopes that the pairings are right. I like Alboreo or Millsaps in back-up roles.

The Mentor District will be just as brutal and difficult. Clopton, of course, rates as the favorites, but there are six other excellent contenders including two sensational young wrestlers who we’ll discuss first. Gasber, a sophomore, was 6^th at the Ironman including a bout where he was at one point 7-7 with the top-ranked wrestler in the United States at this weight. He was 3^rd at Medina – – site of his epic bout with Spicel – – and pinned two-time champ Ben Jordan in the dual meet. He is very dangerous. David Habat, only a freshman, was a state junior high champ and has jumped into St. Ignatius line-up without missing a beat. He won at Wadsworth (beating Webb) and at the CIT, but did not meet Gasber in the St. Ed’s dual. He’ll win a couple of titles. Speelman, already a two-time state qualifier, grabbed a lot of attention last year when he had quick falls (40 and 37 seconds) in the first two rounds at states. His nemesis Sulzer beat him in the semis and he finished 4^th. A terrific upper body wrestler he won the Gorman and the Coke Classic and was 2^nd at Medina – – unable to fend off Spicel’s takedowns. He was 4^th at the Top gun losing to two-time champs Jameson and Jordan. State qualifier Webb is strong and powerful and won at Waite. He is very dangerous while state qualifier Byers has moved up three weight classes and won at Perrysburg. He was a semi-finalist at Medina, but lost 17-5 to Speelman and finished 6^th. There are two dark-horse contenders. Gray and Herrick have state level talent, but face a long road just to get to Columbus.

Since I’m guessing that Lybarger will go at 140# the Darby District will not be strong. State Qualifier Paplacyzk was 5^th at the Top Gun and has low placement potential. Kolevski who has not wrestled all year has just returned. He won several bouts at the district last year, and should be a major factor this time around. Drake and Tuttle are solid possibilities with Languis also in the picture. It’s my guess that some of the Dayton area boys will do well here. Shilt, Myers, and Nickolai are three who come to mind. Of course should I be wrong on Lybarger and he is at 135# he’ll romp through this district.

It’s very competitive at Fairfield, but I don’t think that any of this crew can go with boys from the northern part of the state. I think Sheppard has the best chance of doing well based on wins at the SWOCA, Fairfield, and Western Brown plus he has district experience. Dooley is a former state qualifier, who was 2^ndat the SWOCA, but failed to place at Brecksville. Hammer and Gallagher have had some successes and are the best bets for the last two berths. Gallagher was 2^nd at the CIT and 5^th at the SWOCA. Williamson and Ward are other prospects.

140 #

Projected Champion: Shawn Harris (St. Edward)

Top Contenders

2	Lybarger (Mount Vernon)	15	Goins (Elyria)
3	Lindsey (Moeller)	16	Leek (Howland)
4	Heflin (Massillon Perry)	17	Young (Avon Lake)
5	Vaccari (Davidson)	18	Rigel (Tecumseh)
6	Graszl (Mansfield Madison)	19	Bryan (St. Ignatius)
7	Messerall (Thomas Worthington)	20	Gushard (Marion Harding)
8	Gooden (Waite)	21	Potts (Kenston)
9	Lowe (Mentor)	22	Tvergyak (Chardon)
10	Guy (Miamisburg)	23	Hodge (Bedford)
11	Stevens (Lakota West)	24	Gorrasi (Elder)
12	Harker (Westland)	25	Burgdorf (Milford)
13	Wills (Boardman)	26	Smith (Massillon)
14	Greco (Fitch)	27	Manzano (Cleveland Hts.)
		28	Porter (Mason)

Well, Rocky Balboa is back for his sixth go around at the local theaters and it’s very likely we’ll see Harris versus Lindsay, also for the sixth time, sometime in early March. I think these are the only two that really count at this weight class, but there is, I’m sure, a very real possibility that state runner-up Michael Lybarger will choose to compete here which would make it a threesome.

Harris is looking for bookend titles having won as a freshman at 103# and then finishing 2^nd and 5^th the last years. He cannot match Lindsey in strength or speed, but his exceptional takedown skills serve as the compensatory element. Lindsey was 3^rd last year winning five consolation bouts after a first round loss. Head-to-head Lindsey leads over Harris winning three times (in their first, third and fifth meetings) while Harris has twice won (on the even bouts). It would appear to be Harris’s turn. This year Harris was sensational at the Ironman. In the quarter-finals he trounced Lindsey 6-2 in a bout that wasn’t that close. Then in the semis against the number one ranked 140# in the country he pinned in the 4^th overtime period – – it was easily the best and most exciting bout of the tourney. He won convincingly at Medina, but suffered his first in-state loss to Lindsey in the Ohio Duals – – for the second consecutive year.

State runner-up Lybarger will need to make a decision. Here’s how I look at it. As a senior the only goal he hasn’t reached is a state title. How does he maximize his chances? If he goes 135# and Jameson, Clopton, and he all win their districts Jameson would be in one-half of the draw and Clopton, Lybarger, and probably, Spicel would all be in the other half. Besides, Jameson defeated him rather handily at Brecksville. At 140# he and Lindsey would be in opposite halves of the draw with Harris having a 50% chance of being in with Lindsey – – giving Lybarger a rather smooth ride to the finals. And, remember, Lybarger beat Lindsey 13-6 at the SWOCA. Believe me, Lybarger is very good, he can just go out and be determined to beat everyone at either weight class and not concern himself with all this strategy.

Harris should have relatively clear sailing at Mentor. Old teammate Errol Young – – 3^rd in the state two years ago – – is at Avon Lake and started the year with a runner-up finish at the Knights of Columbus tourney. However, he has not wrestled lately. State qualifier Graszl is also back. He won the Coke Classic, North Canton, and the Gorman and was 5^th at Medina losing to Harris (5-0) and Cavello. Also here is state qualifier Gooden who grabbed a 7^th last year. He has been at 145# almost the entire season, but anticipate him at this class. He was 2^nd at Perrysburg (to Tank) and 3^rd at Waite (losing to Andreas) all at 145#. A semi finalist at Brecksville he lost to Reedy and Lowe to finish 4^th. A fourth, senior Gushard, won at Harding and Wapakoneta and could make waves here. These four upperclassmen will have to contend with two excellent sophomores. Goins is a terrific athlete who hasn’t quite harnessed that talent yet, but when he does – – watch out. Bryan was 2^nd at Wadsworth and he is close to being very good. Watch out for Hodge and Manzano who have been under the radar all year, but who can compete with this bunch. Hodge in particular has had some impressive wins.

While none of the big three are at Perry the sophomore Heflin has the highest probability of upsetting one of them. A state qualifier as a freshman last year he lost to Lybarger, 6-3, in the quarter finals. He won at Perry and was 2^nd at Medina defeating Cavello and Harker, but losing to Harris 7-1. At the Ohio Duals, he lost to Lindsey, 5-4 so he has met all of the top contenders. The powerful Lowe qualified 4^th out of Mentor last year losing a pair of 2-point bouts to Clopton. He had, I believe, the worst state draw of 2006, getting Jesse Dong first and Germaine Lindsey in the first consolation round. There is a boatload of contenders for the last two spots. Greco, really a 135 pounder, looked great at Brecksville finishing 3^rd, but then did poorly at the Top Gun losing badly to Wills. I think they both rate ahead of state qualifier Tvergyak with Potts and Smith at about the same place. I hear so little about Cody Leek I am unsure of where he should be rated.

One downside for Lybarger is that Darby is much tougher at 140# than at 135#, though I don’t think it’s anything he can’t handle. Messerall, Vaccari, and Harker are all state qualifiers with the first two placing 7^th and 5^th respectively. I like Vaccari the best, but after his early season win at DeSales he has been absent from the Columbus results except for a big dual meet win over McGovern. He should place high this year. Messerall won at Franklin Hts. and was 3^rd at Marion Harding getting pinned by Gushard. He was a far more impressive 3^rd at the Top Gun beating Wills for 3^rd. Harker, down a weight class, was the fourth seed at Medina, but was pinned by Heflin and lost to Grazl and Andrews to finish 6^th. He would seem to be on the bubble. I’m hoping Guy heads toward Fairfield that would leave Rizzonelli (Darby)as the principal back-up.

There are some good wrestlers in addition to Lindsey at Fairfield. The best is tucker Guy who was 4^th last year at 130#. Miamisburg again has a nice squad and this is one of their linchpins. McGookey upset him at North Canton, but he won at Sycamore and the GMVWA. Still he’ll have to be at the top of his game to match his 4^th place finish of a year ago. State qualifier Stevens also returns hoping for better luck at states this year after being injured in the first round. He was 8^th at Brecksville and 5^th at the SWOCA where Lybarger beat him by four and Gorrasi by one. I think Rigel might grab that fourth spot with Burgdorf and Gorrasi probably the next best and Leland (Colerain) or Porter as more distant possibilities.

145#

Projected Champion: Kevin hardy (Solon)

Top Contenders

2	Dong (Westerville North)	14	Jones (Amherst)
3	Gonsor (St. Edward)	15	Casper (Medina)
4	Gobin (Moeller)	16	Wiggins (Maple Hts.)
5	Brownlee (Western Brown)	17	Campbell (Hayes)
6	Jones (Start)	18	Zupancic (Eastlake North)
7	Andreas (Darby)	19	Vaughn Fairfield)
8	Garcia (Sylvania Southview)	20	Connell (Twinsburg)
9	Rice (Davidson)	21	Creatore (Boardman)
10	Lijoi (Uniontown Lake)	22	Carraher (St. Xavier)
11	Marrone (Parma)	23	Hendon (Bowling Green)
12	Ewing (Miamisburg)	24	Cardenas (Olentangy)
13	Snodgrass (Wadsworth)	25	Caraballo (St. Ignatius)

Solon has produced a number of great wrestlers and a team title, but I think we can now anoint Kevin Hardy as the finest wrestler to emerge from that school. He was 3^rd as a freshman back-up in 2004 and now has won titles at 112# and 130#. This year he’ll be the favorite at 145# although this third title run will face some serious obstacles. It’s amazing that he has wrestled a St. Edward competitor three consecutive years at states – losing to Harris in the semi-finals when both were freshman and then beating Harris and Gonsor in the final round the last two years. Always an exceptional rider he has diversified this past year getting much better on his feet and pinning far more often.

That St. Edward streak may well continue given that Gonsor looks to be one of his toughest obstacles again this year. It’s not a good match-up, though, for Gonsor. His strength is also on top with the legs whereas Hardy has the most to fear from a takedown artist who can build a first period lead. Gonsor missed half of last year, but finished strong winning the Waite District (and beating state champ Spicel) and then making the finals at Columbus before being crushed by Hardy 7-0. This year they exit the same district and that may give Gonsor an opportunity to try some new strategies – – the crucial one being get the first takedown.

Having Hardy and Gonsor at Mentor makes it difficult for everybody else. The wrestler with huge upset potential is state 6^th place finisher Roshawn Jones. I have already discussed (at 135#) his near upset of Tony Jameson in last year’s state semi-finals.

For five minutes he wrestled the perfect match and nobody is safe if he extends it to six minutes. He is up five weight classes – a “victim” of alpha weigh–and has struggled somewhat. He was accustomed to being the biggest, strongest guy on the bracket sheet and that is no longer true. He won at Northwood, but was 2^nd at Sylvania Southview and Waite. He cannot be overlooked. State qualifier Marrone returns and won at Aurora while finishing 2^nd at Midpark. Garcia defeated Jones at Sylvania but then lost to him 15-2 at Waite. He’ll lead the attack for Marrone’s state spot along with Jones from Amherst, CIT third-place finisher Caraballo, and Hendon.

This is a weight class, apparently, for guys good on top. Dong could well break up the Mentor monopoly of Hardy and Gonsor. He was 6^th last year in Columbus after winning the Darby District and coming in with a 45-1 record. He twice lost to Harris including a 2-1 quarterfinal defeat. I expected a Gonsor match-up at Medina, but Dong pinned himself with a 5-0 lead and 10 seconds to go in the quarterfinals. He won by tech fall to take 3^rd. What gives Dong a better chance against Hardy is that he has better takedowns. State qualifiers Andreas and Rice make this the second toughest district at this weight class. Andreas got a 7^th place with three consolation wins and has built upon that this year. He pinned Jones to win at Waite and was 5^th at Medina losing to Tank by a point and to Dong 7-2. He also won the Porter Tourney. Rice has been steady all year. He defaulted to 6^th at Brecksville, but won five bouts before that. Depending on the Dayton entrants it’s difficult to judge who that fourth state spot will be. I think Campbell, and, maybe Lesley (Colerain) or Cardenas have the best shot.

Gobin placed 5^th as a freshman two years ago, but then had that problem with weight the second day at districts last year. He was a quarter-finalist at the Ironman losing, then, to the #1 boy the in the nation, 7-3, and finishing 7^th. He was 2^nd at the SWOCA to the Indiana state champ and then won the CIT rather handily. Gonsor beat him 7-2 at the Ohio Duals. He should win this district. I am always amazed that Ryan Brownlee hasn’t won more. He was a state placer as a freshman, qualified as a sophomore, but did not get out last year after moving to Division I. He is very physical and good defensively. He was 4^th at the SWOCA but won at Western Brown and Fairfield. This is his last chance and I expect him to do well. Carraher – – there always seems to be one at St. X – – and Vaughn are next best in Cincinnati. Vaughn was 3^rd at Fairfield and had to default to 6^th at Kenston Ewing, should he be here is probably third best in this district, but probably not so at Darby. He won at Sycamore and was 4^th at the GMVWA while finishing 2^nd at North Canton.

The field is uncharacteristically weak at Perry. I have lots of names, but there are no returning state qualifiers and a certain lack of consistency in results. Lijoi, for example, had a sparkling win at North Canton beating Windom and Ewing (by 12-3), but then at Medina failed to place. Casper was 4^th at Medina and Snodgrass won at Wadsworth. Creatore and Wiggins are also possibilities. Zupancic and Connell have chosen the right weight class and will be rewarded with a solid opportunity to reach Columbus.

152 #

Projected Champion: Thomas Straughn (Massillon Perry)

Top Contenders

2	Abdur-Rahman (Princeton)	14	Wharton (Clay)
3	Weinkam (Moeller)	15	Basham (Central Crossing)
4	Kline (Westerville North)	16	Myers (Bowling Green)
5	Mickley (Davidson)	17	Sutton Canton McKinley)
6	Elliott (St. Edward)	18	Cotton (Amherst)
7	Roth (Whitmer)	19	Nemec (Mentor)
8	McNamara (North Olmsted)	20	Vonderbrink (Fairmont)
9	Rees (Miamisburg)	21	Smilek (Jackson)
10	Bivenour (Olentangy)	22	Holthaus (LaSalle)
11	DeMarinis (Boardman)	23	McCoy (Upper Arlington)
12	Brochetti (Parma)	24	Stapleton (Elder)
13	Weidenthal (Fitch)	25	Nickolai (Piqua)

Despite what senior citizens constantly say, old ways are not always the best way. A good example was the great 17^th century French composer Lully who refused to conduct with the new-fangled baton, and used only a large wooden staff to keep time for the orchestra. Later in life while conducting the exciting finale of one of his operas he mistakenly smashed his foot with the heavy staff. Inadequate medical care led first to infection, then gangrene, and eventually painful death.

For two years Straughn chose the old path cutting very little weight and finishing 4^th and 5^th in the state his first two varsity years. Then last year he embraced a moderate weight reduction plan and the rest is history. He laid waste to the 135# weight class in one of the most physically dominating displays of wrestling that I’ve seen in many years. This year he has moved all the way up to 152#, but I think he can win again – – using his speed and power to overcome larger wrestlers. He was 2^nd at the Ironman losing only to the #1 ranked Medina (who had four quick, earlier falls) 5-3. Then at Mentor he had four easy wins, but Kusar gave him a good bout in the finals. Using his strength Kusar kept it close and when Straughn stumbled going in for the clinching takedown he was able to score and take it in to overtime. Straughn’s quick takedown off a Kusar headlock decided the bout. It was a wake-up call for Straughn to adjust to stronger competitors. Eight of the last nine champions have come from the Northeast District. That should continue this year.

Two major threats emerge out of the Fairfield District – – state placers Abdur-Rahman and Weinkam. Straughn has beaten both of them by the identical score of 4-2. Against Abdur-Rahman he won with a takedown in the last seconds after stalking him the entire match. I would like to have seen Abdur-Rahman (3^rd at 145# last year) show a little more offense in that bout, but his strength and defense kept it close. Nowhere in sight was that great lateral drop he has used to such great advantage in the past. Weinkam just keeps getting better and clearly has finalist potential. He was 4^th last year losing twice to Bodnar. Abdur-Rahman beat him 5-04 at the Ironman, but Weinkam has since won the SWOCA (Abdur-Rahman did not compete) and the CIT.

There is not a lot at Fairfield after this dynamic duo. The exception is state qualifier Rees who went 1-2 at the Value City Arena losing to eventual champ Pycraft and placer Mahon. He was s strong 2^nd at North Canton, but stumbled badly at the GMVWA finishing 8^th with early losses to Holt and Schmittmeyer. He did bounce back to win at Sycamore. Vonderbrink, 4^th at the GMVWA is a possibility with Holthaus and Stapleton also challenging. Both of the latter two boys worked their way deep into the districts last year.

Straughn should have no problem at Perry. I am struggling to find possibilities let alone challengers for Straughn. There will be some real surprises here. Two wrestlers from the EOWL – – Weidenthal and DeMarinis – – both have district experience. Neither placed at the Top gun both being gunned down early by Kusar. Sutton and Smilek might be best from the Canton area with, perhaps, Nemec catching a break at Perry. Don’t look for a lot of state placers except for Straughn from this district.

That same lack of depth is also evident at Mentor. Scott Elliott is not one of the St. Ed’s returning superstars, but he has performed well his first varsity year and is marginally best at this district. He was 4^th at Medina losing twice to Collett (the last time 11-10) and lost to Weinkam at the Ohio Duals. State qualifier Roth is up two weight classes and has good success. He was 2^nd at Waite to Cubberly and 2^nd at Tiffin to Reer. He should qualify again. Also back is state qualifier McNomara who won at Solon and was 2^nd at Kenston losing to Brochetti – – another strong contender at this weight class. Add in Cotton and there are five solid contenders from the two northeast sectionals. But Roth is not alone from the northwest. I like both Wharton and Myers from that area. That’s seven possibilities with only Elliott and Roth with high probability.

There have been a lot of weight classes where Darby has had three solid, successful performers and this is yet another. Kline was a total shock last year. I had him highly rated after his strong freshman year (he was a state qualifier) and a 40-0 record after sectionals. Then he lost to Vaccari and Hipp and was eliminated. Again, this year he has been good (but not undefeated) finishing 5^th at Medina and splitting two bouts with Bivenour. Mickley and Bivenour both went to state last year with the former snagging a 6^th place. Mickley was 6^th at Brecksville while Bivenour got that same place at Medina. Mickley peaks at tourney time and will need that momentum going into the state meet. Basham was 4^th at Wadsworth and won at Franklin Hts. He could be the fourth qualifier but McCoy and Nickolai will probably be contenders as well.

160#

Projected Champion: sean Nemec (St. Edward)

Top Contenders

2	Foore (Wadsworth)	14	Alexander (Findlay)
3	Shalash (Reynoldsburg)	15	Dilley (Lancaster)
4	Mahon (Moeller)	16	Badovick (North Royalton)
5	Pankewicz (Fitch)	17	Harting (Mentor)
6	Green (Westlake)	18	Lovell (Westerville North)
7	Findley (Lorain Southview)	19	Munson (Anthony Wayne)
8	Coleman (Massillon Perry)	20	Christy (Tecumseh)
9	McClary (Loveland)	21	Newburg (Northmont)
10	Ambrose (Strongsville)	22	Hiller (Greenville)
11	Muscaro (Davidson)	23	Denman (Riverside)
12	Schoenling (St. Xavier)	24	Loushin (Amherst)
13	Ellis (Western Brown)	25	Pizzuli (North Olmsted)
		26	Rivera (Princeton)

Had it not been for a major upset in the 2004 state finals Sean Nemec would be seeking to become a four-time state champion. In that bout Bryan Mathews, who Nemec had pinned the preceding week, wrestled the bout of his life to win 3-2. Reverse that score and Nemec would have had the opportunity to join the great Johnny McGhee as the only four-timers who began their careers as middleweights. However, don’t get me wrong, this title will not come easily. Nemec was 2^nd at the Ironman, but was clearly the better boy as he took shot after shot at a wrestler who did nothing but back away and defend (where are the refs when you really need them?). At Medina Nemec was clearly not 100 per cent. Take nothing away from Sponseller who might easily have won anyway, but Nemec’s quarter-final and semi-final close bouts telegraphed a problem probably an arm or shoulder injury. Out now resting that injury one would hope he would return at full strength. I remember John Heffernan telling me midway though Nemec’s freshman year that he might well be the best middleweight in that program since Greg Elinsky and his brother Jim. With that level of forecasting, maybe, he ought to be writing this report.

A likely finals opponent will be Derek Foore who Nemec has already twice defeated to win state titles. It would be the first time in history that the same two boys would meet three consecutive times in the final round. Yes, I know Foore beat Kilgore at 171#, but I think he’ll like his odds better here than tussling with Roddy and an unhappy Kilgore. After losing badly to Nemec the previous two meetings (12-2 and 10-0), Foore kept it close in last year’s final with a totally defensive game plan losing 3-1.

Nemec, who was at 145# last year, will find that his two principal rivals at Mentor were both state qualifying 160’s last year. Green who beat Findley for place at this district went on to win four state bouts and finish 5^th. This year he won handily at Hudson, but lost to Bittinger at Lorain Southview and finished 3^rd. Findley, now 24-4, also lost to Bittinger while finished 2^nd at Beaver Local and matched that at Waite losing to Shalash. All three of these boys are at the same sectional so a Nemec title would put him away from both. The two top boys from Toledo might be Munson and the freshman Alexander who finished 1-2 at Sylvania with Helminiak and LeClair not far behind. If Loushin or Pizzuli can battle through that vicious Lorain Southview that sectional might win all four state berths at Mentor. I

I don’t see anyone at Perry giving Foore a bad time at the district level. Pankewicz, who was 1-2 at States last year, is his most likely rival, but Pankewicz still has to adjust for his move down from 171#. At that weight he was 4^th at Brecksville and then finished 6^th at the Top Gun at the lower weight. He lost to the excellent Dukes 3-2 in the semi-finals and then lost momentum and finished 6^th. He’ll be ready, though, when he gets to mentor at this weight where he was a district finalist last year. Coleman was 4^th at Medina and won at Perry earlier in the year. He was then 2^nd to Foore at the Big 8 getting pinned in 99 seconds. Ambrose, 5^th at Medina and lst at Solon is right there with him. He was 3^rd at the Big 8. I’ve got Badovick, perhaps, next in line with Harting and Denman very plausible threats.

Shalash may have the best chance of preventing a third Nemec/Foore showdown. He was 3^rd last year at 152# losing only to eventual champ Pycraft. He wrestles a conservative, defensive style and is excellent in close bouts – – three of his four state wins came in overtime. This year he was first at North Canton (beating Mills by one point) and 3^rd at Brecksville (losing to Mills) and beating Fisher and Dukes. He won big at Waite, opening up and showing his scoring power. The rest of the Darby District is well behind him in their ability to win close bouts. Muscaro, Dilley and Faiella have all had successes, but Shalash seems out of reach. At Medina Muscaro lost a tight bout to Badovick and then won three consolation bouts before being tripped up by Shalash 3-2. These two met for 5^th place at last year’s district with Muscaro winning, 10-4. I expect Lovell to be at this class for Westerville North. A brilliant youth, he qualified twice for States with Columbus DeSales. Now at Westerville North he has missed time with injuries. In peak form he can be sensational. In fact, no one could move up more ranking points than this boy if he is on his game. The sophomore Dilley will be a threat here as will Seckman. Dilley was 4^th at Tiffin while Seckman was one bout from placement at the tough Top Gun. The Dayton area’s representatives will have immediate impact at this weight class.

Mahon has been 7^th and 8^th the last two years, but I think he is better than that. I saw him go to-to-toe with Rohler last year before getting “turked” over and pinned. This year he was 4^th at the very tough Ironman and won the SWOCA over Rhoads. He was undefeated at the Ohio Duals and should be a real factor at Columbus. I have seven possibilities for three spots, though several of these wrestlers could end up at Darby. They all had remarkably similar outcomes with six of them advancing two or three rounds in district competition but none qualifying for Columbus. I favor McClary and Schoenling with Christy a good third choice. Newburg is next best, but certainly could oust one of the above three. Ellis is the one to be scared of. He is down from 171# where he missed state qualification by one win. He has won two tournaments this year, but failed to place at the SWOCA losing two one-point bouts. That leaves Rivera and Hiller in the wild card spots.

171 #

Projected Champion: Dustin Kilgore (Berea)

Top Contenders

2	Roddy (St. Edward)	14	Porter (Mason)
3	Gaier (Moeller)	15	Zellers (Sylvania Southview)
4	Sanders (St. Charles)	16	Winemiller (Amherst)
5	Mauro (Centerville)	17	Bachman (Miamisburg)
6	Saks (Kenston)	18	Fosco (Strongsville)
7	McKinley (Davidson)	19	Krueger (Lebanon)
8	Roman (GlenOak)	20	Kalenterides (Green)
9	Harpel (Toledo St. John)	21	Eltatawy (Whitmer)
10	Harasyn (Mentor)	22	Kordich (North Royalton)
11	Witty (Mount Vernon)	23	Momic (Valley Forge)
12	Zipfel (Sylvania Northview)	24	Lonardo (Boardman)
13	Sasfy (Reynoldsburg)	25	Kapostasy Findlay)

Apparently once each year Kilgore loses (on a fall) to someone whose last name begins with an “F”. This year it was Foore – last year Foster – but once that’s out of the way he continues to dominate at 171#. Third as a sophomore he wrestled an absolutely brilliant bout in beating Roddy to win last year’s title. The first two periods, in particular, were absolute poetry. This year except for the one glitch, he has been perfect, and has been reported he had Foore on his back when he got caught. I anticipate Foore at 160#. So the challenge again this year is likely to be Roddy.

Before last year’s final I was uncertain whether Kilgore could win against Roddy. The latter had wrestled three exceptionally fine bouts and seemed at the top of his game. This year, Roddy, now a junior, finished 3^rd at the Ironman after getting defeated, 12-5, by Division II champ Magrum. Since then he has been sensational blending exceptional talent with raw physicality. He and Kilgore exit the same district and it will give Roddy (and the St. Ed’s coaches) a learning experience with regard to the champion. I think it will be very close this year in Columbus. I read where Foore said he didn’t know how Kilgore could ever beat Roddy. We’ll see which of us is the better forecaster come early March.

That Mentor District squeezes some good wrestlers from the northwest. Given that Roddy and Kilgore qualify (a safe wager) only two spots remain. Harpel was 2^nd at the CIT and a state alternate last year. Down from 189# he gets the nod as third best. Zipfel was 2^nd at both Northwood and Sylvania and beat Zellers head-to-head as well. Winemiller was 2^nd at Avon Lake and was 7^th at Brecksville. He beat the Tiffin champ Eltatawy, 5-2. That leaves Zeller and Kapostasy – – fine district performers last year – – with a lot of catching up to do. Keep an eye on Momic since he could get to districts as a second place finisher.

The top challengers for that top duo will come out of Fairfield. Gaier is a three-time state qualifier and two-time placer who has not had much luck at states. As a freshman he lost in the quarterfinal to three time state finalist Ciraky. As a sophomore he cruised into the semi-finals only to have Dustin Schlatter in the other corner, while last year he lost to Ciraky again this time in the 30-second tie-breaker. This year he was 6^th at the Ironman and won the SWOCA by technical fall – – none of his bouts going six minutes. He defaulted to Roddy at the Ohio Duals and showed excellent sportsmanship in that bout. He came back with another technical fall finals win at the CIT. Only Mauro has a chance against Gaier in this district. He missed much of last year due to injury, but nonetheless qualified for states at 152#. This year he seems more comfortable at 171# winning the GMVWA in impressive fashion, 9-3, over Rhoads. He was 3^rd at North Canton losing to Foore by four in the semi—finals. The other two qualifiers will be far below this top twosome. Perhaps, Krueger and Bachman are next best with Andy Porter challenging them.

State qualifiers Sanders and Sasfy would appear to be the best at Darby. Neither won a state bout, but you can’t come much closer. Sanders, after losing to Roddy lost his consolation bout 12-10, while Sasfy lost twice 12-11 and 11-10. Sasfy was 3^rd at Waite losing a close bout to Wolff, but failed to place at North Canton and was 8^th at Brecksville. That was particular telling since district opponents – – Witry and McKinley were 2^nd and 4^th. Their semi-final bout was a head-turner with Witry winning 21-15. Interestingly, both McKinley and Sasfy had perfect records at the Ohio Duals. McKinly, the state alternate this year might end up a finalist at this district, once he gets into good shape.

It’s a pretty pedestrian group of 171’s at Perry. State alternate Marcus Roman heads the list, but he has struggled at times. He did not place at North Canton, but was 2^nd at both the Dies and Beaver Local. Saks won at Avon Lake and Kenston but did lose to Roman at last year’s district. Harasyn was 3^rd at Brecksville beating Sasfy and Pankewicz and won at Solon over a good field. However he was 0-3 at the Ohio Duals. The fourth spot is wide open with Lonardo and Fosco the two most likely choices. However, Kalenterides, Kordich, and Fusco also have qualification talent.

189 #

Projected Champion: Chris Honeycutt (St. Edward)

Top Contenders

2	Iammarino Brush)	15	Jontony (Strongsville)
3	Jones (Sidney)	16	Kuti (Fitch)
4	Pushpak (Brecksville)	17	Hayes (Mayfield)
5	Samson (Whitmer)	18	Masterson (St. Ignatius)
6	Canfield (Lakota East)	19	Oblisk (Massillon Jackson)
7	Snyder (North Royalton)	20	Roerig (Fairmont)
8	Brown (Pickerington North)	21	Snyder (Grove City)
9	Alexander (Findlay)	22	Crutcher (Glenville)
10	DeLande (Davidson)	23	Wright (Trenton Edgewood)
11	Schilling (Massillon Perry)	24	Humphries (Worthington Central)
12	Massie (Troy)	25	McCartney (Toledo St. John)
13	Nelisse (Elyria)	26	Thesing (Westerville South)
14	Molder (Mentor)	27	Wuest (Harrison)

Chris Honeycutt has been one of the most impressive wrestlers I’ve seen this year. Undefeated he was the OW at the Ironman Tournament and was equally good at Medina. His takedowns conclude with thunderous, bone-rattling finishes, backpoints are generated almost at will, and enormous pressure is applied to the opponent for every one of the 360 seconds (or often less) needed for victory. He dominated John Weakley at the Ironman (perhaps a less than 100% Weakley) and took apart the Colorado state champion in the finals. At Medina the Michigan state runner-up was losing 11-0 in the second period, and Honeycutt has twice easily defeated the excellent D-3 state champion Nick Purdue. I don’t believe anyone currently at this weight class can challenge Honeycutt for six minutes. Defending state champion Erique Robertson who beat Honeycutt in the state semi-finals is apparently in pursuit of a football scholarship and will not compete. Would that have been a dream match-up?

It should be interesting at Mentor for the other three state tickets. Samson placed at heavyweight two years ago, but has been battling injuries now for a season and a half. He was 3^rd at Waite, but beat Fisher to win at Tiffin. He should place again this year. I think Alexander is third best with a huge win at Marion Harding over Knapp and a 2^nd and 3^rd at Perrysburg and Sylvania – – losing both times to Gilgenbach. The young Nelisse and the late arriving Masterson are next in line with the latter just finishing 2^nd at the Cit.

There is a huge logjam of good wrestlers at Perry. I count at least 10 competitors with a reasonable chance of qualification. Clearly the bracketing and random luck will play an important role. Iammarino and Pushpak stand at the head of the list. The former was a state placer as a sophomore two years ago, but got left home last year after losing to eventual state champ Erique Robertson and failing to come back in the consolations. This year he won at North Canton, was second to state champ Purdue (2-1) at Waite, and was 4^th at Medina losing to Michigan state runner-up Kirksey twice. He is difficult to score against and has offense of his own. Pushpak shocked the world by being the only unseeded wrestler to make the finals of the beast of the East. He followed that up with wins at Brecksville and the Dies. Snyder was 8^th at states last year, but has been fighting injuries all season. Schilling and Oblisk are tough Federal Leagure wrestlers while Molder and Jontovy are consistent performers. The young Hayes was only 5^th at Kenston, but rebounded to finish 2nd at the Top Gun and was also 2^nd at the Big 8. I’m worried about state qualifier Kuti who was 7^th at the Top Gun and was 8^th at Brecksville. Was that an illusion we all saw last year? Two lost points – – state qualifier Dru Jones will not compete this year and watch out for Hassan Crutcher who won two district bouts last year including one over Roman.

I’m not sure what to make of Bo DeLande. I know he is very good at the fall sports he plays, but I’m confused about his wresting prowess. Last year he won at district and this season he has recuperated from injuries and wrestled a little including a big win over Molder and getting pinned by Schilling. Should all that athleticism be channeled into takedowns and reversals he should do okay. State alternate Brown and Franklin Hts. champ Snyder look to be the best at this point in time with Humphries and Tesing all potential state scorers. Whatever Dayton sends over will challenge for at least one state spot. If it’s Nathan Jones he’ll be looking for the district title as he beat Brown 11-2 at Wapakoneta.

Jones won two state bouts and got 8^th at 171# last year. It looks like he is much better than that now. He won the GMVWA with ease starting off with two major decisions and then finishing with three bouts none of which went six minutes. Canfield was 7^th at Columbus, but Jones has gone by him. He was 2^nd at the SWOCA, but only 5^th at Medina losing to Iammarino and Purdue. State alternate Massie and Fixler are probably next best. Roerig was 3^rd at the GMVWA while Wright won at Edgewood. It’s Canfield and Jones as the state threats with the other qualifiers looking for upsets at the state meet.

215 #

Projected Champion: Justin POwell ( Boardman)

Top Contenders

2	Rasho (Uniontown Lake)	14	Scales (Elder)
3	Smith (Beavercreek)	15	Holcomb (Wilmington)
4	Cogar (Barberton)	16	Sato (Darby)
5	Neumanitis (Brecksville)	17	Quehl (Moeller)
6	Rios (St. Edward)	18	Zifzal (North Royalton)
7	Tumlin (Harrison)	19	Warnecke (Anthony Wayne)
8	Fletcher (Greenville)	20	Emmons (Milford)
9	Beatty (Central Crossing)	21	Shalash (Gahanna Lincoln)
10	Booker (Cleveland Hts,)	22	Patrick (Midview)
11	Hale (Mentor)	23	Havrilla (Reynoldsburg)
12	Metzger (Findlay)	24	Knowles (Springfield North)
13	Brogan (Westland)	25	Wiley Centerville)

The 215 pound weight class provided surprises in all three school classifications. In Division II the unheralded Jarrid Rodriquez left the heavyweight ranks to surprise a strong field while in Division III Chad Davis finished ahead of higher-rated wrestlers. However, it was in Division I where the strongest shockwaves were felt. In the very first round undefeated co-favorite Manju Jabbie lost and shortly, thereafter, Justin Powell was upset by a wrestler he had previously defeated. Dave Crowley the eventual and deserving champion entered with seven losses, but more importantly, left Columbus with that same number.

This year expect far fewer surprises in Division I. Powell has been sensational finishing 3^rd at the Ironman (losing to the top two kids in the nation – one time by 3-2) and winning everything else. It was an upset when he didn’t win last year, it would cause widespread pandemonium should that happen this year. For example, at the Top Gun, he had four first period falls and a 12-1 decision in the final. Same story at Kenston as nobody was in the ballgame and that was surprisingly enough the way it was in Columbus last year. Except for the strangely wrestled quarterfinal Powell had absolutely no problems.

Powell will be at Perry that is by far the most difficult district. Rasho, as a sophomore last year, was a district finalist (losing 6-0 to Powell) and a state 6^th. This year he won at Medina and was 2^nd at North Canton to Division II co-favorite Clum. If he is at 215# next year he’ll win it. Neumanitis was 5th at the Ironman beating Srock in the process. He was 3^rd at Brecksville beating Hale and Zifzal, but getting upset by the unorthodox Scales. Cogar and Hale are both very physical. Both were undefeated at the Ohio Duals. Cogar had to forfeit in the final at Medina because of a semi-final injury but won at Cuyahoga Hts. and the Dies. Hale won impressively at Solon, but let the Greco-Roman star Scales pin him in the Medina semis and he finished 4^th. Zifzal is a good choice if some of the top boys come up short.

There are few contenders at mentor with state qualifier Ben Rios leading the way. He was 5^th at Medina losing to Rasho and Houska by a point. Winning this district should get him a good state draw. Metzger is very tough getting 2^nd at Perrysburg and Sylvania. Booker lost only to Powell and Stolarsky at districts last year, and has not, I believe, lost at all this season. At this point I’m grasping for names – – perhaps, LaRosa or Patrick will win that last state berth.

Beatty is the only returning state qualifier at this weight class in the Central District. He lost both his state bouts by very close scores and certainly has podium placement potential. He was 3^rd at Wadsworth getting caught in one of the early rounds and then won everything easily including a decision over state placer Tumlin. He also won at Franklin Hts., getting a 19-4 technical fall in the final. Brogan won at Waite and defaulted to 8^th at Medina. State alternate Sato won at Darby and was 7^th at Medina while Shalash was 2^nd at Marion Harding and 5^th at Solon. He has gotten better as the year has gone on. Havrilla struggles against the better kids.

It’s a toss up as to who the best 215-pounder is in the Southwest District. However, there are two sophomores who certainly can vie for that honor. Cody Smith, a sophomore transfer from Graham, won the SWOCA including an overtime victory over Tumlin. He also won at Beavercreek and was 4^th at Medina losing to Rios and Houska. He was a tough loss for the Graham team because they have lightweights to spare, but it’s difficult to fine good big men like Smith. Tumlin had a miraculous two weeks. He raced through the field to get 2^nd at last year’s district and then placed 7^th at states when he scored five points in the waning seconds to beat Stolarsky and nipped Perez 11-10. He was 3^rd at the SWOCA, but struggled at Wadsworth losing to Rhodes (Division III) and Beatty to finish 7^th. State qualifier Fletcher upholds the senior class with a 3^rd at GMVWA. He may end up at Darby as could, for that matter, Smith and Knowles. Quehl has been a steady placer getting 3^rd at the CIT and 5^th at the SWOCA – – which included a loss to Tumlin. Scales has those marvelous upper body throws which got him a 2^nd at Brecksville, but did not place him at the SWOCA. Quehl beat him 5-3 in overtime as they battled for 3^rd. Holcomb, son of the great Goshen heavyweight, is an undefeated pinning machine while Emmons is a solid placer. Holcomb may do better than I’ve rated him.

285

Projected Champion: Brendan Barlow (Westerville Central)

Top Contenders

2	Becker (Moeller)	14	Urban (Sylvania Northview)
3	Hartshorn (Reynoldsburg)	15	Carpenter (St. Xavier)
4	Jeremiah (Darby)	16	Cline (Olentangy)
5	Lipsey (Sycamore)	17	Yoder (Massillon)
6	Kuhar (St. Edward)	18	Warford (Amherst)
7	Stolarsky (Solon)	19	Modessit (Newark)
8	Gudmundson (Fairfield)	20	Kinder (Lakewood)
9	Piccirillo (Mayfield)	21	Bradley (Grove City)
10	Holland (Holland Springfield)	22	Krontz (Toledo St. Francis)
11	McCarthy (Strongsville)	23	Cline (Mason)
12	Prichard (Northmont)	24	Mosier (Mansfield Madison)
13	Williams (Canton McKinley)	25	Williams (Marion Harding)

In the last half-dozen years or so Ohio has produced a stream of great heavyweights – – Tommy Rowlands, Dustin Fox, Kirk Nau, Adam Hoppel, Koel Davin – – and a number of others. This year is no exception, and, in fact, this may be the finest group of heavyweights across all three school classifications. Nowhere is that more true than in Division I where there are a half dozen or more superior performers. It makes you recall 1975 (well, not all of you may be able to recall it) when Bobby Golic, Harold Smith, Tom Cousineau, Mike Weiszman, Jerry Fultz, and Tim Payne roamed the earth.

The Columbus area has three of the best heavies including the defending champion, Brendon Barlow. Of the top group he is the lightest, but also very likely, the most mobile. He had only two close bouts at the state and district level, beating Jeremiah by one point and Wade in two overtimes. This year he remains undefeated winning at both Wadsworth and the Top Gun. While he has not wrestled an overly difficult schedule he clearly knows how to beat the very best. Hartshorn was 2^nd last year after a district 3^rd where he lost to Jeremiah. Wrestling right at the weight limit he has good mobility. I was impressed that he pinned Lipsey and defeated Becker last year at States. This year he was 2^nd at Brecksville beating Hiles in overtime but losing to Cameron Wade in the same manner. Jeremiah, who is absolutely huge, was a tough-luck 6^th last year, but has greatly improved. He beat Kuhar on his way to the Medina title and a good athlete at this size is immensely dangerous.

The top challengers for the Columbus trio will come from a Cincinnati duo – – Frank Becker and Caleb Lipsey. Becker had a great regular season last year making the finals at the Ironman, SWOCA, and CIT. After a runner-up district finish he drew Hartshorn in the first round and ended up 7^th after getting pinned by Jeremiah in the consolations. This year he was 3^rd at the Ironman and pinned Lipsey at the SWOCA. He also pinned Kuhar at the Ohio Duals. Another very large heavyweight there is no one here he cannot beat. Lipsey was 4^th last year including a fall over Jeremiah. As mentioned he was 2^nd at the SWOCA and won big at Sycamore.

No northeast wrestler has won at heavyweight since 2002 (Hassan Adebesin). At the moment that vacuum seem likely to persist. Kuhar was 5 seconds from the title two years ago, but a very late reversal cost him the title. Then a torn ACL from football caused him to miss all of last year. It hasn’t been the same for him this year. He had four falls at the Ironman, but looked slow and uncertain in the finals. Since then he has lost to Jeremiah, Becker and Walls – – all very good – – but people you might expect Kuhar to defeat. I know the St. Ed’s folks think that it takes time to regain form in wrestling, but tournament time is not far off.

With really only one berth unaccounted for it would be wise if Dayton’s best heavyweights decided to double their chances and head toward Fairfield. If so, that would give Modessit and Cline an opportunity to work for the last qualification spot. Cline was 2^nd at Darby and was 7^th at Medina losing a tight quarter-final bout to Holland, 7-6. Modessit won at Tiffin over a representative field. Bradley, 5^th at Waite, and the Franklin Hts. champ, who has previous district experience might be the long-shot.

There is a little more room to maneuver at Fairfield with only Lipsey and Becker already in place. However, Prichard, a state alternate, and Gudmundson, a very experience senior, it will be tough to dislodge them from those last two spots. Prichard won at Dublin and was 3^rd at the GMVWA losing only to Walls. Gudmundson won at Fairfield, Lebanon, and Kenston — defeating Piccirillo at the last named venue. He is undefeated this year. Someone to watch is the move-in Carpenter who has a pin or be pinned mentality. He was 6^th at Brecksville but failed to place at the CIT despite three falls. Also check out Josh Cline who has won at the district level.

After Kuhar’s brilliant sophomore year he looked like money in the bank for the next two years. Now he may have trouble getting out of this district. Stolarsky has finally moved to heavyweight and has done very well. He was 2^nd at Solon losing only to Cameron Wade. Then he had injury issues that took him off the mat. He’ll be healthy and motivated by tournament time and should do well. Last year he was ahead by four at states in his placement bout when he gave up a five-point move and lost. This year there will be no such mistakes. Holland was also a state qualifier, but went “two and goodbye” at Columbus. He pinned Ishmael to win at Perrysburg, but was pinned by him and finished 4^th at Medina losing to Kuhar in that bout. That leaves Urban, Krontz and Warford as possibilities for the last spot with Purcell also in the mix.

State qualifier Piccirillo has significantly reduced the gap between himself and the downstate heavyweights, but he has not entirely erased it. He was 2^nd at Kenston and 3^rd at the Top Gun losing to Barlow, 3-1. He was 2^nd at the Big Eight to Cameron Wade and he should repeat as district champ at Perry. The other three spots should go to McCarthy who was 3^rd at Solon and 7^th at Brecksville, Williams, and Yoder – – the latter two 4^th and 6^th at North Canton. Should the bracketing go awry then Kinder might be the one to step in and win.

TEAMS

1. St. Edward This will be a year of milestones for St. Edward. This will be their eleventh consecutive team title breaking the record set by their 1978 to1987 squads. Also this year coach Greg Urbas will capture his 12^th team title setting a new record and surpassing the legendary Howard Ferguson. In addition, they may well challenge one of the sport’s oldest records—the six individual titles won by the Cleveland West team in 1951 (when there were only ten weight classes). St. Edward wrestlers have solid opportunities to win in eight weight classes this year—103,125,130,140,145,160, 171, and 189. Should they win six of these, a difficult task, they would match that great Cleveland West team of more that 50 years ago. Oh, and by the way, they should break the team scoring record they set least year (210) by more than the half-point they did in 2006.

2. Moeller Again this year on paper or by formula Moeller should win the runner-up trophy—the same situation as we had last year. However, they got off to a relatively poor start and ended up 3^rd. Their only competition this year is Massillon Perry, but their powerful middle and upper weights should carry the day. It starts at 140# with the powerful Lindsey and extends through Gobin, Weinkam, Mahon, Gaier, and Becker. Adding in the great freshman Harger and absent early round problems they should end up a strong 2^nd with close to 100 points.

3. Massillon Perry They have won the runner-up trophy the last three years and could easily do so once again. Straugh, Genetin, and White could all be finalists and Heflin and Horner should place. If Coleman and Schilling can help they might overtake Moeller yet again.

4. Lakota West Fields and Touris can both be finalists and after the top three teams the scoring should be very fragmented. Their 40 to 50 points could be enough to put them in the Top Five, but the might get some help from Green, Stevens and Dooley.

5. Reynoldsburg This team is really more of a dual meet squad but they have some tournament muscle as well. The quartet of Hartshorn, Shalash, Lester, and Li should score—especially since the first two are proven commodities. After that they have to look for scoring from multiple sources that will add to the total.

6. Davidson This team has some depth, but it also has yet to prove it can score heavily at the state level. Vaccari and Mickley should score heavily and McKinley and Rice can also contribute. DeLande is a huge question mark while Muscaro and Millar are iffy. What they need is a big district to get good pairings and build momentum.

7. Brecksville One of the few teams that could have four solid scorers, but there are some questions. Lang needs to be a high scorer and Zamaria has to be a big help—since both placed last year that seems a reasonable goal. Pushpak has been a revelation, but he has never been at States, while Neumanitis is in the same boat and must avoid a Dies tournament flame out.

8. Miamisburg Another dual meet team that needs to put on tournament clothing. They have a whole lineup of wrestlers who could (but haven’t yet) score big in Columbus. McGuire is an exception and he needs to have a big weekend. After that Guy, Rees, Ewing and their teammates need to step up and provide points. The little Regan could be a hidden resource.

9. Fitch Let’s figure Jameson for 25+ points and then wonder who else can help out. I’m guessing it will be Pankewicz with Greco, Weidenthal, and Martin as other possibilities.

10. Wadsworth They’ll have to get it done with a senior and a freshman. Both Foore and Squire could be finalists, but that is asking a lot of a ninth grader. The little Foore (how he must hate that label) and a wrestler to be named later could chip in.

Division II

While the Division I state results tilted heavily toward underclassmen last year, the same was not true in Division II. Only 12 of the 28 finalists return this year – a somewhat lower figure than normal. Surprisingly, four of those six champions will be competing at 160# or above, meaning that we will have many first-timers wrestling on Saturday night.

As I did in the other division I looked at district tournaments that encompass sectionals from more than one area. The results are shown below:

At Ontario Northeast 14 8

Northwest 42 48

At Watkins Central 28 22

Eastern 28 34

At Goshen Southwest 42 44

Southeast 14 12

103#

Projected Champion: DAVID TAYLOR (Graham)

Top Contenders

2	Inghram (University)	15	Scavuzzo (Revere)
3	Minnard (Fairfield Union)	16	Hunlock (Elida)
4	Garabrandt (Claymont)	17	Holy (Lake Catholic)
5	Young (Medina Highland)	18	Gould (Lexington)
6	Neff (Miami Trace)	19	Kessinger (West Holmes)
7	Strasbaugh (Orrville)	20	Miller (Beaver Local)
8	McLaughlin (Canal Fulton Northwest)	21	Fisher (Columbus DeSales)
9	Hopkins (Dover)	22	Hahn (Eastwood)
10	Stone (Oak Harbor)	23	Sizemore (Franklin)
11	Lehotay (Meadowbrook)	24	Storts (Springfield Shawnee)
12	Mitch (Aurora)	25	Worthington (Shelby)
13	Miller (Defiance)	26	Brower (Bellbrook)
14	Voss (Canal Winchester)	27	Brooks (Benedictine)
		28	Wilcoxen (Bellefontaine)

Each year the facts become more amazing, more outstanding as David Taylor continues to win at an unprecedented pace. Whether it is Fargo, State, or Ironman, the tide seems irresistible. Soon, if this dominance continues, these facts will be transmuted into stories that will, in time, become legends, and then, when these reports are long forgotten, David Taylor will become some sort of mythical figure – perhaps, patron saint to those small of stature. All this for a boy still far from physical maturity, but who, nonetheless, dominates as few in the past have done. As a freshman last year, he cruised through the state tournament with a 10-2 major decision his closest bout, despite being one of the smallest boys in the field. Undefeated this year, he has brushed aside the challenge of another Fargo champ, Logan Stieber, with a convincing win at the Ironman. The major difference between Taylor and so many of Ohio’s best is his skill on the mat. Once on top he is absolutely brilliant in controlling and scoring. The gap between him and his nearest challengers in Division II is immense, undoubtedly the largest of any of the 14 weight classes. No one here may be able to survive six minutes with him.

Getting 2^nd place will depend on whether or not you’re paired in the opposite half bracket as Taylor, so it’s pretty much a matter of luck, although as district champion your odds improve from 50% to 67%. This said, I think that the sophomore Inghram is second best. He was a very impressive 1^st at North Canton beating Li 16-0 and Foore 9-0. He was also 2^nd at both Brecksville (to Stieber) and the Top Gun (to Taylor) while finishing 7^th at the Ironman (losing to Taylor and White). He only loses to the best, but Taylor tech falled him both times. A district semi-finalist last year, he has the talent and experience to be a finalist. Like all four districts, I’m not seeing much state caliber talents at Firestone. In fact, only Inghram has previous district experience. Strasbaugh, champ at Smithville and Chippewa, and 5^th at the Top Gun, and Mitch, 1^st at Aurora and 2^nd at Hudson, look like two potential candidates for Columbus with Holy and Scavuzzo as possibilities. McLaughlin and Carpenter (Ravenna) are also thoughts.

Minnard is a returning district champ and state qualifier, but Garabrandt will push him at Steubenville. Minnard won at Wadsworth including a 10-0 win over Giffin and 3-2 over Foore. Garbrandt wrestles a tougher schedule (3^rd at Top Gun and Medina and 1^st at Barnesville) which should put him right there with Minnard. He seems to be showing rapid improvement. After that it’s going to be close. Hopkins was a state alternate last year and Lehotay, Voss, and Kessinger all have district experience. The ones I’d watch for are Miller and Fisher who might hopscotch the more experienced quartet.

Ontario is the one district that seems to have some depth at this weight class, but middle to low places are probably as much as any of the four qualifiers can expect. Returning state qualifier Young leads the way after being a finalist here last year. He was 4^th at Medina, losing 7-1 to Garbrandt in the consolation finals. Hunlock pinned Gould last year, but Gould has had a great sophomore year, including a win at the Gorman. Also improving is Stone, who won at Oak Harbor and was undefeated at the Ohio Duals. Hunlock cannot be overlooked, but his 11-2 loss to Voss was surprising. Hahn and Weber (Wauseon) may be better than I think, especially Weber, with Worthington also easily of state qualification. The freshman Miller might be the surprise of the tournament while Heinrichs (Napoleon is a dark horse candidate.

Taylor, who certainly doesn’t need the help, has the weakest district of the four. I’ve struggled to find appropriate names. Neff is second best, beating Seiple to win at Beavercreek and finishing 4^th at GMVWA. After that nothing is clear cut. I’ve got Storts, Sizemore, Brower and Wilcoxen in the grid, but I’m thinking there must be others I’ve missed.

112#

Projected Champion: Kyle Gilchrist (Jefferson)

Top Contenders

2	Neibert (Graham)	15	Jacobs (West Holmes)
3	Papesh (Aurora)	16	Rumple (Galion)
4	Garabrandt (Claymont)	17	Murphy (Alliance)
5	Westfall (Lake Catholic)	18	Unger (Hamilton Ross)
6	Nycz (Holy Name)	19	Munafo (Perkins)
7	Morris (Ravenna Southeast)	20	Bolton (Bellbrook)
8	Cisco (St. Marys Memorial)	21	Perez (Wauseon)
9	Weisman (Bexley)	22	Dennis (McNicholas)
10	Rosch (Canal Winchester)	23	Sommers (CVCA)
11	Garringer (Miami Trace)	24	Erwin (Watkins Memorial)
12	Gray (Ravenna)	25	Stepp (Jackson)
13	McGovern (Columbus DeSales)	26	Montoney (Walsh )
14	Lynch (Napoleon)	27	Campbell (Marlington)

This is going to look a like what we saw at 103# last year. Substitute Neibert for Taylor as the Graham entrant. Factor in an excellent freshman, add a couple of holdover 112’s and you’ve pretty much described this weight class. Given that level of congruency one might expect more definition than we find here. The big difference is with Taylor still at 103# the title is up for grabs.

The real depth is at Firestone. Gilchrist ended up 45-1 last year, losing only to Taylor in the state finals. He defeated Westfall and Cribari twice during the tournament process and looked dominant on his feet. It just showed that strength of schedule during the regular season isn’t always a defining factor. The one matchup I would have loved to have seen was Gilchrist versus Papesh, but it never happened. The latter ended up 3rd at States, losing only to Taylor, but an upset loss to Cribari (his only other defeat) prevented a district confrontation with Gilchrist. Westfall was 4^th, losing to the two above boys, but winning three other bouts impressively. This year Gilchrist had a smashing win at Riverside, but continues to wrestle pretty much an invisible schedule. Papesh and Westfall met for 5^th place at the absolutely brutal 112# class at Brecksville, with Papesh winning in overtime. They were the highest placing Division II wrestlers.

That would leave only one state berth open to the rest of the Firestone field. Three names stand out as possibilities, Morris, Gray, and Murphy. Of this group I like state alternate Morris the best and he has not disappointed this year. He won big at the WIT majoring Jacobs in the finale. Gray is the backup choice here, but two to watch are the freshman Sommers, whose results vacillate dramatically, and Montoney, who was at his best in last year’s district and may be so again.

Someone the Firestone qualifiers will really have to watch is Cody Garbrandt. Only a freshman, he has tremendous talent. He crushed the field at Barnesville and was 3^rd at Medina (beating Zupancic and Mattingly). Then at the Top Gun he was dominant with three falls and a 5-1 decision over Neibert. State qualifier Weisman looked to be the best at this district at the beginning, but that no longer seems true. Still he should qualify and could be a factor at Columbus. Rosch is something of a mystery to me. He crushed the field at Tiffin, but it was not a strong weight class. He was 3^rd at Watterson at 119#. McGovern is still young, but is really improving. He was 3^rd at the CIT and beat Gray at the Ohio Duals. He is still not ready to go against the real strong boys. Jacobs and Erwin are other possibilities with no obvious candidate from along the river.

Neibert could still win it all. He has a room of great workout partners, a tough schedule, and, most importantly, lots of talent. He won the GMVWA over Garringer and pinned Crasto in the semi-finals. He placed at the Ironman, was 2^nd at the Top Gun, and had all falls at the Ohio Duals. A Division I district champ last year, he finished 6^th in Columbus in what was a very strong weight class. State qualifier Garringer is second best here and has another outstanding season. He was 2^nd at GMVWA, won at Hamilton Twp. and Beavercreek, and had three wins at the Ohio Duals. There is a big drop-off after this duo. Unger, a state alternate last year, could capture a state berth this year with Bolton and Dennis also experienced. Stepp, 15-1 right now, looks second best out of that southeast sectional and is a long-shot to qualify.

The Ontario District is uncharacteristically weak at this weight class. A major exception is state alternate Kevin Nycz, who should gain a high place. He won at Wadsworth and was second to Westfall at the CIT. Also here is district runner-up Josh Cisco, a state quarter-finalist last year. In that bout he wrestled eventual champ Dennis Roche, losing a titanic struggle 14-12 in overtime. He won at Marion Harding, but does not wrestle the difficult schedule that Nycz does. Rumple and Lynch may well be conventional choices for the last two spots, but watch for the sophomore Perez.

119#

Projected Champion: CORDELL LONGSTREATH (Graham)

Top Contenders

2	Wukie (University)	15	Keller (Carroll)
3	Cribari (West Geauga)	16	LeForce (Franklin)
4	Knotek (Walsh)	17	Palladino (Padua)
5	Flores (Eastwood)	18	Parker (Whitehall)
6	Rose (Cambridge)	19	Rininger (Medina Highland)
7	King (Benedictine)	20	DeVito (Lexington)
8	Ditcher (Claymont)	21	Allen (Benjamin Logan)
9	Campbell (Perkins)	22	Diglia (Elida)
10	Lay (Greenon)	23	Jordan (Ravenna)
11	Payne (Orange)	24	Plavka (Carrollton)
12	Randazzo (Lake Catholic)	25	Trimbach (Roger Bacon)
13	Reeser (Miami Trace)	26	Zappitelli (Conneaut)
14	Risdon (Harrison Central)	27	Thompson (Beaver Local)
		28	Powers (CVCA)

As presently constituted this is easily the weakest weight class in Division II. There are only a handful of returning state qualifiers, including two wrestlers who placed 8^th last year. Adam Tinnel, two-time state runner-up, might have been the logical favorite, but is, apparently, not competing this year. It is a weight class that provides limitless opportunities for any number of contenders; one ripe for the taking.

My choice is the Graham senior, Cordell Longstreath, who continues to get better. A state qualifier last year at 112#, he upset Travis Barnard in the first round before losing a close 10-7 bout to Tinnel and failing to place. He is a scorer, not afraid to accept risk for a greater reward, and consequently has a lot of high scoring bouts. He won the GMVWA, but was 3^rd at the Top Gun losing a one-point bout to Radsky. He has not lost to a Division II foe this year.

His district competition will be good. State qualifiers Lay and Keller both return, but neither is a sure shot to qualify again. Keller was 7^th at the GMVWA and failed to place at the CIT. We may see him at 112#. Lay was 7^th at Medina, losing twice to Powers and did make the finals at Beavercreek. The freshman LeForce could be a real factor here, winning at Franklin and a highly touted youth wrestler. Reeser, 4^th at the GMVWA, lost to Lay last year, but may have passed this season. His one point loss to the excellent Stoll points in that direction. Trimbach was a state alternate last year, but despite winning four bouts did not place at the CIT. Allen or Alsip (Norwood) could possibly pull an upset and qualify.

The Firestone District is the best and most interesting of the four venues. Ricky King was 8^th at this weight class last year after wrestling very well at the district level. He lost 4-3 in the CIT final and was 6^th at Brecksville – losing to Flores and Wukie. He is going to have to pick it up to do better that 8^th place finish. Cribari seems always to be hurt or overweight or something, but he can wrestle. He was 8^th last year, losing in the quarter-finals and then defaulting out once he placed. This year he won at Kenston and pinned St. Edward state qualifier Cobos in 61 seconds. A perfectly healthy and conditioned Cribari is perfectly capable of winning it all. The freshman Wukie is terrific. He got bounced by Rini in the first round at Brecksville and came back to get 5^th with that win over King. He was 2^nd at the Top Gun against the much stronger Radsky and won at North Canton. He could be a state champ soon – maybe this year. Payne is a rugged competitor who missed state qualification by a single point last year. I’d like to see more consistency from him. Knotek, only a sophomore, just started wrestling last week at the CIT. He lost to Randazzo and then defaulted out. A state alternate last year, he has a world of talent, but whether that’ll happen by tourney time is still up in the air. Randazzo, Powers, and Jordan are all possibilities in what should be a real dogfight. A wildcard here is May (Kenmore), who could spring the big upset.

The Ontario District is also crowded, but it is at a lower level than Firestone. Division I state qualifier Flores has moved to Eastwood with some success. He was 4^th at Brecksville, defeating King and Jordan, but Longstreath tech falled him at the Ohio Duals and he barely escaped Reeser in overtime. Tiffin champ Campbell is probably second best, but lost two very tough bouts at North Canton to finish 5^th. I like Palladino for a state berth with the last spot wide open. The freshman, Rininger, second at Gorman, Devito, and Diglia could also jump into the fray on a hot weekend.

State placer Rose and state qualifier Ditcher lead a very weak Steubenville District. Rose was 8^th last year, beating Lay and pinning Longstreath. Yes, that Longstreath. This year he is currently 22-4, with most of those losses at 125#. Now at 119# he won by tech fall over Stemen to take the title at Sheridan. Ditcher was a semi-finalist at Medina and missed by one point of being a finalist. He won at Barnesville and was 5^th at the Top Gun – losing two close low-scoring bouts to Flores. If Rosch stays at 112#, the Columbus sectionals will be very weak. That means Risdon and Plavka will have a good chance of qualification, with Parker or Thompson, perhaps, in contention.

125#

Projected Champion: Brian Dean (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

2	Stephens (Graham)	15	Hogue/Kidd (Bellevue)
3	Ulinski (Eastwood)	16	R. Nakama (Big Walnut)
4	Romeo (Lake Catholic)	17	Henline (Coventry)
5	Vaughn (Columbus DeSales)	18	Cartwright (Licking Valley)
6	Brown (Walsh)	19	Hoopes (West Branch)
7	Meyer (Ravenna)	20	Becker (Minerva)
8	Hildenbrand (Franklin)	21	Sully (Van Wert)
9	Baxter (Perkins)	22	Jameson (Indian Valley)
10	Chapman (Kenmore)	23	Mitchell (Padua)
11	Severance (Sheridan)	24	Ferris (Jackson)
12	Silvers (Eaton)	25	McClintock (Galion)
13	McQuillen (Lexington)	26	Wellbaum (Valley View)
14	McLaughlin (Canal Fulton Northwest)	27	Springer (East Liverpool)
		28	McIntosh (Buckeye Local)

This is a weight class somewhat lacking in “up-top” firepower, but possessing substantial depth. It also has the merit of geographical diversity, with contenders emerging from every part of the state. All four districts should be hotly contested, with Firestone District, in particular, loaded with good, solid wrestlers. While always important, factors like the bracketing, officiating, and nagging injuries will play even a bigger role given the parity evident at this class. One fact to keep in mind is that a wrestler representing St. Paris Graham has won this class the past four years (Schlatter, Doggett (2), Jordan) – an omen that should hearten Stephens.

As I look at it, there are five possibilities. If somehow we were able to run a controlled experiment that replicated the tournament hundreds of times not one of them would be so dominant as to win more than 40% of the time. That means random factors will be a critical component in determining the eventual champ. Let’s take a quick look at each of my top five.

Dean, despite seven regular season losses, was a district champ at 119# and finished 4^th losing to Pelton in the semi-finals. This year he did very poorly at the Ironman, but was 2^nd at Brecksville beating Ulinski and pinning Romeo. He was 3^rd at the CIT (losing to Romeo), and these kind of topsy-turvy results are symptomatic of this weight class.

Stephens was a Division I district champ last year and finished 6^th at 112# before transferring to Graham. This year he was 8^th at the Ironman (losing to Kolodzik 1-0), and a strong 1^st at the GMVWA, beating Kolodzik by a point in the semi-finals. He gave Palmer a solid bout in the dual with St. Edward, but was 3^rd at the Top Gun, losing to Kolodzik, 8-0.

Ulinski was injured much of last year, but came back to finish 7^th in the State at 119#. This year he was 3^rd at Brecksville (beating Romeo and losing to Dean) and 2^nd at the Top Gun, but losing to Kolodzik in the finals 17-5.

Romeo is kind of the wildcard here. He was only 3^rd at Coffman, but the 4^th at Brecksville including wins over Meyer and Konstandaras and a narrow loss to Ulinski. He was 2^nd at the CIT, beating Brown and Dean, but losing narrowly to Vaughn.

Vaughn, only a sophomore, won the CIT, but was 7^th at Brecksville. He was a district runner-up last year and after a double overtime loss in the first round won four consolation bouts to finish 5^th. He has, in my view, outstanding long-term potential.

This could well turn out to be the best of all possible worlds with Brian versus Brian in the finals at Columbus. That way whether Dean or Stephens won, the right first name would have triumphed. It would also be a “significant” first in Ohio wrestling history with both finalists having that first name.

The Firestone District is loaded. We’ve already talked about Dean and Romeo, but there is much, much more. I kind of lost track of Brown who qualified two years ago at 130#, but he is back and still as tough on top as anyone. He lost two one-pointers at the CIT, but gave Novachkov a real battle at the Ironman and pinned Horner. His style can win at tourney time. Chapman and Meyer both qualified at 112# last year and these two juniors have knocked heads several times. Meyer was 6^th at the Top Gun in a very tough weight class, but did not place at Brecksville. Chapman wrestles an easier schedule, but did win at the WIT and Wadsworth. State qualifier McLaughlin was at 130# last year, but should play an important role here. He was 2^nd at North Canton and 1^st at Northwest. Hoopes is yet another returning state qualifier (that makes six so far) who won at Riverside, but loss twice at the Ohio Duals to Stephens and Meyer. Add in Becker and Henline, both good, and we’re talking nine bonafide contenders.

Stephens will have it somewhat easier at Goshen. The big threat is state qualifier Hildenbrand who went 1-2 at Columbus last year. He won at Franklin and was a semi-finalist at Medina before losing to Palmer in 31 seconds and falling to 6^th. State qualifier Jameson also returns and is undefeated, but wrestles a rather weak schedule. I think a better bet might be state alternate Silvers (although Jameson beat him 3-1 in OT last year) who was 5^th at the GMVWA, losing only to the excellent McGuire and the omnipresent Kolodzik. I also think it’s time for Bellbrook champ Wellbaum to reach the state level. The wildcard here is state qualifier Ferris who has wrestled little so far this year and all if it at 130#, I suspect he might end up here.

State qualifiers R. Nakama, Cartwright and Severance join Vaughn at Steubenville. Nakama had a very tough draw at Columbus and was “two and out” after an excellent season. He failed to place at the Top Gun, losing to Becker in the consolation rounds, but has had an otherwise successful season, including a win at Marion Harding. Cartwright was a district 3^rd at this weight last year and finished 8^th. However Severance beat him 11-3 at Sheridan. Severance was also beaten by Becker, but won at Sheridan, but has had a shaky dual meet season, losing a number of times, almost always, though, at higher weight classes. Add in Springer, McIntosh, and, maybe, Layman and it will be a good competition.

Ulinski should win at Ontario. State qualifiers Mitchell and Sully have previous experience, but should not threaten him. Mitchell, however, does have a win over Dean. Hogue, McQuillen, and McClintock, I think, might be stronger candidates. McQuillen won the Gorman, beating McClintock, 3-1, and took the title at Northwood. Hogue was hurt at Brecksville just before a meeting with Ulinski, which would have been interesting. The unknown factor if Baxter. As I rewrite this he will be wrestling for the first time tonight at 130#. I am assured he will eventually compete at 125#. He is talented and in good shape and might be in the top three here. For example he beat Sully 12-0 last year.

130#

Projected Champion: CHASE SKONIECZNY (Walsh)

Top Contenders

2	Espinoza (Rossford)	15	Johnson (Milton Union)
3	Pelton (Bellevue)	16	Riedy /Kidd(Bellevue)
4	Dukes (Ravenna)	17	Chappalear (Indian Lake)
5	Fondale (New Lexington)	18	Brice (Columbus East)
6	Sulzer (Holy Name)	19	McHugh (Bellbrook)
7	Melillo (Padua)	20	Mellor (River View)
8	Shell (Greenon)	21	Androsko (St. Clairsville)
9	King (Minerva)	22	Owens (Geneva)
10	McDole (Tiffin Columbian)	23	Beemer (Wapakoneta)
11	Sheppard (Kenmore)	24	Rector (Carrollton)
12	M. Nakama (Big Walnut)	25	Van Wey (John Glenn)
13	Osterloh (McClain)	26	Benedict (Canfield)
14	Lucas (Fairless)	27	Pazyniak (West Geauga)
		28	Bernardo (Columbus DeSales)

In his first two years of high school competition Chase Skonieczny has landed in weight classes loaded with top tier talent. As a freshman there was Doggett, Saxton, and Cubberly (all Division I recruits) and he finished 4th, and then last year it was Kriwinsky, Saxton, and Boyd and a 5^th place finish. Originally, I thought the Fates had been far kinder to him this year as 130# seemed to be a nicely competitive weight class with him as top dog. But, alas, it seems to have been a cruel trick as it now begins to look far, far more difficult. Despite all the confusion here is what I think may happen. Espinoza has already dropped to 130#. He has made the requisite weigh-in and while it is a very tough cut for him it is, by our current rules, a healthy one. Now the ball is in Pelton’s court. His alpha weight is, apparently 130# and he intends at least to provide that option by weighing in at that level. They now have until the sectionals to make a final decision. Should both opt for 130# it would leave Jordan in complete control at 135#. Though, and I’m just speculating, you might see Fondale going back to 135#. Anyway Skonieczny has been a finalist at both the Ironman and the Powerade and looked ready to compete for his first state crown since his 7^th grade win at the Junior High States. Then at the CIT – competing with two of his closest rivals, he hit a speed bump losing to Melillo in overtime, but beating SuLzer. Still, with an impressive portfolio of wins, including two over Birt, he has to go into the tournament process as, at least a co-favorite with Espinoza and Pelton.

Espinoza was 43-1 last year, losing only to Keyes In the state semi-finals—a match-up that started badly and got no better. Virtually none of his 43 wins were close. At the State Meet all four of his wins were one-sided. Note that he beat Salyer, 10-3, while Jordan beat that same opponent, 9-8. Still his problem is a weak schedule that does not provide the tough competition each week that others enjoy, and a room that does not provide the workout partners that will challenge him. You’ll want to catch him early because he will be a huge 130-pounder on Saturday night.

Pelton has now twice been a state runner-up, losing both times to physically dominating wrestlers (Earley and Hart). That is why I’m not sure he will want to come down and meet Espinoza. This year he has crushed everyone (including D-3 runner-up Casey Thome) with the exception of two-time champ Tony Jameson. I’ve rated him at this weight class, but I am not as sure as I am with Espinoza about his final destination. There would be no seeding at this class, but there would be at 135#.

The two top districts are in the north. Without question, Skonieczny’s biggest challenges will come from Ontario. If both Pelton and Espinoza are here it would be a truly incredible district—one of the toughest in recent memory. We have already talked about Espinoza and Pelton but there is much, much more. Sulzer was the district runner-up last year and then was 7^th at Columbus losing to two-time champ Jordan and defending champ Llanas (in double overtime). This year he won at Wadsworth and was 5^th at the Ironman, with both losses to out of state boys. Like Skonieczny he did not have a good CIT, losing close bouts to Boing and Skonieczny. Melillo was 2^nd at the CIT with that huge semi-final upset. He, too, was a state qualifier last year, but did not wrestle well losing two bouts by identical scores of 13-5. I thought the two bouts were aberrations and not typical of his wrestling. He has missed part of the year with injuries, but now is returning to form. He was 5^th at Brecksville, losing in the first round, but winning seven consolation bouts. If Pelton opts for 135# we would likely see the excellent Riedy or, possibly, state qualifier Kidd. Both are very good. These latter two boys may well have been passed by the fast-improving McDole, who blitzed the field at Tiffin and was 2^nd to Division I third place finisher Dennis at Perrysburg. Add in Beemer, Jewell (Galion) and Toler (St. Marys Memorial) and it’s an incredible weight class.

The Firestone District is also very tough, but does not seem quite as ridiculous as Ontario. Skonieczny leads the way, but Isaac Dukes is getting very, very tough. I saw him at Brecksville and whooey. He was a state alternate last year, losing his go-to-state bout 4-2, to Ryan King. This year he was 4^th at Brecksville, losing twice to Palivoda, once in overtime, and the other time 2-1. In the consolations he pinned McHenry, beat state qualifier Green 18-7, and whipped Demas 9-2. He then won the Top Gun, admittedly at a relatively weak weight class, including major decisions in the last two rounds over King (ah, revenge) and Lucas. At this rate he could be a district finalist. That leaves King and Lucas, or Sheppard as favorites for the last two berths. Watch out for Sheppard. A district semi-finalist last year, he won big at the WIT and was 2^nd to Sulzer at Wadsworth. I haven’t seen state qualifier Tony Owens name yet in the Geneva results I receive, but I’m guessing he must be here. I’m thinking sophomore Mike Fee Lake Catholic) might have been a factor here, but a serious injury destroyed his season in the first week. Benedict and Criss (West Branch) could also be factors here.

A real threat to the northern boys will come from Steubenville. Fondale was 4^th at this weight class last year losing twice to Boyd and beating Melillo in the first round. He has been at 135# all year faking us out in terms of his ultimate destination. At Medina he was 4^th at 135#, losing twice to St Ed’s precocious sophomore Andrew Gasber. The drop came in the dual against Sheridan, and if he is effective at this weight he’ll be a top contender—though at which weight may yet to be decided. Nakama is best in the Columbus area. He was the state alternate last year, but made the field when Kovach was injured. He went 1-2 and was one point from placement. He was 5^th at the Top Gun, losing to Lucas and Crispin and won the title at Tiffin. Also here are state alternate Van Wey, Brice, and Androsko. The last named is 21-2 with both losses by a single point. Also watch for Mellor and Rector, and possibly Bernardo. He was a shaky 6^th at the CIT, but had some good early season wins.

This is one of the weight classes where the Graham entrant will not be a huge favorite at this district. There are four returning state qualifiers (including one from Illinois) and at least two other solid competitors. Shell was a finalist at Medina and might well have won the title in his 9-7 loss. A state qualifier from Illinois, he looks good. Osterloh, Johnson, and Chappalear all qualified last year, but only Johnson won a bout (he went 1-2). At GMVWA Johnson was 2^nd and Chappalear 3^rd though they did not meet. Also at that tournament was Bellbrook champ McHugh who was 5^th and Rowe (Graham) who finished 6^th, but did knock off Chappalear. Much the same pattern emerged at Troy with Johnson 2^nd, Chappalear 3^rd, and Rowe 5^th. This will be a sharp set of confrontations at district. Don’t forget Osterloh who is 17-3 and beat Johnson and Harman at last year’s district, and went 14-9 with Jordan. Raabe (Roger Bacon) and Armstrong (Miami Trace) are real long shots here.

135#

Projected Champion: BEN JOrdan (Graham)

Top Contenders

2	Zimmer (River View)	15	Pearce (Poland)
3	McGookey (Perkins)	16	Gaskins (New Lexington)
4	Gayheart (Willard)	17	Von Neumann (Carroll)
5	Canty (Columbus DeSales)	18	Sciortino (Walsh)
6	Sigurdson (Oak Harbor)	19	Delpra (West Geauga)
7	Horne (Hillsboro)	20	Citino (West Branch)
8	Stevenson (Chaminade)	21	Hughes (Buckeye Valley)
9	Fraley (Miami Trace)	22	Overholt (Elida)
10	Leonard (Norton)	23	Hayes (Holy Name)
11	Riedy/Hogue (Bellevue)	24	Harmon (Indian Lakes)
12	Kovach (Claymont)	25	Keep (Ashtabula Edgewood)
13	Ray (Cambridge)	26	Penhorwood (Benjamin Logan)
14	D. Gifford (Logan Elm)	27	Maiwurm (Orrville)

Often when a wrestler wins state titles both as a freshman and a sophomore he finds the respect engendered provides him with somewhat easier weight classes as an upperclassman. Potential opponents opt for other weight classes that seem somewhat less formidable. As it currently stands that could well be the case here. At the moment it appears that Pelton, Espinoza, and Fondale may all drop from this weight class and compete at 130#. Life suddenly is looking real good for the Jordans. Win the election in November and have the three highest rated competitors leave for more congenial locales. I expect at least one of that number to return, however. All in all it does seem to set up nicely for a triumphal 2008 campaign. Like his forbearers, Jordan has proven to be extremely adaptive and resourceful. As a freshman (and underdog) he won two one-point bouts and then frustrated a defending state champion with his defense in the final. Last year was somewhat easier, except for the semis – and he was very impressive in beating Keyes in the final round. Perhaps he is most susceptible to an upset in the semi-finals, winning the last two years at that juncture 11-10 and 9-8. This title by Ben made he and dad, Jim, the first father-son combination to both be multiple titlists. Think about it. The Jordan trio (father, uncle, and son) are a combined 40-0 at the state level. Only two of those victories went into overtime (one each for Jim and Jeff) and both times the overtimes were scoreless with one win by referee’s decision, and one by criteria. It is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

It will be a real donnybrook at Goshen. First of all, Jordan will have little trouble winning. Nobody here is going to come close. However, those last three spots will be a struggle. State qualifier Fraley won a state bout last year and was 3^rd at the GMVWA, splitting two bouts with Horne. He won at Beavercreek and was undefeated at the Ohio Duals beating Canty. Stevenson was 2^nd at GMVWA, beating Von Neumann, but somehow missing the rest. He was 5^th at the CIT, losing to Von Neumann, 11-5. State qualifier Von Neumann also has to be figured into this class. The unknown factor is Daniel Gifford. Undefeated this year he has not wrestled the schedule that the others have endured. Factor in Harmon and, maybe, Penhorwood and it should be really exciting.

There is a huge void at Firestone. It is so open that some of the 130’s on the fringe of qualification and, maybe, a couple of 140’s who have a lower alpha weight, will drop to this weight class. There is real opportunity here. In no particular order I have identified Pearce, Delpra, Leonard, Keep, and Citino as possible qualifiers. None have a long history of tournament success so you might see a Criss (West Branch) or a Maiwurm sneak in. The one unknown is Sciortino. Never paid him much attention until he placed at the CIT and then won the Big Eight.

With Pelton and Espinoza, in theory, at least both at 130# the door swings open for a lot of 135-pounders to visit our state capital. If Shawn Gayheart eventually makes this weight he could appear to be the odds on favorite for the qualification spot. He grabbed a district 3^rd last year, losing only to two-time state champ Pat McLemore, but went just 1-2 at Columbus after winning an exciting first round bout. He has been all over the map this season as Willard (like Bellevue) works to maximize their middleweights. The next spot should fall to the recently appearing McGookey. He won at Tiffin in very fine fashion and was 2^nd at North Canton including a huge win over Tucker Guy. He could win this district. The third state spot will probably be headed by a wrestler to be named later—maybe, Riedy The last berth should be a battle between three boys with substantial experience, Sigurdson, Hayes, and Overholt. I favor the first named wrestler given a tougher schedule and slightly better results.

There are five solid candidates for the four state berths at Steubenville. Zimmer, of course, comes first to mind winning this district last year and then reaching the state semi-finals before getting pinned by McLemore and falling to 6^th. He has missed some of this year which will make him fresh and strong at tourney time. State qualifiers Canty, Gaskins, and Kovach all return and must be accounted for. Canty was 7^th at Brecksville and 4^th at the CIT and should qualify. Kovach and Gaskins both qualified at 125#, but Kovach was injured and did not compete at the state level. Both he and Canty have beaten state alternate Jon Ray, who did defeat Gaskins, 9-4, earlier in the year. That could mean Gaskins is the odd man out. I also like Hughes and Sluga, but they’ll have to be red-hot to get out here.

140#

Projected Champion: MATT REEDY (Ravenna)

Top Contenders

2	Andrews (New Albany)	15	Pressley (Oak Harbor)
3	McGovern (Columbus DeSales)	16	Seeley (Benjamin Logan)
4	Cavello (Willard)	17	Neill (Vincent Warren)
5	Newland (Graham)	18	Brassfield (Hebron Lakewood)
6	Cunningham (Miami Trace)	19	Blike (Hoban)
7	Teter (Triway)	20	Ringle (Norwalk)
8	Taylor (Eastwood)	21	Walters (West Geauga)
9	Szucs (Holy Name)	22	Becca (Buckeye Valley)
10	S.Gifford (Logan Elm)	23	Kondray (University)
11	Riedy/Hogue (Bellevue)	24	Shiff (Fostoria)
12	Regula (Claymont)	25	Scaglia (Kenton Ridge)
13	Suggett (Norton)	26	Bryan (Dover)
14	Ray (Cambridge)	27	Gregor (Buckeye)

Matt Reedy has been a superior performer during his four year high school career and, yet, has never placed at states. It’s been a combination of bad luck, injuries, and the like that have stopped him just short of the podium. This year I believe he’ll erase all those frustrations and capture the title at 140#, but it won’t be easy. There are plenty of obstacles for the unwary, with a number of other excellent seniors lurking in this bracket, but Reedy has gotten past mis-steps and mistakes and has too much firepower this year. He was brilliant at Brecksville, defeating his last three opponents by a combined score of 26-1, and this at 145#. He was just as good at the Top Gun, winning at 140# over a good field. There’ll be some tight bouts, but Reedy should prevail.

His biggest challenges will emerge from the Steubenville District. Andrews has twice been a state runner-up, losing to Scaletta in the 30 second tiebreaker and to McLemore by two points. He wrestles very defensively and conservatively, keeping the score low and close. In his four state bouts last year he scored a total of 12 points, one of which went to the 30 second tie-breaker. This year he was 3^rd at Medina, including close wins (what else) over Cavello and Harker. Against Shawn Harris of St. Edward it was 1-1 until a very late takedown (and back points) decided the bout. Rarely called for stalling, he is very tough to beat. McGovern was 5^th two years ago, but then failed to make weight at sectionals last year after another excellent season. This year he won at Brecksville, swept through the Ohio Duals and was 2^nd to the powerful Lindsey at the CIT.

That leaves just two spots at Steubenville. I believe state qualifier Regula gets one of them. He won a state bout last year and has had some success this year, finishing 2^nd at Barnesville and 6^th at the Top Gun, losing three close bouts. He beat Dan Ray in the 30-second tie-breaker to go to States last year, and, maybe, it’s Ray’s turn to go. He is 14-4, but will need at least one big win to qualify. If not, Brassfield should step right in and this senior is overdue to make it to States. Other possibilities are Becca, Bryan, and, perhaps, Stout.

Reedy should not have much to worry about at Firestone. Only Teter has past state experience and there is not much depth either. For some reason this is the second consecutive year where Firestone has had little depth at this weight class. At any rate, Teter won it last year in a runaway style, outscoring his opponents 57-18. However, he lost both his state bouts and was out Thursday night. Teter won this year at the WIT and was 4^th at North Canton. Suggett might be third best here with Blike another half step behind, but there are bound to be some real surprises. Maybe, a Walters or a McCollie (Warrensville Hts.) can be the ones to do so.

There is all kinds of depth at Ontario. Cavello was a dominating district champ at this weight class last year, and leveraged that to a 3^rd place finish at States. Somehow I’m not seeing the same results this year. He was 4^th at Medina, losing to Heflin and then being bored to death by Andrews, 3-2, and he was 2^nd at DeSales to Vaccari. District champ and state qualifier Taylor is next after a 4^th at Brecksville and a 5^th at the Top Gun. Right behind this duo are Szucs and Pressley who have jumped up in the ratings. Szucs was 3^rd at the CIT and won at Wadsworth. He was the state alternate last year. Pressley lost his go-to-state bout in the 30 second tie-breaker and is just now rounding into form. He could do some damage here. That still leaves half dozen wrestlers with possible state potential. In this group are Gregor, Shiff, and Ringle. Also remember Bellevue can put any of three wrestlers at this weight, all of them have good qualification potential. I’m guessing it’ll be another Riedy – this one spelled with an “I”.

Newland’s accomplishments are dwarfed by the galaxy of stars that surround – Jordan on one side, Boyd on the other – but he is very good. A district runner-up last year, he won his first state bout then lost to two-time champ McLemore and four-time placer Ryan Cubberly back-to-back. Very unfortunate luck. This year he was a close 2^nd to Tucker Guy at the GMVWA. He beat Taylor at the Ohio Duals, but lost to McGovern, and then missed the Top Gun. He should be the favorite here. State qualifier Cunningham is also under-rated. He won at Beavercreek and was 4^th at the GMVWA, losing to Guy by about the same margin as Newland in the semi-finals. He beat Pressley at the Ohio Duals, but lost close bouts to McGovern and Taylor. The sophomore Shane Gifford is 15-1 and should be a factor. He hasn’t wrestled a lot of tough competition up to this point. Seeley and Neill are looking at just one spot with Scaglia, champ at Bellbrook and Troy and 2^nd at Northeastern, and Adams as long shots. Neill missed state qualification last year when he lost an overtime bout to Neff.

145#

Projected Champion: COBY BOYD (Graham)

Top Contenders

2	Tank (Oak Harbor)	15	Carlo (Fairview Park)
3	Michaels (Clyde)	16	Ferguson (Geneva)
4	Windom (CVCA)	17	Dynes (Claymont)
5	Neff (Miami Trace)	18	Spence (Walsh)
6	Wagers (Willard)	19	Cintron (Alliance)
7	Hoover (West Holmes)	20	Pool (Benjamin Logan)
8	Kramer (Ravenna)	21	Yingling (Bellevue)
9	McEntire (Medina Highland)	22	Clunk (Buckeye Valley)
10	Block (Crestwood)	23	Hammoor (Roger Bacon)
11	Severance (Sheridan)	24	Piechuta (Marlington)
12	Bragg (Morgan)	25	Redden (Washington CH)
13	Pencil (Springfield Northeastern)	26	Dulaney (Whitehall)
14	McFadden (Circleville)	27	Stine (Edison Local)

This is the third year that Coby Boyd has been a prime-time player and one has to believe that his time has come. An exceptional schoolboy talent and ferocious pinner, he was the wildcard at 130# his freshman year. He upset senior favorite Jordan Lipp in the first round, but eventually succumbed in the semi-finals to eventual champ Shane Friery. Last year, at the same weight class, he was again a semi-finalist, losing in the 30 second tie-breaker to former champ Adam Krwinsky. This year, up three weight classes and looking far more comfortable, he should defeat that semi-final jinx and the rest of the field as well. Things wouldn’t have had to be much different for Boyd to already own at least one state title, but it’s his for the taking this year. Already he has defeated Division I runner-up Dan Gonsor twice this year and was 2^nd at the Ironman losing a close final bout to the #1 ranked wrestler in the country. There is some good talent here, but a focused Boyd should prevail.

The best district is at Ontario with a top trio of contenders. The most successful has been Kirk Tank. Only a junior he is already a two-time state qualifier, finishing 4^th in that very difficult 145# weight class last year. This year he won at Medina and Oak Harbor, beating Gonsor in overtime after being dominated for much of the match. Tank has so much talent it’s difficult to watch him spend great stretches of the first and second period doing very little and not being warned. Michaels, also a junior, is very active, but has, after great regular seasons, failed to qualify for Columbus. That will change this time. Last year he lost twice to Melillo and finished 5^th. This year he won at Coffman, Clyde, Lorain Southview without being appreciably challenged. Wagers, also a state qualifier, is a full step behind this duo, but still has state placement chances. He defaulted down to 8^th at Medina after losing to two of the best Division I contenders – Gonsor and Dong. There are four other possibilities. The almost unknown Carlo is very good. Tank beat him 14-9 and Michaels 10-5. He was 2^nd at Southview and 1^st at Buckeye. McEntire and Yiungling are experienced and solid with Hoffman a dark horse candidate.

Nobody at Goshen will place Boyd in peril. State qualifiers Neff, Pencil and McFadden all return so it should be an exciting battle for 2^nd place. Neff was 1^st at Hamilton Twp. and Beavercreek and 2^nd at the GMVWA, losing to Boyd 19-7. Tank beat him by three at the Ohio Duals and he, in turn, beat Hoffman. Pencil was a district 2^nd, but it was “two and out” at Columbus. He does not wrestle a strong schedule and may be vulnerable. He was champ at Northeastern, winning at 152# and taking home the Outstanding Wrestler trophy. However, Pool beat him at 145# at Tipp City. State qualifier McFadden also returns. He won at Circleville and Logan, but wrestles a low profile schedule. So this trio are the favorites, but Pool, Hammoor, and Redden are a second trio with upset hopes. As mentioned, Pool beat Pencil, who was not sharp, and Hammoor was 4^th at the CIT. Redden’s only loss was to McFadden. Deer and Wright also have hopes.

The powerful Windom heads the Firestone District. He barely made it to states last year, beating Finlaw and Peacock by one point and finishing 4^th. It all changed at Value Center. After an opening loss to Cavello he beat Pencil and three others ending up 5^th. He had a great weekend. He looked rusty at the Ironman, didn’t wrestle at Medina or the Top Gun. It leaves one nervous about the general direction here. Behind are a covey of wrestlers who have, heretofore, been district quarter-finalists or so. Kramer, who has been at 140#, is good as are Block and Ferguson. Someone to watch is the onrushing Spence who was 2^nd at the CIT. Also possibilities are Cintron and Piechuta. Right now this weight class seems a little unsettled and out of synch.

It is much the same at Steubenville. State qualifier Hoover was 1^st at the WIT and 7^th at Medina. At the Top Gun he was 2^nd to Boyd (by fall), but beat Cintron (in overtime) and Dynes. State qualifier Severance beat McFadden 10-4 to win at Sheridan. In the dual meet with West Holmes he was at 152#, losing to Collett. Dynes was 3^rd at the Top Gun, but failed to place at Medina. Bragg beat him badly at Barnesville and he may be third best at this district. Clunk and Dulaney are probably the best in the Columbus area. I think Clunk has a chance here, but Dulaney will need a really hot weekend to place. Also don’t overlook Stine.

152#

Projected Champion: Eric Cubberly (Eastwood)

Top Contenders

2	Kusar (CVCA)	15	Johnson (Roger Bacon)
3	Myers (Indian Creek)	16	Drummond (Napoleon)
4	Schwartz (Clyde)	17	Bragg (Morgan)
5	Collett (West Holmes)	18	Miller (Chaminade)
6	Mannier/Luster (Graham)	19	Tharp (Fairfield Union)
7	Erdman (University)	20	Colman (Ravenna Southeast)
8	Mahley (Cambridge)	21	Harris (Kenmore)
9	Croasmun (Columbus DeSales)	22	Hough (Olmsted Falls)
10	Schott (Marlington)	23	Garabrandt (Claymont)
11	Gayheart (Willard)	24	Bailey (Washington CH)
12	Boso (Akron Springfield)	25	Schaal (Buckeye Local)
13	Holt (Miami Trace)	26	Hirschy (Van Wert)
14	Baker (Oak Harbor)	27	Wells (Greenon)

This has all the earmarks of a classic two-man battle featuring two excellent juniors with contrasting styles. Cubberly, 3^rd last year at 145#, is fast and rangy with an absolutely devastating tilt – perhaps, the best one in Ohio. Kusar, 3^rd last year at this weight class, is brute force strong with an arsenal of solid takedowns. Cubberly beat a strong field at Brecksville, beating Division III pick Moore in the finals. He dominated Collett at the Ohio Duals and had a quick fall over Mannier. His only loss was to Moore in the dual meet where he got caught and pinned. Kusar was 4^th at the Ironman (losing to then #1 in the country Eric Medina) and 2^nd at Medina, losing to Division I champ Straughn in overtime. He, too, devastated Collett, and has dominated most lesser competition. They “met” in the Top Gun finals with Kusar defaulting to 2^nd place. I suspect they will meet again.

The wildcard here is Myers. Just three years ago as a freshman he was 5^th at 103#. Last year, up six weight classes in two years, he was runner-up at 140#, losing to Jake Kyle in the finals. He will be a major factor at 152#, but I don’t see him challenging the top duo. Both Cubberly and Kusar wrestle a far more demanding schedule and while both of them tech falled Collett, Myers won a terrific bout against that same opponent 16-14 in overtime. Should all three top contenders win their district, then Myers would be in one-half of the draw and Cubberly and Kusar would meet in the semi-finals in the other half. It will be interesting. Myers has beaten Collett three times, but each time it’s been closer. Their district bout will be pivotal for the entire weight class.

That Steubenville District will be terrific. Myers we’ve already discussed. Collett was a state qualifier at 140# making it to the state semi-finals before losing to Myers and finishing 4^th. This year he won at the WIT and was 3^rd at the Top Gun and Medina. He is very good. Also here is state qualifier Mahley who went as a sophomore, but missed out last year by the margin of a takedown. He has missed some of the season, but is undefeated as of this writing. Also missing much of the year is state qualifier Croasmun who surprisingly lost both state bouts. I’m guessing he’ll win a bunch this year. He won the CIT, upsetting the excellent Weinkam in the finals. It could be a watershed bout for him. That’s four very good wrestlers, but we’re hardly through. Tharp is a former state qualifier who has lots of big match experience. Mahley beat him by three at Sheridan, but he certainly could qualify. I think Brady Bragg may even be better. He just missed state qualification last year. He was 2^nd at Barnesville to Myers, but has won several other tourneys. Factor in Garabrandt – 7^th at the Top Gun and Prokopakis (Edison Local) and it’s quite a weight class.

There is not nearly that much excitement at Goshen. The two best 152’s, Mannier and Luster, both wrestle for Graham and whoever wins that wrestle-off will be the favorite. Both were district champs last year. State alternate Holt returns and was 4^th at the GMVWA and won at Beavercreek. He was handled rather roughly at the Ohio Duals, losing to Giachetti and getting pinned by Cubberly. Danny Johnson is also very good, placing at both the SWOCA and the CIT. He missed state qualification by one bout last year. That leaves Bailey, Wells, and state alternate Miller as other possible contenders, with Starner(Circleville) also in the mix.

There are some rugged people at Firestone. Kusar leads the way as this junior has proven his excellence many times. State qualifier Erdman would seem to be next best. He was a quarter-finalist at Columbus last year and was 7^th at the wonderfully difficult weight class. He was a semi-finalist at Brecksville finishing a strong 3^rd as he did at North Canton, and then was 4^th at the Top Gun, losing to Cubberly in the semi-finals and to Collett for 3^rd. He is an extremely consistent performer at what appears to be a very difficult weight class. State qualifier Schott and Boso are a step behind this top duo, both going 1-2 at the state level. Schott was 6^th at the Top Gun, losing two close bouts to Erdman and one to Luster. I haven’t seen much about Boso this year. He did lose a tight overtime bout to Block earlier in the year. The big X factor is Harris, who has huge upset potential. He nearly knocked off Erdman last year before losing 12-10. He was 4^th at the best weight at the WIT, losing to Collett and Sonyers and was 3^rd at Wadsworth, losing only to Thatcher. Colman and Bell (Warrensville Hts.) are other possibilities.

There is a dynamite quartet at Ontario. Cubberly looks to be the best. Right behind him is the defending district champion at this weight class, Thomas Schwartz. He had a terrible draw at States and didn’t place. This year he won handily at Lorain Southview, but was 2^nd at Clyde (to Reer) and 3^rd at Coffman. Baker was a state qualifier at 160# last year and has spent much of the season getting to this weight class. He won five consolation bouts in placing at Medina and was 2^nd at Oak Harbor. This is a very good trio. Right behind him, though, is Seth Gayheart who has come back to wrestling with a vengeance, state alternate Drummond, and the under-rated Hough. That leaves Hirschy and Jordan (Lexington) out of luck.

160#

Projected Champion: COLT SPONSELLER (West Holmes)

Top Contenders

2	Dukes (Ravenna)	15	Guthrie (Eaton)
3	Witt (Oak Harbor)	16	Alfani (Louisville)
4	Thomusseit (Graham)	17	Van Fossen (New Philadelphia)
5	Mills (University)	18	Williams (Tiffin Columbian)
6	Thurn (Clyde)	19	Hamilton (Salem)
7	Fisher (Columbus DeSales)	20	Sexton (Franklin)
8	Rhoads (Hillsboro)	21	Donley (Harrison Central)
9	McCurdy (Fairfield Union)	22	Cope (Indian Lake)
10	DeLong (Lexington)	23	Erf (Bellevue)
11	Raber (Triway)	24	King (Milton Union)
12	Kilroy (Padua)	25	King (Tri-Valley)
13	Haddox (Canal Fulton Northwest)	26	Hojnacki (CVCA)
14	Bittinger (Beaver Local)	27	Geiger (Edison)

Last year I chose Colt Sponseller to win at the 152# weight class foregoing the popular pick, the excellent senior Josh Rohler. In the 35 years I have been preparing this report never before had I received so many notes and e-mails finding fault with my selection. Words like “misguided,” “incomprehensible,” and “moronic” were about as positive as it got with most notes more negative. Well, vindication is sweet and Sponseller proved to be even more brilliant than I anticipated. In a bout that wasn’t nearly as close as the score, Sponseller captured his second state crown and stamped himself as one of the special wrestlers in Ohio. This year he has been even better, winning that huge confrontation with two-time champ Sean Nemec at Medina, including five takedowns in the last two plus minutes. Then he defeated a very strong field at the Top Gun, beating Dukes 20-8 in the finals. He is the best 160 pounder in the country and his third title should look more like a coronation than a contest.

Sponseller exits a very good district. All three of the other qualifiers should have reasonable placement chances in Columbus. Fisher, now a senior, has had two remarkably similar adventures at the State meet. He roars through the first two rounds reaching the semi-finals. Then he gets pounded in that round, loses two consolation bouts, and finishes 6^th. He has decided to change some things this year. He transferred from Morgan to Columbus DeSales and then moved up three weight classes from 140# to 160#. He was 1^st at DeSales over Division III pick Steve Wilson, and was 2^nd at the CIT, losing to Mahon. At Brecksville he pinned his way into the semi-finals where Mills caught and pinned him and he ended up 4^th. McCurdy is the defending district champion at this class and last year won two state bouts to finish 8^th. He’s already won at Circleville, Logan, Sheridan, and Wadsworth so he has been busy. State qualifier Donley is undefeated at this moment (before the OVAC) and has won at the State level and, yet, he’ll be struggling just to qualify out of this tough district. Right behind him are Bittinger, champ at Beaver Local, with only two losses on the year, and Van Fossen, who seems to wrestler Sponseller every other week. He was 2^nd and 5^th at Medina the last two years, losing to Sponseller each time. He was 4^th at the WIT, losing in the semi-finals to Sponseller. Likely doomed to disappointment are King and Gilmore (Dover).

In what will be a crowded field at Ontario, two juniors from the northwest stand out. Two-time state qualifier Witt was 7^th last year and is one of the three amigos that came in as super freshmen at Oak Harbor. He has wrestled little this year, with injuries and weight issues, but now looks firmly in place at 160#. This rating is based on his previous track record since we have not seen much of him in 2006-07. His only win was at Perrysburg. Thurn qualified at this class last year and is part of that brutal middleweight lineup that Clyde puts on the mat starting with Michaels and going through Andrews. He won at Coffman, Lorain Southview, and Clyde, but has not met some of the top-rated boys. I think DeLong might be next best – finishing, for example, 2^nd at the Gorman and winning at Northwood. That last berth though is difficult. The freshman Kilroy is very good and should come out as sectional champ. That would leave him with Williams, Erf, and, maybe, Geiger to beat. Also don’t overlook Fricke (Elida) who was a close second at Tiffin.

It will be senior versus sophomore at Firestone. Dukes is extremely powerful and a superior athlete who was 5^th last year as a junior, losing close matches to Michaels and Tank. I thought he looked impatient at Brecksville, trying to force the issue and after losing in the semis wrestled poorly to finish 6^th. It was a different story at the Top Gun where Dukes was 2^nd, beating Pankewicz and Mills. Mills is that sophomore and he has made enormous progress. He missed state qualification by one point last year. This year he was 2^nd at North Canton to Shalash, 2^nd at Brecksville, and 3^rd at the Top Gun. He’s had some big wins over Alfani, Shalash (revenge), Thomusseit, Fisher, and Pankewicz. Alfani was a state semi-finalist last year, but has been shaky in 2007. He was 6^th at North Canton, losing 8-1 to Mills and was 3^rd at Wadsworth, losing to Scavuzzo and 7^th at the Top Gun were Mills pinned him. I wonder if he has been hurt. At any rate, he may struggle to qualify. State qualifier Raber was 3^rd at the WIT and North Canton and will be a factor. Should this top quartet falter, Haddox might be going to Columbus. He was 7^th at Medina, losing a 3-point bout to two-time champ Nemec and getting nipped by Coleman. He lost to Rohler and Mills at last year’s district. Hamilton and Hojnacki are other possibilities here.

Thomusseit, a state semi-finalist just two years ago at 103#, is now the top 160 pounder at Goshen. He was a semi-finalist at the Ironman, was 2^nd at the GMVWA, and 4^th at the Top Gun, losing a 7-2 decision to Sponseller in the semi-finals. I’m penciling him in at heavyweight for next year. Rhoads has a decision to make. He has been at 171# most of the year, winning at Bellbrook and Lebanon , and finishing 2^nd to Mauro at the GMVWA. He was also 2^nd at the SWOCA at 160#, so he can go either way. My guess is here, where he has a size advantage and is the defending district champ. He was 5^th last year and could better that now. State qualifier Guthrie returns, but I don’t see him beating the top duo. After that it is wide open, with Sexton having the best shot over Cope and King.

#171

Projected Champion: CODY MAGRUM (Oak Harbor)

Top Contenders

2	Foster (Eastwood)	15	Roddy (Watkins Memorial)
3	Thompson (Graham)	16	Roeder (Circleville)
4	Gorman (Marlington)	17	Shipp (Wapakoneta)
5	Hughes (New Philadelphia)	18	Lochtefeld (Lexington)
6	Griffin (Canal Fulton Northwest)	19	Westwood (Valley View)
7	Stewart (New Albany)	20	Teague (Cambridge)
8	Robinson (New Lexington)	21	Lamberg (Ravenna Southeast)
9	Sinchok (CVCA)	22	Foster (Kenton Ridge)
10	Lisowski (Fairview Park)	23	Rice (Conneaut)
11	Stewart (Edison Local)	24	Ritchie (Franklin)
12	Dencer (Clyde)	25	Conley (Miami Trace)
13	Stygler (Columbus DeSales)	26	Franklin (Big Walnut)
14	Cheatham (Walsh)	27	Rosen (University)

It should be a three-man battle at this weight class with defending champ Cody Magrum, perhaps, a half step ahead of the other two possibilities. This is the same trio that held the first three places in my ratings last year. Magrum was part of that terrific trio of freshmen (with Tank and Witt) who emerged at Oak Harbor two seasons past. A low placer as a freshman, he had a terrific second half his sophomore year culminating in a title at this weight class. His four state bouts were beautifully wrestled as he outscored his opponents 52-12. His semi-final win over the excellent Van Buskirk was particularly outstanding. This year he was brilliant in defeating Division I runner-up Brian Roddy, 12-5 in the Ironman quarter-finals before suffering a concussion and defaulting in the semis. The win over Roddy was a bravura performance after having lost to him last year. The hoped for rematch at Medina did not take place because Magrum was still not 100%, but he should be fine well before tourney time. If so, he will be the favorite.

Foster, also a junior, placed 4^th as a freshman and was actually my choice last year (I had Magrum 2^nd). It was based on a mid-season splurge that saw him beat Popham and pin Kilgore at the Top Gun, and whip Thompson by six in the dual. Some late season distractions seemed to impact his performance as he finished 2^nd to Magrum in the district finals, though the 7-5 score was by far Magrum’s closest bout throughout the tournament process. This year he won easily over a relatively weak Brecksville field and will be a most dangerous opponent.

Thompson is already a three-time state placer (6-4-4) all at 171#. This has obviously been a very productive career, but I still feel a state title has to come into play, and this could be the year. He was 4^th at the Ironman, losing to Roddy by a point in the consolation finals, and then was injured the next week at the Elite Eight, and has not wrestled since that time. His problem at Columbus has been the quarter final round where he has lost each of the past three years, including a 7-6 heartbreaker to Neptune last year. Not quite the athlete as Magrum and Foster, he’ll have to win on experience and mat management.

With a Magrum and Foster there, it looks like only two other 171’s have a chance of qualifying out of Ontario. The obvious third choice is Dencer, who qualified at this class last year, and won a state bout after taking Van Buskirk into overtime and losing in the first round. However, he worries me. He was 3^rd at Clyde, 2^nd at Coffman (but to Kilgore), and 2^nd at Lorain Southview where he lost to Lisowski. This gives Lisowski, Lochtefeld and Shipp real hope and, perhaps, two of this trio will qualify. Maybe, Hamons can have a good district like he did last year.

Thompson, if healthy, and I am assured he will be, will dominate at Goshen and hit the State bracket as a district champ – a real advantage. After him chaos reigns supreme. Roeder was a district semi-finalist last year, but has already lost four times this year. Westwood and Foster are possibilities as is Ritchie, winner at Franklin. Add in Conley and, maybe, a couple of this group will qualify.

The really crowded district is at Steubenville. Hughes was a state alternate last year at this weight class and has been better this year. He was 3^rd at the WIT (after being upset by Lamberg) and then was 3^rd at Medina, losing only to Wolff and beating Robinson and Sinchok twice. The mystery man is Jayce Stewart. He was 4^th two years ago and then did not wrestle last year. Now back, he did not place at Medina, but still showed flashes of his past talent. He’ll need to be in good form to escape this district. Stygler was 4^th at the CIT, but did not place at Brecksville. Roddy was 7^th at Medina, beating Jayce Stewart 5-2 in the consolation rounds and won at Licking Hts. Robinson was a state alternate at 152# last year and was 5^th at Medina. Jonathan Stewart has been excellent for Edison, going 29-2 at this writing. He beat Dencer 7-2 in their match-up. Add in Teague and Franklin, 6^th at the Top Gun and that makes eight candidates, requiring a 50% attrition rate at this district. I’m thinking Hughes, Stygler, one of the Stewarts, and Robinson will make it.

There are a lot of question marks at Firestone. There are two returning state qualifiers – Gorman and Griffen – but neither won a bout at the state level. Sinchok wrestles with abandon and can score points in bunches, while Cheatham and Lamberg are question marks. Sinchok and Gorman were 3^rd and 4^th respectively at the Top Gun (it was 7-6) both losing to Kilgore. Sinchok was 4^th at Medina, losing twice to Hughes and beating Griffen, Roddy, and Inks. At North Canton Sinchok was 2^nd, while Gorman was 5^th. Cheatham missed part of this year, but was 5^th at the CIT, losing to Gaier and Sanders. Lamberg wrestles some wild, high-scoring bouts and is the upset maker. A dark horse candidate might be Tyler Rice, who after winning his first district bout last year ended up defaulting out.

189#

Projected Champion: John Weakley (CVCA)

Top Contenders

2	Fisher (Perkins)	15	Place (Chaminade)
3	Knapp (Morgan)	16	Hudak (Lexington)
4	Hershberger (Marlington)	17	Fyffe (Bellbrook)
5	Reeder (Beaver Local)	18	Ayers (Canal Fulton Northwest)
6	Gilgenbach (Napoleon)	19	Fenner (Miami Trace)
7	Brankamp (Columbus DeSales)	20	Weininger (Dover)
8	Akam (West Holmes)	21	Busick (Steubenville)
9	Bailey (Walsh)	22	Kiss-Benke (Holy Name)
10	Hersman (Perry)	23	Kearney (Triway)
11	Lipstraw (Oak Harbor)	24	Oliver (Jackson)
12	Stoll (Milan Edison)	25	Abbuhl (Claymont)
13	Wetherell (Cambridge)	26	White (Graham)
14	Marshall (Indian Lakes)	27	Angelotta (West Geauga)

John Weakley crafted a fabulous junior season winning his first state crown while going 38-1. He was a convincing winner at the Ironman and his only loss was an overtime thriller to Chris Honeycutt. He dominated throughout the state tourney process beating Srock in the finals five takedowns to none (there were no reversals or back points) but, through, some would say, bizarre officiating, only winning 10-9. This year, after a great football season, he jumped into the Ironman only to be ambushed by Honeycutt 9-1. Two things need to be remembered, after that loss he came back to get 3^rd, including a win over Division III state champ Nick Purdue, and he subsequently was diagnosed with a blood disorder that has kept him on the sidelines for nearly a month now. Never fear, the always smiling and friendly John Weakley is again the class of this weight.

There are two principal challengers standing in the way of a state title. One of these is the junior Matt Fisher from the Northwest District. Last year he was the district champ and then finishing 4^th at the Schott, losing in the semi-finals to Srock. He and Weakley never met. His two losses this year were both to Division I stalwarts, Iammarino and Samson, and both were close. He is very big and strong and awesomely difficult to score against. On the other hand, his offense needs augmentation so that he can get the crucial takedown when required. I think there are five principal contenders for the other three State berths. At the top of that list are Stoll, a State 7^th at 171# and who has been ill), and Gilgenbach, who was the state alternate, at this weight class. Stoll surprised me last year and with a little luck could have placed higher than he did. This year he won at Edison, but was only 3^rd at Kenston, losing to Porter. We’ll see how he handles this weight jump. Gilgenback was 1^st at Perrysburg and 2^nd at Sylvania Southview to Purdue. Behind this twosome are Lipstraw, who is coming back from injury and Hudak. The latter was 2^nd at the Gorman, while the former won the Oak Harbor and was 3^rd at Perrysburg. Lipstraw lost two close bouts to Iammarino (3-2) and Schilling (4-2) at Medina. He seems to be getting better. From the east Kiss-Benke, 3^rd at the CIT, could disrupt the western monopoly.

The other principal contender is Knapp. He was an easy district champ last year, but twice lost overtime heartbreakers to Knopick to finish 6^th. He has been at 215# much of the year, but dropped to 189# at Marion Harding, losing by a point to Alexander in the finals. He exits a most difficult district. State qualifier Akam returns, but was injured at Medina and has not wrestled recently. He won at the WIT early in the year. Wetherell also went to States and is 23-3 this year after winning at Sheridan and Barnesville. Reeder has missed much of the early going, but has returned at this class. Weininger, Busick, and Abbuhl also have possibilities, but the one to watch is Brankamp. He lost one of those 30-second tie-breakers in his go-to-state bout last year, but I think he could be a critical factor now. He was 3^rd at Brecksville pinning Wetherell in the process. However, he was a disappointing 4^th at the CIT, losing to Bailey and Kiss-Benke.

Weakley’s major threat at Firestone is the powerful and experienced Milt Hershberger. After a fine season last year, though, he did not get out of his sectional. Amazing. This year he was again 2^nd at North Canton (as he was last year), finished ahead of Fisher and Weininger, and losing only to Iammarino, 3-2. He was 4^th at the Top Gun, losing to Weakley, 8-5. Bailey is a bit of an unknown. Sometimes he is very good, winning the CIT, and sometimes not quite as solid. If he has a hot weekend he could be a finalist. Remember he went 12-8 with Honeycutt in a losing cause. Hersman, 1^st at Perry and 2^nd at Riverside and Kenston, should be the fourth qualifier. He was a district semi-finalist last year before losing to Weakley and Knopick. Ayers and Kearney are other possibilities.

There is very little at Goshen. The only returning state qualifier is Hamilton who has been solid all year. He was 7^th at Medina losing only to Honeycutt and Iammarino. After him, I’ve got Fyffe and Marshall next with Place just behind them. Fenner has district experience, but I know nothing about Oliver except his gaudy 25-0 record. Watch out for Logan White as the Graham brain trust push him hard to qualify.

215#

Projected Champion: Jamie Srock (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

2	Clum (Galion)	15	Twarek (Aurora)
3	Kampfer (Carrollton)	16	Rowan (Harvey)
4	Houska (Medina Highland)	17	Williams (New Richmond)
5	Pummill (Valley View)	18	Akin (Triway)
6	Snyder (Hillsboro)	19	Gidcumb (John Glenn)
7	Oddo (CVCA)	20	Gray (Claymont)
8	McCluggage (West Holmes)	21	Ford (Circleville)
9	Weisenberger (Urbana)	22	Klein (Licking Valley)
10	Scherf (Oak Harbor)	23	Pickererel (Toledo Central Catholic)
11	Schecter (Olmsted Falls)	24	Bickham (Hebron Lakewood)
12	Foster (Hamilton Ross)	25	Weidle (Goshen)
13	Miller (Springfield Shawnee)	26	Whitehead (Columbus DeSales)
14	Sanchez (Napoleon)

It looks more and more like this will be a two man competition. There is not a lot of depth at this class and little previous state experience. In fact I can find only one 215-pounder who has won a state bout in the championship rounds and that is who I’m going to pick. Srock was 5^th in Division I at 189# as a sophomore after losing in the semi-finals and then was 2^nd to John Weakley last year at that same class. Weakley, if memory serves, inflicted three of Srock’s six losses. This year Srock was a semi-finalist at the Ironman before being pinned by Platt (who got Division I pick Powell the next week) and then tore through a weak Brecksville field with four falls.

His big challenge will be the enigmatic Clum, who, when he is in top form, can be sensational. Last year Clum had a district 4^th and a state 6^th in what was a senior-dominated weight class. So far this year he has been exceptional. At North Canton he beat Division I place winner (and, an exceptional talent) Tyler Rasho 11-4, and then crushed the field at the Gorman. I think Srock’s strength, consistency and big match experience gives him the edge here, but it’s a narrow one. If Clum has a hot weekend those first two places may well be switched.

Srock shouldn’t have much trouble at Firestone. Oddo was the state alternate last year, losing by a point in his go-to-state bout. He was 4^th at the Top Gun and North Canton, losing to Powell, Clum, and McCluggage, but did not place at Medina as he caught two future stars (Rasho and Houska) in an unlucky draw. Rowan and Twarek have district experience and have cobbled together successful seasons. Akin has beaten McCluggage to win at the WIT, but then failed to place at North Canton.

Clum has a stiffer test at Ontario. Houska is a star in the making. He was one bout from qualification as a freshman at 189# last year, and continues to improve. He won at Mansfield, Madison, and was 3^rd at Medina, losing to Schecter, then finishing above him. He was also 3^rd at the Gorman, losing a one-pointer to Hershey. He may not win it this year, but the next two should be within his reach. Schecter also missed qualification by one bout, but he has seemed a little inconsistent to me. Expect him to peak at tourney time. I like Scherf for the fourth spot. He was undefeated at the Ohio Duals, beating McCluggage and defeating a tough Metzger to win at Perrysburg to go along with Oak Harbor. Sanchez cannot be forgotten. He decisioned Schecter earlier in the year and has great upset potential. Pickerel is the other possibility, winning at Rogers and placing 5^th at the CIT.

McCluggage is the only returning state qualifier out of Stebenville, but Kampfer has gone by him. They ended up 2^nd and 3^rd at the Top Gun with Kampfer decisively winning their individual match-up. McCluggage has wrestled a busy schedule highlighted by a runner-up finish at the WIT. I haven’t seen much about Gidcumb this year, but he was one point from States as a sophomore. Klein, Bickham, and Whitehead seem to be the best in the Columbus area, but only won a single district bout between them.

There is some solid competition at Goshen. Pummill was a state alternate last year, but has really been good to this point. He beat Snyder to win at Lebanon, Bellbrook and the GMVWA – the last one in overtime. They must be getting tired of seeing each other. Snyder was a state qualifier last year and missed placement when he lost one of those 30-second overtimes. They’re the two best with Weisenberger, a state qualifier at 189#, right behind them. That fourth spot should be interesting. I have Foster as a slight favorite with Miller, Weidle, Williams, and Ford right there, too.

285#

Projected Champion: NATHAN SHARP (West Branch)

Top Contenders

2	Hiles (Columbus DeSales)	15	Duraine (Ashtabula Edgewood)
3	Walker (Alliance)	16	Ison (Batavia)
4	Walls (Graham)	17	Giltz (Goshen)
5	Nicolozakes (Cambridge)	18	Hawkins (West Holmes)
6	Diagosta (East Liverpool)	19	Hammons (Clyde)
7	Ishmael (Oak Harbor)	20	Meyer (Jefferson)
8	VanVoorhis (Elida)	21	Burwell (BigWalnut)
9	Taylor (Indian Lake)	22	Cameron (Watkins Memorial)
10	Wolf (Greenon)	23	Britt (Clear Fork)
11	Sims (Holy Name)	24	Willeford (Meigs)
12	Betz (Marlington)	25	Burt (Vinton County)
13	Fraley (Lexington)	26	Slapnicker (West Geauga)
14	Robiskie (Chagrin Falls)	27	Stallworth (Finneytown)

You would think that by his senior year a heavyweight who was a state runner-up as a sophomore and a state champion the next year would be an overwhelming favorite. That is especially true when you remember that Nathan Sharp took the title by avenging his 2005 loss to Matt Guhn with a 5-4 win over that same nationally ranked wrestler. And yet, ironically, Sharp could again enter the tournaments as an underdog. I think there are three reasons for this. First, there is a solid trio of challengers any of whom could win. Second, while Sharp beat Guhn in the finals. He was hardly a dominant force in the first three rounds. Two of those bouts went to the 30-second tie-breaker where Sharp narrowly prevailed each time. Finally, questions persist that Sharp will be as sharp (no pun intended) and prepared now that Lamancusa, also a champion, is no longer there to motivate. Still, Sharp has put together an undefeated season that includes a narrow win over Walker and a fall over Walls.

Three of the principal threats will emerge from the Steubenville District. Hiles, still only a junior, was 3^rd last year and won the NHSCA in April. He was 3^rd at Brecksville, losing in overtime to Hartshorn, but defeating Nocolozakes, also in extra time. He will be the dominant heavyweight in Ohio next year, but he’ll have to be healthy and efficient this time around. Nicolozakes beat Hiles at the district level last year, but ended up 5^th at the state meet. A powerful “grinder” he took Sharp into the 30-second tie-breaker in last year’s state semi-finals. The winner at the Steubenville District in their rubber match is likely to be away from Sharp, a significant advantage. Also at that district is the undefeated Diagosta, who has already won four tournaments. Last year he lost to Hiles by three in the district semi-finals and then dropped his go-to-state bout in the 30 second overtime as eventual state placer Ralph Petrella rode him out. The last qualifying spot is wide-open with MIT placer Cameron, WIT champ Hawkins, and Burwell possible contenders.

It’s not clear-cut for Sharp even at Firestone. Walker was a state semi-finalist at 215# as a sophomore two years ago, finishing 5^th, but last year caught eventual champ Rodriguez in the first round and failed to place. Walker is not a small heavyweight, probably like Hiles in the 250 pound range, but will give up 30+ pounds to Sharp, Nicolozakes, and Diagosta. He’ll need to be in better shape, show more speed and athleticism, and use good mat management to win it all. He lost to Sharp by just 3-2 so it could happen. Except Sharp, the Firestone District was very weak last year. It will be stronger this year. Backing up Sharp and Walker will be Duraine – one bout from state last year, and Betz, who won two district bouts. Duraine has just returned to the mats, while Betz was 3^rd at North Canton. A long shot here might be Robiskie who has made some solid strides in the last twelve months.

After a bevy of great heavyweights the last few years, the Ontario District is not as strong. The person to watch is Ishmael, son of the former state champion. A transfer from North Baltimore, he has been outstanding winning at Oak Harbor and finishing 2^nd at Perrysburg and Medina. His bouts don’t last long – it’s either pin or be pinned – and he has to lead the state in first period falls. At Medina he lifted the giant Jeremiah completely off the ground, but then failed to complete the move and eventually lost. His upper body stuff is great. I don’t know what to think about state qualifier Van Voorhis. I’ve seen him ranked in various local papers, but I haven’t seen a single score. I’ve rated him on last year’s efforts where a semi-final loss in overtime kept him from Columbus. Sims and Fraley both have past district experience, but have yet to make that final leap to the top of the podium. Sims was 3^rd at Wadsworth, but failed to place at the CIT while Fraley was 5^th at the Gorman. I’ve had glowing reports on Hammons, but his record does not quite equal that praise to this point. Other possibilities, then, are Britt and Brooks.

When I first saw Walls last year I thought to myself that this boy would not be a factor until he was a junior at the earliest. He completely fooled me. He lost in the first round of districts, but then won four consolation bouts and qualified for Columbus with 18 losses. He lost to defending champ Guhn and then won three consolation bouts to get 6^th. His 21 losses were the most by any placer, but should be a badge of honor for perseverance. This year he was a semi-finalist at the Ironman before being pinned by Kuhar and finishing 4^th. He beat Kuhar the next week in a dual and won the GMVWA, beating Taylor 9-5. He was a strong 4^th at the Top Gun, and he may well better his placement of last year. He has been truly amazing. State qualifier Taylor returns and should place this time around. State alternate Davis (Circleville) won the first week at Circleville, but I have not seen results for him since then. He may be through for the season. Walls beat him 2-1 in their go-to-state bout. Giltz is also a strong contender after missing some early season contests he has gone 12-1. The one to watch though is Wolf. He was 5^th at Medina and I found him very impressive. I think he is even with Davis for third-best here If Davis, indeed, was wrestling.

TEAMS

1. Graham This will be their seventh consecutive title and ninth overall pushing them past Walsh Jesuit and putting them third on the all-time list behind St. Edward and Maple Hts. This may be their best team yet with seven possible finalists and a host of other superior performers. The Division II team scoring record, which they hold, is 193.5 points by the 2003 squad. I judge them capable of beating that mark and surpassing 200 points—becoming the third school to surmount that barrier. In a stretch scenario they might even flirt with the 210-point record set by St. Edward last year. What’s scary is that they graduate only three starters and should be better next year.

2. Oak Harbor The junior trio of Magrum, Tank and Witt need to score big if they are to win a team trophy—their first since 1981. All three could be finalists. Now that they are at the right weight classes and getting healthy they need to cash in on the fact that they have more scoring possibilities than the other four teams looking to capture second place. That means Scherf, Baker, Sigurdson, and Stone need to step up. The real key might be Ishmael who not only wins, but gets falls for extra scoring.

3. Eastwood It’s a tough thing to say about a team that won the runner-up trophy and scored over 100 points, but Eastwood did not wrestle up to their potential at last year’s state meet. This year they’ll be in a five-way dogfight for 2^nd place and will need to show more efficiency that they demonstrated last year. Cubberly, Foster, and Ulinski could all be finalists, but they need Flores and Taylor, both experienced state wrestlers, to chip in.

4. Columbus DeSales I make this ranking with some trepidation. They need to bounce back from a very unfortunate tournament result last year. Victims of a first-round meltdown, this team that has been in the Top Five since Bob Dieli was a boy failed to make the Top Ten. Look for them to bounce back with a vengeance. Hiles and McGovern could be finalists and there is a whole array of possible placers—Fisher, Croasmun, Vaughn, Canty, and Brankamp. This time their superior depth needs to come into the foreground.

5. Ravenna A team built around a quintet of state-ready wrestlers. Reedy and Phil Dukes are powerful point scorers and the younger Dukes is suddenly becoming a force to reckon with. Add in Meyer and Kramer and a Top Five or better result could come true.

6. CVCA It all happens after 140# for this squad. Defending state champion Weakley and Kusar are finalist material again this year with Oddo and Sinchok as possible helpers. The key is for Windom to get on a roll after a somewhat pedestrian regular season, and have Hojnacki or Sommers help out.

7. University The youngsters—Mills, Inghram and Mills—along with old hand, Erdman should get close to the 60 point level. That puts you comfortably into the Top Ten and may give you a Top Five shot. The problem is that there are no other sources of state points available.

8. West Holmes The crown jewel of this team is, of course Sponseller, but Collett and Hoover can score at this level as well. They need state qualifiers Akam and McCluggage to provide personal bests that could propel them to Top Five finish.

9. Akron St. Vincent This looks to be a two-man team with all its scoring coming from Srock and Dean. Still they could put up 45+ points on the board, just enough to be a Top Ten team

10. Walsh Jesuit A mystery team with new wrestlers popping up every week. Skonieczny is easily the best of this crew, but Knotek could be a huge surprise. Bailey and Cheathem are inconsistent, but on a hot weekend could do real damage while Spence, Sciortino and Montoney might create a miracle. The real key

Division III

Only four state champions return in Division III, far fewer than normal, but they are augmented by nine runners-up. Also shown below are the district breakouts in 2006 for those that draw from different regions of the state.

Expected Actual

Qualifiers Qualifiers

At Fairmont Southwest 42 45

Northwest 14 11

At Steubenville Central 28 33

Eastern 28 23

103 #

Projected Champion: Logan Stieber (Monroeville)

Top Contenders

2	Householder (West Jefferson)	15	Toney (Mechanicsburg)
3	Hayes (Chanel)	16	Traver (Genoa)
4	Reynolds (Pleasant)	17	Hook (Nelsonville-York)
5	Strine (Hillsdale)	18	Rohn (Ayersville)
6	Tinch (Mt. Gilead)	19	Hamilton (Waynedale)
7	Hall (Tuslaw)	20	Faykus (Bellaire)
8	Libengood (Troy Christian)	21	Bloom (Mohawk)
9	Lee (Elmwood)	22	Goldberg (Miami East)
10	Aranjo (Delta)	23	Ferguson (Montpelier)
11	Border (Caldwell)	24	Frederickson (Dixie)
12	Panno (Blanchester)	25	Descenna (Warren JFK)
13	Yeary (Reading)	26	Eichert (Arcadia)
14	Duhigg (VASJ)	27	Mershman (Delphos St. John)

Very often at 103# the forecaster is faced with a substantial dilemma since there are a lot of new faces with minimal track records. That will not be the case this year. The freshman Logan Stieber is at least as good as advertised and should have little trouble subduing the field at this weight class. A cadet national champ at Fargo, he is immensely strong and exceptionally talented. He was 2^nd at the Ironman to Taylor and has won everything else. At Brecksville he blitzed the field, winning all five bouts by fall or technical fall. In the semis he wrestled the top Central District 103-pounder senior, Kent Li, and had a first period fall over an excellent competitor.

The Owens District really has only three State berths with Stieber already making motel reservations in Columbus. Well, three will be more than enough since this is neither a strong nor deep group of wrestlers. There are no returning state qualifiers and very few with district credentials. There are, perhaps, four wrestlers who stand out slightly from the rest. Lee won at Arcadia and was 2^nd at Van Buren (to Stieber) to go along with a boatload of dual meet wins. Traver was 4^th at Sylvania Southview and won a district bout last year – on such thin threads forecasts are made. Aranjo was 8^th at the GMVWA, but did not place at Perrysburg. Ferguson won at Richmond Hts. including a fall in the finals. Don’t overlook Rohn who has won at Stryker, Lincolnview and Woodmore, Bloom who placed at the Gorman, and Eichert who has been a very active place-winner. Rohn, by the way is very good, and has a chance to be the first female state qualifier in Ohio history.

There is not a lot of depth at Maple Heights. Chanel, however, always seems to have an excellent 103-pounder and it is true once again this year. Dakota Hayes has wrestled a big-time schedule and done very well. He was 2^nd at Solon losing 2-0 to Bolger in the finals, 7^th at Brecksville and 5^th at the CIT losing a close bout to Farber in the semi-finals. Just as importantly, he went 3-0 at the Ohio Duals including a 4-0 shutout of Reynolds. Next best is Strine who was 2^nd at the WIT and Chippewa losing both times to Strasbaugh. Justin Hall won three bouts at Medina then sparkled at the Dies finishing 2^nd ahead of some solid wrestlers. The fourth berth is not as easy to decipher. Duhigg has District experience, but I when I went to see him at Richmond Hts. he didn’t make weight. Hamilton and Descenna are also possibilities.

In the normal course of events, Householder could anticipate being a heavy favorite at this weight–after all he was 4^th last year and is one of only two boys competing at this class with state experience. He’ll need to draw away from Stieber to contend for a finalist spot and the best way to do that is to repeat as district champion. That improves his odds from 50% to 67%. His only losses at Columbus last year were to Harrington and Hall – he has trouble with H’s – both, ironically, who have brothers at this class. He was 5^th at Medina and 4^th at the Top Gun showing that he can compete at any level. The other returning state qualifier, Zack Tinch, is also at this district and should qualify again. However, I think Reynolds has surpassed him. The opening act in that dynamite Pleasant line-up, Reynolds won at DeSales and was a quarter-finalist at Brecksville. He also won at North Union and was 2-1 at the Ohio Duals losing only to Hayes. That’s three solid choices. Border, the best along the river, is the obvious and most logical choice for that fourth berth. He was 6^th at the OVAC and 2^nd at Barnesville. We can’t overlook Hook who was 6^th at GMVWA and has over 20 wins. It may come down to bracketing whether Border or Hook qualify. Faykus and Pierce (North Union) are other possibilities in what is easily the toughest district.

It will be a whole new line-up at Fairmont with no returning district qualifiers. The first name I heard was Libengood on the powerful Troy Christian team. His Brecksville performance however was so underwhelming that I wondered whether some of the Cincinnati boys had surpassed him. However, he went 9-8 with Riki Reynolds so, maybe, he is better that he showed up here. After all, he wrestles a very demanding schedule, gets good coaching, and is surrounded by brilliant lightweights. Yeary and Panno have split two bouts with Panno winning the second and by a bigger margin. They were 2^nd and 3^rd at Valley View with Panno winning 8-4. They appear to be the dominant 103’s in the Cincy area. Toney was 7^th at Western Brown, but lost to Yeary, 6-0, but has pinned Traver. Mershman seems to be the best out of the Northwest sectional that comes here, while Frederickson won at Valley View and was 4^th at Richmond Heights. Goldberg won at Clyde and has been a steady performer throughout the year. Jacobs (Oakwood) might be a possible guess as well.

112 #

Projected Champion: Troy Opfer (Sandusky St. Mary)

Top Contenders

2	Sergent (Troy Christian)	15	Ziegler (Mechanicsburg)
3	Pope (Pleasant)	16	Wooten (West Liberty Salem)
4	Dennis (Lutheran West)	17	Dandurand (Hopewell Loudon)
5	Marmaros (Beachwood)	18	Hochwalt (Oakwood)
6	Poling (North Union)	19	Longmire (Purcell)
7	Harbart (Garrettsville Garfield)	20	Pizzuto (Jackson Milton)
8	Jones (Licking Hts.)	21	Begg (Bluffton)
9	Lopez (Patrick Henry)	22	Butcher (Collins Western Reserve)
10	Brown (Shenandoah)	23	Yoder (Martins Ferry)
11	Thomas (Bloom Carroll)	24	Kovach (Chanel)
12	Varner (Tinora)	25	Westhoven (Liberty Center)
13	Rayfield (Delta)	26	Porter (Bellaire)
14	Knapp (Waterloo)	27	Wentz (Fairland)
		28	Lute (Indian Valley)

Despite protestations from the central part of the state, I think this is strictly a two-man shootout between Opfer and Sergent. Opfer was 3^rd and 2^nd the past two years. His two state losses coming once in overtime, the other, last year, by a single point. This year St. Mary has wrestled a strange early season schedule, but Opfer has been pretty much untouchable. For example, against a solid D-1, 112-pounder Cody Schillling, he cranked out a workmanlike 4-0 decision wrestling a solid and precise bout. He is very good on top, and that may be a key advantage he holds over Sergent. The Opfer family has eight state titles and I think Troy ups it to nine this year.

Sergent is very good with the Junior Nationals at Fargo this past summer. He seems just a shade small for this weight class, but that probably isn’t a crucial factor. What I’ve noticed is that he seems a lot more conservative recently against top-flight competition. He shows excellent defense, but I don’t see that sweet little carry anymore. Sergent has been 4^th and 2^nd the last two years in Columbus, with all three of his losses to St. Mary wrestlers, including twice to Opfer when both were freshmen. Last year he was brilliant the first three rounds of States, but then wrestled a strange strategic bout with Harrington and losing 5-0. This year he did not place at the Ironman and was 3^rd in that brutal 112-pound class at Brecksville, beating D-1 champ Mitcheff and Papesh, and losing 3-2 to Touris. It would not be an upset if he wins it all.

We may well know more when they wrestle the weekend of the 27^th, by which time, hopefully, this report will be virtually done. Remember, as seedable wrestlers they will likely be apart in the brackets at Columbus.

The Heath District, especially at the lower weight classes, is very strong. Pope was 5^th two years ago, but did not place last year at 103# — it was a year that saw him limited to about 15 bouts because of injuries. He was the champion at DeSales, but was absent at Brecksville. Then at the Ohio Duals he caught Sergent early and hung on to win, 6-5. It was a memorable victory, but not, in my mind, a defining one. I think Sergent will win their next meeting. Pope then lost at North Union to Poling, 14-7, but, apparently had knee issues that may have impacted the score. Poling has been undervalued in the past and was one win from state qualification at this weight class last year. Still, he, too, was upset at Alder by Thomas (after beating him at districts), so this district is topsy-turvy at the moment. Jones was 8^th as a freshman at 103# and is adjusting to a higher weight class. He was 2^nd at Licking Hts., losing to the excellent Weisman 1-0. Thomas, obviously, is also good and all four qualifiers could come from the Columbus area – but I don’t think so. Brown was a runner-up at the OVAC beating the West Virginia state champ in the process. He also won at Coshocton, was 2^nd to the terrific Garbrandt at Barnesville, and 3^rd at St. Clairsville. Yoder is also a possibility with Lute, Porter, or Wentz in the mix. This will be a terrific district. Watch out for the young Neer, who is starting to rev it up after a tough Ohio Duals.

Maple Heights will also be a strong district, but does not have the depth we saw at Heath. Marmaros is a real fooler. He’s tall and skinny and not real fiercesome looking, but he knows how to win. He can get that critical takedown, escape when needed, manage a bout, and, boy can he ride. He was a district runner-up last year, and got a 6^th at Columbus. Beachwood wrestles a tough schedule and he has prospered from that level of competition. He won at Solon and Chardon and placed at Brecksville. Dennis, a transfer from Holy Name, was 8^th in Division II after having the bad luck of catching Taylor in the first round. This year he transferred to Lutheran West and won big at Elyria Catholic. He has the experience and toughness to do very well. State qualifier Harbart keeps getting better. A district 4^th, he won one state bout and lost to Marmoros, 4-3. This year he was 2^nd at Aurora (to Papesh), finished 4^th at the Dies (losing a close bout to Lang), and was 2^nd at Wadsworth. He could be a finalist at this district. The scrappy Knapp should get the fourth spot. He crushed the field at Richmond Heights. He is in a difficult sectional with Harbart and Pizzuto. The winner would be away from the other two at districts – a significant advantage. Kovach is another of those always tough Chanel lightweights and could be a factor.

Sergent pinned his way through Fairmont last year and could well do it again. Still, it was interesting that all four qualifiers at 103# won at least one state bout. Ziegler and Wooten were two of that number and they have followed Sergent to 112#. I don’t think either of them is safe. Longmire beat Wooten last year and almost upset Ziegler. Begg and Freeman are both solid and have placed high in every tourney. Hochwalt and Wisecup Reading) have had a string of successes and have district experience. Begg’s victory at Van Buren was impressive and he should be a real important element in the resolution of this weight class – that’s after we crown Sergent champ.

I’m puzzled at Owens. State qualifiers Rayfield, Varner and Dandurand all return (they were 0-6 at States), but the hot prospect is Alex Lopez. He has won impressively at Stryker and Arcadia but, unfortunately, was not at Van Buren or Southview where one could better judge his progress. He did beat Perez and since Perez was 6^th at Waite, 3^rd at Perrysburg, and 1^st at Northwood it looks like he may be pretty good. The three qualifiers have done well as have Westhoven and Butcher – who was one bout from qualification last year.

119 #

Projected Champion: Pat Harrington (Sandusky St. Mary)

Top Contenders

2	Hall (Tuslaw)	14	Neer (Northmor)
3	Reynolds (Pleasant)	15	Domer (Bluffton)
4	Thoreson (Berkshire)	16	Phillips (North Baltimore)
5	Clark (Reading)	17	Bogerd (Troy Christian)
6	Gualtieri (West Jefferson)	18	Biddle (Liberty Center)
7	Karnes (Edgerton)	19	Miller (Brookfield)
8	Phillips (Waynedale)	20	Reyna (Montpelier)
9	Mascioli (Jackson Milton)	21	Deady (Triad)
10	Foster (Bellaire St. John)	22	Kuzma (Hopewell Loudon)
11	Pezzin (Swanton)	23	Burge (Norwayne)
12	Bodziony (Chanel)	24	Smith (Carlisle)
13	Stasa (Evergreen)	25	Bodenbender (Tinora)
		26	Cummins (Dixie)

Harrington had a great junior year winning 56 times, culminated by a dominating State meet where he outscored his last three opponents by a combined score of 32-3 after a first round fall. He combines excellent technique and good quickness with exceptional strength. He has been the state power lifting champ several times. This is one of the easier weight classes in Division III and a healthy Harrington must be viewed as a top- heavy favorite. Undefeated this year his closest bout was a 3-1 decision over the fast improving Thoreson at the Ohio Duals.

The toughest district is at Maple Heights. It features three returning state placers, a state qualifier, and a couple of good youngsters. Hall was 3^rd at 103# at last year’s States and the two weight class jump does not seem to have impacted his strength. He was 2^nd at Medina beating Ditcher and Bivenour and 3^rd at the Dies beating Boosz, 13-5. He’s a possible finalist, but is probably not as strong or as quick as Harrington. Mascioli was 6^th last year and Phillips was 8^th in 2005. Phillips won at Richmond Hts. and was 5^th at the Dies while Mascioli has several tourney wins. However, in the last 12 months the suddenly fierce state qualifier Thoreson has defeated them both – pinning Mascioli and shutting out Phillips. Thoreson was 2^nd at Solon after blowing a 5-0 lead in the finals, 2^nd at Kenston to Cribari and 1^st at Chardon. That leaves Bodziony, Miller, and Burge needing an upset to qualify. Of this trio I think Bodziony – 6^th at the CIT – has the best shot.

Harrington should have very little trouble at his district. There are again three returning state qualifiers – Pezzin, Karnes and Biddle – none of whom have placed and have one state victory between them. I think state qualifier Pezzin might be one of the better of large group of 119’s massed behind Harrington. He was 2^nd at St. John and 2^nd, in overtime, at Van Buren. Karnes, another state qualifier, was a district runner-up to Opfer last year, won at Woodmore and has beaten a number of the top boys in the last couple years. Phillips and Kuzma have traded wins and have been excellent tournament wrestlers – Phillips has two firsts, a second and a fourth – but they haven’t done it in the past. I’m looking at Stasa, Reyna, and maybe, Shellhouse (Mohawk) or Oney (South Central) as possibilities. State qualifier Biddle and Bodenbender are also in the picture. Remember Biddle beat Pezzin 12-4 last year so things are very tightly bunched. In summary, its Opfer with Pezzin, Karnes and Stasa or …….

Reynolds is very impressive and the best at the Heath District. He has finalist potential. He was 4^th at 112# last year pinning Toal in the quarter-finals (though Toal did beat him for 3^rd). This year he won at North Union and DeSales (pinning Cribari!) and was a quarter-finalist at Brecksville before being ambushed by Pretty. He was a devastating 3-0 at the Ohio Duals. State qualifier Gualtieri had a win in Columbus, and was an excellent 3^rd at Medina. He had some nice wins there – Ditcher, Powers, Brenner – and his only loss was by a point. He was also 7^th at the Top Gun. That’s the top duo. Neer was the state alternate last year and has been a steady winner this season. A highlight was his 2^nd at Marion Harding. The last berth is completely wide-open. The freshman Foster (Johnny’s brother) has had a terrific year finishing 4^th at the OVAC – missing the finals by a point – and 1^st at St. John. His first two losses were at the OVAC after 19 consecutive wins. Perhaps Schaffer (Fairbanks) can challenge here, but I would not be surprised to see a relative unknown qualify.

The cupboard is relatively bare at Fairmont, and that could be a break for Troy Christian. State placer Clark had an overtime first round loss at States and then won four consolation bouts. He failed to place at the SWOCA and was 3^rd at Madeira, but was 2^nd at Western Brown to an out-of-stater. Domer qualified at this weight last year and got pinned twice in Columbus. I think he is better this year. He beat Diglia to win the Allen County and beat Pezzin to win at Van Buren. He could be a district finalist. Bogerd was 2^nd at Troy Christian and beat the excellent freshman LeForce in the preview. He was 0-2 at Brecksville, but took Payne into overtime. However Reynolds and Thoreson beat him handily at the Ohio Duals. At this district he might qualify. Deady, Smith and Cummins will battle for the last berth.

125 #

Projected Champion: Daniel Kolodzik (Miami Valley)

Top Contenders

2	Hancock (Troy Christian)	15	Coomes (Pleasant)
3	Thompson (Brookfield)	16	Boney (Nelsonville-York)
4	Lawler (West Jefferson)	17	Donahue (Tuslaw)
5	Carpenter (Madeira)	18	McMurray (Berkshire)
6	Reisz (Beallsville)	19	Evans (Madison Plains)
7	Schafer (Chanel)	20	Coblentz (Waynedale)
8	Carnahan (Paulding)	21	Chapman (Hopewell Loudon)
9	Van Atta (McComb)	22	Shreve (Martins Ferry)
10	Beach (Dixie)	23	Almanza (Patrick Henry)
11	Carrisalez (Delta)	24	Costello (Sandusky St. Mary)
12	Runkle (West Salem Northwestern)	25	Halko (Ready)
13	Redd (Archbold)	26	Curcio (Toledo Christian)
14	Essenmacher (New London)	27	Perry (Smithville)

With the new weight rules coaches and wrestlers have paradoxically both more and less freedom of action. Clearly, the alpha weight calculation provides a minimum weight class below which they cannot go – even, if strategically that seems an attractive idea. On the other hand, the 50 percent rule seems to have evaporated and wrestlers can drop to their alpha weight, apparently, any time before sectionals. That said, there are some top-flight wrestlers who must decide on either 125 pounds or 130 pounds. I’ve rated each where I think they’ll wind up based on nothing more than my own analysis.

There are six terrific 125’s this year and it is one of the best weight classes in Division III. Some of the potential match-ups are things to ponder at odd moments of the day. My choice is former state champion Daniel Kolodzik. He was the 103# champ as a freshman two years ago and was 4^th in that absolutely brutal 119# class last year losing to eventual champ Freeman and Wilson (in overtime). He has been everywhere this year. He lost the third-place match at the Ironman to Collin Palmer, but defeated Stephens and Hancock in the process. He won the Top Gun – pinning Lawler, and crushing Stephens and Ulinski, and was 3^rd at the GMVWA this time losing to Stephens.

Right behind at that district is the surprising Hancock. He was 6^th last year – wrestling up a weight – and has been terrific. He won at Brecksville beating Schafer, McCoy and Dean and went 3-0 at the Ohio Duals. He and Kolodzik will be apart at States and could be finalists.

Thompson was the state runner-up last year at 119#. It was a brilliant piece of wrestling at the toughest weight class in Division III. With two state champs, a runner-up and several previous placers, he beat Gambill and Boing to make the finals. Well, he’s going to have to amaze again this year. Down from 130#, he still has some work to do. He was 3^rd at Elyria Catholic and did not place at Medina (at 130#), but came back to get 4^th at the Top Gun and 1^st at Howland. He seems to have a knack for finding the toughest weight classes.

Lawler was a Division I district semi-finalist last year at 130# and has now moved on to West Jefferson. He is fast and explosive. He looked a little overmatched at 130# at Medina and was 8^th at the Top Gun losing to Kolodzik and Becker. He is very dangerous and capable of the big upset.

Schafer placed at 112# last year and how has moved up to 125#. He was 2^nd at Solon and 5^th at Brecksville losing a 2-0 bout to Hancock. His big win was over Vaughn. On a hot weekend he could score big at this weight class.

There are four excellent wrestlers at Fairmont. Kolodzik and Hancock could both be finalists, but there is much more. Carpenter won 44 bouts last year and finished 7^th at 112# pinning Schafer. He won this year at Madeira, but did not compete at the SWOCA. I think his weaker schedule may hurt him this year as others have shown strong improvement. State qualifier Beach should capture the fourth spot making a formidable quartet of 125’s going to States from this district.

Lawler may be only slightly ahead of several 125’s in his district. Coomes went to State at 130# last year (note that he, Lawler and Hancock all dropped a weight class) and lost his placement bout to Hancock, 8-5. He was 2^nd to Vaughn at DeSales, but did not compete at Brecksville. Both Schafer and Hancock beat him badly at the Ohio Duals, but he has bounced back since then. Reisz is a two-time state qualifier who placed 6^th as a freshman and was one point from placement last year. He lost a heartbreaking 1-0 match in the OVAC finals to a two-time West Virginia state champ. He is always difficult to beat. Two-time state qualifier Boney maybe a slight favorite for that last berth. He always seems to do well at district time. Shreve, Evans, and Kornmiller (Bloom Carroll) are other contenders at this class. Watch out, in particular, for Evans. A long shot here is Halko who seems to wrestle to the level of his opponent – not always a good thing.

None of my top picks came out of the Owens District although there are strong performers there. State qualifier Carnahan was at 112# last year and went 0-2 at the State meet. Carrisalez, a transfer from Defiance, was a D-2 state qualifier and has substantial upside. Essenmacher, also a state qualifier, has a decision to make as to whether he will compete here or at 130#. I am rating him at this class. All three are solid performers, but will have trouble beating the top boys. The undefeated Van Atta should also play a role at this district. He beat Beach in overtime to win at Richmond Heights and also won at Van Buren. I was surprised he didn’t qualify last year, but a narrow semi-final loss to Reindel was his downfall. Redd, I believe, will beat out one of this quartet and qualify. He was the state alternate at this class last year and will move up. Chapman, Curcio, and Kwiat (Calvert) are possibilities, but I think Almanza has the best chances of pulling the huge upset. I wonder about Costello – Harrington’s back-up last year – who is now at 125#.

With Schafer and Thompson relatively safe, most of the top challengers for the other two spots come from the Southern sectional. My thoughts are Runkle and Donahue, but Perry and Coblentz are also good. Runkle was a state qualifier last year and that experience should be a touchstone for success this year. McMurray who caught and pinned Schafer at the Ohio Duals (he always has trouble with the Berkshire boys) has forced himself into the picture with yet another win at Chardon.

130 #

Projected Champion: Darrin Boing (Chanel)

Top Contenders

2	Gambill (Miami East)	15	Espinoza (Genoa)
3	J. Thome (Troy Christian)	16	Jones (Waterford)
4	Schumaker (Arcadia)	17	Smith (Tuslaw)
5	Clark (Union Local)	18	Weatherholt (Garaway)
6	D’Alessandro (Beachwood)	19	Elkins (Ayersville)
7	Crispin (West Jefferson)	20	Malave (Lutheran West)
8	Demas (Pleasant)	21	Hazelwood (Blanchester)
9	Pike (Greeneview)	22	Roerig (Montpelier)
10	Young (Norwayne)	23	O’Bradovich (Sandy Valley)
11	Bernath (Archbold)	24	Grubach (VASJ)
12	Clum (Spencerville)	25	McDonald (Plymouth)
13	Edgell (Crestview)	26	Abbey (Wellington)
14	Ceasar (Madeira)	27	Craft (Seneca East)

There are four strong candidates here with different styles of winning. There is the seasoned veteran Boing, the flashy Schumaker, the young and athletic Thome, and the former state champion Gambill. It would not be in any way unusual if any of this four won – they all have strong credentials including previous state placement and exceptional results this year. I eliminate Schumaker with too easy a schedule and Thome – with losses to Boing and Gambill in the last 12 months. That forces a choice between Boing and Gambill and I have agonized over this decision for weeks. Let it be Boing.

Boing has wrestled an incredibly difficult schedule to prepare himself for the state ordeal. He won at Solon over Johnson, 5-3, and was 1^st at Brecksville beating Thome in the final, 6-4, a repeat victory after his consolation win over Thome at States. He was perfect at the Ohio Duals at 135# and then won the CIT beating Sulzer and Melillo. He then defeated Skonieczny to win the Big 8. It’s an amazing record and it makes him arguably the best 130 pounder in any division in Ohio. Still, the one worry is that something always happens to him at States. He has placed three times, but has never been a finalist.

The Maple Heights District shouldn’t stress Boing. D’Alesandro was the state alternate last year as a sophomore and his go-to-state bout, as it turned out, was pivotal. He lost a narrow 2-1 decision to Thompson who then went on to upset both Gambill and Boing at States and finish 2^nd. D”Allesandro has had a fine year winning at Chardon and placing 4^th at Solon. Former state qualifier Justin Young is also back after getting a 3^rd at the WIT and winning at Chippewa. After that anything could happen. Miller could move up to 130# or Smith, Abbey and Malave could get hot. Grubach, the Richmond Hts. winner, has been out of the line-up recently but he, too, could be a factor.

I think Gambill may have peaked too early last year when he won that brutal district last year. He beat Kolodzik and Thome – by technical fall – but then had, by his standards – a terrible States, finishing 7^th. He and Thome will again be together generally well ahead of the rest of the field. State qualifier Pike won at Elyria Catholic defeating state runner-up Thompson in the semi-finals. He missed qualification by one bout last year and cannot be overlooked. Ceasar was 2^nd at the SWOCA and that catapults into contention for a state berth. Clum was the state alternate last year beating Ceasar in that 5^th place bout. If they meet this year it could be for state qualification. Hazelwood is also a possibility.

Assuming Essenmacher is at 125# that leaves three returning state qualifiers at Owens. Schumaker is a defending district champion who entered last year’s State meet undefeated. He lost to Freeman in the quarter-finals and eventually placed 5^th – up one spot from his freshman result. He has had another dominating year winning at Van Buren, Arcadia, and elsewhere, but has not wrestled a difficult schedule. Edgell and Bernath have both made state appearances. Edgell was 5^th at the Gorman (the top Division III placer) while Bernath won at Archbold. Espinoza and Elkins might have the inside track for a state berth with Roerig, Craft or Willard transfer McDonald a possibility.

Clark was 6^th last year and is nominally the leader at Heath. He was the district runner-up and put together a 40+ win season. Again this year he has been excellent – winning at Union Local, Shadyside and Barnesville. His only loss was at the OVAC where he finished 3^rd. Lawler and Crispin have traded places and the latter boy is now at this class. A state qualifier last year, he should fit in comfortably here. I was really impressed with the freshman Demas at Brecksville. Sure, he’ll lose some bouts this year, but he’ll pull an upset or two as well. He was a semi-finalist at Brecksville beating Dinda, Melillo, and McHenry before reality (in the form of Boing) took hold in the semi-finals. He’s a keeper. State alternate Jones lost his go-to-state bout 9-8 to Crispin. He should get out this year. Weatherholt and O’Bradovich are other random thoughts.

135 #

Projected Champion: CASEY Thome (Troy Christian)

Top Contenders

2	Toney (Mechanicsburg)	15	McDaniel (Pleasant)
3	Jenkins (Berkshire)	16	Vogepohl (Genoa)
4	Harnett (Brookfield)	17	Eavers (Greeneview)
5	Rufenacht (Archbold)	18	Foster (VASJ)
6	Zolman (Northmor)	19	Oliver (Versailles)
7	Dierkes (Jackson Milton)	20	Howe (Blanchester)
8	Padach (South Range)	21	Jorkos (Ayersville)
9	J. Pfister (Black River)	22	Brown (Newark Catholic)
10	Basting (Huron)	23	Lewis (West Liberty Salem)
11	Chilson (Bellaire)	24	Neuenschwander (Dalton)
12	Border (Caldwell)	25	French (Middletown Madison)
13	Reindel (Stritch)	26	Chandler (South Central)
14	Hill (Liberty Center)	27	Holt (Martins Ferry)
		28	Bemmes (Reading)

This weight class looks very similar in structure to what we see at 119#. One dominating figure, a couple of possible high placers and what is likely to be a relatively weak 16-main bracket. The dominating figure is the senior, Casey Thome, looking at his last, best chance for a state title. Thome was 3^rd two years ago at 112#, but jumped to 125# where he lost to Koballa 12-6 in the finals. A useful measuring device is Brett Freeman who beat Thome 7-5 in 2005 and then lost to him 8-0 in last year’s semi-finals. I believe that is a good measure of his progress. He caught Koballa in the finals on a very good weekend and the Junior National runner-up wrestled beautifully to win 12-6. There is nobody of that quality at 135# this year. Thome was a semi-finalist at the Ironman (losing to the eventual champ) and captured 5^th with a 10-3 win over Gasber. He was 3^rd at Brecksville, losing rather badly to Pelton in the semis in a rather strange bout.

A possible threat to Thome at the Fairmont District (and States) is Toney. He was 3^rd at both the district and state meets and won 52 bouts last year. At States he lost in the first round and then won five consecutive consolation bouts. The year he was 2^nd at Western Brown. State qualifier Derek Oliver also returns after going 2 and out at the state Meet – losing the last one in overtime to Crispin. French had 20 consecutive wins before losing at Reading to Howe – who also defeated Bemmes there. This trio, along with Hanson Madeira), are probably the main combatants for at least one state spot and possibly two. The way I see it Thome and Toney are safe, but the “wolves” are clamoring on Oliver’s heels.

There is a pair of returning place-winners at Maple Hts., but both boys placed two years ago. Jenkins was 4^th at 119# and qualified for States last year, but was injured and could not compete. He started the year at 140#, but has since settled in at this weight class. He was 1^st at Chardon, but only 5^th at Kenston – just after making this weight. He gave Boing a good battle losing, 3-1, and he should do well at this class. Padach, also a state qualifier, was 2^nd at Richmond Hts. Excellent in the top position, he needs to be better on his feet. Harnett was 7^th two years ago, but failed to qualify out at last year’s tough district. In fact he lost his go-to-state bout to Skaggs who went on to be a State finalist. He just won at Howland and seems to be rounding into shape. State alternate Dierkes should qualify this year. He lost his go-to-state bout to Chasteen, 12-11, last year and ended up 5^th. He was 3^rd at Elyria Catholic at 140# after getting caught by Bill in the semi-final. He has state ability. Also here is the younger Pfister, Josh, though he and his brother might easily switch. He was 4^th at the Dies and has a lot of upside. Foster wrestled at Columbus as the State alternate when Jenkins could not. He was 2^nd at Hawken, but did not compete at Richmond Hts. He was a quarter-finalist at the CIT but lost by technical fall his last two bouts. A very strong contender would have been Casella (Wickliffe), but an injury at Richmond Hts. wiped out his season. Neuenschwander and Selage (Columbia Station) might be other contenders.

Basting is the best 135-pounder I’ve seen from the Owens District. A state qualifier last year, he looked terrific at Richmond Hts., ripping everyone on his way to the title. He has not wrestled recently, but I assume he will be healthy for the tournaments. Rufenacht has been at 140#, but I think we might see him here. It makes strategic sense to get away from all those dynamite 140’s. He beat Petrella 4-0 at 140# and he should feel very confident at this class. Hill and Vogepohl are both solid and could qualify. State qualifier Reindel is also at this weight, but he will be in a fierce struggle to get out. He won at Northwood and Archbold, Jorkos, winner at Woodmore, and Chandler, who won on a pin of Oliver at Plymouth, are also possibilities. Having a hot hand the weekend of districts will be needed here, maybe that’s how Johnson (Otsego) or Casey (Elmwood) will make it.

Heath is a very competitive district with lots of talent. Zolman was 7^th at 125# and should slot in nicely at this weight class. He’s missed a good part of the year with injuries, but should be ready by tournament time. State alternate Chilson and state qualifier Border lead the Eastern District prospects. Chilson won the OVAC, but the key win was a 10-9 semi-final victory of Border. Not a lot to choose between them, although Chilson has had the better year. Merryman and Holt are also strong, but may struggle reaching States. State qualifier Brown is another possibility, but McDaniel may vault past him with team momentum Pleasant is likely to generate. Two other possibilities here – and good ones – are Irwin and Norway (Nelsonville-York).

140 #

Projected Champion: Josh Falk (Bluffton)

Top Contenders

2	Hermes (Sandusky St. Mary)	15	Porter (Bellaire)
3	Toal (Troy Christian)	16	McCreary (Fairbanks)
4	Gardella (Chanel)	17	Woody (Chippewa)
5	Nelson (Madison Plains)	18	Ash (Waynedale)
6	Gombash (Delta)	19	Betts (Elmwood)
7	Grigson (Northwood)	20	Sadler (Beachwood)
8	Pajestka (Cuyahoga Hts.)	21	Wagner (Genoa)
9	C. Pfister (Black River)	22	Hayes (Madeira)
10	Levy (West Liberty Salem)	23	McCoy (Pleasant)
11	Petrella (Hartley)	24	Bill (Clearview)
12	Prickett (Monroe Central)	25	Beam (Cardington)
13	Franks (Fremont St. Joseph)	26	Runyon (Blanchester)
14	Dauski (Sandy Valley)	27	Levy (Hicksville)
		28	Manrique (Trinity)

This is easily the best weight class in Division III, and I anticipate that we’ll see movement either up to 140# or down to 135#, alpha weights allowing. At this moment the top six contenders include two state champions, a state runner-up, a two-time state placer, and two wrestlers who have placed in the top four.

Falk had his 86 bout winning streak snapped in last year’s state finals losing a highly anticipated match-up with Kevin Lipp. Fifth as a freshman, he raced through the state bracket as a sophomore barely challenged in any of his bouts. Last year he beat D-2 champ, Jake Kyle, in the Graham tourney and had three dominating wins before losing to Lipp. This year he has not really been challenged by his opponents or his schedule.

Toal is a dynamite kid, but he is up five weight classes and will not be the biggest 140 pounder in the bracket sheet. He was 3^rd last year at 112# getting caught by Reynolds (who he later pinned for 3^rd) and missing out an opportunity to meet Opfer, who he had beaten in the dual, in the semi-finals. This year he did not place at the Ironman, but was 2^nd at Brecksville losing in overtime to McGovern. I don’t know about this year, but this sophomore will win at least one state title. He and Falk exit the same district splitting them (very likely) in the state bracket and giving them two chances to see each other.

The big unknown is Hernes. He was 4^th as a sophomore, but missed much of last year with injuries. Now at 140# he has been devastating in early season action, beating, for example, the excellent Lowe, 8-2, in a recent dual, and picking up three quick falls at the Ohio Duals. The St. Mary coaches are high on him, a very good sign of excellence.

State champion Nelson was way better than I anticipated going 46-0 at 130# and taking home a state title. Of the 42 state champions he was the lowest rated in last year’s report and it is embarrassing to miss that badly on a superior wrestler. Well, I’m giving him yet another opportunity to outperform my expectations. He lost once at 152# (why up there I don’t know), but is again undefeated otherwise. I’m just not sure he can match the firepower of a Falk or a Toal, but, clearly, I’ve been wrong before.

Gardella has been 5^th twice losing both times in the semi-finals. I think this may be his year to take that final step, but as you can see from earlier paragraphs it won’t be easy. He was terrific at Solon, beating both Lowe and Division I state runner-up Clopton to win the title, but was only 7^th at Brecksville, losing early to McGovern.

Skaggs was a surprise runner-up at 135# last year after finishing 4^th in the Maple Hts. District and barely qualifying for state action. It shows that getting to Columbus is the important thing and Skaggs made good use of that opportunity, winning his first three bouts. This year he was 1^st at Elyria Catholic and 2^nd at Solon, losing only to two-time D-1 champ Kevin Hardy. All this at 145# where I anticipate he may return by tourney time, and where I will rank him.

With Falk and Toal at this class only two state berths are open at Fairmont. One should go to Levy, who, if the bracket gods were unkind and put Toal and Falk together, could be a finalist at this district. Nelson beat him by five in the first round and he ended up winning one consolation bout. Hayes, Runyon, and Monasmith (Preble Shawnee) have all won tournaments and will be in the hunt for that fourth qualifying spot. Hayes was the state alternate last year, but Levy beat him 19-3. All three of them have district experience.

Gardella leads the way at Maple Hts., but confusion as to weight class reigns supreme. The two contenders for the other three berths with the most credentials are two-time state qualifier Pajestka and state qualifier Pfister – although there is certainly some chance that the latter boy might go 135#. Pfister was 5^th last year at 135# and he is very good, yet he failed to place this year at the Dies although I believe that to be an aberration. Pajestka lost an overtime bout in his state placement bout. I confess – he always does better than I anticipate. He was a semi-finalist at Brecksville – pinned by Toal – and ended up 5^th. He won at Cuyahoga Hts. and is dangerous. Ash and Woody are old rivals from the southern sectional (with Ash winning his share) even though I think Woody might be slightly the better wrestler. Sadler, Bill, and Manrique are all very good and that makes six boys looking to fill the last three spots. You’ll see some weight changing and some heartbreak here.

I think Hermes dominates at Owens. He is just too strong for the rest of the field. State qualifier Grigson is probably next best as the Northwood star continues to win. Franks and Gombash should get the last two spots. The first named was a state alternate last year and was 4^th at the CIT and second to Falk at Van Buren. Gombash qualified at this class last year, but was a point short of placement. Gombash could be a finalist at this district. I think Betts, Wagner, and maybe, Levy, have the best shot of unseating one of my top four here. Betts was 3^rd at Van Buren, 2^nd at St. John and 1^st at Arcadia.

Nelson should win this district again, but there are some other potential placers competing. Dauski and Prickett both have past state experience. Prickett lost his state quarter-final bout, 13-12, and then the ensuing placement bout 10-8, so he’s close. The last time we saw Dauski at States he was a 112-pound freshman. Prickett was 3^rd at the OVAC and won at Barnesville and was 3^rd at Shadyside. He and Aaron Porter are very close, splitting two bouts with Porter getting 2^nd at the OVAC. Dauski crushed everyone at Richmond Hts., beating Ash in the finals. Petrella and McCreary lead the Columbus area contingent with McCroy very close. Petrella was the state alternate last year of this weight and was 5^th at the CIT. Watch out for state alternate Beam.

145 #

Projected Champion: Trever Davis (Pleasant)

Top Contenders

2	Burns (Troy Christian)	14	Albanese (Fairbanks)
3	Fose (Middletown Madison)	15	Zaborski (Collins Western Reserve)
4	Skaggs (Jackson Milton)	16	Kosky (Bellaire St. John)
5	Cloran (Madeira)	17	Randolph (Belpre)
6	Hill (McComb)	18	Bush (Black River)
7	Bogan (Wellington)	19	Hessick (Fremont St. Joseph)
8	Burris (Archbold)	20	Grys New London)
9	Ford (Allen East)	21	Mark (West Salem Northwestern)
10	Stiltner (Waynedale)	22	Lewis (West Liberty Salem)
11	Garrett (Madison Plains)	23	Hunter (Manchester)
12	D’Alessandro (Beachwood)	24	Reyes (Cleveland Central Catholic)
13	Howe (Northmor)	25	Yunker (Toledo Christian)
		26	White /Casserlee (Dixie)

This could well be a weight class in transition. With the 140# class loaded with great performers, and with 152# very nearly as good, we might expect some movement in this direction. Maybe, a Gallik or a True might drop down, or a Skaggs move up, which could change the general complexion of this class.

There is a conceit that if a Division I or II wrestler drops down to Division III he will immediately do far better than before. Sometimes that is true, at other times – well, maybe, not. The next two weight classes will be additional test cases as Davis and Moore transferred from Mt. Vernon. Davis is very good. He was 7^th last year, losing in the championship round to two-time state champ Kevin Hardy, 7-6. He would, clearly, have been in the top five in Division I. At Pleasant he has won at DeSales, tech falling state qualifier Wagers in the finals. He was, however, 7^th at Brecksville, losing twice to Division III wrestlers, and was 2-1 at the Ohio Duals.

The surprise here was been Chris Burns. He failed to qualify for States and had 11 losses during the season. This year it’s been a different story. He won at Troy Christian and was 2^nd at Brecksville, including a fall over Davis and a decision over Lowe. He was undefeated at the Ohio Duals, shutting out Davis 2-0. Based strictly on performance he has led the way at this weight class. He has beaten Davis twice and I think it is very difficult to defeat a comparable three consecutive times.

If Burns is to do well he’ll have to start in his own district. Fose was 5^th last year winning three state bouts. He was 1^st at Reading with a crushing triumph and is undefeated this year. If he can beat Burns he could be a state finalist. Also here is state qualifier Cloran who has had another good year. He beat Ford to win at Madeira and was 3^rd at the SWOCA only to Gobin – and that by 2-0. These are three placers as I look at it. Ford and Lewis might be the best candidates for that fourth spot. The White/Casselman pairing at Dixie could also be a factor – especially if we go tag team.

Davis faces a slightly easier district. I believe that his most dangerous challengers are from the Columbus sectionals. Garrett is a former state qualifier who has struggled some now that he has gotten big. Howe went into overtime last year in his go-to-state bout before losing. This year he was perfect at the Ohio Duals and was 2^nd at the Gorman losing only to McEntire. Albanese was 3^rd at Richmond Hts. and 1^st at Alder and he is good on top. This monopoly may well be broken up by OVAC runner-up Zach Kosky. He also won at Bellaire St. John. A bigger threat might be Randolph who qualified at 152# last year. He was 2-2 at Medina in a tough weight class.

There are three excellent 145’s at Owens. Hill was the district champion at 135# last year, but had a total flame-out at Columbus and was gone by Thursday night. This year he opened with 21 consecutive wins including the title at Richmond Hts. over Stiltner, but was 2^nd at Van Buren losing to Ford – not a good sign. Ortolani was 7^th at this weight class last year and is part of St. Mary’s Big Four (with Opfer, Harrington, and Hermes). They have wrestled mainly dual meets where Ortolani has done very well. He should place again this year. Burris had a district 2^nd last year and he is just so solid. He, too, had a bad Thursday night at States, but I think he could well get to Saturday this year. Zaborski and Grys have good chances, but they come out of Ortolani’s sectional and many not get good district pairings. Hessick is another contender.

If Skaggs moves back to 145# he would be the favorite at this district. If not, state qualifiers Bogan and Stiltner will face off. Bogan won a state bout and finished 6^th this year at a tough Medina weight class. Stiltner was a major surprise in qualifying last year, but it has been a good foundation for him. He was 2^nd to Hill at Richmond losing, 4-3, and was 2^nd at the Dies losing to McEntire. It won’t be a surprise if he qualifies this year. De’Alesandro should be very competitive in relation to a qualifying spot winning most recently at Chardon. He was 3^rd at Solon losing to Skaggs, 9-3. Other possibilities include Bush, Mark and Hunter. A surprise candidate might be Reyes.

152 #

Projected Champion: Jedd Moore (Pleasant)

Top Contenders

2	Thatcher (Loudonville)	16	Kwiat (Calvert)
3	Reer (Collins Western Reserve)	17	Wasylik (Sandusky St. Mary)
4	Campbell (Troy Christian)	18	Rohn (Tuslaw)
5	Gallik (Northmor)	19	Packard (Belpre)
6	Foley (Worthington Christian)	20	Short (Archbold)
7	Smyers (Norwayne)	21	Lee (Elmwood)
8	True (Arcadia)	22	Deetz (Garaway)
9	Richardson (Berkshire)	23	Schroeder (Montpelier)
10	Skoff (Bridgeport)	24	Domres (Licking Hts.)
11	Tucker (Martins Ferry)	25	Batesole (Elyria Catholic)
12	Barr (Blanchester)	26	Enos (Oberlin)
13	Smith (Miami East)	27	Kirkman (Sandy Valley)
14	Kreinbihl (Indian Valley)	28	Holmes (Spencerville)
15	Schmitmeyer (Versailles)	29	Parsons (Ledgemont)

Marion Pleasant was certainly going to have an excellent team just on what was returning last year, but the addition of Davis and Moore pushed them right into the co-favorite role with Troy Christian. It’s a superior team now, but the crown jewel is the junior Jedd Moore. Last year at Mt. Vernon he was the district champion at Darby (beating the excellent Vaccari 9-1 in the finals), and then won three state bouts before losing to four-time champ Lance Palmer in the finals – the only wrestler to go the full six minutes with him. Then in April he won the NHSCA in Pittsburgh, capping an excellent season. This year Moore has been a scoring machine, winning big against most everyone. His only loss was to Division II pick Eric Cubberly in the Brecksville, but he later pinned Cubberly in the dual.

Moore will be a heavy favorite, but make no mistake this is an excellent field with Moore exiting the best district. Gallik was 2^nd (in overtime) at the Gorman and was unbeaten at the Ohio Duals. He took the title at Marian Harding over Bragg. I’m not sure he can do much against Moore, but everybody else is fair game. Foley won at Richmond Hts. and Dublin while finishing 2^nd at DeSales on a fall to Moore. Skoff was a pinning machine along the river winning his first 21 bouts before losing an overtime semi-final at the OVAC and finishing 5^th. Tucker has missed much of the year, but was 6^th at the OVAC in his first appearance back. Anytime you see the combination of Tucker and Martins Ferry you know you’ll find a good wrestler. State qualifier Kreinbihl had a difficult state draw and went 0-2. He wrestles a low visibility schedule – but does it well – and may be in trouble at this weight class. He won at Coshocton at 160#, but there is not much relief there. I saw Packard at Medina and he did well. He met state champ Straughn in the quarter-finals and went the full six minutes. He could slip in here with an upset or two. Domres and Kirkman are out of luck at this weight class.

One of the possible finalists Moore might face is Eric Reer. He was 3^rd at 140# two years ago and I thought he would be a sure winner over the next two years. In that run he beat Steve Wilson, 2-0. Then last year he missed most of the year because of injuries and came back only long enough to knockout my choice at this weight class. Now healthy he beat Roth to win at Tiffin and Schwartz at Clyde and seems ready to challenge Moore. True is next best after qualifying at 135# last year. He has won three tournaments, but was upset at Van Buren by Kwiat. Still, he’s a possible district finalist and state placer. After that the bracket sheet will look pretty shaky. Wasylik went deep into last year’s district and Kwiat did win over True and Lee at Van Buren. Maybe, Short or Schroeder is the answer.

This will be Thatcher ‘s third trip to Columbus and it’s time for him to place. Last year Wilson knocked him off in the quarter-finals and Heasley eliminated him. Can’t happen this year, they’re both at 160#. He should win the Maple Heights District, setting him up for one last run for the podium. This year he beat Gallik to win at the Gorman, won at Riverside and won at Wadsworth. That kind of consistency could get him into the finals. This will also be Smyers third trip to state. He was 3^rd at that tough 152# class at the WIT – beating Harris, but losing to Colman. He won at Chippewa and the Dies – the latter with a 7-6 win over the tough Hough. Richardson was the state alternate at 160# and won at Chardon, 2^nd at Solon, and 3^rd at Kenston. Add in, perhaps, Rohn or Pajestka (Cuyahoga Hts.), and it’s a pretty solid group. Enos or Batesole might be another thought.

Note that Moore has one primary challenger at both Owens (Reer) and Maple Hts. (Thatcher). That model holds at Fairmont where Robel Cambell is the wrestler to watch. A transfer from Dayton Christian, he was 4^th last year at 135# after losing a first round bout. He was 8^th at the Ironman and 4^th at Brecksville losing to Cubberly and Erdman. He, too, has finalist potential. State qualifier Barr returns winning at Reading and boasting an 18-3 record. GMVWA place-winner Schmitmeyer is next best, but was only 5^th at Plymouth. Hmm. Maybe, Smith has gone by him despite finishing behind him at the GMVWA. Holmes is another possibility.

160 #

Projected Champion: Steve Wilson (Pleasant)

Top Contenders

2	Tice (Brookfield)	15	Knipp (Archbold)
3	Yant (Delta)	16	Lehman (Arcadia)
4	Scavuzzo (Woodridge)	17	Sneary (Allen East)
5	Heasley (Worthington Christian)	18	Ackley (Elmwood)
6	Sowers (Mohawk)	19	Burns (Troy Christian)
7	Blosser (Dixie)	20	Worthington (Crestview)
8	Schaefer (West Salem Northwestern)	21	Rossiter (Shenandoah)
9	Ziegler (Mechanicsburg)	22	Chandler (South Central)
10	Porter (Berkshire)	23	Mehling (Grandview Hts.)
11	Bowers (Martins Ferry)	24	Meyer (Reading)
12	Backus (Delphos St. John)	25	Fritter (Barnesville)
13	Angle (Ridgewood)	26	Panno (Blanchester)
14	Taylor (Springfield Northeastern)	27	Leonhard (Pymatuning Valley)

I first saw Steve Wilson two years ago at Brecksville where he erupted like a whirlwind, beating state runner-up Grant Hoppel by a technical fall and almost defeating another state runner-up Mikey Davis. All I could see were state titles (note the plural) in his future. As a freshman he was 8^th (he had a bad quarter-final) and last year he was 4^th – out muscled by the powerful seniors Hoff and Lerer. So if it’s to be plural titles it has to start this year, and I think it will. He looked great at Brecksville, winning in the finals over Mills, but I was more impressed by his 9-3 victory over the powerful state qualifier Dukes. His only blemish was an early season loss to two-time Division II place winner David Fisher, but I don’t see that happening in Division III.

I picked Tice to win last year at 152#, but it didn’t happen. He had an incredibly bad break of catching Reer – coming off an injury up a weight class – in the first round and ended up winning three bouts to finish 7^th. He seems to thrive at Medina; this year losing in the semi-finals 9-6 to two-time champ Nemec and finishing 3^rd. I think he has the best chance to knock off Wilson, but he’ll go into that bout as an underdog.

Wilson has a formidable foe in his own district. Heasley won at Richmond Hts., Alder and Dublin. He was 5^th last year at 145# and since he’ll be separate from Wilson in the brackets, has a chance to be a finalist. Wilson beat him 8-3 in last year’s district final. Bowers and Rossiter were 2-3 at the OVAC and are the best along the river, though I think Fritter might do well once he gets used to the weight. Perkins is a possibility here with Mehling in that same category. The one to watch, though, is Angle. He went deep into last year’s district and has done well this year. He was Beaver Local and Coshocton finishing ahead of Rossiter.

Tice will have several obstacles on a way to a district title. Scavuzzo was a state qualifier at 152# and went 1-2. He lost a one-pointer (5-4) to Heasley in the finals at Richmond Hts. and was second at Wadsworth to McCurdy by that same score. Schaefer also went to States and like Scavuzzo went 1-2. He lost to Scavuzzo 1-0. He was 3^rd at the Gorman losing only to DeLong. That makes a nice threesome, but I’m not sure that Porter hasn’t substantially narrowed the gap from last year. He was 1^st and the OW at Chardon, 1^st at Kenston, and 2^nd at Solon. He was also 3-0 at the Ohio Duals. Grilley and Leonhard are other contenders hoping that one of the top quartet get squeezed in the brackets.

Two wrestlers stand out at Owens. Sowers is a returning state qualifier who failed to place. Ironically, he lost, 1-0, to Wolff in the district consolation finals. Wolff got a great draw and wrestled even better to finish 2^nd. Sowers big win was at the Gorman where he took the title over DeLong. Yant is very strong. He beat Thomusseit in overtime to win at the GMVWA and vault to the top of my list at this district. That has to be a watershed win. He was a state quarter-finalist last year as a sophomore and ended up 7^th. At Perrysburg he lost 6-3 to Witt in the finals, so that’s two high quality opponents he has hung with. There is a substantial fall-off after this duo. I think Ackley and Knipp are likely next month, but the last two spots will spark some contentious contests. Worthington and Lehman are next in line with Chandler the long-shot. Don’t be surprised to see a Tracy (Paulding) or a Tammerine (Liberty Center) have a once-in-a-lifetime weekend and qualify.

Fairmont is a district with lots of questions to be answered. The defending district champ Zack Ziegler has missed most of the year because of injuries. If he is healthy he’ll win it again and, perhaps, be looking at a middle to low place at States. Blosser was 3^rd at Richmond Hts. losing, 2-1, to Heasley. Currently 25-3, he will challenge Ziegler this year. State qualifiers Backus and Taylor are favorites for the last two state tickets, but will have plenty of competition. Sneary has been very good while Meyer and Panno have district experience and have been successful in smaller tourneys. Sneary was 3^rd at Van Buren beating Ackley. The wild card is Burns. He went 2-0 with Porter in losing at the Ohio Duals and won a couple bouts at Brecksville before forfeiting. I’m not sure what to expect from him.

171 #

Projected Champion: Hunter Reed (Crestview)

Top Contenders

2	Wolff (Genoa)	15	Oliver (Versailles)
3	Kennedy (Manchester)	16	Starr (Hannibal River)
4	Klaus (Mechanicsburg)	17	Kunk (Coldwater)
5	Cartwright (Mohawk)	18	Owens (Harvest Prep)
6	Inks (West Jefferson)	19	Roeder (Waynedale)
7	Gallik (Northmor)	20	Brickner (McComb)
8	Adams (Pleasant)	21	Jenkins (Woodridge)
9	Jump (Grandview Hts.)	22	Welling (Reading)
10	Schwab (Clinton Massie)	23	Boyce (Collins Western Reserve)
11	Barber (Nelsonville-York)	24	Camper (Riverdale)
12	Perez (Stryker)	25	Akins (Troy Christian)
13	Lewis (West Liberty Salem)	26	Cutler (Grand Valley)
14	Szente (Elyria Catholic)

You would think that an underclassman (non-senior) who finishes 2^nd in the state tournament would have a very good chance of winning the state title the following year. After all he would be older, stronger, and, presumably, wiser; and the pressures of being in the finals would, at the least, be known. However, the facts suggest that such a hypothesis may not be true. Looking at just the last couple of years (and maybe we should in the future expand the sample) there have been 36 returning state runners-up of whom only 11 won a state title. That translates to just over 30%, far lower than one might expect. We’ll generate two more data points this year at 171#, as the top two contenders both finished 2^nd last year.

My choice is Hunter Reed, who was 2^nd at this weight last year for Crestview. In both district and state action last year Reed dominated every opponent with the exception of Nick Purdue. At the district he beat his three other foes by a combined 42-6 margin and in Columbus it was by 32-10. This year he was in complete control at the Gorman, winning by technical fall in the finals against a returning state qualifier.

One the other hand, Wolff, too, has some advantages, after finishing 2^nd at 160# last year. First, he has wrestled a much more testing and rigorous schedule than Reed. He went 3-2 at the Ironman, losing to Division II stalwarts Cody Magrum and David Thompson, and was a solid 2^nd at Medina, losing only to Roddy. He had wins over Phillips, Hughes, and state placer Stewart. Second, his teammate and workout partner Purdue wrestled Reed several times and may provide some lines of action.

Both these boys exit the Owens sectional so they should be apart in Columbus. Cartwright, a state qualifier at 152# has moved up two weight classes. He was 2^nd at the Gorman, but lost to Reed 22-7 in the finals. However, he was 3^rd at GMVWA losing only to Rhoads. The fourth spot is wide open. Could lightning strike twice in one weight class for Stryker. Two years ago Jacob Hale took the state title for Stryker at this weight class, and now Joel Perez certainly has good qualification chances. He won at Van Buren and Stryker. Also here are Brickner, Boyce and Camper.

Probably the deepest district is at Heath. I count, at this moment, five returning state qualifiers plus two other solid contenders. It would not surprise me to see one or two move up to 189#. The top three are all from the Columbus sectionals and seem to have about the same overall expectations. Gallik, a state qualifier at 160#, is part of a very good Northmor team. He was 2^nd at Marion Harding and 3^rd at the Gorman losing to Cartwright, 11-7. Inks was 8^th at Medina after finishing 8^th at the State Meet. He was a quarter-finalist at the Top Gun, but lost two close bouts and failed to place. He was at the top of my list for this district early in the year, but I’m not sure he should still hold that rank. Adam, another state qualifier, was 6^th at Brecksville losing twice to Division I McKinley. He won at North Union and DeSales and was perfect at the Ohio Duals. Owens, a state qualifier two years ago, wrestles an almost invisible schedule, but I don’t think he can compete well with this top trio. The Columbus wrestler to watch is Jump. He looked very good at Richmond Hts, winning handily and was 2^nd at Dublin. He’ll be a real load next year. The problem for him will be to negotiate all the “minefields” at this district. Starr, also a state qualifier, was 4^th at the OVAC and is the only real contender from that huge league at this weight class. It’s a much tougher district than he faced last year. The wrestler who cannot be forgotten is Barber. He was a district semi-finalist at this weight class last year before Adams sneaked past him 11-8 to go to State. They may not be that lucky with him this year.

One of the real threats to the Owens twosome could be Klaus. He was 6^th last year losing to Reed 14-5 in the semi-finals. He is a solid performer at this district at 171# and his scores at the Ohio Duals bring this into focus. He lost 12-10 to Wilson who moved up to challenge him, and then dropped a close 3-2 decision to Wolff. He is a goer. State qualifiers Schwab and Kunk also return, but I think they are slightly behind Klaus. Neither placed at Columbus. Schwab is coming back to his more natural weight after having to give it up to Cole Ross last year. Oliver gave Klaus a good battle earlier in the year and might be the fourth qualifier. Lewis is very good and he may well push out one of the top boys. I think Kunk might be vulnerable. Throw in Akins and Welling and I think we’ve touched all the bases.

I think there is only one wrestler who really matters at Maple Heights. State qualifier Caleb Kennedy has moved down to 171# and should be a major factor in State tournament. He was 3^rd at Richmond Hts. at 189# (losing to Neff) and took the title at Wadsworth at that same weight class. He moved down at the Dies and sparkled, beating Roman for the title. Szente and Jenkins are possible factors as is the inconsistent Roeder. Cutler is another possibility, but they’ll be some surprises at districts.

189 #

Projected Champion: Nick Purdue (Genoa)

Top Contenders

2	Hughes (Seneca East)	16	Oliver (Versailles)
3	Cummins (Cardington)	17	Zang (Hartley)
4	Neff (Waynedale)	18	White (Calvert)
5	Kirian (Mohawk)	19	Bowers (Pleasant)
6	Porter (Berkshire)	20	Hannum (Brooklyn)
7	Ball (Amanda-Clearcreek)	21	Cheesman (Crestview)
8	Wasserbeck (North Union)	22	Homan (Coldwater)
9	Steigerwald (Kirtland)	23	Rupert (Middletown Madison)
10	Michael (Carlisle)	24	Endicott (Plymouth)
11	Nester (Grand Valley)	25	Caudill (Spencerville)
12	McClory (Liberty Center)	26	Ewing (West Salem Northwestern)
13	McGillvary (Miami East)	27	Kahl (Shadyside)
14	Gault (Pymatuning Valley)	28	Evans (Stryker)
15	Miller (Dayton Jefferson)	29	Viola (VASJ)

Wrestling is a sport where spectators can often gain an insight into each competitor’s demeanor and personality. After all we sit close by and the wrestlers are not hidden by helmets or masks, and, in addition, it is an individual sport where each element of the bout reflects directly on the wrestler. Now I don’t know Nick Purdue, but observing him compete suggests he is the friendliest of souls and someone who enjoys the sport and the linkages within it. He is also by far the best 189-pounder in Division III>

Last year he romped through the 171-pound bracket with his closest bout a 9-3 finals win over Hunter Reed. This year he was 4^th at the Ironman losing only to Honeycutt and Weakley – my picks in the other two school classifications. At Medina he romped into the finals before again losing to Honeycutt, 6-3 – Honeycutt’s closest bout of the year. Particularly impressive was his 15-6 major decision over returning Division I place-winner Dan Canfield. Absent carelessness, Purdue should take home his second state title and join Nick Cianciola as Genoa’s only two-time champs.

The Owens district is very good. Purdue is, of course, the centerpiece, but there are two other jewels. Hughes was 3^rd at the 171# district last year behind Purdue and Reed. At States he lost in the first round to Klaus and then came back to win five consolation bouts and finish 3^rd. This year he is undefeated (at least until Saturday when he wrestles Purdue who beat him 20-4) and won three tournaments. The other star is Brock Kirian who was 4^th at this weight class as a sophomore. He has not yet wrestled this year, as far as I know, but apparently may do so before season’s end. If healthy he will be outstanding. There are no obvious choices for the one or two qualifying spots that are left. McClory, White and Cheesman are possibilities with Endicott and Storm Evans also in the mix.

There is more depth at Maple Heights. There are three returning state qualifiers, but I think the best boy who won only a single district bout last at 152#. Jared Neff has gotten much bigger and fiercer and the results show he pinned Nester and Caleb Kennedy at Richmond Hts. then beat Steigerwald for the title. At the Dies he had a succession of lopsided wins before losing to excellent Pushpak in the finals 9-6. Just as good is state placer Travis Porter who has won at Solon, Kenston, and Chardon. He moved up and pinned McElligott at the Ohio Duals. Kirian beat him by one point last year. Steigerwald has had another solid year. He was 2^nd at Richmond Hts. and Lorain Southview and has placement potential. That leaves state qualifier Gault and Nester fighting for the last spot with Hannum and Martter, if he wrestles, very close behind. A long-shot here might be Viola or Ewing.

Cummins was 7^th last year and that included a pin of Porter. He won at the Gorman pinning Hudak in the finals. He and Porter won’t be wrestling for 7^th this year. Ball was also 7^th – clearly a lucky weight class at this district – but losing big to Purdue and to Hughes. He won at Licking Hts. and Shadyside and should place again. Wasserbeck didn’t place 7^th, but he did win a bout at the State after winning the district title, 7-6, over Cummins. This is a strong trio, but as at Maple Hts. there is no obvious fourth qualifier. Zang placed at the CIT and would appear to have the inside track with Bowers a good second choice.

There is not nearly as much power at Fairmont. Michael is the only returning state qualifier and he went 1-2 missing placement by a point. McGillvary is probably a good second choice with Miller and Oliver happy they’re at this district. Caudill, Homan and Rupert can also have realistic state-aspirations. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a stray 171-pounder move in this direction.

215 #

Projected Champion: Nick Hooper (Manchester)

Top Contenders

2	Hunt (Calvert)	15	Bayly (Toledo Christian)
3	Hershey (West Salem Northwestern)	16	Swain (Carlisle)
4	Albanese (Fairbanks)	17	Mahl (Seneca East)
5	Rhodes (Garrettsville Garfield)	18	Gord (Dayton Christian)
6	Bostleman (Archbold)	19	Clawson (Jackson Milton)
7	Jefferis (Barnesville)	20	Albright (Indian Valley)
8	Hesson (Caldwell)	21	Wagner (Triad)
9	Johnson (Utica)	22	Cox (Collins Western Reserve)
10	Johnson (Purcell)	23	Stewart (Brooklyn)
11	McElligott (Chanel)	24	Allen (Kirtlland)
12	Buckner (Woodmore)	25	Habig (Bellaire St. John)
13	McKibben (Northwood)	26	Uhlenhake (Coldwater)
14	Swick (Delphos Jefferson)	27	Smith (Blanchester)
		28	Running (Clinton Massie)

If you go on the Internet and hit the Google website and punch in “wide open competition” I’m guessing you’ll find the Division III 215-pound bracket. It’s one of the weight classes where no one wrestler or group of wrestlers catches you eye as a potential state champ. Now don’t get me wrong, there are some good wrestlers here, it’s just that each one has a significant hurdle to clear to win it all.

I think the best district is at Maple Heights. Hooper has been terrific winning over Albanese at Richmond Hts., beating Rhodes by two at Wadsworth, and finishing 2^nd to D-I, Cogar, at the Dies. He was a state qualifier at heavyweight last year and made it to the State semi-finals before losing to two-time champ Cameron Wade. Now I’ve seen heavyweights drop to 215# and struggle because they can’t handle the quickness. That should not bother Hooper. Hershey is the defending champ at this district, but he went home winless dropping a pair of three-point decisions. He was 2^nd at the Gorman this year losing to the mighty Clum, but beating the excellent Houska in the semi-finals. Rhodes was one bout from qualification last year and is a good third choice at this district. He was 2^nd at Wadsworth and first at Aurora. McElligott and Clawson are contenders for that fourth berth, but don’t forget about Stewart and Allen. Stewart, in particular, has registered some impressive wins.

Hunt was 4^th at this weight class last year, and has had a brilliant 2007 campaign. He did not dominate last year. His three state wins were 3-2, 3-2, 2OT and 2-1, 2OT. I think he recognized that he was good enough to get much more offensive and that is what has happened this year. He won at Van Buren for example with a final round 13-3 decision. His only loss was a first period fall to Srock in the CIT finals. Next best I think is Bostleman who should qualify, possibly as a district finalist. The next group is closely bunched with state alternate Mahl, Buckner, McKibben, and Bayly all possible candidates. Add to that group Cox and Aurand (Elmwood) and it will be bracketing, health, and breaks that will decide. I’m looking for the steady McKibben to qualify with, perhaps, the powerful Buckner as the last choice.

I think there are six state quality candidates for four spots at Heath. Three have already tasted state action with little or no success. I think state qualifier Albanese might lead the pack. As mentioned, he was 2^nd at Richmond Hts. and 1^st at Alder. Right behind him is Jefferis who Albanese beat to go to State. This year he is 29-1 and won four tournaments including the OVAC and his only loss was to Hesson at Barnesville. State qualifier Hesson is next with a 3^rd at the OVAC, 2^nd at Barnesville, and two tournament titles. Now comes the complication. Johnson was a state qualifier at heavyweight, but, like Hooper, has moved to 215#. How he’ll fare at this weight class is uncertain. Then come Habig and Albright (winner at Coshocton and Union Local) who need a break to qualify.

Fairmont is not a strong district. I think Johnson, now 23-1, is probably the top candidate to win this competition with wins over both state qualifiers Swain and Swick. He has moved up from 189# and done so with great success. Both of the last named boys are in line for qualification as well. Swick, in particular, has had good wins, including Allen County and Plymouth – where he pinned Mahl. I’ve not seen any score fro state qualifiers Gord, but if here, he could be effective. If not, look for Wagner, Running and Smith as possible qualifiers.

285#

Projected Champion: Cameron Wade (Chanel)

Top Contenders

2	Campbell (Black River)	15	Gregory (New London)
3	Salyers (Mechanicsburg)	16	Osborn (Licking Hts.)
4	Read (West Salem Northwestern)	17	Smith (Utica)
5	Tahy (Elmwood)	18	Pleiss (Warren JFK)
6	Rankin (Elyria Catholic)	19	Edington (Pleasant)
7	Bruce (Bellaire)	20	Zang (Hartley)
8	Southwick (Otsego)	21	Cline (Ayersville)
9	Fritz (Delphos St. John)	22	Schwochow (Brookville)
10	Mulcahy (Liberty Union)	23	Stover (Calvert)
11	Hale (Preble Shawnee)	24	Paden (Martins Ferry)
12	Hassett (Carlisle)	25	Grieshop (Coldwater)
13	Steward (Crestview)	26	Murray (Norwayne)
14	Stocum (Kirtland)	27	Hughes (Wellington)

Until three years ago no heavyweight wrestler had ever won three state titles. Then Koel Davia from Union Local broke a 65 year drought by taking three Division III championships. The next year sophomore Cameron Wade won at this weight and now he can duplicate Davia’s feat after taking his second title last year. It’s kind of strange that these two streaks could happen back-to-back, but one of the charms of high school wrestling is the unexpected.

This is a banner year for heavyweights in Ohio, but I think Wade might be the best. He has twice won at Brecksville and has made a habit of beating heavyweights from the bigger schools. He pinned Nicolozakes, beat Becker, Hartshorn and Stolarsky, and that’s just this year. Ironically, despite owning two state titles he has never won a district title. For the past two years the highly under-rated Jesse Campbell has beaten him there – the first time on a fall. However, once in Columbus Wade has been invincible, last year beating Campbell in the finals 5-3. Campbell does not wrestle the same high-profile schedule as Wade, but I noted that he pinned Toledo’s best, Chris Holland, in little more than a minute.

Campbell won’t be Wade’s only obstacle. The experienced Adam Salyers’ 5^th last year, is also back. He pinned state runner-up Cody Ruffer at last year’s States and his only two losses were in overtime, one in the semi-finals to Campbell. He gets pinned once or twice a year, Edington most recently, but he cannot be overlooked.

As good as Wade and Campbell are, they are not safe at Maple Heights. State qualifier Read also returns and he suffered a pair of 3-point losses at States. Read was 2^nd at Gorman losing, 2-1, to Campbell and pinned Stocum at the Husky Duals. State alternate Rankin is also excellent. He won at Elyria Catholic and was 3^rd at the CIT losing only to Division I star Frank Becker. All four qualifiers could place. Pleiss, 5^th at CIT and Stocum are also here but need a break or two to qualify. This is just a great district.

Salyers is alone at Fairmont. He ran through that district last year and it’s pretty much the same group again. District runner-up Hale is back and could be a finalist if he draws away from Salyers. He is 22-2 at this time. Hassett was also a state qualifier (and won a bout) returns for Carlisle. He lost to Hale in the regular 8-6 in overtime so they’re close. He was 4^th at the GMVWA and 2^nd at Troy Christian. Fritz lost in overtime in his go-to-state bout to Hassett and hopefully will be on the other side of that bracket this year. He won at Allen County and Van Buren (over Tahy), but was pinned by Rankin at Elyria Catholic. He may have moved ahead of Hassett and Hale. Schwochow could qualify as he got deep into the districts last year and placed at GMVWA this season. Grieshop is a long shot here.

The big redhead state qualifier Tahy is probably the best of a rather weak Owens District heavyweight class. He was 2^nd at Van Buren and 4^th at St. John, but has had consistent dual meet success. Southwick, I think, is second best. He was 3^rd at Tiffin and an impressive 1^st at Sylvania Southview over Urban. Steward, 3^rd at the Gorman, also gets the nod for qualification. He has been good all year. Gregory is next in line with wins at Plymouth and Woodmore. Cline and Stover are other possibilities, but having the weekend of your life could pay off for a lot of heavyweights at this district.

Only Bruce has state credentials at Heath. He went two and out, but took Hassett into overtime. He is currently 23-3 with a 4^th at the OVAC, won at Shadyside, and was 2^nd to Diagosta at Beaver Local. State alternate Mulcahy is probably second best winning, for example, at Licking Hts. He beat Osborn 7-5 there, cementing his hold as the Division III heavyweight in the Central District. Smith and Edington are right there as well with Zang and, maybe, Paden. Nobody here can sleep without fear when they consider their qualification chances.

TEAMS

1. Pleasant On a formula basis this showdown between Pleasant and Troy Christian is about as close as you can get. Both teams have seven primary scorers who should generate somewhere around 130 points. For Pleasant that mandates good performances from Pope, Davis, Moore, Wilson, Adams, and the two Reynolds. Their edge is that they also have potential scorers like Coomes, McCoy, and Bowers to collect a few vital points—if they can get to States. If both teams wrestle to their potential a key weight might be 145# where Davis and Burns may meet for the third time.

2. Troy Christian The surprise team of 2006 will not sneak up on anybody this year. Like Pleasant they, too, have seven principal weapons—Sergent, Hancock, Toal, Burns, Campbell, and the Thomes. There is not much peripheral help, but that top group could well outscore Pleasant if they hit on all cylinders. The Division III team record is 149.5 points set in 1998 by Delta—both of these powerhouse teams have an outside chance of surpassing it. They need Hancock, Toal (at that brutal 140# weight class), and Burns to be at their absolute best.

3. Chanel This team is a perennial Division III threat but they do not have the firepower this year to match the top duo. Still, if Boing and Wade win as projected and Gardella , Schafer and Hayes place they could score close to 100 points—more that enough to win in many years. Extra help from McElligott and Kovach would help guarantee third place.

4. Sandusky St. Mary It shapes up as another “rock ‘em, sock ‘em” battle between Chanel and St. Mary like so many in the past—but this time it will be for third place. St. Mary has won five consecutive state titles and six of the last seven, but their Big Four will not be enough this year. Opfer and Harrington are favorites at 112# and 119# and Hermes and Ortolani should score heavily, but there is no other help. Jude Roth leaves St. Mary with eight state titles—seven team trophies and one individual title he won in 1978. He has coached more Division III team champions than any coach in Ohio history.

5. Berkshire A team with the most upside of any team below the dominant four just reviewed. Jenkins, Thoreson, Richardson and the two Porters can all score at the state level. The question is how much? They certainly could reach the Top Five with a total team effort.

6. Mechanicsburg They have a lot of options, but this is also a team that needs to show that they can score as a group at the State level. Salyers, Toney and Klaus could score heavily with the Zieglers as potential augmenters. They have a shot at 5^th place.

7. Genoa Two finalists including one reasonably sure champion generates a lot of points. They have a lot of rather dim possibilities, but after the dominant foursome teams scoring is likely to be very fragmented. That means only one extra wrestler—Wagner, Espinoza, Travers, Vogepohl –needs to step up

8. Brookfield The linchpins of this team are Thompson and Tice and both could be finalists. Harnett could help, but they have little room for error.

9. Northmor This is a team that could be 5^th or 5oth. The question is whether they are a team that can only score at the district level or can they score at Columbus. They have a lot of possibilities and a lot of experience. But it has to translate at the State level. Zolman, Howe, Neer, and the Galliks are all on the periphery of placement, but can they get it done?

10. West Jefferson There are no champs here, but Householder and Lawler could be finalists. Add in state qualifiers like Crispin, Gualtieri, and Inks and there is enough here to battle any team outside the fiercesome foursome.

–> 2008 Brakeman Report

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