1986 Brakeman Report

1986 High School Wrestling Forecast
15th Annual Edition
Written by Brian F. Brakeman
February 1, 1986

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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 regional 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.

In terms of calibre of wrestling this is, undoubtedly, a weaker than average year throughout the entire state. Certainly, there are some exceptional seniors like Dernlan, Dagley, Funk, Donovan, and Marinelli, but the strength of the state is in its juniors. Next year will be a recruiting bonanza–probably the best year since 1982 when Heffernan, Elinsky, Jordan and an outstanding group matriculated. The difference between this year and 1985 has been the decline in good upper weight competitors. An outstanding exception to this is the “AAA” 185# class, but with that exception the calibre of big men has seriously diminished.

I’ve often used these reports as a forum to discuss ways in which wrestling in Ohio could be improved–particularly in the context of the individual wrestler. This year there are three issues that need addressing:

1. The regional format was promoted and approved as a method which allows equal representation of schools. Each regional would be equal in size and send an equal number of qualifiers to Columbus. Yet, this year the Mentor Regional has 69 schools while the Tiffin Regional has but 54. This makes no sense. The Mentor Regional has dominated “AAA” wrestling for the past few years, and has always left home wrestlers who could qualify from any other regional. To include even more schools at that location penalizes individuals for geography and not wrestling skills. If for some unfathomable reason regionals must differ in size by this much (almost 30%), then that area which has placed the most boys certainly shouldn’t bear the brunt of that unequal division. If one of the goals of the regional format was to more nearly qualify the best 16 boys at each weight class for Columbus, then common sense suggests that the most successful regional not be assigned the greatest number of teams. The NCAA selects qualifiers from its regionals based strictly on merit (number or placewinners and matches won the previous year). That, in my mind, is not an appropriate methodology at the high school level, but a system in which individuals are short-changed by unequal representation is even more distasteful. There would appear to be many solutions to this problem and, perhaps, a blue-ribbon panel ought to be assigned the task of discovering the best alternative.

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AAA

Because the Central “AAA” Districts are to be assigned at a later date, it will not be possible to do any kind of a complete regional analysis. The Reynoldsburg District will go to Massillon while the Upper Arlington District will travel to Tiffin. I am making the assumption that Upper Arlington will compete at its own facility and, hence, will also be at Tiffin. This system, at the district level, is so much at variance with the rest of the state and has so much potential for mischief that it ought to be eliminated.

98#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: ALAN FRIED (ST. EDWARD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Elsass (North Canton)
3. Nelson (North Royltan)
4. Priebe (Holy Name)
5. Ramirez (Toledo Waite)
6. Caudill (Beaver Local)
7. Laflin (Fairfield)
8. Minadeo (Solon)
9. Boulton (Lebanon)
10. Flauto (Hudson)
11. Smith (North Olmsted)
12. King (Euclid)
13. Emmerling (East Liverpool)
14. Orcutt (Toledo Rogers)
15. Monachino (Maple Hts.)
16. Ramirez (Fremont Ross)
17. Williams (West Chester Lakota)
18. Biehle (Uniontown Lake)

Alan Fried has dominated this weight for the entire season, and, yet, I feel uncomfortable in selecting him. He is, after all, only a freshman and is a very small 98#. However, he has sensational moves, great body position, and seemingly, perfect balance. Yet what I think may happen — as it did to Dane Tussel when he was a freshman — is that an inferior wrestler will muscle him onto his back for 5 points or a fall, and knock him out of the competition. Brute force has a very real place in wrestling and Fried may fall victim to it. Besides this weight class (out of the 39 I select) is the one I’ve gone longest without a winner. So far I’m 0 for the 1980’s with my last winning selection being Joe McFarland in 1979.

The Mentor Regional is, as is almost always the case, really loaded. Right behind fried is another sensational freshman, Shawn Nelson, who is also undefeated this year. He has ha virtually no close bouts the entire year. Priebe, another young wrestler, has lost only to Nelson and Fried at 98# and has been very impressive. Caudill, a senior, wrestles in an out-of-the-way area, but has an unbeaten season. If he finds out how good he really is he’ll qualify, otherwise Mentor will over-awe him and he’ll freeze up early. Both Smith and King are tough kids looking for any kind of opening for a state berth. Yackin (Valley Forge), a clever leg wrestler, and Solon Inv. champ Wathey also have ambitions of regional placement. The pairings at Mentor may be a problem with Fried, Priebe, Smith, Yackin, and Wathey all coming out of the Avon Lake District.

At Tiffin, Jerry Ramirez would rank as the favorite over a relatively uninspiring field. Except for him it’s difficult to see any of the rest of this group do much at States. Orcutt and Jamie Ramirez have done well this year while Kynard (Toledo St. Francis) and Zipfel (Defiance) could be surprises. Another long-shot is Obrieter (Perrysburg). You’ll want to draw into this group in the first round at Columbus.

The Dayton Regional is also weak. The freshman Laflin, the better of Fairfield twins, is showing steady improvemet and might even place. The rest of the field strikes me as mediocre although Boulton and Williams are reasonable. Wright (Dayton Dunbar) might be a surprise here.

105#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: DAVE RANGE (CLEVELAND HTS.)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Kintner (Galion)
3. Kundtz (Holy Name)
4. Cameron (Hilliard)
5. Topoly (Lake Catholic)
6. Pergram (Middletown)
7. Picone (Solon)
8. Moore (Lebanon)
9. Campbell (Westerville North)
10. Lemon (Glen Oak)
11. Isaacs (Vandalia Butler)
12. Cianciola (North Olmsted)
13. Tolarchyk (North Canton)
14. Croft (Lima Shawnee)
15. Rotsaert (St. Edward)
16. McDougle (Maumee)
17. Petti (Mentor)
18. Salemme (Cincy St. X)

This is an absolutely splendid weight class featuring a wide and varied cast of outstanding performers. It should provide both regional and state fans with lots of excitement. My choice is Dave Range, 3rd last year at 98#, and undefeated this season. Range won the toughest 98# regional in the state last year, and then was eliminated by the 4th place winner in the state semifinals. When in the proper frame of mind, Range is a devastating competitor combining exceptional strength and tremendous quickness. However, he has in the past had periods where he seemed content to win by a few points without making an all-out effort. If he tries that with the field assembled here, he will quickly become an upset victim.

The Mentor Regional is again top-heavy with talent. Kundtz won the OCC with a final round pin, and last season pinned Caskey at States before being eliminated. He is very strong. Topoly, now at the right weight, slows down the pace of a bout and wins by several points almost every time. He is an exceptional rider but is prone to stalling calls because he is not super aggressive. He lost two heartbreakers in last year’s regional including a one-point defeat by state champ Martin. Cianciola, the sensational freshman, will have to beat some bigger boys to qualify, but he has some of the best moves I’ve seen this year at 105#. This quartet will be challenged by a number of state-caliber wrestlers–boys who would make it any place else. This includes the enigmatic Rotsaert, the takedown artist Petti, and Pattie (Elyria). It would not be much of an upset if any of this trio were to qualify. Even Manning (Willoughby South) Long (West Geauga), and Reihner (Madison) have state ability. Again both Avon Lake and Mayfield Districts are loaded which will cause pairings jam-ups the next weekend.

I was so impressed with Scott Kintner that I nearly picked him to win this year. He upset defending state champion Gelvin in the state quarterfinals, before finishing a strong 5th. Range or anybody else will only beat him with an absolutely maximum effort. I’ve lumped the Columbus boys in this regional though one or both could be at Massillon. Both Cameron and Campbell are state qualifiers who won a bout apiece at States. I like Cameron better, but both are exceptional. They should qualify at either regional, and Cameron has middle-to-high place potential. State qualifier Croft may have trouble repeating this year while McDougle and Dorn (Toledo Whitmer) may win a trip for the first time. Their chances will depend on what direction the two Columbus boys travel.

The Dayton Regional is also excellent. Pergram, a state qualifier last year, lost an exciting first-round battle and did not reappear (thanks to the archaic consolation rules). He has place potential, and the ability to upset anyone. Moore and Isaace have both had solid seasons and both were just a few points from state qualification last year. Salemme is my surprise fourth choice, but he’ll have to be in top form. The other Laflin (Fairfield) twin is solid, and right behind him are a handful of other good competitors.

The Massillon Regional will develop depending on where Cameron and Campbell are located. However, Picone has the power to beat either. He needs to establish real consistency on the tourney trail. Lemon, a state qualifier, is also strong, while Tolarchyk has won a lot of bouts that you thought might go the other way. He dominated the Southwestern 105’s present at the St. X tourney and was nipped by a single point by Campbell. Yet Pattie slaughtered him at the MIT. Other possibilities include Tran (Groveport), Slusser (Uniontown Lake), Snyder (Akron Firestone), and Miller (New Philadelphia).

112#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: EDDIE NOBLE (LEBANON)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Biggs (St. Edward)
3. Caskey (Xenia)
4. Ryan (Reynoldsburg)
5. DeBoe (Euclid)
6. Miller (Warren Howland)
7. Williams (Hudson)
8. Langfitt (Glenoak)
9. Marinis (Fremont Ross)
10. Rhodes (Cuyahoga Falls)
11. Hinkel (Fairfield)
12. Alves (Anthony Wayne)
13. Berdysz (Mentor)
14. Clasen (Perrysburg)
15. S. Lemon (Massillon Perry)
16. Barron (Chardon)
17. Knotts (Vincent Warren)
18. Brady (Toledo St. John)
19. Cornell (North Olmsted)
20. Pfaff (Whitehall Yearling)
21. Salemme (Cincy St. X)
22. Klumb (Elder)

Another absolutely dynamite weight class. It has one of the better assortments of little men in the state in several years. My choice, Eddie Noble, will later be looked on as one of my most brilliant and insightful selections in some time or as a complete misjudgment of an entire weight class. Noble, 4th last year, has been a qualifier since his freshman year, but it was only last season that he clicked in Columbus. He lost to Macko 2-1 in the semifinals but physically manhandled him. This year he has been wrestling several weight classes up but is now back at 112#. He may lose one or two on the trail to Columbus (his regional is loaded), but he will prevail at the state meet.

One of his toughest rivals will be Chris Caskey. The regional champ last year (he upset state champ Gelvin in the finals). He has not had a close bout all year. Physically dominating, too, he and Noble will shake up the entire gym when they meet. State qualifier Hinkle will work for a third or fourth state berth, but he has no chance against the top two. Salemme and Klumb are also both excellent, but the odds are tough for them at this regional. In addition, Utt (Fairborn Baken) and Jesse (Lakota) could be tough. An extremely solid regional.

Most people are looking at Kevin Biggs as state champion, figuring it’s his turn after two runner-up finishes in the last three years. There is no question he’ll be a formidable obstacle in anybody’s path, but I think he’s one of those St. Ed’s stars destined never to win the big one. There are two reasons this is likely to happen. One is that Biggs, now a muscular senior, has started to rely on muscle instead of moves. Noble and Caskey will destroy that style. Second, Biggs seems to have trouble wrestling up to his potential in big matches, and that spells sure trouble in Columbus. Deboe missed by a single point of qualifying for Columbus. He looks like the second best at this weight, but his margin over a pack of challengers is not wide. Berdysz, two-time state qualifier Barron, and state qualifier Miller all fall into that category of “almost stars.” Berdysz wrestles a conservative style that doesn’t take full omen of his abilities, Barron is not physically strong, and Miller is inconsistent. Give them a “hot hand” regional and any of them could qualify. Barron has made a habit of that kind of qualification. Cornell also is good, being eliminated last year on a criteria decision by the eventual state runner-up while Gilmore (St. Joseph) can be a threat to anyone. Richner (Painesville Riverside), a fine sophomore, and Kopp (Southview) are two other contenders who look overmatched here.

At Massillon Perry, the field has good credentials, but I don’t think any of them is good enough to place. State qualifiers Williams, Langfitt, and Rhodes all made the trip to Columbus last year, but none placed and only Rhodes won a bout. That’s about what will happen this year. However, if Ryan is here things will look very different. He was a solid 3rd last year at 105# losing only a very close bout to Biggs. He is very tall and would dominate this regional. His chances for state placement are excellent, and it is not inconceivable that favorable pairings could make him a finalist. Lemon and Mattingly (Uniontown Lake) are two other strong performers while Knotts could be the tourney surprise. This weight class at Massillon will be most interesting.

The Tiffin Regional is not this strong unless Ryan is here (which is unlikely). State qualifiers Marinis and Alves are long-time opponents who are just about dead even. Brady, Clasen, and Pfaff have had solid seasons, but it’s difficult to see them gaining more than a low regional place and a quick first-round departure at Columbus. A dark horse is Carter (Columbus Eastmoor) who if things go well, could be not only a qualifier, but a possible challenge to the top boys. This regional, however, is not going to scare anyone from the other areas.

119#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: GORDY GORDON (TRENTON EDGEWOOD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Venesile (St. Edward)
3. Montrie (Toledo Rogers)
4. Worley (Carrollton)
5. Long (Galion)
6. Moulin (West Branch)
7. Alex (Toledo Central Catholic)
8. Glass (North Canton)
9. Hoskins (Xenia)
10. Lampa (Valley Forge)
11. Biggins (Anthony Wayne)
12. Baker (Fairfield)
13. King (Euclid)
14. Felix (Revere)
15. Wasson (Vandalia Butler)
16. Clark (Worthington)
17. Schaub (Ashland)
18. Lowe (Kent Roosevelt)
19. Smith (Troy)
20. Prusha (Maple Hts.)
21. Grimes (Howland)

This is not a particularly strong weight class and lacks any real returning state stars. My choice for the top spot is Gordy Gordon who must surmount a weak schedule and some past problems to win. However, he is a nice combination of power and speed and if he stays within himself, he should take the title. His main competition should come from Venesile who we’ll discuss in the context of his own regional.

For the second consecutive weight, the Dayton Regional is loaded. Gordon, of course, heads the field, but Hoskins and state qualifiers Baker, Wasson, and Smith are all top-notch competitors. Baker has moved up three weight classes from his 6th place finish at 98# last year and he may be a little small. Otherwise, I would place him second here. Wasson and Smith will have trouble repeating their qualification of 1985 because others have improved more than they have. Parker (Centerville) has been out all year but is a possibility if totally healthy. That’s a total of six candidates already, and Picolo (Springfield North) and Anderson (Cincinnati St. X.) are two more. A solid group.

Venesile is several steps ahead of anybody else in the Mentor Regional and could well beat Gordon in Columbus with his wide assortment of takedowns. Venesile is good on his feet and if he can take Gordon down he may be able to beat him, but not if he’s on the mat with him. I like the unheralded Moulin at Mentor, but, again, it depends on whether he can handle the pressure there. If not, old war-horses like two-time state qualifier Lampa, state qualifier Felix, King, and Grimes might be the best shots for qualification. Actually, this is one time where some relatively unknown to this area has a chance at qualifying for States. Somebody, for example, like Lowe or Clark (Lorain Southview).

At Tiffin, the competition will be even. State qualifiers Montrie, Biggins, and Schaub are good, but so are non-qualifiers Alex and Long. This quintet should be the principal players in determining the four qualifiers. The tall Montrie has always been a favorite of mine but has lost two first-round bouts in Columbus. He is overdue. Long was MVP at the Marion Harding and he may capture a low place. The others, especially Schaub, will have trouble in Columbus from the first round on.

The Massillon Regional has an interesting mixture of people. Worley may be the best, but he’s not wrestled in almost a year because of injuries. However, in top form, he’ll ride the rest of this group to death. Glass has state placement potential if he can quit going to his back and throwing away won bouts. He is strong for the weight. Prusha and Clark are a large step below these two but could have qualification possibilities. Other contenders will be Woodruff (Vincent Warren), Cefaratti (Hudson), and, probably, Marsico (Cuyahoga Falls).

126#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: JEFF LYONS (ELYRIA)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Hamad (Akron Firestone)
3. Malcuit (Louisville)
4. McClellan (Upper Arlington)
5. Knauer (Toledo St. Johns)
6. Brokloff (North Canton)
7. Maddox (Collinwood)
8. Duncan (Fairfield)
9. Roberto (Ravenna)
10. Zeto (Hilliard)
11. Auer (St. Edward)
12. Klosterman (Cincinnati Elder)
13. Schonauer (Lake Catholic)
14. Farra (West Carrollton)
15. Darby (Valley Forge)
16. Franklin (Marion Harding)

This is probably one of the weaker weight classes in “AAA” competition. My top two choices are juniors who are just now beginning to blossom into full-fledged stars. Yes, I know Lyons lost to Malcuit 2-1, but it came just after he made the weight and was a typical Malcuit slow-down victory. He won’t beat Lyons like that again. Lyons almost qualified at 132# last year wrestling up a weight because of state champ Saxton. He’ll be the second consecutive Elyria wrestler to bring home that title… One other really incredible streak is in serious jeopardy. For the past eight years St. Edward has had a wrestler competing Saturday night in Columbus–four times winning the state title and four times taking 3rd. Seven different boys have put together this amazing streak, but the 8-0 Saturday night record is probably over as Auer is game, but overmatched at the state level.

Lyons exits the Mentor Regional and it’s possible he’ll be the only place-winner from there. Maddox is an incredible talent, but he’s cutting a lot of weight and he doesn’t get the competition in the room. However, he’s six minutes of potential pin dynamite every time he wrestles. The rest of the field is far below these two. Auer, Schonauer, and Darby are journeyman performers although Auer won the North Canton at 132#. Baker (North Olmsted), the Brecksville champ, appears to be back at 126# and will be a tough “go” for anybody. Price (St. Joseph) is another contender as is the erratic Trevar (Nordonia). Papouras (Euclid) burst onto the scene as a freshman sensation, but now as a senior has not dominated opponents like was expected. He is a long shot for qualification.

At Massillon they’ll have the best regional competition at this weight. Hamad, 4th last year at 105#, is up three weight classes. He’s an absolutely marvelous wrestler, and if he doesn’t win it all this year, he has got to be a favorite at some weight next year. Malcuit has been 2nd and 5th the past two years at 984 and is up four classes. He is not as talented as my first two choices, but he could beat either or both with a combination of great riding, slowing down the match, and intelligence. We is one of the headiest wrestlers in “AAA” this year. Brokloff and state qualifier Roberto have to be the favorites for the other two qualification spots. This could leave the very rugged Slevinski (Maple Hts.) and Williams (East Liverpool) without a berth. If there is to be an upset look for Slevinski to pull it.

McClellan and Zeto will probably be at Tiffin and along with Knauer they should dominate that regional. After this trio the gap is deep and wide with Franklin (Marion Harding) and Harmon (Toledo St. Francis) heading up the next group. Look for McClellan to place again at the state level (he was 5th last year) and for Knauer to possibly do the same.

The Dayton Regional is weak. Duncan and Klosterman are its best, but they are only gathering low places at the big tourneys. Duncan, a state qualifier at 105# last year, doesn’t truly seem settled at this weight, and will be small by March. Farra heads the next stratum with Geis (Beavercreek), Walker (Xenia), and LeForce (Franklin) pushing him.

132#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: GUY PALKER (ST. EDWARD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Chaddock (Minerva)
3. Andrassy (Nordonia)
4. Clague (St. Joseph)
5. Green (North Canton)
6. Titmas (Hudson)
7. Schetter (Dayton Wayne)
8. Klever (Toledo St. John)
9. Smith (Xenia)
10. Korney (Pickerington)
11. Chevalier (Massillon Jackson)
12. Dyas (Upper Arlington)
13. Brickey (Toledo Rogers)

This is a solid compact weight that basically will be of interest when the top five in this group compete. Leading the way is the fabulous St. Edward’s junior, Guy Palker, 3rd at 126# last year. He is quick, skilled, and very physical on the mat and he’ll just run the competition right into the ground. Next year he’ll be one of the most sought after wrestlers in the country. This year he has dominated his competition and he just keeps on getting better.

Right behind Palker is “AA” state champ Gary Chaddock. Minerva has moved up to “AAA” this year and it sets up a tremendous confrontation between he and Palker. Chaddock was Outstanding Wrestler at the MIT easily beating two-time state champ Ken Ramsey while not allowing him a single takedown. He will mix it up with Palker, and if he gets an early lead he could easily win.

The third star is Joe Andrassy–only a sophomore–but one of the best in the state. He has already beaten Clague, won the Brecksville at 138#, and mauled everyone in his path. He. is every bit as physical as Palker, but, maybe, a shade slower. Clague and Green have won major tournaments like the St. x and North Canton, but must. be rated. behind only top three. They could be upset victims to the next echelon behind then whereas that is unlikely to befall my top trio.

At the Mentor Regional it will be all Palker, Clague, and Andrassy. Nobody else really matters here. It’s likely they’ll each be district champs so the pairing should be fine.

The Massillon Regional will be a little more crowded. Chaddock, of course, will be the dominant figure, but Titmas, 5th last year at this weight, and Green will help form a second top trio. Chevalier and Haas (Louisville) are possible qualification choices while Nace (Groveport) will also be a contender.

Both Korney and Dyas should be at Tiffin and they’ll dominate the Toledo boys with the exception of Brickey and Klever. In any event this is an exceptionally weak regional and will be greatly cherished as first round opponents.

Finally, Schetter and Smith lead a weak Dayton Regional. The sophomore Schetter is a high potential competitor who may not place because of the stern competition. Watch for him in the future because he is going to be very good. Shaut (Oakhills), Wolf (Colerain), and Francis (Troy) are other possibilities here.

138#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: TONY HUNTER (ST. JOSEPH)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Carpenter (St. Edward)
3. Lieb (Watkins Memorial)
4. Thomas (Marion-Franklin)
5. Randleman (Sandusky)
6. Taylor (Lorain Southview)
7. Tharp (North Canton)
8. Dodge (Glen Oak)
9. Papalios (Dayton Wayne)
10. Fleet (Boardman)
11. Ulen (Upper Arlington)
12. Miller (Xenia)
13. Marini (North Royalton)
14. Rea (Massillon Jackson)
15. G. Ice (East Liverpool)
16. Mullin (Cincinnati Elder)
17. Schultz (Centerville)

On the surface this does not appear to be a completely logical choice. After all Carpenter thumped Hunter 8-4 at the OCC winning with four takedowns to four escapes, and that is pretty decisive. Still I have reasons why I think this’ll turn around. First, Hunter is the better athlete and the St. Joe’s people are smart enough to change their plan of attack. Second, Hunter has had things so much his way this year (MVP in every tourney entered) that he just wasn’t prepared for a tough bout. And, finally, Carpenter is more of a chance of being upset on the way to the State finals than Hunter. I look for Hunter to rededicate himself to the sport and pull out a one-point thriller in the state finals.

There are other strong contenders in the Mentor Regional. Taylor is also a marvelous athlete and amazingly strong. Last year at Mentor he threw Benny Bright all over the mat for two periods before tiring and getting pinned in the 3rd period. He should be in better shape this year and nobody is safe from his scintillating throws. Fleet and Marini are two other experienced competitors with fine records, and both can only make it by pulling a big upset. Collins (St. Ignatius) and Connelly (Rocky River) are top-notch competitors while DiNardo (Valley Forge) has upset capabilities.

Lieb, Thomas, and Ulen are a strong trio of 138’s from the Columbus area whose regional location is yet to be determined so I’ll treat them separately. Lieb was 3rd at 132# last year, and is the best looking candidate for the title after Hunter and Carpenter. The way the pairings will be made he’ll have to beat both to win the championship–a daunting task, indeed. Both he and Thomas, who is very under-rated, have perfect records, but Lieb is a bit the better of the two. Still, I believe that they will both place. Ulen will almost surely go to Tiffin and that regional is terribly weak. He should qualify easily.

The only other top contender at Tiffin is the powerful Randleman. He seems to start each year slowly, but then comes on very strong at tourney time. He faces minimal competition from the likes of Taquino (Defiance), Kent (Maumee), and Shull (Toledo Clay). In fact, after Randleman, Ulen, and possibly, the other Columbus stars there is not much here to worry anyone.

At Massillon the story is one of “almosts.” The four listed here from this regional are almost good enough to look for place–but not quite. Tharp was hurt part of the year and spent most of the rest at 145#. He’s an unknown at this weight but I have a lot of faith in the North Canton system. Dodge and Rea are two other possibilities, with the former coming close to some big victories this year. State qualifier Gary Ice has just returned to the line-up after an almost season-long absence by winning the OVAC in impressive fashion including a final round fall. He may challenge the top trio. Of course, if some of the Columbus entries journey here some of the lower rated boys would have to be reevaluated for a state spot.

The Dayton Regional is of uncertain quality. Papalios and Miller would seem to be the two best, but how they will fare against the northern boys is still to be decided. Up till now, they have not done real well in that particular arena. Mullin is experienced while Schultz seems to have a lot of potential. Certainly his record this year would provide no hint of a state caliber wrestler, and yet the talent is there and it’s just a question of whether it will surface in time for the state tourney trail. Several more conventional choices are Moore (Sycamore), Plummer (Chaminade), and Counts (Sidney).

145#

PROJECTED CHAMPOIN: MONTY DAGLEY (XENIA)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Mayse (Marion Harding)
3. Buddie (St. Ignatius)
4. O’Conner (Worthington)
5. Gucciardo (St. Edward)
6. P. Ice (East Liverpool)
7. McEnemy (West Chester Lakota)
8. Gibbs (North Canton)
9. Legan (Willoughby South)
10. Alspaugh (Sylvania Northview)
11. Eslich (Louisville)
12. Morgan (Normandy)
13. Lorenz (Massillon Jackson)
14. McFarland (Tiffin)
15. Mercer (Oakhills)
16. Hoopes Austintown Fitch
17. Saultz (Amherst)

This is a relatively weak weight dominated by the towering presence of Monty Dagley. If he wrestles with six full minutes of intensity no one in the field will be within a half dozen points of him. Last year he shredded two fine 138’s in the quarter and semi-finals in a manner which was completely overpowering–and these were first-rate wrestlers. Yet in the final only extremely questionable officiating enabled him to win the crown by one hotly disputed point. He deserved to lose the bout. What I’m saying is that if he gets distracted or impatient he can be challenged, if not, no one here has a chance. This year he has manhandled basically inferior opposition and crushed potential challengers. It will be a major upset if he loses.

Two of the top challengers come from the Columbus area which again confuses the regional picture. Mayse, 3rd last year, is a solid junior who upset Koch last year and then was crushed by Billy Walker. He’s undefeated this year, but Dagley will handle him easily. O’Conner has a made-for-Dagley style, but he is a rugged competitor who can challenge anyone else. Both he and Mayse should place.

At Mentor, Buddie and Gucciardo would appear to be the two best. They’re from the same district so they should be apart. Buddie holds two decisions over Gucciardo and was beaten by Dagley at the St. X Invitational. I’ve rated Legan over both Morgan and Saultz even though they finished ahead of him at Brecksville. I just think he is the superior boy and that Saultz was having a hot tournament. Hoopes is another challenger for a state berth while both Owens (Valley Forge) and Bontempo (North Ridgeville) are good enough to beat any of the top boys on a good night. Unfortunately Gucciardo, Buddie, Saultz, Owens, and Bontempo all exit from the Avon Lake District. One won’t even make it to Mentor.

At Massillon one of the Columbus stars will probably be in the field and he should win. That’s because there just isn’t much here to challenge a real good wrestler. Paul Ice, a state qualifier at this weight last year, may be an exception to that theory, but if so, he’s the only one. Gibbs, Eslich, and Lorenz are strictly journeyman performers who have had the good luck to be at a weak regional weight.

Much the same is true at Tiffin. Except for the importation of a Columbus standout, the field is very weak. Alspaugh and McFarland are reasonable choices with the former rated #2 in the Toledo area. Osborne (Westerville North) is a possibility if he comes this way, while Burch (Mansfield), Hook (Vermillion), and Lozano (Fremont Ross) could squeak through to a state berth. Nobody here has to worry about what to do with a state medal.

155#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: DAVE WALTER (UPPER ARLINGTON)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Landolfo (St. Edward)
3. Gmerek (Massillon Jackson)
4. Jackson (Toledo Waite)
5. Marshall (Chaminade)
6. Wilkins (Grove City)
7. Parasson (Akron Firestone)
8. David? (Maple Heights)
9. Gibson (Mansfield Madison)
10. Lautzenheiser/Smooth (Glen Oak)
11. Wright (East Liverpool)
12. Smith (Xenia)
13. Keil (Boardman)
14. Doss (Gahenna)
15. Bachman (Vermillion)
16. Collins (St. Ignatius)
17. Baum (Oakhills)
18. Schmidt (North Royalton)

This would appear to be a two-man contest between the exceptional senior Dave Walter and the talented St. Ed’s junior, Jay Landolfo. Walter, 4th last year at 145#, has grown into the 155# class and has been superb all year. His 19-9 victory over Steve Buddie not only won him the MVP at Brunswick, but indicated that he has become even more aggressive this season. He has not been threatened this year. Landolfo, a first-year varsity wrestler at St. Ed’s, has been a major surprise dominating most competition and beating several talented out-of-state boys. I think Walter will beat Landolfo on his feet and avoid the down position where Landolfo has been so strong.

Walter should dominate the Tiffin Regional, but there will be plenty of good competition. Jackson has had tough luck in the last two regionals, but I see him breaking out of that box and placing at the state level. He is extremely strong. Wilkens, should he go that way, has been in Walter’s shadow, but is an extremely solid wrestler with good placement potential. State qualifier Gibson and Bachman would thus be battling for the fourth qualifying spot with, perhaps, Herrera (Toledo Clay) and Morris (Toledo St. John). I favor Gibson to grab that berth and, perhaps, win a bout or two at Columbus.

The Mentor Regional is not terribly strong here, and Landolfo should not face many serious challenges. In fact, I’ve only listed Keil, Collins, and Schmidt as top contenders. None of this group is upset-proof and they will face tough competition–at their level–in this regional. Possible qualifiers are Cochrane (Beaver Local), Khas (Mayfield), and Fringer (Medina).

The Massillon Regional is very good. There are, possibly, six qualifiers with state placement aspirations. Gmerek has had a strong season, but he is not upset-proof. State qualifier Parasson has lost to Gmerek, but beaten everyone else, but again he is not a sure-shot qualifier. David is the quintessential flopper who scores tons of points, but gives up nearly as many. He is exceptionally dangerous. Lautzenheiser is potentially the best wrestler here, but injuries have sidelined him nearly all season and sophomore backup Smoot won the MIT. Finally, Wright has tremendous moves, but is small for the weight. He may be able to outslick the bigger boys. It will be an outstanding competition.

At Dayton, the competition is not nearly as strong. Marshall has made tremendous strides and, for now, leads the pack. Smith is a clear second choice as part of Xenia’s exceptional middleweights. After that Baum, Johnson (West Chester Lakota), and, maybe, Whalen (Centerville) could be the best. Look for some upsets here with somebody like Field (Dayton Colonel White) or Minges (Harrison) surprising a higher-rated boy.

167#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: GERALD TAYLOR (LORAIN SOUTHVIEW)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Genovese (Solon)
3. Dudgeon (Xenia)
4. Shafer (Lima Shawnee)
5. Trotter (West Chester Lakota)
6. Stobart (Worthington)
7. Goatley (Maumee)
8. Goatley (Maumee)
9. McRitchie (Bedford)
10. Bright (Chardon)
11. Butler (St. Edward)
12. Vonderahe (Cincinnati-Elder)
13. Feldspusch (Massillon Jackson)
14. Schwartz (Westerville North)
15. Brown (Holland Springfield)
16. McGlosson (Trenton Edgewood)
17. Wagner (Mayfield)
18. DelRosa (Nordonia)

The immensely powerful G. T. Taylor is my top choice at 167#, but his eventual victory is neither assured nor easily won. He will face challenges from every corner of the state including many from his own regional. What he has going for him is enormous strength and good agility. He also has good intensity and cannot be shaken and made to give up.

His top regional competition includes the recently shrunk down Bright, Butler, Wagner, and DelRosa just for starters. Bright has placed high at West Geauga, North Canton, and Brecksville wrestling at 185# and 175#. He should be very competitive at this weight. Butler, after a very slow start has won the North Canton and the OCC and may be finding himself. However, he can be upended unexpectedly. Wagner has had a strong season including a first-period fall over DelRosa. However, the sophomore DelRosa is extremely strong (his father is a weightlifting coach) and he is improving in leaps and bounds. By tourney time he may be the second best 167# in this regional. Other candidates for qualification are Gutbrod (St. Joseph), Garn (Wadsworth), and Mullen (Medina). A real sleeper would be the freshman Mike Buddie (St. Ignatius) just recently introduced into their starting lineup.

Genovese lost a tough overtime battle to Taylor at last year’s regional, but then placed ahead of him at States by finishing 5th. He has one upset loss to Butler, but maybe that will convince him that he must wrestle with constant intensity rather than floating through matches relying on superior athletic ability. He is, at his best, right in Taylor’s league. State qualifier McRitchie beat Dudgeon last year in the first round of States, but I don’t see it happening again. Still, he should qualify and, possibly, place. Feldspusch is the other real possibility in this region along with, perhaps, Schwartz if he gets sent in this direction. Eddlebute (Vincent Warren) is a long shot.

Tiffin will be strong. Shafer placed last year and he is a handful. Stobart lost to Shafer in his go-to-state bout, but he may do much better this year. His losses, unfortunately, seem to come at inopportune times so he’ll have to be careful at this regional. Goatley and Brown are my choices for the last two spots, but Tammarine (Perrysburg) and Akers (Tiffin) have possibilities. It’s likely that pretty much an unknown will capture one of these state berths.

The Dayton Regional is interesting. For the second year Dudgeon appears to be the cream of the crop. However, he is strictly a counter-wrestler, capable of drawing stalling calls because of his initial inactivity. There has also been some questions as to conditioning. State qualifier Trotter is not unbeatable, but he wrestles a solid bout almost every time out, and that should be enough to qualify here. Vonderahe and the rapidly improving McGlosson are my other qualifying choices. However, Wampler (Clayton Northmont) and King (Sycamore) have upset potential.

175#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: KURT YORK (ST. EDWARD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Holman (Upper Arlington)
3. Willoughby (Lake Catholic)
4. Beier (Toledo St. John)
5. Fickes (Centerville)
6. Huston (Lancaster)
7. Skinner (Dayton Wayne)
8. Griffith (Nordonia)
9. Hart (Worthington)
10. LaCour (Xenia)
11. Kerr (Toledo Waite)
12. Hicks (Gahenna Lincoln)
13. Faulkner (Norwood)
14. Huff (North Olmsted)
15. Myers (New Philadelphia)

This is probably the weakest weight in “AAA” this year. There are few “superstars and very little depth, too. I would not be surprised to see some who have dropped to 167# re-certify at this weight. My choice is the talented senior from St. Edward, Kurt York. Patiently waiting his turn behind Mason and Welch last year he has come into his own this year. Both of his losses were to out-of-state foes and were more the result of his impatience rather than anything else. His great skills on his feet set him apart from the others in this category.

One advantage York will have is a relatively easy regional–but then none are that strong either. Willoughby and Griffith look to be his principal competition with Huff, Reid (St. Joseph) and Zuccaro (St. Ignatius) being other possible threats. This is not an awe-inspiring group and yet I haven’t been able to find better candidates. Hamker (Midview) looked good at this weight last year, but has not competed this season.. Should he appear in shape he would have a lot to say about who qualified.

At Tiffin the outstanding sophomore Holman should this year avenge his first round regional loss in 1985 to Tony Beier. Beier went on to place 5th in the state while Holman never got the second chance he deserved. This year those roles may be reversed. Holman has been sensational–rarely being forced to go six minutes. Beier looked good until the OCC’s when his lack of conditioning and limited takedowns really told. He’ll have to get more aggressive. Kerr is not rated highly, but I think he’ll qualify along with, possibly, Morris (Mansfield Madison) or Collum (Holland Springfield).

I’m not sure who’ll show up at this weight in New Philadelphia, but I’m anticipating a large number of state hopefuls. Hart and Hicks are strong Columbus area wrestlers whose final regional whereabouts is still a mystery with Pitts (Marion Franklin) and McFann (Franklin Hts.) other possibilities from that area. Huston leads the way from the Eastern District schools with Myers a very close second. Both these boys could qualify. The normally powerful Federal League schools don’t seem to have much with Cameron (Alliance) and Klotz (Glen Oak) possibilities. Overall, it doesn’t look like any competitors here have state placement potential.

At Dayton state qualifier Fickes is just now beginning to wrestle after a long injury recuperation. He, when completely healthy, is the class of this area. LaCour and Skinner are a short step behind him now. Skinner, a “AA” qualifier last year, has won some big tourneys for Wayne and may do better than where I have him placed. The last spot is wide open with Faulkner, Drinnon (Fairfield), Uhrig (Oakhills), and Smith (Sycamore) vying for it.

185#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MIKE FUNK (MASSILLON JACKSON)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Mynster (Upper Arlington)
3. Cooley (Hamilton)
4. Mitchell (St. Edward)
5. Bryan (St. Ignatius)
6. Walczak (Maumee)
7. Byington (Fairfield)
8. Smith (North Royalton)
9. Castellucci (Marlington)
10. Kitchen (Troy)
11. Bauer (Amherst)
12. Chirozzi (Howland)
13. Monroe (Marion Franklin)
14. Crane (Perrysburg)
15. Frimel (North Olmsted)
16. Pollifrone (Boardman)
17. Campbell (Centerville)

This is an excellent upper weight class that features some of the best big men in the state. At the top of this class is one of Ohio’s best, defending state champ Mike Funk. The big senior from Massillon Jackson has yet to go six full minutes in his 15 wins ending all of his bouts with either pins or technical falls. He has been taken down only once this season (that in heavyweight action) and has completely dominated every foe. He is probably unbeatable, but the group listed below will certainly be an excellent test. Incidentally this has been my most successful weight class in “AAA” with 4 consecutive correct choices and 6 of the last 7. Funk should help keep the record intact.

Matt Mynster was one of the better heavyweights in the state last year losing to defending state champ Keith Cameron 5-4 in the state quarter-finals. This year he has wrestled in the more natural 185# class (Scott Holman was there last year) and after missing almost the entire season because of injury he has been outstanding. At the Fairfield Tourney he destroyed the better 185’s in the Southwest pinning Byington in the finals. He cannot be underestimated without serious jeopardy.

Nick Cooley went out for wrestling for the first time as a sophomore and promptly qualified for the state meet where he lost in the quarter-finals to state champ Jon Moore. He did not participate as a junior, but this year has come back and in only his second year of wrestling has compiled a 14-0 record with 12 falls. Immensely quick and strong he has enormous college potential because he still has to be on the sharp slope of the learning curve.

Dan Mitchell was 30 seconds from the state finals at this weight last year when Inderlied lateral dropped him to a fall to erase his 10-6 lead (a feat he duplicated against Holman the next night). Mitchell then faded to 6th. This season he started slowly seemingly bothered by an injured shoulder. However, since the first of the year, he has been devastating–especially when you consider that he really is a natural 175-pounder. I’m not sure he is strong enough to match up with my top three picks.

Joe Bryan, rated 5th, would probably be in the top two in a normal year, but this season he’ll have trouble placing. This junior wrestles a down tempo match that keeps opponents off their normal pace and sets up quick singles and doubles. As I mentioned he is only a junior, and should be one of the favorites next year.

On a regional basis Funk exits the New Philadelphia Regional that will also feature state qualifier Castellucci (pinned by Funk) and the undefeated Monroe. Other possibilities are Cross (Louisville), Sutton (Carrollton), and, perhaps, Foley (Worthington).

The Mentor Regional is the strongest and deepest at this weight. Besides Mitchell and Bryan it will host a half dozen other contenders for the remaining two. state berths. Leading the way is Smith who nipped Bryan in the Brunswick final. Also with good chances are Brecksville champ Bauer, Chirozzi, state qualifier: Pollifrone, and sophomore Frimel. Again the Avon Lake District will feature most of these boys with Mitchell, Bryan, Bauer, and Frimel in that meet. Watch for Smith in that he has received very little recognition for a fine season. He could perhaps garner a low state place. Pollifrone will have real problems returning to Columbus while Chirozzi has looked better in January. There are also another half dozen serious contenders such as Goedecke (Willoughby South) and Hawkins (Austintown Fitch).

Cooley will have real competition in Dayton. Byington, a 1985 state qualifier, looked exceptional early in the year, but has not fared well against the real top boys. He still may be able to outslick Cooley. Kitchen lost his go-to-state match 10-9 last year and has something to prove in 1986, but he’ll be challenged by Campbell whose motto seems to be “pin or be pinned,” Heideman (Cincinnati Elder), Rettig (Cincinnati St. X), and Mullin (Chaminade). The last two spots will really provoke a mass brawl.

The Tiffin Regional is not that strong. Mynster should be there and he should have few problems. Walczak has low place potential while Crane has a reasonable shot at a state berth. After that the quality is mediocre–at best. Perhaps, Barnett (Galion) or Hiler (Lima Shawnee) have as good a chance at state qualification as anyone.

HVY.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: RALPH STANLEY (SPRINGFIELD NORTH)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Datkuliak (Louisville)
3. Houska (Walsh)
4. Stine (Perrysburg)
5. Murphy (Kent Roosevelt)
6. Moore (Amherst)
7. Jackson (Akron Buchtel)
8. Friel (Vermillion)
9. Findish (Lorain)
10. Smith (Sylvania Northview)
11. Delconte (Oakhills)
12. Arrowsmith (Lake Catholic)
13. Lisy (St. Edward)
14. Wolf (West Carrollton)
15. Philiphs (Nordonia)
16. Bouchard (Cincinnati St. X)
17. Connor (Toledo Rogers)
18. Green (Groveport)

The last few years it’s been the “kiss of death” to be the “AAA” heavyweight pick in this report. Two years in a row my choice got pinned in the first round while far ahead then there was the boy with the broken ankle and, finally, last year defending champion Cameron was upset 11-10 in the finals. So it’s probably of little consolation to Stanley that I think he has the tools and mental toughness to win it all. Actually the contest will be very close with a half dozen having a real expectation of a possible state crown. Stanley lost in the first round last year on a pin in overtime to the defending state runner-up so maybe that’s out of the way. Look for him to win some narrow, high-scoring bouts on his way to the title.

One advantage that Stanley has is a relatively weak regional that does not produce many upset worries. DelConte and Wolf are perhaps a slim step ahead of several others, but are well behind Stanley. Bouchard, Stafford (Troy), Bitsko (Dayton Carroll), and Kiser (West Chester Lakota) are other possibilities. Only Stanley should place out of this regional.

The toughest regional by far is at New Philadelphia. Three of the top contenders there have legitimate state placement chances. Datkuliak is not as big as his brother, but moves well and has better skills. Many people I’ve talked to place him as the favorite at this weight class and they may well be right. He won both the North Canton and the MIT and was particularly impressive in the latter with 4 falls and a 14-3 decision in the finals over Murphy. Houska is the smallest of the top contenders. He was a state qualifier at 185# last year, and probably weighs right around 200 pounds this year. However, he is very quick and his leg wrestling style is seldom encountered at this weight. He is so effective with the legs that his pin ratio is high; my fear, however, is that he has an exceptionally dangerous style, particularly at heavyweight.

Jackson has special upset potential and could beat any of those rated ahead of him. He specializes in 19-11 type scores (such as first round of regional) but is exceptionally dangerous on the mat. The fourth spot might fall to Green (Groveport), Ramsey (East Liverpool), or Reischling (Hudson). Clearly the pairings will be of paramount importance here.

As is so often the case, the Tiffin Regional is not very strong. I see Stine and Friel as the top threats, but they are not upset-proof by any means. Smith and Connor are my other two picks here, but Ginn (Franklin Hts.) or Nagucki (Toledo St. John) are possibilities.

The Mentor Regional brings together a contrast in styles. Murphy was a sophomore sensation, but has not improved as much as I anticipated. Two years ago, I thought he’d be a shoo-in as state champ in his senior year. It has not happened–at least not yet. He is still stronger than the other Cleveland area heavies. Moore is a big man who wrestles like a much smaller one. Slick on his feet he can be overpowered. Findish is also big with tremendous pinning potential. I suspect his stamina, but he is the most dangerous pinner in the region. Arrowsmith and Lisy have wrestled two low scoring bouts both won by the former. Both these boys are on the thin edge of qualification. Joel Philiphs has real upset potential. He can be out-manuevered, but he is very good in the top position. Other possibilities are Long (Mayfield), Hobar (Avon Lake), and Vanadia (Normandy). Again the Avon Lake District will be crowded with Moore, Findish, Lisy, and Hobar assigned there.

TEAMS

1. ST EDWARD — Yet another dazzling team that should have no problems rolling to its ninth consecutive team title. They are not blessed with superstars like Heffernan, Elinisky, or Strauss, but their team depth is incredible. Last year they wrestled below standard at Columbus, but I don’t expect that to happen this year. In fact, if things went reasonably right for them they could have. seven state champs in Fried, Biggs, Venesile, Palker, Carpenter, Landolfo and York. Of course, that won’t. happen, but there is plenty of points here—possibly enough for a new team record.
2. XENIA — A fine team’ that can score a lot of points if they don’t let the northern boys overawe them–as has happened in the past. Dagley, Caskey, and Dudgeon could all be state champs or at least finalists and they. have plenty of back-up power. Both Smiths, Miller, Hoskins, and LaCour can score at the state level. A 100% effort would give them a shot at the record for most points scored by a runner-up team (924 by- North Canton in 1982).
3. UPPER ARLINGTON — An excellent team that gets a real break by being assigned to the weakest regional in the state. Walter, Holman, Mynster, and, possibly, McClellan could be state finalists while Ulen and Dyas could help at the middle weights. The weak regional may enable them to sneak another qualifier out like Orazen.
4. NORTH CANTON — Year after year they come up with outstanding teams. Elsass is exceptional at 98# while Tolarchyk is a fooler at 105#. But the heart of the team is between 119# and 145# where Glass, Brokloff, Green, Tharp, and Gibbs must produce.
5. FAIRFIELD — Not the real strong team we expected in 1986. None of the four returning state qualifiers–Hinkle, Baker, Duncan, and Byington– have been quite as good as expected. On the other hand the Laflin twins have aided immeasurably and could push them up to 4th.
6. MASSILLON JACKSON — The linchpin of the team is the incredible Funk who should by himself score 25 points. They need people like Gmerek, Chevalier, Rea, Feldspusch and Lorenz to come through so that they can qualify at least four.
7. ST. JOSEPH — Another team that consistently produces outstanding state tourney teams. Hunter should be a finalist with good chances of winning it all. Clague and Gilmore could really help, while Gutbrod, Price, and Reid must fight their way through a most difficult regional.
8. GLEN OAK — A team that has the “guns” for a top ten finish, but they have to get their team healthy. Lemon and Langfitt are solid lower weights while Dodge, Lantzenheiser, and Klotz can score at the upper levels. The key is for Lautzenheiser to lead the way with a large number of big wins.
9. NORDONIA — The sophomore stars Andrassy and DelRosa have been super all season, and Andrassy could be a finalist. They need help from Griffith at the weak 175# weight class and for Philiphs and Crevar to come through in the clutch.
10. SOLON — Really only a three-man team, but Minadeo, Picone, and Genovese are all exceptional. Going to the easier New Philadelphia regional will help.
11. LOUISVILLE — A team that is led by two possible finalists in Malcuit and Datkuliak. The problem will be to get other state qualifiers and the chances are not good. However, Cross, Haas, and Eslich could fit the bill.
12. NORTH OLMSTED — A young team that is severely damaged by a wickedly difficult district and the usual awesome regional. The question is whether the lightweights like Smith, Cianciola, Cornell and Baker can qualify because they can score at the state level. At the upper weights only Huff and Frimel have a chance.

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AA

During the past few years, this classification has provided us with most of the exciting team races and many of the most memorable bouts. That is because these are good teams and outstanding individuals from every corner of the state, and no one team or even several teams has been able to dominate consistently. For example, since the three-class system was initiated in 1976, only 3 “AAA” high schools have won state crowns as compared to 8 “AA” schools.

As always the team title race should be exciting with two outstanding teams slugging it out for the team trophy. This classification has been bolstered by the addition of a number of formerly strong “A” teams that just fell over the “AA” line. It provides even more fine wrestlers and solid action at this classification.

98#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MARK TINNEY (ROSSFORD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Grandison (Uhrichsville Claymont)
3. Shocklee (Akron St. Vincent)
4. Knull (St. Paris Graham)
5. Lathem (Bishop Ready)
6. Amos (Brookville)
7. Savage (Delta)
8. Neikirk (Cardinal)
9. Manger (West Jefferson)
10. Bowser (Tipp City)
11. Gash (Hillsboro)
12. Benavides (Brooklyn)
13. Kemp (Medina Buckeye)
14. Faulkner (Clyde)
15. Sasso (Chanel)
16. Yinger (Nelsonville York)
17. Vallone (Briggs)
18. McKenzie (Ravenna Southeast)

This is a fine introductory weight with a solid blend of youth and experience along with solid contenders emerging from all four regionals. My choice as the eventual champ is Mark Tinney, the undefeated sophomore star from Rossford. Last year Tinney dominated his regional at this weight, and then had a quick first period fall in the first round at Columbus. However, he lost a hard-fought overtime battle to eventual state runner-up Brian Carter and failed to place. This year I see him winning the few close bouts he’ll encounter and taking home that first-place trophy.

Tinney exits from a very strong regional. There are probably ten legitimate contenders for the four qualifying spots. I have rated Savage, Benavides, Faulkner and Sasso, and while each has the ability to win a state berth, they also have at least one defect. Savage wrestles a weak schedule, while Benavides seems to lose a lot of close bouts, Sasso is just so doggone small, and Faulkner is erratic. Watch out for Benavides if he gets it all. Other possibilities from that region are Wegener (Swanton), (Van Wert), and Nguyen (Lima Central Catholic, but this group, at least to me, is at least one big step down from the rated boys.

Tinney’s biggest rival could be Grandison. This is an experienced junior who qualified last year but lost a one-point decision to the eventual 3rd place medalist. He is undefeated this year, and is a very large 98fer. He also comes from a reasonably strong regional. The three Columbus boys–Lathem, Manger, and Vallone-~have to be favored to grab the last three spots. I like Lathem the best, and he could be a real catalyst for the Ready team. Stillion (Byesville Meadowbrook) has an outside chance.

As always the Northeast Regional at Firestone features some strong performers, Sean Mariola was probably the best, but he has moved back to /105#. That leaves Shocklee in the top position here, but I don’t see him as a dominating figure. The younger Neikirk, Kemp, and McKenzie all have reasonable shots at him and should grab a qualifying spot. A long shot might be Glass (Girard) or possibly Folden (Coventry).

The Dayton area has been touting a sensational freshman out of the Jordan’s old high school and it’s true that St. Paris Graham seems to have a few star. Knull is 15-0, but he is still untested. He will have some experienced talent in the form of state qualifier Gash in his own region, while Amos and Yinger are a senior/freshman combination. Knull has already beaten the former boy. Bowser is another talent with impressive credentials as is the unheralded Pencil (Springfield Northwestern).

105#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: BRIAN CARTER (CAMBDEN PREBLE SHAWNEE)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Letzner (Highland)
3. Hornyak (Genoa)
4. Marczika (Bishop Ready)
5. Burns (Cincinnati Reading)
6. DiDomenico (Chanel)
7. Heil (Brooklyn)
8. Formick (Streetsboro)
9. Thom (Sandusky Perkins)
10. Hargis (Little Miami)
11. Mariola (Twinsburg)
12. Nguyen (Lima Central Catholic)
13. Hollis (St. Paris Graham)
14. Bartos (Medina Buckeye)
15. McGhee (Steubenville)
16. Giaconia (Kirtland)
17. Gochenour (Paulding)

This is a difficult weight to forecast because almost all of these wrestlers are within a few points of one another. The top place winners will be those who put it all together on one special weekend in Columbus. One boy who we know can handle that kind of pressure is Brian Carter, state runner-up last year at 98#. A rugged, almost feisty kind of wrestler, he does not back down from anyone. He won three close matches at Columbus last year, and he can probably look forward to more of the same in 1986.

Letzner, probably Carter’s toughest rival, has made great strides this season. He won the MIT and was 2nd at North Canton as he began beating boys who had defeated him last season. The Firestone Regional also features the rugged Formick, the consistent Bartos, and state qualifier Mariola. This trio can each challenge Letzner and with good bracketing should join him in Columbus. The problem is that Letzner, Bartos, and Mariola exit the same district so if Formick draws into the 2nd and 3rd place winners, one of this group won’t go.

The Fostoria Regional has a formidable cast of competitors. Hornyak, 3rd last year at 98#, is joined by state placers Heil, 4th and Nguyen, 5th. In addition, DiDomenico was a state qualifier and Thom was a state alternate. The way I sort it out is Nguyen could be the odd man out based on his less-than-expected performance this year. However, with so many high-quality kids, there is obviously great potential for upsets. In addition, Gochenour, Reynolds (Cardinal Stritch), and Bohrer (Huron) could be factors. This regional should place two or three at States this year.

Marczika heads the New Philadelphia Regional. An OCC finalist this year and an “A” placewinner two years ago, this is his last chance to grab another state medal. His competition here is quite weak with McGhee the only other rated wrestler. Other possibilities are Rogers (Columbus DeSales), Byers (Jefferson Union), and Dickey (Logan Elm). This is not a threatening group.

The Dayton Regional is very good here. Clearly, Carter stands out, but he failed to win this regional last year and could have that same trouble in 1986. Hollis, Hargis, and Burns are all returning state qualifiers with Hollis getting a 6th place medal and Hargis defeating Carter in the regional finals. This is not a group to be taken lightly. It’s hard to see anybody muscling their way into this qualifying group, but, perhaps, Murphy (Casstown Miami East) and Bowser (Tipp City) have a chance. There should be excellent competition here.

112#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: ERIK BURNETT (OBERLIN)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. A. DiSabato (Bishop Ready)
3. Anderson (Chanel)
4. Wilkens (Kenston)
5. Schade (Buckeye)
6. Jacob (Cardinal Stritch)
7. Meyer (Oltenangy)
8. Darlak (Black River)
9. E. DiSabato (Columbus DeSales)
10. Imbroscio (Bellaire)
11. Foss (Ontario)
12. Mullett (Marysville)
13. Takach (Steubenville)

This weight and the next one both feature brilliant two-man duels that should rank with the best in “AA” history. It is my fervent hope that both these contests will turn out to be state finals—because anything else would cheat these boys out of their rightful glory. At this weight we have the absolutely magnificent junior, Erik Burnett, already twice a state champ and Outstanding Wrestler at the prestigious Brecksville Tourney. He’ll face the scintillating sophomore, Adam DiSabato, also undefeated and smashing winner over “AAA” state runner-up Kevin Biggs at the OCC.

Early this year my feeling was that Burnett was unbeatable by anyone in the state regardless of classification. I still feel that way. Yet many wrestling people whose opinions I respect now believe that DiSabato is the better choice—that he will neutralize Burnett’s incredible speed and beat him physically for the victory. Both boys have tremendous heart and will be outstanding college prospects as seniors, but my belief is that Burnett will prove more resourceful in their individual encounter. The other plus for Burnett is that his moves are consistently of the 4 or 5-point variety while DiSabato tends to score in clumps of two. In any case, this is an epic encounter that could well be repeated in 1987.

The rest of the field is almost lost in the shadow of these two giants. Burnett will be joined at Fostoria by state qualifier Anderson who is flashy on his feet, but not nearly as strong on the mat. In opposite brackets they should be the regional finalists. Foss and Jacob are other possibilities with Stiriz (Delta), Biddle (Lakota), and Siwek (Olmsted Falls) as other possibilities. There is an enormous difference between the top two boys and the rest of the field.

DiSabato will be coming out of an excellent field at New Philadelphia. State qualifiers Takach and Eric DiSabato (Adam’s cousin) are there but one or both may not qualify. Takach is probably the one most on the “hot seat” as Meyer and Mullett will prove difficult obstacles and Imbroscio has already placed ahead of him once. Two or three qualifiers from this area have a shot at placing.

The Firestone Regional is also strong: Schade, a state qualifier in 1985, has had an outstanding season winning two tourneys and being runner-up at the huge MIT (to A. DiSabato 15-7). His only other loss was a first-period fall to Burnett. Wilkens, just down from 119# where he won the Kenston and finished 4th at the North Canton, should do extremely well. Then, of course, there is “A” state champ, Dave Darlak, who cannot be overlooked in this analysis, although he may be overmatched against the top boys. This trio will dominate with people like Starcher (Rootstown), Meadows (Ravenna Southeast), and Mihok (Aurora) vying for the fourth spot.

The Dayton Regional will be cherished first-round opponents because their qualifiers just will not be able to measure up to the rest. The astute observer will already have noted that no one from that area was ranked at this weight. The top four in my mind could well be state qualifier Williams (Hillsboro), Schaeffer (Brookville), Frye (Bethel-Tate), and Wentz (South Point). State qualifier Jenkins (St. Paris Graham) has had a slow start and will have to move quickly to qualify again.

119#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MARK MARINELLI (COLUMBUS DeSALES)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Donovan (Chanel)
3. Williams (Casstown Miami East)
4. Crawford (Sandusky Perkins)
5. Gregan (Twinsburg)
6. Bailey (Ravenna Southeast)
7. Miracle (Marion River Valley)
8. Hostettler (Waynedale)
9. Bowlick (Cardinal Stritch)
10. Uzelac (Elmwood)
11. Mikula (Bellbrook)
12. Edwards (Aurora)
13. Sarver (Bishop Ready)
14. Bruno (Akron St. Vincent)
15. Delande (St. Clairsville)
16. Bible (Bellefontaine)
17. Moor (Bryan)
18. Muennich (Mason)

This is a weight class filled with excellent wrestlers, but only two are of any consequence when forecasting a champion–Mark Marinelli and Dan Donovan. Marinelli has finished 3rd and 2nd the past two years, both times losing to Erik Burnett (once in overtime). He is quick and strong and tremendously good in the advantage position. The book on him is that he gets too nervous to win the big bouts, but I think that’s nonsense and I expect him to prove it with a major upset against Donovan. Besides this is the third year I’ve picked him as champion and that has to be lucky.

His opponent, two-time state champion Don Donovan, will surely be the favorite when these two meet (hopefully in the finals). If Donovan had not lost a one-point decision in the state finals as a freshman, he would now be going for his fourth straight title. He is a superb technician and also wonderfully tough in the advantage position. To beat him you must be willing to go six non-stop, all-out minutes and be extremely tough yourself. Only Marinelli has a hope of doing that. Their bout should be an often replayed classic.

All four regionals are strong with the Fostoria Regional being the most crowded. Besides Donovan, 6th place finishers Crawford and Bowlick will be in the competition, but they are assuredly not guaranteed state qualification. Uzelac and Moor have had outstanding seasons and can certainly be expected to challenge. State qualifier Lohman (Milan Edison) has moved up two weight classes and may not be prepared for this field, but Dolan (Bucyrus) could be a real surprise although his perfect record is somewhat tarnished by a weak schedule. Price (Brookside) has been one of Erik Burnett‘s toughest foes in past years, but has not done as well against other highly rated boys. He will have the element of surprise in this faraway regional.

The Firestone Regional is also loaded. Hostetler was 2nd in “A” last year, but I’ve rated him only third best in this regional. That’s because he hasn’t shown six minutes of intensity, but has, instead, looked more for the big move. That won’t work consistently with top-notch competition. The superbly talented Gregan is only a sophomore, but he should qualify for Columbus and possibly place and Bailey, already a state qualifier has about the same potential. Right below this trio are Edwards and Bruno who have had good seasons against staunch opposition. Two longshots are Coman (Liberty) and Zenn (Ursuline).

While Marinelli will dominate at New Philadelphia, there will be fierce competition for the other qualifying spots. Miracle and Sarver are tough Columbus area wrestlers who are used to pressure matches. Sarver has missed most of the year with injuries, but in his first week back placed at the OCC’s. DeLande was 4th last year at 105# but has not been as successful this year. He’ll need to make real progress to qualify although his down tempo, tough riding style is hard for takedown artists to beat. Two other possibilities are state qualifier Walberry (Big Walnut) and once-beaten Corbett (Utica).

The Dayton Regional is led by Jerry Williams, 4th last year at 112#, and a winner over Adam DiSabato in one of the consolation rounds. Most years you’d have to place him right near the top of the list with a real chance of winning it all. He can only make the finals if Donovan and Marinelli are paired together since he cannot match the firepower of either. For example, Donovan beat him 15-3 last year. Behind him are state qualifiers Bible and Mikula, but they face strong competition from Muennich, Wagner (Lewistown Indian Lake), Ryu (Hillsboro), and Matheny (Morgan). All these boys are reasonably equal with some chance of qualification. Below them, but with upset potential, are Knewasser (Carlisle) and DeWitt (Madeira).

126#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MIKE DISABATO (BISHOP READY)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Tatonetti (Kenston)
3. Bell (Barnesville)
4. Ohl (Ontario)
5. Marder (Chanel)
6. Coontz (Ravenna Southeast)
7. Savoia (Highland)
8. Lewis (Tipp City)
9. Hardy (Eastwood)
10. Neikirk (Cardinal)
11. Stover (West Jefferson)
12. Hivnor (Oak Harbor)
13. Woods (Triway)
14. Sigler (Union Local)
15. Weaver (Waynedale)
16. McCullough (Madeira)
17. Varadi (Tuscarawas Valley)
18. Uribes (Wauseon)
19. Moyer (Casstown Miami East)
20. Dowdell (Wellington)
21. Calatruglio (Huron)

By far the deepest and strongest weight in “AA” competition this year, and one of the best in recent history. My last count showed 17 returning state qualifiers–that included two former state champs, two boys who have twice been state runners-up, another who has twice been 3rd, and four other place winners. What is truly surprising is that this concentration of talent exists here, and, yet, at 132# there is almost a void of talent after the top two or three boys. I can understand not wanting to go at 119% with Marinelli, Donovan and Company, but it’s difficult to understand why some of these boys won’t compete at the far, far easier 132# class.

With this concentration of talent, selection of the eventual champion is a perilous undertaking. Nonetheless, I’ve gone with Mike DiSabato based mainly on wins at both the MIT and the OCC. A former state champ as a freshman, DiSabato floundered as a 10th grader before coming back strong last season only to fall victim to a 3-2 upset in the quarter-finals. He has the maturity, the skill, and most importantly, the experience to win a number of close matches against the wide variety of styles he’ll see this year. His principal competition will probably come from another former state champ, Mitch Tatonetti, but there are six or eight others here who could be possible finalists.

At New Philadelphia, DiSabato will face strong competition only in the last two rounds. Sean Bell, runner-up at 105# and 112# the past two years, seems to have righted himself after a slow start and his OVAC triumph confirms this return to form. He is short and extremely powerful, but I believe DiSabato will “outslick” him on his feet. State qualifiers Stover, Sigler, and Varadi are also in the field scrambling for the last two qualifying berths. I favor the first two, but Branstetter (Marion River Valley) and Miller (Olentangy) are capable of an upset.

The Firestone Regional is loaded… As mentioned earlier Tatonetti, a 1984 State champ, heads the field, and should be a major threat to DiSabato. Tatonetti has had an-up and down year, but he is always dangerous. I don’t always see the intensity it takes to win against tough opposition, but if it ends up DiSabato versus Tatonetti, it will be a toss up. Neikirk was twice an “A” state runner-up to Hansen. This year he’ll have trouble qualifying as I’ve placed him behind Tatonetti, Savoia, and the super-soph Coontz. A little slip by any of these three would provide an opening for state 5th Woods, state qualifier Weaver, and the always tough Dowdell. Both Savoia, who has beaten Tatonetti this year, and Coontz, an upset winner over Marder, have a strong chance for state placement–if they can get out of this regional. I would not be surprised that after some of these folks read the 1328 report they’ll reclassify upwards.

The Fostoria Regional also has strong competition. Marder has twice been 3rd, but he has not wrestled particularly well this year. He has already lost three or four times, but that has been offset by an outstanding performance at the Brunswick Tourney. Part of the problem may be moving up three weight classes. Still he’s a key boy who has always gotten better as the season wears on. Ohl and Hardy are both outstanding and the former certainly could be a finalist. He has been at 132# all year and I would have rated him 2nd there behind Ramsey. Here he may have a problem qualifying. Hardy has been great all season–most of it at 132#. Uribes is probably a narrow favorite for the 4th spot, but Hivnor is coming on strong. State qualifier Scheufler (Castalia Margaretta) has been hurt and may not compete, but he has upset potential. Colatruglio is also coming off an injury and he, along with Tresch (Olmsted Falls) and Milum (Upper Sandusky) have long-shot possibilities.

The Dayton Regional doesn’t quite match up to this group. Lewis was 5th last year and he should stand well above the rest of this group. McCullough, a state qualifier last year, certainly has good chances particularly with a year of added maturity. Moyer, Block (Bethel-Tate) and Griffin (Reading) have a chance at qualification, but I haven’t had much luck finding standouts in this area so the boys having a “hot” weekend will be the big winners here.

132#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: KEN RAMSEY (BISHOP READY)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Lamb (Evergreen)
3. Speed (Chagrin Falls)
4. Thomas (Lexington)
5. Schultz (Kenston)
6. Grossenbacher (West Jefferson)
7. Takach (Steubenville)
8. Hannah (Sandusky Perkins)
9. Spurlock (Tipp City)
10. Henessey (Brookfield)
11. Mathes (Toledo Macomber)
12. Kruse (Hillsboro)
13. Davis (Perry)
14. Zettler (Bexley)
15. Jones (Blanchester)
16. Jones (Eaton)
17. Stutzman (Wauseon)

This is one of the weaker weights in “AA”–perhaps, the weakest and I’ve had to scramble to find names for ranking purposes. Until I learned that Ken Ramsey had dropped to this weight, there were serious problems in selecting a projected champion. However, Ramsey, a two-time “A” champ, should have few problems winning here, although the next three rates boys could spring what would be a monumental upset. What is likely to happen is that some of the good 126’s–seeing the handwriting on the wall–will opt for this weight class and make it more competitive. Incidentally, should my favorites win at 126# and 132# it will be the first time since 1983 that wrestlers from the same school have copped “AA” titles in adjacent weights.

Ramsey should dominate the New Philadelphia Regional, but it’s a regional with considerable other talent. Grossenbacher and state qualifier Takach have both had solid seasons winning smaller tourneys and placing high in major ones. Zettler is probably the best bet for a fourth spot, but Chapman (West Holmes) and Sigler (Union Local) are possibilities. This regional could place as many as three of their qualifiers.

The tandem of Speed and Schultz will provide rugged action for everyone at this weight. Speed was 5th last year including an upset win over Mike DiSabato. He has had injury problems this year, however. Schultz is a tough but, not particularly creative wrestler, but his grind-it-out style wins. Two wrestlers from lesser known schools, Henessey and Davis, are my choices for the last two spots but neither has done much in past regional efforts. That’s why you might look toward Yerger (Streetsboro) and state qualifier Hershey (Black River) for an upset.

There are sixteen wrestlers on my Fostoria list, but only two, Brad Lamb and Randy Thomas, jumps out at me. Thomas upset Mike DiSabato in the regional semi-finals but could only win one match in Columbus and did not place. Now that his arch-rival Parry Ohl (who generally bests him) has moved to 126#, he should have clear sailing here unless Lamb as I suspect moves down to 132. I’ve also rated Hannah, Mathes and Stutzman, but that’s. based more on intuition than a calculated foreknowledge of the future. I could just have easily listed Clemens (Paulding), Burch (Swanton), and McCoy (Lima Bath). It will be wide open at this regional.

At Dayton, there is even less definition to the field. Spurlock, Kruse, state qualifier Jack Jones, and Jones are my top four but there is real uncertainty. Simpson (Milton Union) and Huff (Goshen) are other possibilities. Don’t expect anyone in this group to place–or, perhaps, even progress beyond the first round.

138#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: BRIAN KOSLA (CHANEL)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Smith (Ravenna Southeast)
3. Lamb (Evergreen)
4. Poulson (Uhrichsville Claymont)
5. Bultrowicz? (Twinsburg)
6. Maish (Eaton)
7. Yetts (Steubenville)
8. Hammond (Hamilton Twp.)
9. Perry (Lexington)
10. Layne (Ironton)
11. Cole (Jefferson)
12. Watson (Olentangy)
13. Sweeney (Toledo Macomber)
14. Hayes (Utica)
15. Fecher (New Lebanon Dixie)

This is a weight class I examine with loving attention. After all, in the fourteen previous reports of this type I’ve always selected the eventual champ. That means my picks are 56-0 in state bouts at this point so I scrutinize the weight very closely before making a choice. Originally, two-time state “A” champ Ken Ramsey was at this weight, and he looked like just the wrestler to extend my streak to 15 consecutive years. It seemed like a natural choice since Ramsey was certainly big enough for the weight and it would be a strategically wise move in that it would push down Kosla of Chanel–Bishop Ready’s main competition for the state title. However, Ramsey has certified and wrestled at 132# and that is where he is rated–although given the opportunity I would still select him at this weight.

In his stead Brian Kosla is my choice at this important weight. Kosla, 4th last year at this weight, is still recovering from hepatitis, but he can be exceptional. He’ll match up well with the Toledo area’s best, Brad Lamb, if at 138%, and they dominate that regional. However, there are many other strong wrestlers at that site including one I rate quite highly–Perry. Certainly, Sweeney, Wells (Bellevue), and Carey (Swanton) are also potential threats, but they’re yet another step below his level. One thing that should be noted is that Kosla beat Smith only a week or two after coming back from illness. His conditioning should improve and he should be much fresher than his competition at tourney time.

Smith was injured in last year’s state semi-finals and defaulted down to sixth place. This year he has been healthy and effective winning both the Kenston and Smithville Tourneys and losing only the one close bout to Kosla–a result, incidentally, which could easily go the other way next time. Bultrowicz and the unheralded Cole are two strong possibilities at the Firestone Regional, but it will be a struggle for either to place at the state level. The field below this group strikes me as very weak.

However, for really weak we can look to the Dayton Regional. I’ve listed Maish, state qualifier Layne, and Fecher, but this is really a noncompetitive area at this weight. I would be surprised to see any of this group win a first-round bout. Other possibilities might be Waddell (South Point), Calloway (Greeneview), and Crist (Goshen).

Ramsey would have dominated the New Philadelphia Regional, but there will still be lots of interesting competition in his absence. State qualifier Poulson has had an excellent year and should lead the way, although he’ll be pushed by veterans like Hammond, Watson, and Hayes. Heller (West Holmes) is also an experienced wrestler with solid credentials. The intriguing wrestler here though is the wonderfully named freshman from Steubenville, Dunyasha Yetts. This boy is on an improvement curve that’s just about out of sight. Whether he’ll be ready to smash his way through this regional just yet is an open question, but watch for him in the future.

145#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MIKE HAGAN (KENSTON)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Brady (Milton-Union)
3. Paonessa (Akron St. Vincent)
4. Durieux (Hebron Lakewood)
5. Szendrey (Elyria Catholic)
6. Green (Marysville)
7. Mendicino (Fairview)
8. Alexander (West Holmes)
9. Jones (Lima Bath)
10. Sturgis (Middletown Madison)
11. Pierce (Oak Harbor)
12. Andexler (Woodridge)
13. Crespo (Trinity)

Last year this was the strongest weight class in “AA”, and, in fact, one of the strongest in the history of the classification. It’s a shame that it ended in such an inept manner, but nothing can take away from the brilliance of Hoy, Patrick, Matt Peters, and Aaron Peters. This year we’re at the other end of the spectrum with a relatively weak field and few real individual stars.

My top choice is the tough junior from Kenston, Mike Hagan. Not the slickest wrestler in the world he is a punishing competitor ready and able to go six rugged minutes. He’ll not throw away a won match, and he’ll not lose a bout in the first minute either. Another advantage is that he emerges from a weak regional that offers only one real threat. That will appear in the person of Paonessa, who has already won the MIT, Doylestown, and Lake Invitationals. One match from States last year he could be a finalist. Other contenders are well behind these two but people like Loar (Tuslaw) and Winovich (Chagrin Falls) have a solid shot at the last two qualifying berths. One interesting competitor is Andexler, 4th last year in “A” who is an unorthodox wrestler. Usually involved in high scoring bouts he could surprise those unfamiliar with his style.

Brady dominates the Dayton Regional and he will certainly challenge the other top contenders. Sturgis, who I would rate second-best in this area, was in a car accident recently and may not compete. If he does he should qualify. After that it’s chaos with names like Meyers (St. Paris Graham), Milleson (Ironton), Volsard (Versailles), and Brodermann (Eaton). It’s a list I’ve been unable to sort out in any meaningful way.

The New Philadelphia Regional has a number of solid contenders. I like Durieux the best, but he is not even rated in the Columbus area. One of us has to be real wrong–and I think Durieux will prove it’s not me. Undefeated Green and once-beaten Alexander are two other strong choices for qualification. The fourth spot is open for grabs with Mitchell (Martins Ferry), perhaps, slightly ahead of the rest.

The regional with by far the most depth is at Fostoria. State qualifiers Mendicino and Jones are joined by top performers such as Szendrey, Pierce, and Crespo. With only four qualifying one of these boys won’t make it, and that doesn’t even include past regional performers like Pace (Olmsted Falls), Crum (Sandusky Perkins), and especially the Solon Invitation champ, Sesny. It’s interesting that neither of the state qualifiers in this group could count 1986 as the year that met all their expectations. That’s why this weight will be a real donnybrook at Fostoria, and the winners may be that much tougher for it at Columbus the next week.

155#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: MIKE ROMP (ROSSFORD)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Graziani (Columbus DeSales)
3. Spencer (Belpre)
4. Ackerman (Cardinal Stritch)
5. Rountree (Springfield Northwestern)
6. Peters (Cardinal)
7. Faggionato (Sandusky Perkins)
8. Cruze (Eaton)
9. Lurch (Kenston)
10. Mlynek (Bellaire)
11. Stickley (St. Paris Graham)
12. Marzetti (Lexington)
13. Gregan (Twinsburg)
14. Durham (Chanel)
15. Reed (Byesville Meadowbrook)

This is not a very strong or a “very interesting weight class. One key point though is that almost none of the top six boys have ever wrestled one another which suggests that guesswork is at work on an overtime basis here.

I had Romp ranked in my top five at this weight last year, but he had bad luck and a bad draw at the regional. He lost to eventual state runner-up McClone in the quarter-finals and then was eliminated–thanks to the archaic consolation rule–when McClone was upset the next round. This year he shouldn’t have to worry about the draw since it’s likely that only a handful in the state will be able to challenge him. Of that top group, every member has solid credentials and we’ll examine each in the context of that individual’s regional assignment.

Romp should win his regional but he will face challenges from both Ackerman and Faggionato. The former has wrestled at three weight classes this year but seems most comfortable here. A state qualifier at 167# last year, he finally seems to be hitting his stride judged by his OCC result. The latter, a regional quarter-finalist at 167# last year, is not quite in Romp’s or Ackerman’s class, but after that, the quality really drops off quickly. Marzetti, Keil (Swanton), Williams (Toledo Macomber), and Cook (Delta) are journeyman performers. The one wild card will be Durham who is crushingly strong, but is inexperienced and not hardened to tournament pressure. He may pull a huge upset and then disappear from the scene.

Graziani will be one of Romp’s tougher assignments. He’s a wrestler who never quits and works six full minutes. At the Brecksville he trailed 17-5 and brought it back to 18-13 by match’s end. However, he can be scored on and does, occasionally, go to his back. He towers over the remainder of the New Philadelphia field. The competition there will be extremely weak with little chance of the other three qualifiers winning a match in Columbus.

Spencer and Rountree head an extremely capable group from the Dayton Regional. Spencer, 4th last year at this weight, is unorthodox and hard to beat. Still, he twice came back from deficits to win in overtime and he may not be so fortunate this year. Rountree was 28-6 last year at 167% and has been enormously successful this year. He should challenge anybody at this weight. State qualifier Cruze was at 175# last year in Columbus before being destroyed in the first round. Now at 155# he will be very strong. Stickley has handed Rountree his only loss and cannot be discounted. However, he could be vulnerable to people like Faris (Wilmington) or Green (Carlisle). This is the best regional at this weight.

At Firestone, Peters will be trying to take his first steps toward a 1986 state title. He has twice been runner-up in “A” competition and he is good enough to challenge here. He–like Faggionato, Rountree, Ackerman, and Cruze–is down a weight class and it’s unusual having so many top contenders at an upper weight dropping so much weight. The Firestone Regional is not particularly strong with Lurch and Gregan possible qualifiers and the fourth spot wide open.

167#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: JEFF MOORE (CHANEL)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Meyers (New Lebanon Dixie)
3. Williams (Chagrin Falls)
4. Szwec (Brookville)
5. Dixie (Sandusky Perkins)
6. Cassel (Akron Manchester)
7. Miller (Tipp City)
8. Bowman (Bishop Ready)
9. Youmans (St. Marys Memorial)
10. Kipp (Willard)
11. Marconi (Brooklyn)
12. Cua (Columbus DeSales)
13. Donat (Woodridge)
14. Terebuh (Bellefontaine)
15. Naples (Buckeye)
16. Miron (Aurora)
17. Jackson (Rossford)
18. Mulhollen (Ravenna Southeast)

There is a good chance that this is the weight class that could well decide the “AA” team title. One could foresee Chanel and Ready battling on about an even basis in the lower weights with the difference being the points Moore can score here. However, it must be remembered that Moore lost in the first round of Districts last year and it would be a huge jump from that to a state title (although his brother Jon did it). One mitigating factor is that Moore had an injured elbow all last year which is now at nearly 100%. He also has the best moves in this weight class, but he is really a 155# who prefers not to cut weight and thus could be overpowered.

The competition that Moore faces comes from all areas of the state, but does not particularly distinguished. His own regional contains a wide variety of possible opponents. Dixie and Youmans are both powerful wrestlers, but lacking in Moore’s technique. They could be very dangerous. Marconi and Kipp have had fine seasons with the latter boy a step better than the former. He is a real pinner and that erases a lot of mistakes. That would leave Marconi as the odd man out, but he, Jackson, and Friedhoff (Wauseon) are all dangerous. My view is Moore easing his way through this regional with Dixie and Kipp having solid shots of qualifying. The upset victim here, if there is one, is likely to be Youmans.

The experienced Meyers is just marginally placed ahead of the next four into the runner-up spot. A state qualifier last year he leads a district that has depth and diversity. Szwec, also a state qualifier, is also very good, but Miller and Terebuh are probably not terribly far behind. Two dark horses are Bray (Reading) and Carter (Loveland), but they will have to show improvement to get through this regional.

The most interesting regional is clearly the one at Firestone. State qualifier Williams has had a sparkling season and benefits from working out with Chagrin’s other fine upper weights. Cassel won the MIT and has to be one of the most improved wrestlers in this area. He definitely has state placement potential. Donat will be a major surprise. A state qualifier in “A” last season, he is powerful and a pinner. His problem is that he can be out slicked. That leaves Naples, Miron, and Mulhollen battling for one qualifying berth. This will provoke strong competition since they are all probably within a couple of points of one another.

The three regionals so far discussed are all relatively strong and deep. This is not true at New Philadelphia–which is by far the weakest regional. The three Columbus area representatives–Bowman, Cua, and Nicol–look to be strongest, but they certainly appear not to be state placement material. Bowman, like Moore, has strong team obligations here. A possibility is the young Keenan, still a year away from duplicating some of his older brother’s feats.

175#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: TODD SMART (SPRINGFIELD NORTHWESTERN)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Stone (Ravenna Southeast)
3. Starkey (Urichsville Claymont)
4. Hatfield (Dayton Northridge)
5. Weber (Madeira)
6. Stanley (Apple Creek Waynedale)
7. Lindley (Eaton)
8. Klima (Huron)
9. Campbell (Chagrin Falls)
10. Warwick (Clyde)
11. Ward (Fairfield Union)
12. Granito (Wickliffe)
13. Stennett (Otsego)
14. Procaccini (Elyria Catholic)
15. Minner (London)

Somehow, this is the weight class that I’ve found most difficult in coming up with top-notch wrestlers. I just haven’t seen any real outstanding 175-pound wrestlers in “AA.” Based on my long-held theory that in such situations you choose that wrestler furthest from where you live, I’ve gone with state qualifier Todd Smart to lead the pack here. Smart will exit from by far the most rugged regional, where, incidentally, he is the defending champ. He is an explosive wrestler with excellent pin production, and a year of added maturity should make him a most difficult opponent.

His regional is loaded. State qualifier Hatfield is a solid competitor with good credentials and better moves. We can place. State qualifier Weber got caught in the first period at Columbus and that gave us no indication as to what he can really do. His record suggests that he is a good one. State alternate Lindley is an exciting competitor who could win bouts in Columbus if he can get there. This is my top four at Dayton, and it’s an outstanding quartet. Other top boys in this area are Enoch (Belpre), Grisez (Versailles), and Klaper (Middletown Madison), but they will have to be at their peak to have even a chance of qualifying.

All three other regionals are weak. At Firestone “AAA” state qualifier Tim Stone will represent Ravenna Southeast this year and he should lead the pack. He has the look of a possible finalist, and could boost Ravenna Southeast’s team chances immeasurably. MIT champ Stanley had all falls in that tourney, but the competition was weak. Still, he can cancel out his mistakes with matchless strength. Campbell and Granito finished in this order at Richmond Hts. and are the best guesses for the third and fourth qualifying spots. However, Ross (Columbia), Renz (Buckeye), Reicosky (Canton Central Catholic), and Crone (Sandy Valley) are possibilities. It’s likely that an unknown having a hot weekend will take one of those qualifying spots.

The 6’6″ Starkey is likely to be one of the most exciting wrestlers in Columbus. Strong, with terrific leverage, and a pinner, he really goes after his opponents. Last year at Columbus he looked tentative and unsure, but that shouldn’t happen in 1986. His weakness is on the bottom and his relatively weak schedule may not have prepared him for the very best. Still, he could place or even win it all if he wrestles at the top of his potential. His regional is weak. Ward and Minner are unknowns and may fold under the pressure. Stahr (Logan Elm) and Burlian (St. Claireville) fall in the journeyman classification.

The Fostoria Regional is really in a muddled situation. State place-spinner Warwick has had an erratic season and may not even qualify. The top performers have been Klima and Procaccini, but they have no assured path to the State either—although I particularly like Klima. Stennett has pulled some big upsets while Huffman (Lexington) has some potential. It’s my feeling that this regional is totally wide open. Several other possibilities are Willis (Wauseon), Burkheimer (Van Wert), and Wood (Oak Harbor).

185#

PROJECTED CHAMPION: JACK LEEDER (ORRVILLE)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Moore (Rootstown)
3. Miller (Oak Harbor)
4. McDonald (Bellefontaine)
5. Lauth (St. Mary Memorial)
6. Hogue (Goshen)
7. Weigand (West Holmes)
8. Link (Castalia Margaretta)
9. King (Byesville Meadowbrook)
10. Mohrman (Wellington)
11. Perrine (Garfield Trinity)
12. Sloboda (Marion Pleasant)
13. Nicholas (Buckeye)

This is a weight with some real firepower, but not much depth. The top people are very good, but below that elite group are a carload of journeyman performers without much to differentiate them. That’s why it’s likely that the battle for the last two state berths at each regional will be hectic.

At the top of this weight is defending state champion, Jack Leeder. A marvelous athlete, he has been slowed by injury and, perhaps, a certain lassitude after his brilliant four-year sports accomplishments. However, he’s down from heavyweight now, and I expect him to round into top shape just about district time. His toughest competition will come from an old rival right in his own regional, Dave Moore. He’s beaten him several times including a narrow 8-6 triumph in last year’s regional finals. Moore has been outstanding all year, and he should get several shots at Leeder. Ironically, Rootstown High is only two boys above the “A” limit or, perhaps, both boys would be state title favorites. The rest of the Northeast Regional is weak with Mohrman and Nicholas two possible state qualifiers. The last two, whoever they are, will have trouble winning a bout in Columbus.

Ferd Miller transferred from Genoa to Oak Harbor this past year, but the big junior has lost none of his ability. He was devastating at the MIT and is certainly the best out of the Fostoria Regional. He will challenge both Leeder and Moore for the top spot. The enormously powerful Lauth was one bout from States last year, and qualification this year should be within easy reach. His problem is that he can be “outslicked” by the top trio. Link and Perrine are two other possibilities from that regional and they could be winners at Columbus, too. Burnett (Toledo Macomber) and Jump (Willard) are other possibilities here.

The Southwest Regional features two 185-pounders who qualified for States as sophomores. McDonald, now a junior, has had a splendid season and seems in line for a low or middle place this year. He will have to overcome a weak schedule, however. Hogue, in his senior season, failed even to qualify for Columbus last year and his progress this year is still uncertain. He will need a good draw to place. Other potential qualifiers out of this area are Reeves (Mason), Hickman (Eaton), and Doss (Lewistown Indian Lake). This group will not do well in state competition.

The regional at New Philadelphia will be very competitive, very fierce, and, ultimately, not critical to state placements. That’s because it’s difficult seeing any of these boys capturing even a low place unless they have an extremely favorable pairing. State qualifier King returns but he has been beaten several times and Weigand has passed him by. Sloboda is a solid performer while Thomas (Jonathan Alder) and Grove (Marysville) could gain a state spot. Even Milic (Steubenville), who has been hot recently, has upset potential.

HVY.

PROJECTED CHAMPION: DAVE MONCOVEISH (STREETSBORO)

TOP CONTENDERS:

2. Medert (Loveland-Hurst)
3. Gibson (Toledo Macomber)
4. Keffer (Medina Highland)
5. Young (Upper Sandusky)
6. Gilbert (CAPE)
7. Acconey (Steubenville)
8. Mohrman (Wellington)
9. Cole (Hillsboro)
10. Ross (Philo)
11. Flathers (Swanton)
12. Fitzpatrick (Chagrin Falls)
13. Pullins (West Jefferson)
14. Ryan (Ashtabula Harbor)
15. Brown (Preble-Shawnee)

A fine weight class with strong competitors in all four regionals. My projected champ, Dave Moncoveish, finished 4th last year, and has compiled an undefeated record this year. Two years ago, he did not appear to have much potential, but he seems to have worked very hard and his results have shown a dramatic improvement. His competition this year is so pervasive that he faces strong regional pressure, and will undoubtedly draw a tough opponent in all rounds of state action. He will need to be at his very best.

The Northeast Regional has so much depth at this weight that a returning state qualifier is unlikely to make a return trip to Columbus. Besides Moncoveish, I favor the quick and agile Keffer, the solid Mohrman, and the very powerful Fitzpatrick. Keffer was within four seconds of winning the North Canton over the brilliant Datkuliak before losing in overtime, although he did not wrestle well the next week at the MIT. He wrestles more like a 175-pounder than a heavyweight. Mohrman qualified at 185 pounds last year, and has done very well at heavyweight. Again, he has moves not often seen at this weight class. Finally, Fitzpatrick has lost only to Moncoveish this year and should grab the 4th spot. This leaves state qualifier Ryan as a darkhorse to qualify, but he was in that same position last year and fought his way to Columbus. It could happen again. Darkhorse candidates might be Cione (Brookville) and Berta (Ravenna, Southeast).

I look for Medert to give Moncoveish his toughest competition. His only loss last year was a 7-3 decision to Moncoveish in the state quarter-finals. He is, I believe, the best pure athlete in the field, but he does not wrestle “heavy duty” competition in his area, and may not be prepared for tough days at Columbus. He, too, emerges from a fine regional which features master intimidator Gilbert, 3rd last year in “A” and state qualifier Cole. Gilbert may not be ready for this level of competition even with his past credentials. Brown was one bout from Columbus last year and he makes a solid fourth choice in this regional. Harness (Springfield Northwest) and Pell (Northeastern) are all possible place winners at this regional.

James (Boogaloo) Gibson is the other candidate to upset Moncoveish. A qualifier in the “AAA” ranks last year, Gibson is super-tough and rugged. He may be ready to win it all this year. Another state qualifier, Rick Young, will also be at this regional, but he cannot beat Gibson. Flathers looks like a state qualifier while the fourth spot is up for grabs. Possibilities include Goecke (Ottawa Glandorf), Gray (Genoa), and Cornelius (Elmwood). The race is wide open.

The New Philadelphia Regional is not as strong as the others. State qualifiers Acconey and Ross have the best credentials and should make it to Columbus once more. The sophomore Pullins has had a great year and he may be improving so rapidly that he will surpass one or both of the more experienced duo. There are many contenders for the fourth spot including Briggs (Barnesville), McNabb (Licking Valley), Murphy (Bishop Ready), and Heath (St. Clairsville). Of this group, I like McNabb the best.

TEAMS

1. CHANEL – The team scoring should be close and team depth and experience are important. Chanel has the most of both these ingredients and should scrape past Bishop Ready, although it’s likely to be very close. The key element would be strong performances by Moore and Kosla and continued fine work by Donovan, Anderson, and DiDomenico. If Sasso, Sesny, or Durham get to Columbus, that would be a bonus. The biggest question mark is Marder, erratic all year, at the tough 126# class.
2. BISHOP READY – No team, not even Chanel, can match them for individual brilliance. The two DiSabatos, Ramsey, and Marczika are all possible finalists. However, they need help from people like the recently recovered Sarver, Kruse, and Bowman, and after that, there is absolutely no one. They can really hurt Chanel with individual victories over them at 105#, 112#, and 126#.
3. RAVENNA SOUTHEAST – A team that has a wide assortment of parts that could just mesh together to provide a very high team finish. Stone, a move-in from Columbus, gives them a “big gun” at the upper weights while Smith is a possible finalist at 138#. The brilliant sophomore Coontz is at an exceedingly difficult weight but will do well anyway. State qualifier Bailey should also score well. What they need is points from people like McKenzie, Mulhollen, and Meadow and the likelihood of that is not high.
4. COLUMBUS DeSALES – They’ll place high with individual stars and not team depth. Marinelli, Graziani, and Eric DiSabato are their stars, and they should do well—especially the first two. Cua has a chance at 167#, but after that, the cupboard looks bare.
5. KENSTON – A team that has guns to make the Top Three, but their recent State tourney track record doesn’t give you much hope. Still, the potential is there. Wilkens, Tatonetti, Schultz, and Hagen are all excellent while Lurch could contribute. This team can go a long way—if it wants to.
6. SANDUSKY PERKINS – A team that only once in its history has posted a Top Ten finish. Still, this is their year—if it’s ever to be—and they do have some solid performers. They’re led by Crawford, Thom, and Dixie, but Faggionato and Hannah are also good. Even Crum and Uhl could help.
7. HIGHLAND – Since they started changing coaches they have not performed well at the regional and state level. This year they should redeem themselves with Letzner, Savoia, and Keffer being an outstanding trio of stars. Gangle or Murray could help, too.
8. STEUBENVILLE – A team that has come on strong in recent years with a succession of stars. They were hurt badly when State 4th Brian Young was injured and out for the season. Still, they have both Takach boys, Acconey, McGhee, and Keenan. Mix in the whirlwind freshman Yetts and it could be another Top Ten finish.
9. UHRICHSVILLE CLAYMONT – They don’t have the team depth from last year, but Grandison, Poulson, and Starkey should all do very well. The problem is finding extra help from the rest of the squad.
10. ROSSFORD – Two state champs score a lot of points and Tinney and Romp have the ability to do it. After that, Jackson is just about the only hope to put some points up on the board.
11. ST. PARIS GRAHAM – A far out choice, Knull, a freshman at 98#, is really the key to their hopes. If he can do well and Hollis and Stickley come through they’ll be alright. State qualifier Jenkins could help a lot.
12. EATON – The typically fine team led by Lindley, Jones, Cruze, and Maish. They always seem to qualify a darkhorse, too.
13. BUCKEYE – Excellent low weights but the key to their success are Naples and Renz at 167# and 175#.
14. AKRON ST. VINCENT – Individual Stars like Shocklee and Paonessa can score a lot of points.

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A

We are still missing the “A” report for 1986. If you have a copy, please email us at [email protected].

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–> 1987 Brakeman Report

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