1977 High School Wrestling Forecast
6th Annual Edition
Written By Brian F. Brakeman
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INTRODUCTION
This year’s State Tournament is likely to be the greatest in history –at least in terms of the number of outstanding wrestlers competing. The focus of collegiate recruiting shifts from state to state each year, but there is little doubt that there are more super wrestlers in Ohio in 1977 than anywhere else. Often we have three or four top collegiate prospects at the same weight which will make for outstanding competition.
Several factors have made forecasting more difficult this year. The energy shortages may drastically affect both participation and training–especially in the Southwest District. At the same time, coverage in that area has reached a new nadir of journalistic competence. Again, in the Southeast District information has been spotty again causing gaps in knowledge. Finally, the number of good wrestlers at every weight class increases the complexity of accurate forecasting. The pairings become more vital because of stylistic differences and their corresponding effect.
From time to time I use this document to urge improvement in the sport. At various times, I pushed for new overtime scoring rules, different weigh-in procedures, and a return to riding time. One item which bears heavily in “AAA” is a fairer pairing system at the State Level As of this date, the Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland champs are still always paired together in the same half of the bracket. In close to 50 percent of the weights the Cincinnati-Dayton champ is also in that same half of the draw. This is patently unfair and totally unnecessary. With six district champs–three should be placed in each half of the draw in an absolutely random manner. Such a proposal is before State officials– be sure to support it so that all wrestlers have an equal chance in the pairings.
Another tournament procedure that needs revision are the two-man qualifying districts. I believe that Toledo and Columbus wrestlers and wrestling teams are often completely at the mercy of pairings. For example, the 138#ers in the Columbus “AA” District paired with Anglim really have no chance of qualifying for the State even if one of them is the second best boy in Ohio. Somehow inter-district cooperation needs to be achieved so that at least three men in each District continue to advance.
Finally, serious consideration should be given to revamping the “AAA” District alignments in the Northeast District. In “AA” great strides were made with the five-man qualifier. In “AAA”, an East-West partitioning rather than the present North-South method should be closely investigated. It makes far more sense in improving competitive balance than the present arrangement.
“AAA” REPORT
98#
PROJECTED CHAMP: DANE TUSSEL (Nordonia)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Terry Lohman (Oakhills)
John Selman (Mansfield)
Eugene Collins (St. Joseph’s)
It’s rare that a freshman is selected as being a potential “AAA” State champ, but Dane Tussel is unique. An outstanding talent with two World Titles, eight National Championships, and a “ton” of experience, Tussel will be tough to beat. His only weakness is his small stature and the fact that he barely weighs 98#. A strong, mature senior might be able to muscle him and destroy his chances for four state crowns.
Two seniors who may be able to do this are Selman and Lohman — both of whom have previous state experience. Lohman, 10-0, has been impressive in the Cincy area while Selman has done well in the Northwest. Selman’s biggest problem is that of weight. He couldn’t make it at the Medina Tourney and for one dual meet. He will be weak the first day of any tournament.
Collins is not well known, but has enormous potential. His only loss was 6-4 to Bobchards, the projected “A” champ. He also appears to be physically much stronger than Tussel.
In the Columbus area, Fee (Groveport), Piteo (Whetstone) and Haynes (East) appear to be the best “AAA” 98’s, but it’s hard to see them threatening our top contenders.
Besides the U.C. Champ, Lohman, the Southwest District also has Reggie Lee (Forest Park), Jeff Ernst (Alter), and Rick Sutton (Lakota) as potential state qualifiers. They rate far behind Lohman.
After Selman the 98# picture in Toledo is unclear. John Mayer (Toledo St. Francis), Rick Wilde (Defiance), and perhaps Spitzer (Galion) are all contenders. I particularly like Mayer.
In Cleveland, Brian McFarland (North Olmsted), Darrell Rini (Garfield Heights) and Tony Messina (Brush) will vie for a state spot. Rini down from 105# is very good while Brecksville runner-up McFarland has only a loss to Tussel to mar his record.
One other wrestler that will do well is Wilhelm (Southview). He won the Brunswick Tourney with ease and should do very well in the Cleveland District
105#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Doug Drew (Amherst)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Bobby Cohen (Cleveland Heights)
Randy Jenkins (Nordonia)
Jesse Heidleberg (Fremont Ross)
Jaime Reid (Cuyahoga Falls)
Mike Ahern (Cincy St. X.)
It’s a difficult decision to choose against a defending State champion, but I believe that the aggressive Drew will take the title in 1977. Only a junior, Drew has shown great improvement. One problem is the weak level of competition he has faced this year. I believe he’ll have to spend the tournaments wrestling his way into top form — perhaps losing to Cohen in the District but then winning at the State.
Cohen will still be a top threat, but he hasn’t looked as good this year as last. Jenkins is another top contender who has state experience. His narrow and controversial 7-6 loss to Cohen has got to boost his confidence. Reid will contend with Jenkins at the Akron District and will be tough. He is down from 112# and won the Hudson Tourney with a 5-2 win over State AA runner-up Chris McKissack.
Another strong wrestler down from 112# is Mike Ahern from Cincinnati St. Xavier. Undefeated at 9-0 Ahern has had little trouble this year. He spent the summer in Europe working on his wrestling and has the advantage of “working out” with Wohlwender every day. He could be super.
Heidleberg went to Columbus last year but was eliminated in the Quarter-Finals. His impressive win at the Brunswick and Bedford (Mich.) Tourneys suggests an all-out effort to win in his senior year.
105# is an excellent weight class and the above boys hardly exhaust the list of good wrestlers. State qualifiers Dave Early (Chillicothe), Tom Johnston (Kent Roosevelt), Mike Gercak (Norton), and Doug Gleichauf (Berea) are all competing at this weight. It’s hard to see any of them getting a place, though.
That’s because Greg Schnell (Riverside), Mark Connelly (Lake Catholic), and Dan Stefancin (St. Ignatius) should be top contenders. Don’t forget Doug Jones (Midpark) loser of a close 3-2 match to Cohen. Competition in the Cleveland District will be especially fierce at this weight. Long-shots will be Dan Foldesy (St. Edwards) and Mike DiCesare (North Olmsted).
Greg Trachsel (LaSalle) is 11-0 in Cincinnati with 5 falls. He could challenge Ahern. He won the Dayton Holiday Festival.
One sad note will be the absence of Bob Cerankosky (St. Josephs) Fifth last year, Cerankosky would have been a top choice to grab the title this year. His illness, which will sideline him the entire year, certainly is an unhappy ending to his high school career.
112#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Ed Wohlwender (Cincy St. X.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Gary Gates (Dayton Stebbins)
Mike Russo (St. Josephs)
Terry Folino (Xenia Beavercreek)
Tony Leonino (Stow)
Dave Walker (North Olmsted)
SUPER-SOPH:
Jim Deubel (Maple Heights)
This is not an outstanding weight in 1977. I have chosen Wohlwender, a junior, because of his fine 3rd place effort last year and his super dedication to the sport. While he is 10-0 with 8 falls in Cincinnati, he will have to probably win a lot of close matches to take the crown.
The Southwest District should be a real “screamer” at this weight. Besides Wohlwender, there is Gary Gates, 2nd at 98# last year, Terry Folino, 6th at 112#, and Terry DeFelice (Ket. Fair. West). This quartet will be a big factor at the State Meet this year and gives this District real depth — a rare occasion.
Russo and Walker seem to be the best in the Cleveland area, but sophomore Jimmy Deubel certainly will be a strong contender. Other 112’s in this District who will vie for a state qualifying spot are Little (Elyria), Smith (Berea), and Smith (Midpark). Chuck Alusheff (E-N) will be returning after lengthy injury problems and could be a factor. He beat State Champ Jay Beiter last year.
Ricky Horton (Alliance) placed 5th at 98# last year, but it’s difficult to believe he can do it again. He should qualify for Columbus again; though Ron Salley (Chillicothe) won the Eastmoor and Gahenna Invitationals in impressive fashion and is a veteran of State competition, but don’t look for him to place either.
In the Columbus District, state returnee Gary Hagerman (Groveport) leads the way followed by Dale Updegraf (Delaware). Neither should be able to defeat the top contenders.
The same holds true in the Toledo District where Andy Rush (St. John’s), Dan Mauer (Whitmer), and Joe Reagan (Tol. St. Francis) are best. Of the three, I like Mauer the best. Van Wagnes (Galion) might also sneak out of that district. A major unknown is state qualifier Rich Siegal (New Lexington). If he wrestles at 112# he could be a real surprise winner.
119#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Matt Oddo (St. Edwards)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Dave Wenger (Copley)
Steve Owens (Mansfield)
Bill Weaver (Bellevue)
Last year there were a half dozen sensational 119’s, but this year there are really no standouts. I like Oddo the best, but he has not looked real good on his feet this year. He is an overpowering wrestler, though, who can pin anytime during the six minutes — very aggressive, he’ll be tough to beat.
Wenger, 3rd last year at 112#, should be his major competition. Already a victor over Jeff May, Wenger is a solid conservative wrestler who won’t make mistakes. He won Outstanding Wrestler at the Brunswick Tourney, for his win over Elmer Velex (Southview). Velez, in his own right, is a real contender for a high State finish.
Both Owens and Weaver exit from the same sectional so they will be apart at the Toledo District. Both are excellent wrestlers with very refined moves. One of them, though, will have to beat the very tough, and rapidly improving Doug Finch (Toledo St. Francis). By year’s end, Finch may surprise one or both of them.
Besides Oddo and Velez, other strong 119’s in the Cleveland area are Jim Nemec (Maple Heights), Roberto Roman (Berea), Dennis Gournic (Conneaut), and Dan Mulhall (St. Joseph’s). Rich Cohen (Cleveland Heights) looked good at the Brecksville Tourney and could be a real factor in this district. Another candidate is the young Mark Ciccarello (North Olmsted), 3rd at the Brecksville Tourney.
At Akron, Wenger will meet plenty of solid competition. North Canton Champ Rich Kolick (North Canton), former State Qualifier Mark Smith (Akron Garfield), and Kenston runner-up Jim Dugan (Fitch) all are good. John Armatas (Glen Oak) also could be a factor.
Two-time State Qualifier Jim Koch (Anderson) would appear to be the best 119# in the Southwest District. However, Kemper (St. X) and Fetzer (Sycamore) could challenge.
No wrestler in Columbus seems, at this time, to have the remotest chance of taking a place in the State Meet.
126#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Jeff Woo (Eastlake North)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Rich Deubel (Maple Heights)
Kevin Irby (Sandusky)
Kent Parill (Gahanna)
In the Cleveland area there are at least ten wrestlers who have the skill and experience to place at the State level. Unfortunately, only four will go to Columbus and this group will be led by state 119# runner-ups Jeff Woo (1976) and Rick Deubel (1975). I rate Woo the better of the two, but weight problems could cause Woo to be mentally distracted enough to lose. Both these wrestlers are “flat-out” outstanding and their matches will be excellent.
Other very good Cleveland wrestlers are 4th-in-the-same-State Gary Gilmore (Bay), Orlando Ramos (Lorain), Brecksville Champ Chad Gross (Valley Forge), Bill Dziak (St. Josephs), Brain Essi (Lakewood), Don Foldesy (St. Edwards), and Jock Murray (Elyria). Murray upset Kevin Irby 9-8 just last week. The District competition at Mentor will be devastating this year–too many good wrestlers won’t qualify.
In Akron, Larry Anzivine (Nordonia) will be rated the favorite, but Kenston Champ Dave Gavalier (Fitch) and Sam Hartwell (Hubbard) could challenge. Only Anzivine could place at Columbus.
Irby has already pinned the big school Michigan state champion Chuck Joseph and is a most dangerous wrestler. Irby doesn’t seem to worry about the score, he just looks for the fall. He finished 4th in the State last year and beat a number of better wrestlers by being able to throw them on their back at crucial times. Only Woo and Chinn were able to handle him, but they had to be careful to the last second.
Kent Parill is the leader of the Columbus contingent, but Mike Snyder (Westland) and Tim Back (Reynoldsburg) are also good. None of these boys, though, has state experience.
At Marietta two State qualifiers of a year ago will compete for one State berth. Rick Dilley (Lancaster), a senior, and Dan Moser (Dover), another senior, will be the contestants. Moser should win the spot, but will not place at the State level.
Jeff Solarek (Alter) and Mike Koch (Anderson) should lead the Southwest District brigade. Last year, Koch lost a heartbreaker in consolation that kept him from placing. He might do better this year.
132#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Billy Walsh (North Olmsted)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Jimmy Edwards (Westland)
Tony Codner (Nordonia)
It’s rare having two defending State champs at the same weight class, and it happens at the next two weight classes. In fact, Dave Blake originally tried to make 132# which would have left three State champs here.
Walsh should win because of his experience, mat savvy, great leg moves, and determination. There’s no doubt that Edwards is sensational (remember I picked him to win last year), but he cannot beat Walsh. Unless they change the pairings formula they’11 probably meet in the semi-finals. Walsh’s large height advantage is a weapon he wields with remarkable skill– and it will pay off at the State again.
Codner, a two-time State qualifier who has never won at Columbus, should rectify that issue this year. However, he cannot compete with Walsh or Edwards and will have trouble with quick, fact wrestlers. Codner likes pancakes, headlocks, and other strength moves.
In Toledo, Dick Lefflet (Toledo St. Francis) has been outstanding and will qualify for Columbus. Dave Herrara (Clay) and Doug Schutt (St. Johns) will be top contenders as will be Vrabal (Mansfield Malabar).
The Southwest District is weak with Chris Coffing (Lakota) and John Brown (Xenia) being the only class competitors I’ve heard about. However in Columbus both Mark Payne (Northland) and Brett Henderson (Reynoldsburg) will battle for the spot behind Edwards. I favor Henderson.
In Cleveland Randy Light (North Ridgeville), Bob Atko (St. Joseph’s) and Larry Elliott (Lake Catholic) are all excellent. They won’t beat Walsh, but will defeat many other wrestlers. And then there’s the strange case of John McNulty. A former freestyle World Age-Group Champion, McNulty has never quite harnessed his formidable talents. Still, he’s only a junior this year and I anticipated that he would be District Runner-Up representing St. Edwards. After all, he lost to Walsh by only 7-6 and was the more aggressive wrestler. Now he has apparently dropped out of St. Edwards and is shopping for another high school to represent this year. Even if successful in this quest, it’s hard to believe that he won’t be distracted. And yet he has real talent. His replacement Mike Elinsky (St. Edwards) is also very good, but may not be quite strong enough.
138#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Greg Drenik (Wickliffe)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Tim Welch (St. Edwards)
Dave Blake (Crestwood)
Tom Coffing (Lakota)
A fabulous weight class. Drenik already has a State 1st and State 3rd, Welch a State 2nd, Blake has qualified 3 times with a State 1st, and Coffing has a State 3rd and 4th.
Drenik should win, but he’ll find it hard to dominate these boys like he has all of his competition so far this year. I’m afraid that the Cleveland runner-up (probably Welch) will be paired with Blake and Coffing so that Drenik will also have a much easier path to the finals.
I have met few wrestlers I admired more as a person than Tim Welch. The three year captain at St. Eds lost to Drenik 3-0 in last year’s State finals and will be looking to reverse that decision. The only way to beat Drenik is to get ahead with a first period takedown (s); then he’11 have to ride to get points instead of riding just to hold. That latter ride is virtually unbreakable, but the former can be beat.
Blake is crushingly strong and an excellent rider too. He could beat Welch, but can’t match Drenik on his feet. Coffing is his solid wrestler, but, doomed I believe, to another 3rd or 4th place finish.
The rest of the contestants will fill up the bracket sheet — none being capable of beating any of the top four boys. The best of these from outside the Cleveland district are probably Watts (Oakhills — 10-0 this year), Hren (Westland), Herrera (Toledo St. Johns) and perhaps Bob Gavalier (Fitch) and Lance Anzivine (Nordonia).
In Cleveland look for Ruland (Madison), Fleck (Elyria), Palcko (North Royalton), and Sabieski (Maple Heights) as contenders for a State qualifying spot. Actually, the other two qualifiers behind Drenik and Welch could be outsiders, since who draws these superstars will be important.
145#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Ben Benalcazar (Upper Arlington)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Jaime Milkovich (Maple Heights)
Tom Gagliardi (Madison)
Terry Randleman (Sandusky)
Benalcazar finished 4th last year at 132# and is a strong choice to beat out only a fair group of 145’ers for the title in 1977. Benalcazar has good moves, fine strength, and good mat sense. He is fairly short, though, for a 145. He won the Dayton Christmas Tourney with ease (12-1 in the final) and is undefeated in duals. However, he is not upset proof and could lose to an inspired wrestler (such as happened to his friend Ron Nole at this weight last year).
It may seem strange to make Milkovich a top contender since he failed to get out of the sectional last year. However, that was a fluke and Milkovich has improved. His impressive win at the Medina Tourney and his 1-1 dual meet tie with Welch (who moved up a weight) is strong evidence of this. Gagliardi comes from a school that has consistently had trouble in District competition. This is partly due to a weak schedule and some nerves. This year Gagliardi will prove that neither of these factors will affect him. He has a good chance of winning the whole thing.
Other Cleveland contenders include Gregor (Mentor), Valentine (St. Eds.), Sangdahl (Orange). Three boys could win upset victories and make it to the state—most notable of these is Brecksville Champ Ray Tusick (North Olmsted) but also watch for Rich Chapman (Willoughby South) who will one day put it all together, and Tony Ciepiel (Midpark). State Qualifier John Inghram (Wickliffe) is a long shot to make it to Columbus again.
Dale Batdorf (Louisville) should lead the Akron contingent while State Qualifier Reid Moeller (Xenia) could be the best in the Southwest District. However, Cionni (Cincy St. X.) and Ruberg (LaSalle) could challenge there.
Randleman, who was 6th last year at 138#, should qualify easily from the Northwest District. His only loss was to Abraham of Adrian Michigan. DeVilbiss (Mansfield) was 3rd at the Medina Tourney but is second best out of Toledo. He has already defeated Johnson (Tol. St. John) — the best “AAA” boy in the city by an 8-2 count. (Milkovich beat DeVilbiss 9-4).
155#
PROJECTED CHAMP: STEVE REEDY (Ravenna)
TOP CONTENDERS: Kirk Osgood (Toledo Rogers)
This is weak weight throughout the state, and Reedy should, as is his forte, win a lot of narrow matches on his way to the title. Not an outstanding performer, Reedy perseveres in every match and makes things happen to his advantage. He’ll augment the 2nd and 3rd he won the last two years with the top trophy in 1977.
Osgood would seem to be the one performer with a good shot at upsetting Reedy. His one-point loss to Mike Terry took him out of the State competition last year. He is close to a dual favorite with Reedy.
In Cleveland, there are a number of solid wrestlers who could place at Columbus. The best of these are Becker (Painesville Riverside), O’Brien (Eastlake North), Kijauskas (St. Joe), and Kalin (Strongsville). These four are the best bets, but they will have to wrestle six minutes in every bout to prevail. That’s because Kovach (Maple Heights), Semary (West Tech), and Brozina (Lake Catholic) will be pushing all the way.
O’Brien has wrestled the toughest schedule and beat Kovach, Jeff Dodge, and Pethtel (Madison).
Kalin has been one match from the State for two years and may still not be physically strong enough to make it again. Semary is a mean, rugged hombre who wrestles with brutal force, but he can never string four good matches together. He needs more discipline. Knoblauch (St. Eds) has great talent as his Brecksville win showed, but, again, will not win enough big bouts to qualify. State Qualifier Becker is erratic but has immense natural gifts. The Cleveland District will be close and competitive, but it does not feature great wrestlers.
I like the exciting Mark Lucas (Clayton Northmont) in the Southwest District, but the steadier Steve Erns (Oakhills) may ultimately prevail there. Jim Little (Ket. Fair. East) and Phil Mortensor ID (Lakota) will also do well.
Soroka (Worthington) and Schnarr (Grove City) are the best in the Columbus area, but neither is much of a threat to anyone. Soroka did not place at either the North Canton or Medina Tourneys but is unbeaten in Columbus.
Besides Osgood, the Northwest District has two other solid 155’s. Both Parks (Fremont Ross) and Ferguson (Sandusky) could win some matches at Columbus. Unfortunately only the one paired away from Osgood at their District will get that chance.
167#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Neal Neyer (Cincinnati LaSalle)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Steve Foley (Worthington)
Joe Elinsky (St. Edwards) — If at this weight
John Zele (St. Josephs)
Certainly the classic bout at this year’s State Tourney would be Neyer versus Foley. Defending State champ Neyer is now undefeated over two years and barely scored upon. Only Mike Terry has taken him down in two seasons. He is crushingly strong, has superb balance, and unbelievable determination.
Foley lost by one point to Coy last year wrestling with a broken finger. He is the antithesis of Neyer employing speed, uncanny technique, and a flowing grace. Undefeated this year, he has won two major tourneys without being extended in the least. This will be both he and Neyer’s third straight tourney appearance.
Nonetheless, if Elinsky wrestles at this weight and Zele is in form, an upset or even two could occur. I have enormous respect for Elinsky and believe that he was the 3rd best 167# in the state last year. Against Neyer he would have to utilize his phenomenal takedown ability to gain points while refusing to go to the mat with him. No one can stay with Neyer on the mat. Against Foley he could counteract Foley’s speed advantage with superior strength – – maybe. Elinsky is good and might beat either or both superstars but he would have to wrestle sensationally well to pull it off. Frankly, I believe Elinsky will go at 175#, though his best for a State Title is probably in the much weaker 185# class.
Zele is good enough to win a State Title some years, but not in 1977. He will be a tough opponent for anyone, though. Other Cleveland contenders for state berths are Palivoda (North Royalton), McCullough (Elyria), Johnson (Brunswick), Cross (Riverside) and the wildman, Dennis Shade (John Marshall).
Other State Qualifiers from around the state are the enigmatic Tony Jones (Sandusky), Doug Hunt (Upper Arlington), State Qualifier Tim Perry (West Carrollton), State Qualifier Dave Scavuzzo (Revere), and perhaps Dear Parham (Reynoldsburg).
175#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Ted Kopacko (Midpark)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Joe Elinsky (St. Edwards) — If at this weight
Tom Hren (St. Josephs)
Mark Ovall (Toledo Rogers)
John Schultz (Centerville)
As mentioned last year, I have never correctly selected the winner at this weight – – and my record remained intact after last year’s tourney. Not to be deterred, I have again selected Kopacko to win, but he will meet strong challenges from Elinsky if he chooses to wrestle at this weight — and possibly Hren (who he beat twice last year 7-1 and 13-5). Again Elinsky’s only hope against Kopacko is on his feet. Schultz, an impressive winner at the Medina Tourney, and Ovall are probably somewhat lesser threats. Kopacko has not been tested so far this year, and this could work against him in the long run. Elinsky and Hren wrestle tough schedules all year. Kopacko (3rd last year) and Hren (5th) are the only two boys in this quintet with past State experience.
Brady Hoke (Ket. Fair East) and powerful Craig Newburg (Clayton Northmont) are two other good Southwest District wrestlers who should do well at Columbus. Hoke qualified last year at 185# and has moved down a weight this year. Newburg won the Dayton Tourney with a 42-second pin in the finals. Merk (Oakhills) could also be a threat. Another State Qualifier, Hayes (Vandalia Butler) will be back if his injury heals.
Columbus has a lot of average 175’s, but none that can place at the State level. Lewis (Westland) and Wilson (Gahenna) are probably the two best.
Other good Toledo grapplers are Schoen, (Toledo St. John) a brother of one of my unsuccessful picks at this weight, Franke (Clay), and Washam (Lima Shawnee).
In Akron, a confused picture is present at this weight with Kandel (LouisviIle), Pegg (Howland), House (Wadsworth), and Parker (Norton) seemingly the best.
In Cleveland, superstrong Ken Ager (JFK) will be a top threat if he is eligible to compete. Sullivan (Lake Catholic) and Gall (North Royalton) are excellent prospects for State spots, while Palmer (Madison) could be (Alternate) a surprise. Gall has been very impressive this year.
185#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Jerry Lee (Medina)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Ricky Morris (Toledo Rogers)
John Findley (Lorain Southview)
As is often the case, this is a fairly weak weight class. Lee, with his combination of outstanding strength and moves, should dominate, but he makes a lot of mistakes on the mat, too. He pins about 80% of his foes, so they usually don’t have the chance to take advantage of those lapses. Lee was 3rd last year, and this year will be a strong favorite to win it all.
Morris and Findley are both former State Qualifiers and are undefeated this year. Morris is the better wrestler, but Findley has an uncanny knack of winning high-scoring battles. Both should place.
In the Cleveland District, Urban (Maple Heights), Childers (Brunswick), and Horvath (Valley Forge) are probably the best of the rest. Lyons (Riverside), District Larkin (Lake Catholic), and almost anybody else will probably challenge this group.
Around the rest of the state, Pressier (Westland), Deep (Worthington), Reinet (Toledo St. Johns), Bernhardt (Oakhills), Maran (Vandalia), and Meschar, (Clayton Northmont) could qualify. This appears to be a pretty pedestrian group.
HVY.
PROJECTED CHAMP: Luther Henson (Sandusky)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Akron District
Larry Lee* (Akron North)
Mark Chenevey (Jackson)
Ken Chorba (Nordonia)
Greg August (Boardman)
Mike Trgovac (Fitch)
Cleveland District
Ken Milkovich* (Maple Heights)
Joe West* (Mentor)
Phil Davis (South)
Kevin Czinger (St. Ignatius)
Greg Byrne (St. Josephs)
Don Lipka (Madison)
Toledo District
Jim Smith (Fremont Ross)
Rich Packo (Toledo St. Johns)
Columbus District
Jay Allison (Westerville North)
Rich Cramer (Worthington)
Southwest District
Dave Markgraf (Moeller)
Andy Marker (Troy)
Dan McKillican (Fairfield)
*particularly outstanding contenders
There are a lot of heavyweights, all of whom net out very close to one another. It’s not like two years ago when we had six superstars, but we do have about fifteen competitors, any of whom has some chance of winning it all. The pairing in both District and State Meets will go a long way in deciding the champ. That’s because we have wide variation in weight and style so that certain wrestlers are better off against one opponent than against another. It should be a captivating contest.
I’ve chosen the relatively light but quick Henson in preference to all others. He beat Terry Reeves 14-0, and Reeves upset Milkovich. He has pinned most other opponents. A State Qualifier at 185 pounds last year, first round jitters cost him a high place. He will have to be careful, though, since at 220 pounds he will give away better than 50 pounds to behemoths like West and Milkovich.
I rate Larry Lee right behind Henson. A 6th place finisher last year, Lee has enormous strength. His Akron District should be tremendously competitive. He, Chorba, and Chenevey all qualified out of the District while August finished 4th. Further complicating the picture is Kenston Champ Mike Trgovac, an All-Ohio football player, who has made great improvement. My guess is that Lee’s safe, but that Chorba and Chenevey could be upset by the super-aggressive Trgovac. August will finish just out of the picture once again. Chorba, the Brecksville Champ, and two-time State Qualifier Cheveney cannot afford any mistakes since they are not the athletes that Trgovac is. However, they have more experience and better mat skills.
In Toledo, Smith and Packo will duel for the spot behind Henson. I favor State Qualifier Smith, although Presley (Whitmer) may also challenge. Smith finished 2nd at the Bedford (Mich) Tourney to Henson and 3rd at Medina. He beat Packo and Presley last year.
The Columbus heavyweights are not that good. Allison and Cramer have the best chances of qualifying, but will have trouble at the State level.
In Southwest Ohio, World Freestyle runner-up Andy Marker has embarked on his high school career. Only 15 years old, it really is too much to ask him to compete successfully against the older, more mature wrestlers in this field. He should take Columbus, though. Margraf, the 1976 CIT champ, and McKillican are the best of the rest in that area.
I believe that Ken Milkovich is the best heavyweight in our District, and, on a hot weekend, could take a State title. I have reason to suspect his staying power, however. Joe West is a second choice in Cleveland and he, too, could take the overall crown. His immense size, combined with reasonable quickness, makes him very dangerous. He needs to be a little more aggressive against good competition.
Byrne was most impressive in his first two duals after a 3-month injury problem. He may be too light to beat the best of the big boys, but has outstanding potential. Czinger is also light, but was very good at the Brunswick Tourney and is very strong for his size.
Davis, Lipka, are good journeyman grapplers as are Wolfe (Parma), Prchlik (Strongsville), Murray (Berea), and Chavez (Lorain). This year, that won’t be quite good enough.
Teams
#1 – Maple Heights — This team may not have any state champs, but they should pick up a lot of 2nd place finishes. The Dethels and Milkoviches lead this squad, but Nemec, Kovach, and Urban could also help. A fine well-balanced squad.
#2 – St. Josephs — Another beautifully balanced club with Russo, Arko, Zele, and Hren to lead the way. Collins, Dziak, and Byrnes could score enough to put them on top. If Cerankosky were available, I would rate them as the top team.
#3 – St. Edwards — Three stand-outs — Oddo, Welch, and Joe Elinsky — lead this team. They’ll need help from Foldesy, Valentine, or Knoblauch to take it all. McNulty would have helped, but it’s hard to see his replacement even getting to Columbus.
#4 – Nordonia — Coming out of a relatively weak District should help their chances immeasurably, and if the old pairing system is used, Akron champs gain another huge advantage (he is always in the other half of the bracket way from the Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus champs). I can see as many as six Nordonia wrestlers reaching Columbus and there is strength with numbers like that.
#5 in Sandusky — Irby, Jones, and Henson are the heart of this team. They all will need to do well for Sandusky to better last year’s 3rd place finish. Ferguson, Williams, or Wyatt might be able to help.
#6 – Cincinnati St. Xavier — They will have to get a lot of points from Wander and Ahern and hope that Kemper, Cionni, and Harrington can help. They were 11th last year.
#7 – Toledo Rogers — A team built around three big men – Osgood, Rogers, and Ovall. They will have to hope for Stalter or Johnson to improve rapidly to do any better than 7th.
#8 – North Olmsted — Billy Walsh should win at 132# and Dave Walker get a place at 112#. That leaves it up to Tusick, McFarland, DiCesare, and Ciccarello to gain a few more valuable points.
#9 – Cincinnati Oakhills — A nicely balanced team that should romp in the Southwest District. Unfortunately, most of their good kids are just not going to score a whole lot at the State level.
#10 – Galloway Westland — I picked this team to win last year, but they couldn’t quite make it. I’m placing them 10th figuring that Edwards will score a lot of points, and could get help from Snyder, Ehrens, Lewis, and Pressler. Perhaps even little Phil Escolas will help.
#11 – Elyria — The nucleus of Little, Murray, Fleck, and McCullough all have some potential, and if McNulty does join the squad in top form, they could make the Top Ten.
Other interesting teams are:
Lake Catholic – Already a sensational dual meet team, they have a squad of uniformly fine wrestlers. I doubt, however, whether they can score big at the District and State level. But watch out next year, they’re almost all juniors.
Toledo St. Francis — Another young team just starting to come into its own. The two-man qualifying system will hurt their District chances, but Mayer, Reagan, Finch, and Leffler all have great potential.
Madison– A team known for taking a “dive” at our District, they have a team with stand-out potential. Gagliard, Palmer, Ruland, and Lipka are good. Whether they will prove that at Mentor is a major question, however.
Midpark — Kopacko will probably win at 175#, but where Jones, Smith, Cipiel, or the Meyers can help him is a major question mark.
The teams rated being the top four stand out from those remaining. A large chasm exists between #4 Nordonia and #5 Sandusky. The top four should score a lot of points, everybody else will struggle to score more than a few.
“AA” REPORT
98#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Steve Bradley (Twinsburg)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Dan Eckel (Wehrle)
Kevin Barton (Stritch)
Alan Savransky (Beachwood)
This is, as always, a very difficult weight to forecast especially since no one stands out like Zimmer did last year. I have chosen Bradley because he combines strength and speed with good wrestling technique. Both Eckel and Savransky are excellent wrestlers, but, I believe, lack the strength to go all the way. Barton is rapidly improving and could go a long way in Columbus.
Watts (Ready) and Uree (Watterson) should do well in the Columbus area, but I rate them behind Eckel. Lin Tank (Genua) and Griffoth (Southeast) are long-shots who could qualify for the State and make a fight for one of the lower places. Two dark-horses who have a real shot at placing in sectionals Columbus are Mark Evangelista (Harvey) and Mike Hoppel (Beaver Local). Both boys can pin and are aggressive. Evangelista in particular has wrestled a tough schedule and could be very tough by tournament time.
105#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Chris McKissack (Akron South)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Bret Wyss (Beloit West Branch)
George Lyons (Clearview)
Vince DiSabato (Ready)
Joe Ramos (Wauseon)
Jim Derr (Stritch)
Wayne Farber (Wyoming)
Rusty Lenahan (Elyria Catholic)
Brad Horne (Streetsboro)
This weight has excellent balance and great depth. I chose McKissack because he is experienced, quick, and doesn’t get nervous. However, each of the contenders has a lot of strong points that could make them a logical choice.
Wyss beat McKissack, for example, 12-5 last year. Both Lyons and DiSabato placed at 105# last year and not at 98# like the other top contenders. Derr was 4th last year while Horne and Ramos are both extremely talented juniors who have really improved. Lenahan has already beaten Derr this year while Farber has a 9-1 record with 8 pins and previous State experience.
And if that’s not enough, competitors like Butch Ritchey (Hartley), Sal Settecase (Aurora), Armstrong (Claymont), and Ed Potter (Watterson) are still good enough to place at the State level. Beachwood has a great freshman prospect in Stu Smylie and he could get charged up if Beachwood makes a serious run at the State. Another solid freshman is Kraig White (DeSales), but he’ll have trouble getting out of the Columbus District.
This should be a real donnybrook.
112#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Dave Fischer (Beachwood)
TOP CONTENDER: Mark Zimmer (DeSales)
These two are the only ones that really matter, and I fervently hop that the pairings are such that they meet in the final round. My choice is based on the fact that I saw Fischer after I saw Zimmer and each time you see either on you figure he’s so good he can’t lose. Besides, I believe that Fischer has a wider range of skills and two years more mature than Zimmer. It’s the classic match-up in “AA”.
John Churchill (Vermillion) and Gus Kallai (Coventry) are good wrestlers who would be contenders in most other years. I also like Steve McDaniel (Claymont) and believe he may be able to place. Greg Westervelt (Norwalk), Buddy Newberry (Marysville), and Joe Monda (Edgewood) are others that fall into this category.
Other possibilities are Mark McCall (Coshocton), Roszalez (Clearview), and Mike McMillan (Greenhills) two of whom have past State experience. But as mentioned before, It’s Fischer versus Zimmer with the winner being State Champ.
119#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Jeff May (Highland)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Rick Sorkin (Beachwood)
Ron Reeb or Frank Schneider (DeSales)
Jim Heun (Kenston)
Rob Crotty (Aurora)
Paul Kokinakes (Perrysburg)
Jeff May was a disappointment at last year’s State Meet, but I anticipate a return to the form he showed as a sophomore. Sorkin has improved and will be out to better his 2nd place finish of a year ago. Somehow, I still feel, however, that that was the result of a fortuitous set of circumstances. Note that May has lost (to Wenger), Sorkin has not.
Coach Mike Stanley has the enviable position of having two State qualifiers at the same weight this year, and if that’s not depth, what is? I personally think Schneider would go farther than Reeb, but Ron looks like the wrestler others will contend with at Columbus. He should place since his style will be difficult for many “AA” boys to contend with. Heun is coming off a long illness and his physical condition will be suspect. He was not expected to wrestle at all this year.
Crotty is a real good dark-horse candidate who could go a long way while Kokinakes has never quite reached his full potential.
Gary Rhoads (Delta) and Mark McCahan (Coventry) if they can get their act together also could contend for a place. McCahan’s problem will be to get out of the District so he can help Coventry in the team competition in Columbus. Jack McDaniel (Claymont) will also be a threat since he should qualify easily out of the Eastern District.
126#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Randy Glover (Coventry)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Ken Marcum (Olentangy)
Jeff Hardy (Eastwood)
Pat Zimmer (DeSales)
Another wide open race with plenty of good state contenders around. I pick Glover, but only by a whisker over Marcum. The competition should be fierce and these two are battle hardened. Glover would assuredly have placed last year except for an injury in the District Finals that finished him for the year.
Pat Zimmer has good potential and also has recovered from problems that kept him out of last year’s tourneys. Jeff Hardy has enormous potential but does not have the competition in his area to refine his natural gifts. It will cost him at the State level.
Don Browning (Southeast), Paul Kriwinsky (Beachwood), and Earl Reindel (Stritch) are other possible contenders. Chris Bouck (Norwalk) and Tim Cavanaugh (Highland), Smith (Loveland) could surprise. In-and-out Ken Meeks (Harvey) is also a threat.
132#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Artie Chang (Wyoming)
TOPCONTENDERS:
Tim Talbott (Stritch)
Bill Brogan (Springfield)
Terry Gallimore (Eaton)
Tom Hershberger (Triway)
Casey Wludyga (Jefferson)
These six wrestlers are all very close to one another. Not outstanding, they are all solid performers who get the maximum out of their abilities. Chang is my choice because he can score from top and bottom, has a great evade, and is long on experience. (He went to States as a freshman and junior.)
Talbott looked excellent at Medina but lacks State experience. His rapid improvement makes him a most dangerous threat at this weight. Gallimore was 2nd two years ago as a sophomore but has not shown a lot of improvement. He can really score points, though, and his District battle with Chang should be “super”. Brogan and Hershberger were contestants in that wild 15-12 brawl in the first round last year, and both ended up completely exhausted. This year they should be even better. Wludyga just missed State competition last year but has some “dynamite” moves. Watch out for him.
Other potential place winners are Tim Davis (Watterson), Tim Shyrich (Brookville), and Winner (Madeira). Long-shots include Dressler (Copley), Palermini (DeSales), Kallai (Coventry), Neinger (Claymont), and Thiemaun (Reading). A fascinating weight class.
138#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Phil Anglim (Watterson)
TOP CONTENDERS: None
Nobody in “AA” is within 8 points of Anglim this year. The finest middle-weight prospect in the country, he’s the first wrestler Dan Gable mentioned when talking about Ohio high school wrestlers. Unless Wickliffe suddenly becomes a “AA” school, there is no competition at this weight.
Struggling for places are Powers (Elyria Catholic) LaPlante (Stritch), Roehner (Aurora), Kent (Edgewood), and Jim Cavanaugh (Highland). They are listed, incidentally, in no particular order. Dave Brinton (Kenston), if he can stay off his back, should also be a contender. In fact, Brinton has potential to do very well.
All in all, a weak weight completely dominated by Phil Anglim.
145#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Don Clark (Oberlin)
TOP CONTENDERS:
John Dunleavy (Watterson)
Pat Brown (Norwalk)
Jeff Lee (Springfield)
Following in the tradition of his older brother, Jim, Don Clark should take a State “AA” title. This is another weight that lacks good wrestlers and I would rank Lee and Dunnleavy as good second choices and Brown a more distant threat. In fact, George Bergman (Stritch) may surpass Brown by year’s end in the Toledo District.
In Columbus Fagin (Bexley) and Hatem (Wehrle) will fight for the other qualifying spot. In Cleveland Phil Tartt (Warrensville) is extremely powerful and when he gains some mat sense he will be extremely difficult. His strength moves are overwhelming. Houska (Highland) and Levine (Beachwood) could be contenders for a State berth, as could Komara (Streetsboro). Shane Brown (Perry ) also could score well in this area.
155#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Keith Foxx (Coventry)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Ken Blaksley (Millbury Lake)
Paul Hackett (Hamilton Twp.)
Brian Greene (DeSales)
Mike Bihn (Stritch)
Jeff Dodge (Aurora)
Jerry Gordon (Wyoming)
Max Osterling (Huron)
Another extremely competitive weight class with a number of excellent wrestlers. Foxx, only a junior, was second last year and wrestled an impressive tourney, however, he was only 4th in the Northeast District. Still, I rate him marginally better than the other seven.
Blaksley took 4th at State last year and lost a tough 9-7 decision to Foxx. He will come on strong this year.
Hackett and Greene are the class of the Columbus area and will both do well at the State. Mike Bihn has shown steady improvement and will challenge Blaksley in Toledo. Osterling, 5th in the State last year, will be in that battle, too.
Jerry Gordon, a State qualifier last year, has been most impressive in Cincinnati boasting an 11-0 record with 10 falls. His performance at Columbus last year (two, one-sided losses) does not encourage confidence. Nonetheless, he will be a most dangerous opponent.
In the Cleveland area Jeff Dodge is a standout–his only loss a hard-fought decision to Bob O’Brien of “AAA” Eastlake North. Al Herold (Brooklyn), Scott Shirley (Columbia), and Ed Malysa (Benedictine) all have some credentials and, perhaps, hopes for a State berth.
167#
POJECTED CHAMP: Wayne Walker (Oberlin)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Bill Potts (Coventry)
Mark Shell (Ready)
Phil DeRossett (New Richmond)
Terry Armelli (Benedictine)
Keith Braun (Kenston)
Bob Queen (Twinsburg)
At the beginning, I would have picked Terry Armelli to convincingly take the State title. Since then he has “unconvinced” me and I now lean toward Walker. If Wayne has it “all together,” he will be difficult to beat since his 3rd place at 155# last year certainly gave him valuable experience.
A real sleeper is DeRossett who placed last year at 175# and has moved down to 167#. His strength will be difficult to overcome. Shell, only a junior, needs to have a hot weekend to win, but may be “psyched up” by a close team chase. Bill Potts finished 4th in the Sectional, 5th in the District, and 3rd in the State is still only a junior and may place. Being up two weight classes will hurt since he is a natural 155#.
Keith Braun has lacked consistency but his win at Kenston may be a signal that he’s about to really bloom. Armelli is still a dangerous wrestler and if he regains his 1976 form, Terry could easily improve on his 4th place finish of last year. Queen has a broken hand that should be healed by tournament time. If he regains his timing, he could challenge for first.
John Bergman (Stritch) is very erratic but has outstanding potential. Two other Toledo area contenders are State qualifier Alfredo Lazoya (Genoa) and Jeff Nonnemaker (Elmwood).
In Cleveland, Bill Loepp (Olmsted Falls) could be a State qualifier, but will have to overcome a lot of stiff competition.
175#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Tim Jansen (Ready)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Bill Martin (Woodbridge)
Mike Brumenschenkel (Vermillion)
Frank Spikes (Harvey)
Not a particularly strong weight, 175# should be dominated by Tim Jansen in 1977. Placing 5th in 1976, Jansen fell into a tough draw which hurt his chances for an even higher finish. This year the draw won’t make any difference to him.
Martin had much the same problem losing to Davia in the first round last year, but his narrow 7-5 loss to 1976 State champ Bruce Campbell in the Districts establishes his credentials. Brumenschenkel is down from 185# where he qualified for Columbus last year and should be tough. He breezed through the early season action. Spikes, who had a good record as a Heavyweight last year, has done well except for being slaughtered by Kopacko and losing a tough match to Mark Sullivan. Very calm, Spikes should handle tournament pressure well.
Other contenders are Loe (Elmwood), Vlassich (Edgewood), and Cohan (Reading). I particularly like Vlassich and this junior could be excellent in 1978. Dave Lewis (Kenston) is a long-shot.
185#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Dan Peabody (Cathedral Latin)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Brent Burrer (Oberlin)
Randy Hoehn (St. Mary Memorial)
Brian Dowds (DeSales)
Joe Happ (Ready)
I never seem to have any luck spotting good 185#’s, and this year is no exception. Peabody won the Kenston and Hawken Tournaments and is undefeated. Burrer is a State qualifier and pinned Peabody in the Districts. I just don’t think that will happen again. Burrer is a strong second choice, though.
Dowds and Happ are the best in Columbus and are not really exceptional. Happ seemed better earlier in the year but, I believe, Dowds is really the better boy. Hoehn will lead in a very weak contingent of 185′ S from Toledo.
In our district, Gerry Burgy (Woodridge), Bob Blunk (Streetsboro), and Cliff Allen (Columbia) should be contenders along with Peabody and Burrer.
Dennis (Wyoming) and Geglein (Loveland) could be contenders from Cincinnati. Jody Murray (Brookville) could also be good.
HVY.
PROJECTED CHAMP: Dennis Kane (Olmsted Falls)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Ken Christello (Brookfield)
Jamie Reed (Carrollton)
Terry Reeves (Stritch)
Tom Fultz (Ontario)
Mark Shaw (Warrensville)
If Kane wins, he will be one of the smallest heavyweights ever to take the crown–he weighs in at just about 200# But his speed and mat ability should keep him in front of most competitors. His biggest problem is the “small” mistake which, with his size, will get him pinned.
Christello, Reed, and Fultz are typical heavies with just slightly better than average ability. Reeves, on the other hand, beat Milkovich of Maple Hts. and has wrestled a most demanding schedule. His progress will be interesting. Shaw, a junior, has tremendous potential but has not yet harnessed it. If he can make his moves work, he could be Kane’s biggest challenge.
Matt Bennett (Ready) and Terry Skinner (Ready) are probably the two best in Columbus while Trumbull (Springfield) and Eckenfels (Vermillion) will challenge Reeves in Toledo.
Bray (Reading) is a pinner, but has not met top-level competition. Szabo (Elyria Catholic), Williams (Latin), Hrabak (Kenston), and Mester (Aurora) could be factors in this district.
TOP TEAMS
#1 – Columbus DeSales — This is a team with top stars and great depth. I can foresee as many as seven State qualifiers with all capable of scoring at the State level. Even more disquieting is the fact that many of these people will be back next year.
#2 – Coventry — An almost completely junior team, they have good team strength from 112# to 132# and at 155# and 167#. Their 145# could also be a surprise and everyone will be back next year.
#3 – Bishop Ready — Another powerhouse “AA” team from Columbus. They have great strength in the upper weights– spot where “AA” competition is often not too strong. Jansen should lead the way with a state title and the rest should all contribute points.
#4 – Stritch — This was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but Stritch is strong. Good balance with two fine lower weight stars, Reindel and Talbott in the middle, the Bergman’s and Bihn in the upper weights, and Reeves at heavy. Still no superstars to lead the way.
#5 – Beachwood — Fischer and Sorkin will do well, but Savransky, Smylie, and Kriwinsky need to score for Beachwood to take top honors. This is one team that has a chance to take home a team trophy.
#6 – Oberlin — The entire team is Clark, Walker, and Burrer, but that could be enough for a high finish. But what happens next year?
#7 – Watterson — Anglim is a sure champ and this year he could get help from Davis, Dunleavy, Urse, and Potter. Another powerful Columbus team.
#8 – Aurora — Really a better dual meet team Aurora has the individuals that could do well at the state level. Crotty, Dodge, Roehner, and somebody else will have to lead the way.
#9 – Wyoming — This is a Cincinnati team with a chance to do well. Chang and Gordon lead the way but there is some depth, too. A lot will depend on their District pairings.
#10 – Uhrichsville Claymont — This team comes from an easy district and should get five State qualifiers. After that, it depends on the draw and whether their low weights can scramble for a place.
Other Top Teams — Eaton, Kenston, Vermillion, Tipp City, Streetsboro.
“A” REPORT
98#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Bob Richards (Richmond Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Mike Stalnaker (Jonathan Alder)
Jude Roth (Sandusky St. Mary’s)
It’s difficult to see any “A” wrestler beating Richards at this weight. Although only a sophomore, he has plenty of experience and is very strong. Wrestling against tough competition, he is undefeated this year and holds a win over the very good Eugene Collins from “AAA” power St. Joseph’s.
Mike Stalnaker (Alder) should be his toughest competition and has shown great improvement the past year. Roth (San. St. Mary’s) appears to be the best in the Northwest District, although Pat Noel (Arcadia) could push him. Another contender from the Cleveland area should be Joe Baier (Grand Valley), who went to Districts at this weight last year.
As always, 98# is a tough weight to forecast because of the large number of freshmen who wrestle at this weight and have no past history. Mark Rubish (Columbiana) is a long-shot of this type who could get to the State.
105#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Reggie Johnson (Ashland Crestview)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Tim Mascorella (Ledgemont)
Chris Bateman (West Jefferson)
DARK-HORSE: Alan Sherrill (Richmond Hts.)
Johnson appears to be a shoo-in to win his second consecutive “A” title. Undefeated this year and a convincing winner in the WIWT Tourney at Smithville, he has all the credentials to repeat. In addition, this is not a strong weight, and Johnson will not face strong competition.
Butch Ritchey would have provided some competition, but Bishop Hartley has been re-classified from “A” to “AA.” Mascorella and Bateman are solid performers but hardly likely to upset Johnson. Bob Filla (Cardinal), Calvin Humphrey (Hawken), and particularly Alan Sherrill (Richmond Hts.) could grab a State spot from the Cleveland area. Sherrill could be a real dark-horse for a State place.
John Strohecker (Columbiana) has good credentials out of the Youngstown area, while Reuben Martinez (Stryker) is undefeated in the Toledo area. Also, keep an eye out for Bill Beverick (Sand. St. Mary).
112#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Bob Pastor (Newbury)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Pat Boyert (Cuyahoga Hts.)
Tom Guyer (Fremont St. Joe)
Dana Myers (Jonathan Alder)
This is a very competitive weight class with two of last year’s runner-ups among the contenders. I lean toward Pastor over Boyert because of superior strength, but Boyert is excellent. These two could meet in the finals.
Ray Lambright (Ashland Crestview) and Guyer are returning State qualifiers and could place. Mike Bennett (Hillsdale) has shown rapid improvement, but he must defeat either Boyert or Pastor to get out of the Northeast District. The same is true for undefeated Joe McPeek (Columbiana), promising Don Hartline (Mogadore), and Tim Delgado (Berkshire).
Myers is the best of a mediocre crop of 112’s in the Columbus area, while Guyer heads the Northwest contingent. Kraig Baker (Gibsonburg), Dan Storrer (Archbold), and possibly Kevin Roth (Sandusky St. Mary’s) also have chances to qualify for the State from that area. Rocky Meade (New London), though, has the best chance of beating Guyer and perhaps even garnering a place at the State level.
119#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Ed Potokar (Richmond Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Roger Troyer (Alder)
Tom Grieve (Black River)
Potokar, a defending State champ, is up two weight classes but should still take home his second State title. Tall and lanky, his leg moves are just too sophisticated for other “A” contenders. While Potokar has already lost this year, it seems fairly sure that this won’t happen against “A” competition.
Troyer, who finished 3rd last year at 105#, and Grieve, a State qualifier at 98#, should provide the major competition. Troyer, in particular, is very good.
Kevin Carr (Licking Hts.) is also good but will not get out of the Columbus District where only one participant can qualify for the State Meet. I have not been impressed with the other Cleveland 119’s, though Scott Chapman (Cardinal) could do very well, though he will have to beat out Potokar or Grieve to reach Columbus. A wrestler with a better chance of doing that is Ben Dever (Hillsdale) who lost an overtime heartbreaker to State qualifier Dave Filla last year. Dever, I believe, poses a very serious threat to any 119# in the State.
I have been very unimpressed with the 119’s in the Northwest District. Rick Collett (Northwood), Greg Noel (Arcadia), and perhaps Tracy Frank (Stryker) could do something, but that seems unlikely.
126#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Dave Keech (Sandusky St. Mary’s)
TOP CONTENDERS:
John Smrtnik (Richmond Hts.)
Jerome Keyes (Newbury)
SOPH SENSATION: George Tompkins (Mogadore)
This is an excellent weight class and should be most competitive. Keech, who was 3rd last year, has lost only to the very tough Orlando Ramos from “AAA” Lorain and has avenged that defeat with a dual meet victory over that same opponent. Smrtnik, down from 132#, is also excellent, losing only to Arko from St. Joe’s. Keyes, if he can wrestle, also finished 3rd last year at Columbus (at 112#) and is another strong Newbury wrestler.
Tompkins, a younger brother from this famous wrestling family, will have to defeat Keyes or Smrtnik to get to Columbus, but he is improving so rapidly it could happen. Grilley (Mapleton), Barton (Columbiana), Blanchfield (Trinity), and Dulka (Cardinal) are also contenders in the Northeast District.
Jeff Allen (Licking Hts.) could be the Columbus representative, and he is very aggressive. Randy Strahm (Blufton) is fair in the Northwest District, but they must have better people than that up there. It appears that Kid Coon (Williansburg) will wrestle at this weight, and if so, this junior could be the first Cincy-Dayton wrestler to challenge in the 1977 “A” Tourney. Doug Grindstaff (Malvern) is another potential State qualifier.
132#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Rex Henderson (Licking Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Harry Weaver (Cardinal)
Bob Carpenter (Liberty Center)
Tom Demko (Hawken)
Lynn McKinney (Fremont St. Joe)
To my mind, at least, Henderson seems to stand out far above the other four contenders. This is strange since the sophomore from Licking Hts. lost in the first round at Columbus last year. Still, his 8-0 victory over Tim Palermini ensures his credentials in the Columbus area with regard to other “A” schools.
Weaver and Demko, along with Pniewski (Ledgemont) and Hedrick (Richmond Hts.), should contest for the two Cleveland slots to Columbus. Demko may have the best shot at Henderson if he can get through the District. Both he and Weaver were only one win from Columbus last year, as was Peteuski. Unfortunately, one of this trio will fall short again in 1977.
McKinney and Carpenter both qualify out of the Northwest District and could have competition from Wanger (Arcadia) and Spendiarian (Sand. St. Mary).
138#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Glenn Muncy (Licking Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Tom Falk (Bluffton)
Gary Kline (Mapleton)
Muncy should breeze to victory at this weight. He defeated Falk last year 10-4 and should beat Kline handily this year. His upset loss to Jerry Pryor in last year’s State finals will be forgotten as he sweeps this field of 138#. It’s a real shame that he, Drenik, Welch, Blake, and Anglim couldn’t have their own little tourney somewhere. It would be great.
Rick Stefanek (Newbury) has not done as well as expected this year and will be challenged by Larry Davis (Cardinal) for the other Cleveland qualifying spot. State qualifiers from other areas are, I suspect, just filling up the bracket sheet at this weight.
145#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Paul Horning (Berkshire)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Clint Lemaster (Cedarville)
Scott Coon (Williamsburg)
This is a very weak weight with very few bona fide contenders for State honors. I suspect that someone I’ve never heard of will win the title and surprise us all. However, Paul Horning seems to be in the best position to take the title. He’s experienced and can score points in a big hurry.
Clint Lemaster and Scott Coon both have State experience, but it’s hard to see either one being a State champ. Steve True (Arcadia) has a good name, but that is rarely enough to win a State title. He should, however, qualify from the Northwest area.
Welch (Mapleton), Soltis (Cardinal), and perhaps Guy (Richmond Hts.) will challenge for the second Cleveland qualifying spot.
155#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Mark Lowe (Licking Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Ron Stephens (Sarahsville Shenendoah)
Ron Suszek (Richmond Hts.)
Dean Gibson (Hillsdale)
Mark Lowe should take his second State crown and will probably do it easily. However, Stephens, who took him into overtime last year, is back, and both Suszek and Gibson could represent a mild challenge.
Jim Meyer (Fremont St. Joe) is strong in the Toledo District, with Mike Bobenbender (Liberty Center) another good choice as a State qualifier. Nobody from that area will challenge the top four shown above. Brent Scraggs (Cuy. Hts.) may challenge Gibson for the second qualifying spot out of Cleveland.
167#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Mike Glass (Hillsdale)
TOP CONTENDERS: Nobody
Glass will dominate this tournament just as he did last year when he pinned his opponent in 1:21 in the finals. Craig Fitzcharles (Edgerton), if he chooses to wrestle at this weight, will be at least one solid challenger again this year. However, Glass is just too strong and has breezed through an undefeated season so far. This includes a 13-1 final round victory at the WIWT Tourney and a 13-second pin in the finals of the Mapleton Tourney.
Mike Pendergast (Academy) and Dave Rabatin (Ledgemont) should be “in the hunt” for a place. Bill Cole (Columbiana), who lost by only a 14-9 margin to Glass in last year’s District, also could challenge.
Again, the Northwest area has little (besides Fitzcharles) with the possible exception of Voltz (Sand. St. Mary’s) and Drew Kirian (Arcadia).
175#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Joe Dahlhausen (Newbury)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Jeff Hilliard (Alder)
Mitch Naufel (Sand. St. Mary’s)
Craig Fitzcharles (Edgerton)
The final match should be Dahlhausen against Hilliard, and it could be a “beauty.” I like Dahlhausen for his strength and speed. Naufel was a State qualifier at Heavyweight last year and could be a big factor in this tourney. Fitzcharles or Haase are both from Edgerton, and where they wrestle is still unclear. In any case, both are excellent.
This is a strong weight class with the top two contenders being aggressive pinners. Dahlhausen lets few matches go the limit, as he wound up with three falls in his 3rd place effort last year. Hilliard is much the same type of wrestler.
Hilliard will keep Weisenstein (Licking Hts.) out of the State tourney, which will hurt their State chances. Gray (Black River) could gain the 2nd spot from Cleveland, but he will have to defeat several good Cleveland area wrestlers. Gray’s two impressive victories in both the Mapleton and Black River Tourneys will make him the favorite to garner that 2nd qualifying spot.
185#
PROJECTED CHAMP: Wayne Hairston (Licking Hts.)
TOP CONTENDERS:
John Martin (Cardinal)
Dave Mitchell (Sarahsville Shenendoah)
Steve Dasch (Berkshire)
I have a lot of misgivings in choosing Hairston, but he appears to be, at least on the surface, a good bet. I would rate John Martin as a very strong second choice with Mitchell and Dasch as somewhat longer shots. Both Hairston and Martin placed 4th last year, with Hairston coming down from the heavyweight division. This weight is very close to having dual favorites.
Ken Morgan (Black River) lost to Dasch 7-2 in last year’s Districts, but he is much improved and could challenge this year. He has an impressive number of falls this year. Kevin Risser (Arlington) is good in the Northwest, and if Jeff Haase (Edgerton) is at this weight, he, too, will represent a challenge to the top contenders.
HVY.
PROJECTED CHAMP: Chuck Malensek (Grand Valley)
TOP CONTENDERS:
Mike Jay (Fremont St. Joe)
Pat Massie (Elmore Woodmore)
Tom Piasecki (Cuy. Hts.)
Randy Collins (Ledgemont)
Bryan Inghraham (Black River)
I confess to having absolutely no idea as to the best Class “A” heavyweight in this state. Those listed above are just guesses that have little real basis in fact. I do know that Massie beat Jay last year, but Jay beat Massie this year. That Malensek did the best of the five heavyweights who return from the 1976 Cleveland District, but whether he can really win I cannot answer.
Other contenders are Tom Carter (Cardinal), Kim Lance (Waynedale), and Jim Kilcoyne (Licking Hts.) One thing that seems apparent is that it will be a wide-open race. Tim Kretz (New Baltimore) also could contend in the Northwest District.
TOP TEAMS
#1 – Licking Hts. – Their nucleus of Henderson, Muncy, Lowe, and Hairston has the potential to produce four State champs. However, the competitive District set-up which allows only one State qualifier makes it difficult for them to gain back-up strength, say at 119# or 175#, and possibly at 126#. If the top four should falter, Licking Hts. will be in trouble trying for a repeat win.
#2 – Richmond Hts. – Not as many State champs as Licking Hts., but they do have better all-around team strength. Richards, Potokar, Smrtnik, and Suszek are their top four, but they have some chance of scoring more points with other potential qualifiers. Still, it looks like another runner-up trophy for Coach Mike Papouras.
#3 – Newbury – Three wrestlers will carry Newbury’s chances at Columbus, and all three will need to place high for Newbury to move up a notch from last year’s 4th place team finish. The Key(es) factor will be Jerome at 126# and how well he can do at a tough weight class.
#4 – Sandusky St. Mary’s – The three-spot qualifying District gives them the opportunity to get more boys to Columbus. They have solid depth, but whether they have enough top-flight kids is the big problem.
#5 – Alder – Another team hurt by the Columbus District’s one-man qualifying formula. Stalnaker, Troyer, and Hilliard are all potential high-place winners, but it’s difficult to see who else can help them.
#6 – Cardinal – They have outstanding potential, but the problem will be to get enough boys through that 2-man district. Pairings may be the key element in their success equation, along with outstanding performances by many of their wrestlers just on the fringe of excellence. A strong performance could put them in the Top 3.
#7 – Fremont St. Joe – An improving team that could get enough boys to Columbus to make a big difference. Guyer, McKinney, Meyer, and Jay are their team leaders.
#8 – Hillsdale – With a sure champion in Glass, they need strong work from Bennett and Gibson to make the Top 10. Either that or a surprise by one of their other good boys.
#9 – Black River – Fine upper-weight strength could be dissipated in the Cleveland District where competition will be fierce. Grieve along with Morgan, Gray, and Ingraham are the heart of the team.
#10 – Ashland Crestview – A sure champ in Reggie Johnson could pave the way for a move into the Top 10. Lambright and Rob Gray will have to help if that is to become a reality.
Other Top Teams: Berkshire, Ledgemont, Arcadia, Williamsburg, Sarahsville Shenendoah, Edgerton, and Cuyahoga Hts.
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