1980 Brakeman Report

1980 High School Wrestling Forecast
9th Annual Edition
Written by Brian F. Brakeman

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Introduction

Every wrestling fan likes to believe that his particular locale has the best wrestling and the fiercest wrestlers in the nation. During the last couple years we, Ohioans, surely felt this way, and there is substantial evidence that suggests we may even have been right. Last season alone, this state produced such blue-chippers as Zimmer, Grasinger, Potokar, East, Blazeff, Coffing, and Leonino along with a whole host of others who are collegiate starters as freshmen. It was, to say the least, a phenomenal recruiting year for the colleges.

However, in 1980 we must face a sterner reality — one that says high school wrestling in this state is way below last year’s high level, and, in fact, is not as strong as even a normal season. In 1979 I could name 50 recruitable wrestlers and more than a dozen outstanding prospects. This year’s crop of seniors contains no more than a 15 top-flight boys and, maybe, a half dozen blue-chippers. Kalski, Potts, Mason, and DiSabato stand out in my mind and three or four others come close to this level. But this is nowhere near the quantities we saw last year.

A by-product of this is that we’ll see a lot less good wrestling than anytime since 1976. However, don’t get real discouraged because the junior class is strong and next year that group could come close to the 1979 seniors. Even now I foresee at least 20 of their number being strongly recruited by big-time college coaches.

Nonetheless, this leveling off we see in 1980 should result in very even com-petition. With the lack of many true superstars we’ll enter a time of “dog-eat-dog” weight classes where any of, at least, 10 boys can win the state crown. This makes the forecasting business somewhat more perilous than when you have just one or two boys so good that you know they have to win. It also means that we’ll see a bevy of upsets and boys who finish 3rd or 4th in a District winning the state crown the following weekend.

As I mentioned last year, the real object of these annual reports is two-fold in nature: 1) To acquaint everyone with the cast of characters at each weight class; and 2) to stimulate discussion in the state tourney process from sectionals through states. I feel duty-bound (since I did well) to summarize, at this time, last year’s forecast. In “AAA” all 13 of my choices finished 3rd or better with eight winning titles, while in “A” nine of my picks won. That’s the “high water” mark in 10 years of predictions, and one which will be hard to match in this topsy-turvy year.

Finally, it’s about time the coaches take charge and change the current weight certification rule. What a shoddy system that allows boys to wrestle at weights they never have truly made. What’s worse, in December and January, boys are worrying more about weight classes than wrestling. If you’ve made 138# in Dec-ember, the temptation is irresistible to cut to 134#. So, instead of stopping excessive weight reduction, it is actually encouraging additional weight losses. I must have personally been contacted by 50 coaches trying to place their wrestlers at the best (least competition) weight class. Remember with the old certification system we gave two pounds in January after you made the original weight, not before you made it.

I haven’t talked to three coaches who like the present procedure, and it’s about time the majority got together and took the proper action.

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AAA

As I mentioned in the introduction, this is not a strong wrestling year in Ohio. This is particularly evident is “A” and “AAA” where the number of top quality wrestlers is substantially lower than last year. Generally my biggest problem the past few years has been trying to choose from among three or more super candidates at each weight. This year there are at least three AAA weights where I have trouble finding even one wrestler I can visualize as state champ-ion. Amazingly, there are also three or four weights loaded with good wrestlers so that this “clumping” effect makes almost every choice a challenge.

One historical fact to make use of in AAA is the dominance of the Northeast District (the Cleveland and Akron Districts). Last year this one area accounted for 11 of the 13 champs and nine runners-up — they had 17 finalists the year before. This year should see the same trend as both Columbus and Toledo AAA are still down and the Southwest District has not improved that much.

98#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Randy Mann (Toledo Whitmer)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Horning (Walsh)
3. Ruby (Fairfield)
4. Cordiak (Maple Hts.)
5. McCarthy (St. Eds)
6. Kent (Sylvania Southview)
7. Edwards (Galloway Westland)
8. Pronnersberger (Fitch)
9. Saeger (Marietta)
10. Farber (Lakota)

It seems highly unfair that one of the most difficult of my 39 forecasts should be the first one you read. Traditionally the 98# class is hard to evaluate because so many underclassmen and first-year varsity boys wrestle here, and they do not have a lot of history to examine. This year it is even more difficult because of a mixture of experience and talent that extends throughout the state.

My choice — after some agonizing deliberation — is 1979 state runner-up Randy Mann. A battle-hardened senior, Mann is short, strong, and quick. He has been beaten at 105# this year, but is perfect at 98#. Despite his good credentials, he is no “shoo-in” because he still, on occasion, makes the 5-point mistake. I place Horning and Ruby right behind Mann. Horning — 6th last year — shows real improvement and has been very aggressive and pin-conscious. He is exactly the kind of wrestler who can take advantage of any mental lapse by Mann. Ruby is in his 3rd campaign at 98# — he was 6th as a freshman but got upset in his District last year. He will enjoy a significant height advantage over Mann, and if he gets an early lead, will be tough to beat. He is probably the strongest rider of my top three choices. By the same token, he will find it tough to come from behind because he is not as aggressive as either Mann or Horning.

Cordiak and McCarthy are the leading contenders out of the Northeast District. Cordiak was one match from the State last year and is a well-disciplined and effective wrestler. McCarthy is a huge 98#er who will do well on the second days of tourneys. He can be scored against. Other people in this district to watch are Romero (Southview), the rapidly improving Dave McFarland (N. Olmsted), and the flashy but untested Pierson (Elyria). None of this trio seems in line for a place at Columbus.

Behind Horning in the Akron District lurks the very impressive Pronnerberger — winner of both the Kenston and North Canton Tourney. He faces solid competition from Miller (Louisville), Bogdan (Medina), and particularly the unknown Pizzino (Field). This boy could “sneak up” on some of the better wrestlers and really surprise them. The freshman Coghill (Nordonia) looked bad in his one match at the Brecksville Tourney, but has been solid since then. He could help Nordonia’s team chances with a qualifying spot at their district.

I’m impressed with the depth at this weight in Toledo. Besides Mann, there is the surprisingly good Kent and four other quality wrestlers — any of whom might defeat Kent for that second and last qualifying space. This includes the Watterson Champ Krall (TSF), the Rogers Champ Peters (Clay), the Miami Champ Ramirez (Waite), and the Brecksville runner-up McCarty (Sandusky). This is really a fine group, and Mann will indeed be battle-hardened by the time he escapes from this District.

Edwards — a state qualifier last year — leads the Columbus group with Ciminello (Newark) my second choice. One of these might be able to grab a low place. A real surprise might be Jim Saeger. He has been most impressive in his area, but the competition is suspect. This is one boy from that area, though, who can do well against wrestlers from any area.

Finally, in the Southwest area Ruby is backed up by Farber (Lakota), Renner (Troy), and Perrino (St. X). These names will likely be on the state bracket sheet, but, except for Ruby, they will not be in the competition for long.

105#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Joe McFarland (North Olmsted)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Butler (St. X)
3. Colon (Southview)

OTHER CONTENDERS

4. Funk (Cloverleaf)
5. Delvecchio (St. Eds)
6. Arlen (Galion)
7. Ilg (Tallmadge)
8. Berry (Maumee)
9. McMann (Chillicothe)
10. Budnar (Euclid)
11. Mears (North Canton)

This should be strictly a two-man show. Defending state champ McFarland has been, to understate it, simply awesome. He looks virtually unbeatable. Still relatively small for the weight, he is so fast and so skilled that nobody has been within 10 points of him. His only real competition is Butler, who he beat 10-3 last year. Still, Butler is now bigger and stronger and has learned more wrestling. He should come closer than seven points this year.

The Cleveland District has at least a half dozen boys good enough to place. Since only three besides McFarland will get to St. John’s Arena, that analysis is in some ways redundant. I particularly like the strong, conservative Colon, the flashy Funk, and the strong, but erratic Delvecchio. Behind them, waiting for just one small opening are former state qualifiers Budnar (Euclid) and Notte (Madison), and the very excellent Kerr (John Marshall). This is fine depth for just one district and should provoke some fierce competition. It’s interesting that the North Canton Champ and Brecksville and Watterson runner-up Craig Peterjohn (St. Eds) can no longer make his team’s varsity. If Delvecchio is injured or has weight problems, this freshman certainly has state possibilities.

In the Akron area, Velimesis (Revere), Mears (North Canton), Sterner (Jackson), and Reed (Springfield) seem the likeliest choices to following to Columbus. Also, watch the freshman Randall (Akron North) down from 112# — he is going to be a good one. This is not a power-laden group, nor do I see much in the way of strength in the Central District. However, McMann (Chillicothe) should represent the southeast, and he is much stronger than a normal contender out of that area.

In Toledo, Arlen and Berry would seem dominant with not much pushing them. Somehow Berry has never lived up to his potential, but I keep expecting him to really move into the upper echelons of his weight class someday. State Qualifier Barnes (Tecumseh) follows Butler out of the Southwest, but he, along with Perry (Wayne) and Bell (Lakota), are not causing many sleepless nights. A real sleeper might be Dulle (Purcell), who has compiled a 14-0 record although against weak competition.

112#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Dane Tussel (Nordonia)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Wright (St. Eds)
3. Trivett (Elyria)
4. Sinko (N.O.)
5. Bryson (Medina)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Ramsay (Westlake)
7. Escolas (Galloway Westland)
8. Dillon (Clayton Northmont)
9. Porter (Tallmadge)

One of the best weight classes in the state. Yes, and I know Wright beat Tussel 10-2 at the Brecksville in about as convincing a manner as possible. Still, Nordonia has made a habit of coming back from Christmas losses to win state crowns, and that had to be the worst match I ever saw a two-time state champ wrestle. So I think that when it really counts Tussel will be able to get away from Wright and score enough to win.

But don’t downgrade the fabulous junior from St. Eds. He’ll be a top blue chipper for the recruiters next year. He’s super on his feet, has good rides, and is now strong enough to “stick” people. He almost beat Tussel at last year’s state meet, and he dominated him at the Brecksville, so he knows he can go with him. That fact may be the mental edge that makes me wrong and Wright champ. The Cleveland District also has the great Sinko, solid Trivett, and promising Ramsey. What could well happen is that these last three with Wilhelm (Southview) — will all exit from the same sectional and completely “mess up” the District pairings.

I’ve never understood why Bryson hasn’t done better, but I believe he and Porter will get through the Akron District with Tussel. On a good weekend, Bryson could place at states.

In Columbus, Escolas stands out with little of substance behind him. Perhaps Ramirez (Worth) or Lutton (Reynoldsburg) will join him at St. Johns, but I suspect some dark horse will be the second qualifier. In the Southwest District, there is Dillon — and then just a bunch of no-names. Kruesch (Vandalia) and Mechlenberg (Centerville) seem like the two best, but it really makes little difference as the Cleveland and Akron districts will dominate this weight.

Toledo is led by the non-descript Jeffire (Bowling Green) and Kelsey (Maumee). Kahle (Clay) could be a threat, and he might help Clay’s chances of getting into the top five. Crow (Dover) seems the best out of the Southeast District.

119#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Jeff Bentley (Kent Roosevelt)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Decatur (Buchtel)
3. Scholtz (N. Royalton)
4. Ruby (Clay)
5. Welch (St. Eds)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Matthews (Mansfield)
7. Creps (Bay)
8. Maimone (Ravenna)
9. Martin (Worthington)
10. Britton (Eastlake North)

The Akron District dominates this weight class with three boys in the Top Ten, including the first two choices. Since three wrestlers exit this district, this trio should be the dominant feature of this weight class at Columbus. I’ve chosen Bentley because he is relatively mistake-free and is mentally sharp for big tourneys. Decatur has better ability and can pin at any time, but I don’t think he can win four high-pressure matches. Maimone has already beaten Vance this year — when Vance came briefly down to 119# — and now that he’s comfortable at this weight should become a strong force. He well could grab a place at Columbus, too. This group will provide rugged competition for anyone.

In Cleveland, state runner-up in 1978, John Scholtz is the best bet to upset the Akron applecart. Very conservative, he nonetheless knows how to win and can handle the pressure. Anybody who lets him get a lead can just about forget winning. I like Welch and Creps best after him at this weight. Both are juniors with good potential and adequate skills. I don’t see them beating the Akron boys, though. Behind them is a “cast of thousands” at 119# with a state qualifying chance. Britton (E-N), qualified at 98# last year, but has been uneven this year. Inghram (Wickliffe), Bell (Cloverleaf), Beaune (NO), and Sestito (Berea) all have a chance to do something if they have a hot district weekend. Frankly, what we have in this district is a lot of journeymen nearly equal in ability with draw factors playing a large role in the state selection process.

The Columbus area is led by Martin and possibly Stallings (Columbus South), but again this group isn’t causing any nightmares. The same can be said for the Southwest District where Johnson (Princeton), Valentine (St. X), and Townsley (Oak Hills) lead a mediocre pack.

However, the Toledo group has some potential. Rex Ruby forms the first part of a great one-two punch for Clay, and Todd Matthews now at Mansfield — has good raw ability. They should play an important role at the state meet. McIntyre (Maumee) and Owens (Malabar) are their major competition there.

126#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Jim Mason (St. Eds)

TOP CONTENDER

2. Hinajosa (Clay)

OTHER CONTENDERS

3. Vance (Nordonia)
4. Jaynes (Worthington)
5. Horner (Maple Hts.)
6. Gallup (Defiance)
7. Mullins (Lakota)
8. Topoly (E-N)
9. Wenger (Copley)
10. Zingale (North Olmsted)

I see this as strictly a two-man battle with Mason a good distance ahead of Jim Hinajosa. Mason has placed 3rd and 2nd the last two years and is down to his last chance for a state title. His career is amazingly parallel to that of his much older brother Bob (he’ll love that intro) who placed as a sophomore and junior — losing both times to the same school — and then winning his senior year. Jim, too, has lost both times to Nordonia — his only career losses — but he, too, should win this year. He is the greatest middle-weight pinner during the last two decades and should end up with well over 100 victories and 80 pins.

Hinajosa placed as a sophomore, but got squeezed out last year after a practically perfect season. This boy specializes in shut-outs, and about 90 percent of his wins show the opposition not scoring. That’s why Mason will have to take him down to win. This boy can ride, and he will hug a lead for all it’s worth. Not a pinner like Mason, he nonetheless makes few mistakes and will not “blow” a lead. Mason had problems with a similar wrestler, Cole, and could not escape.

Nobody else should do much here. In Cleveland, Horner, Zingale, and Topoly would have to be favored as the other three state qualifiers. However, I particularly like Sabatino (Mayfield) and Peterson (Chardon) as dark-horse contenders followed by a whole host of journeymen types, including the enigmatic Fritz (Shaker). Any boy that pins 90 percent of his opponents must have something, but he also has a strange history when you examine his overall record.

Vance was originally written in at 119#, but has moved back to 126# after several weeks at the lower weight. He is the best of a relatively weak group, but he’s just too small to win against somebody like Mason. Right now I rate Wenger and young Grasinger (North Canton) above state qualifier Brumbaugh, who has had an off year, and if that holds, the Tallmadge boy won’t get to Columbus.

In Columbus, Jaynes looks like the top contender, followed closely by the flashy Troutman (Hilliard), while in the Northwest, Hinajosa is backed up by state qualifier Gallup and Miller (Galion). Someone to keep an eye out for is Lee Smith (Findlay). Ineligible for the first semester, this boy is a former state qualifier with tremendous quickness and agility. Whether this can be harnessed in time for the state meet — if he regains his eligibility — could be an important question.

In the Southwest, Mullins stands out despite his one early defeat. Other potential qualifiers are group state qualifier Skinn (Xenia Beavercreed), Crosley (Vandalia Butler), and Mayer (Dayton Wayne). This is not, except possibly for Mullins, an awe-inspiring group.

132#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Rick Wilson (Stow)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Cantini (Fairview)
3. Comacho (Lorain Southview)
4. Shellhaus (Nordonia)

OTHER CONTENDERS

5. Viviani (Lake Catholic)
6. Fishietto (Garfield Hts.)
7. Milligan (Gahenna Lincoln)
8. Parsons (Fairborn Park Hills)
9. Simmons (Willoughby South)
10. Elinsky (St. Eds)

This is the kind of weight class you just love to see. It contains a number of outstanding wrestlers, and the competition should be fierce and at a high level. Choosing between the top four boys is one of the most difficult tasks of this year.

My top pick is Rich Wilson, who was about 15 seconds from beating state champion Mark Ciccarello in the semi-finals in overtime. Not only does he have excellent experience, but he has also made major improvements to his wrestling repertoire. No longer does he win a lot of close matches; instead, his margins are huge.

Still, Wilson will face stiff competition. Two-time state place winner, Ron Cantini, is ultra-swift, and he knows something about how to win. He, too, has looked awesome this year. And then there’s the super-strong Jose Comacho, who is one of the most impressive wrestlers I’ve seen this year. This boy is powerful and he knows wrestling besides — down from 138# he will be the physically toughest boy at this weight class. Right alongside is the flashy Shellhaus — a state qualifier last year — and, on good days, the best kid at this weight.

How do you sort this out? Well, I like Wilson for overall consistency. Shellhaus, for example, has trouble wrestling four good matches in a row, and Cantini may well be worn down having to wrestle a string of boys much stronger than he is. Comacho can be outslicked, as happened last year with Babyak, and there are wrestlers at this weight class who can do it again. So in summary — go with Wilson — but be prepared to see some of the finest wrestling at this year’s tourney right here. One last point — don’t be shocked if Shellhaus goes to 138#. He is cutting a lot of weight, and he may judge the competition as less exacting up there.

Cleveland is loaded with good boys at this weight. Viviani, Fishietto, and Simmons will all challenge Cantini and Comacho — although unsuccessfully. Viviani, in particular, is difficult to wrestle at any time, but impossible when he’s ahead. Don’t let him get that lead. McIntosh (Cleveland Hts.), Oddo (Westlake), and Varga (Chardon) also have some potential. Watch the sophomores Oddo and Elinsky improve through the year, and you’ll guess that those two families may yet capture a state title someday soon. Two other contenders, Zingale and Topoly, bailed out to 126#, and I don’t blame them.

After Shellhaus and Wilson, the one remaining state spot will probably be a contest between King (Tallmadge), Dunfee (Ravenna), and Nye (Revere), while in Columbus, I don’t see much after Milligan. Maybe a Biccari (Westerville North) will get that second state spot or perhaps, Hunt (Newark).

The people in Toledo leave me cold. Boys like Ryan (Clay) and Lefler (Toledo St. Francis) are probably the best they have, but they are not nearly good enough. However, in the southwest, Parsons, ranked 8th, looks like a possibility for a low place. He has been solid so far this year. Mediocrity should mark the other three qualifiers from that area.

138#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Alan Childers (Brunswick)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Blazeff (Stow)
3. Zippert (St. Josephs)
4. Carnes (Troy)
5. Becka (Padua)
6. Burton (Toledo Rogers)
7. Plott (Bay)
8. Chapman (Willoughby South)
9. Kim (Fairview)
10. Parks (Fremont Ross)
11. Kunkel (Vandalia Butler)

NOTE: If Shellhaus competes at this weight, he would rank 2nd.

Every year I take a chance on a long-shot, and this year it’s going to be Alan Childers. State runner-up at 105# two years ago, he has grown into an excellent middleweight, and he is also battle-hardened due to his experience gained in the last three years of tough competition. He will need it to win a series of close matches in this evenly balanced weight.

Besides Childers, the Cleveland District boasts state “AA” place-winner Zippert, state qualifier Becka, and the trio of Plott, Kim, and Chapman. That’s six boys, and only four will qualify. The draw at District will probably be a significant determinant in this choice. However, I think that Kim, with only one move, that fierce headlock, will have trouble. But frankly, this District is up for grabs. There will be more weak wrestlers in the state 16-man bracket than in the Cleveland District bracket. One note: I suspect that this weight may well have some surprises. I would not be surprised to see Shellhaus or Elinsky at 138#, and there are some Cleveland area wrestlers besides all I have named with upset potential. For example, Grachling (Lake Catholic) – when he’s right or Silvestro (St. Eds) – if at this weight – or Sean Welch (St. Eds) on a good day.

Akron, too, has some depth with Blazeff backed up by Higgins (Revere), Humbert (North Canton), and Robinson (Akron East) with the possible addition of Shellhaus.

I see next to nothing in Columbus, and the depth in the Southwest is suspect. After Carnes and Kunkel, Smith (Elder) looks to be far behind, with anyone else still further back. Mowery (Dover) or Dilley (Lancaster) should be the one Southeast qualifier.

However, there are some interesting matchups in Toledo. Burton and Parks are both good, although Burton usually wins their individual encounters. But Delong (Toledo St. Francis), Hook (Vermilion), and Peters (Oregon Clay) also have good potential. In the past, you might worry that Burton and Parks would get caught in the same half of the draw and not qualify. However, the “true second” wrestle-off should help eliminate that unfair situation.

145#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Paul Bartalone (St. Josephs)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Bridges (Toledo Whitmer)
3. McGuire (Akron North)
4. Zingales (St. Eds)
5. Liggett (Padua)
6. Lee (Medina)
7. Pitten (Brecksville)
8. Corbitt (Dayton Wayne)
9. Baker (Fairmount East)

This weight class seemed quite representative. However, events since then have indicated that this weight is not as good as anticipated and should provide opportunities for many boys to, at least, place.

My choice is the big junior from St. Joe’s, Paul Bartalone. A surprise runner-up last year at 138#, he won the World Age-Group (under 16) crown this past summer and is undefeated this year. However, he is certainly not upset-proof, and he should be severely tested at both the district and state.

Bridges was most impressive at the Revere Tourney while campaigning at 155#, and should be even better at the lower weight. He should dominate the Northwest District, which also features Bailey (Lima Shawnee) and Brimmer (Toledo Rogers). I’ve always liked Lyddy (Toledo St. John), but it does not appear he can reach the state level now.

McGuire, my 3rd pick, is going for a third state tourney appearance and should easily qualify. He has lost by two points to Bartalone several times, but that is not an insurmountable difference. I’m also impressed by the powerful sophomore Micah Lee who has the look of a state champion – if not this year – then in 1981 or 1982. Kjell (Barberton), Musser (Copley), and White (Jackson) are all possibilities at this weight for a state trip, but I warn them about Mike Hansinger (Nordonia). Down from 167#, he could be a major surprise at both the district and state levels. If I had a little more history to work with, he might well have made my top six.

In Cleveland, the trio of Zingales, Liggett, and Pitten back up Bartalone. Since all three of these boys exit from the Lakewood Sectional, I worry that the 2nd and 3rd place finishers will get in the same half of the draw with Bartalone at District – automatically eliminating one of them. Besides, they each have exhibited serious flaws that could hamper their state aspirations. Liggett, for example, has lost three times already, even though he was the early favorite for the state crown. I wonder if his knee surgery has affected his conditioning or his mobility, or whether his district disappointments last year have dulled his competitive drive. Pitten’s big drawback is inexperience. Plagued by injuries, this is really his first year of varsity wrestling, and even now, he has missed the Brecksville Tourney and several duals. Who knows how he’ll react at a big tourney. Zingales lends new meaning to the word erratic and has expanded our working knowledge of the concept of flakiness. If he learns to wrestle six minutes with intensity, he will place high. Other contenders will be three SWC wrestlers – Nickel (Bay), Sturm (North Olmsted), and possibly Dowe (Westlake). 5TH Watterson champ, Corbitt, and U. of D. champ Baker lead the Southwest District. I don’t think they’re good for much more than a low place. Troutman (Sycamore) is undefeated at this time and may be a real “comer” out of that area. Still not an imposing lot. Watring (Westland) is the only 145# wrestler in Columbus that would appear to have even a remote chance of making any impact.

155#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Bob Brnilovich (Nordonia)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Whitehair (Madison)
3. Beshara (Westerville North)
4. Mey (Vermillion)
5. Watts (Princeton)
6. Waryk (Strongsville)
7. Marr (Clayton Northmont)
8. Walker (Galion)
9. Giulitto (Kent Roosevelt)
10. McLaughlin (North Canton)

This is a very weak weight class for the “AAA” level. It is the kind of situa-tion where a merely good wrestler on a torrid weekend could win the first place trophy.

My choice is Brnilovich who has looked very impressive in his appearances this year. A little small for the weight (he probably could make 145#), he combines quickness and good technical skills with mental toughness to win. If he wins, it will take victories in close matches and I think Brnilovich has the experience to win this type of match.

Whitehair placed 5th at this weight last year, and constitutes the biggest threat to Brnilovich. However, he can be “outslicked”, and that’s where the Nordonia boy holds a clear advantage in my mind. However, Whitehair gets a lot of fast pins which make tournaments easier, and can eliminate a lot of potential mis-takes.

Beyond these two the field thins out even more. Beshara and Waryk have plenty of experience and good skills, but the best they can expect is some kind of place. Mey and Watts both qualified for Columbus at this weight last year, but I don’t see the improvement that I think is needed to win it all.

In the Cleveland area Whitehair will be challenged by Waryk, and possibly by Elbin (St. Eds), Sellers (Bay), and Wise (Cloverleaf). It’s hard for me to even picture these last two going to Columbus so the race up here is wide open.

All in all, there just isn’t that much to say about this weight because its quality content is such that huge surprises could happen.

167#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Phil Welch (St. Edwards)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Cooper (Boardman)
3. Amundson (Solon)
4. Kolopus (North Canton)
5. Larkin (Lake Catholic)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Black (Dover)
7. Bussell (Lebanon)
8. Cromley (Bowling Green)
9. Parker (Copley)
10. Palmisano (Willoughby South)
11. Lawer (Berea)

This is not an imposing weight class. Defending state champ Welch is again the favorite with last year’s runner-up, Cooper, still a step behind. Welch started the year rather slowly, but now seems to be regaining top form. I think his loss to “AA” choice, Schaeffer, reminded him that he still could be defeated. He won the crown last year by being invincible in close matches, and if he wins it this year, it will take that same talent.

The crew behind him come from a mixed bag of schools. Places like Lebanon, Dover, and Bowling Green have not, in the past, been famous wrestling areas, and yet they have possible contenders at this weight. Parker and Palmisano are something of unknown quantities, and they may do very well or not get out of the sectional. Much depends on Parker’s youth and Palmisano’s problem with the injury jinx.

The two other top contenders that capture my imagination, though, are Kolopus and Amundson. Both these young men have outstanding talent and strength. Neither, though, has state experience and that could be a real problem. However, to off-set that both have great competition in the room — most notably McLaughlin and Genovese. Thus, while not well known, they could well prove Welch’s strongest competition. I think he can beat Cooper again, and quite easily, by wrestling on his feet. However, if these others meet Welch early or get by the mat-tough Cooper that strategy may not work. It should be interesting.

175#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tom Kalski (St. Edwards)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Turchin (Norton)
3. Dake (Westlake)
4. Dierker (Cincy St. X)
5. Osborne (Westerville North)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Wunderle (Brunswick)
7. Tim Fowler (Akron Buchtel)
8. Genovese (Solon)

A strong weight class dominated by Tom Kalski, who I rate as the best college prospect in the state. Kalski — runner-up last year in the worst decision of the year — is a superbly conditioned athlete with exceptional wrestling skills. Equally good on his feet or on the mat, he should win most of his tournament matches with ease — assuming he can overcome his tendency toward a host of very minor injuries.

One match that will probably prove most difficult is his rematch with Turchin — whom he defeated 4-3 last year. As a sophomore, he was excellent on his feet, going aggressively after every takedown. Since then he seems to have lost that aggressiveness in important matches, but he is still devilishly hard to take down. His defenses are superb. Twice a state place winner himself, he will be Kalski’s biggest obstacle.

Dake is one of those kids who just loves to wrestle, and his scores generally end up with both competitors in or near double figures. He has faced a difficult decision — whether to challenge Welch at 167# or Kalski here. In both cases, he would be an underdog — albeit a very dangerous one. Probably his best chance for the title is at 185#, though he is probably not quite big enough for that weight. Nonetheless, he is very strong at 175# and cannot be overlooked even by Kalski. He just won’t quit and he can score a lot of points very rapidly.

Dierker is 18-0 at the moment with 13 pins, and may be the physically strongest boy at this weight. However, he has not faced top-flight competition, and will not be ready for the tough Northeast boys.

In fact, the Cleveland and Akron Districts appear to have all the place contenders, but Dierker and Osborne. In Cleveland, Kalski and Dake will be backed up by Wunderle (who lost to Turchin in overtime), Genovese, and Tanski (Wickliffe). This is a very strong group, and I also like (though he may not yet be ready) the scrappy sophomore Matteucci (Eastlake North).

In Akron, Turchin and Fowler will face such stalwarts as Malinowski (Jackson), Dillon (Barberton), Block (Glen Oak), Rhyter (Nordonia), and Petko (Boardman). Again, this is a powerful group, and I believe that these two districts probably have 11 of the 12 wrestlers at this weight. Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know.

Some bracket-fillers from the rest of the state may include Walczak (Maumee), Padur (Oak Hills), Manfredi (Centerville), and Marzec (Woodward). I’ll be surprised if any of them place.

However, in Columbus, Osborne is down to this weight after campaigning successfully at 185#. He definitely has place potential and strengthens this weight class. Worthington (Westland) is my second district choice here.

185#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tony Fowler (Buchtel)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Stewart (Worthington)
3. Taylor (Fairfield)
4. Black (Brunswick)

OTHER CONTENDERS

5. Robinson (Southview)
6. Swantek (Woodward)
7. Black (St. Eds)
8. Burt (Akron East)
9. Hoffman (Medina)

This is a very weak weight. The good boys in both “AA” and “A” would just cruise to the championship in this class. I cannot visualize any of these boys being crowned “AAA” state champ, so look for a long shot to win.

Fowler was 5th last year and has lost only to “AA” competition this year. He is strong and quick and may be powerful enough to overcome some technical deficiencies. He exits from a tough district that also features Burt (Akron East), Carmicheal (Howland), and Elias (Stow). This latter lad could help Stow a lot in the team competition if he can get to Columbus. Two other important factors are Hoffman (Medina) and Preston (Harding). Hoffman would have been in my top group except for a freakishly broken arm incurred at the Medina Tourney. Whether he can recover in time for the tourneys and still wrestle effectively is open to question. Preston, now a senior, placed at this weight as a sophomore, but has been inactive this year. If he chooses to compete he will be a factor.

In Cleveland, Robinson and Black — if they are both healthy — appear to lead a very mediocre group. Both have good size and strength but not enough to challenge the real good boys. Blanc (St. Eds) is a 175# who can’t beat out Kalski and is forced to compete at this weight. He has excellent technique and balance but will be out-muscled by the bigger boys. Kijauskas (St. Joe) and Mercadante (Midpark) retain slight possibilities for a trip to Columbus. Gulasey (John Marshall) has great potential, but the school strike and lack of competition may have put him too far back to catch up. However, he could pull a “Matt Semary” and wrestle his way into the state competition. He has better tools than some of the above people if he can get his conditioning program moving forward.

Stewart dominates in Columbus, while the Toledo participants are pretty much unknown. Swantek was 4th in their district last year and Colchagoff (Rogers) and Curren (Marion Harding) seem to be his main competition.

Taylor has had a very rocky start for Fairfield, losing or drawing most of his early matches. Still, he has won on the state level so you can’t question his overall ability. Behind him stand such also-rans as Vitale (Lakota) and Foliano (Fairborn Baker).

HVY.

PROJECTED CHAMP: Vaughn Broadnax (Xenia)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Dabrowski (Parma)
3. Mio (Padua)
4. Crecilius (Ashland)
5. Vitale (Lakota)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Kremar (Brecksville)
7. Prchlik (Strong.)
8. Tolle (Alliance)
9. Guiliani (West South)
10. Thompson (Rogers)

Another weak weight with a lot of imponderables to consider. The obvious choice is Broadnax — he was the only underclassman of the 16 qualifiers, and was a strong runner-up losing only 10-9 in the finals. However, he does not get much competition in his area, and his ability to go 6 minutes is very much in doubt. For three minutes he is super — after that I wonder how things will go. Talent-wise he’s by far the best wrestler in this class. At this time he stands 14-0 with 14 pins, so maybe being able to go 6 minutes isn’t that crucial.

Interestingly enough, four of my top seven exit from the Lakewood Sectional. Bad pairings (three in one half the draw) could obviously make a hash of these ratings then. Dabrowski is the best of this lot and he has the kind of mental toughness to push Broadnax for six minutes — if he doesn’t get hopelessly behind early. Broadnax, at 6’4″, 250#, is about 30 pounds heavier than Dabrowski and he is also quicker. That means Dabrowski has to wrestle a much smarter match to win.

Mio is short for a 260# lad and is hard to do much against. He also has quick feet and “decent” technique and should go far. He has never made it out of the Sectional the last two years, though.

Crecilius leads the Toledo District followed by Thompson. Right behind them are the mammoth, but unschooled Bishop (Findley) at about 325# and Szych (Whitmer). I don’t see any of them but Crecilius creating much of a stir.

Vitale, at 265#, has good size and will have one big advantage — he exits from the same district as Broadnax. This means he’ll be in the opposite half of the bracket from him — a clear advantage. Matz (Lebanon) is another possibility from that area.

In Akron, Folle has won over most of the other contenders there, but injuries could slow him down. Nikitin (Stow) and Gradyan (Copley) are also possibilities along with the rather inexperienced Jackson (Mass. Jackson). Nikitin, if he can keep from being pinned by the really big guys, could help Stow in the team competition. A real dark horse is Blackwood who has gained 30 pounds over the summer and has shown tremendous improvement.

I don’t see much out of Columbus with Guiliani the best of a shaky lot. However, the usually weak Southeast has three acceptable candidates in Morrissey (Chillicothe), Cottle (Cambridge), and Tenoglia (Athens). The lucky one of that trio who gets to St. John’s could win a match or two.

TEAMS

1. St. Edwards
   Early in the year, I thought this team would be better than the two state championship squads of 1978 and 1979. I mean with a senior nucleus of Kalski, Mason, and Phil Welch and super juniors like Wright, Pat Welch, Zingales, Delvechio, and McCarthy, it looked like their best team in history. But it hasn’t worked out that way, at least not yet, as they’ve not been consistently aggressive or dominating. They may not want it as much as in the past, but still, they’re the big favorites. Also recall they start only four seniors so they’ll not be that bad in 1981.
2. Nordonia
   This team is better than I thought, and are the only squad with a chance of beating St. Edwards. Of course, everything would have to go perfectly for them, and St. Eds would have to stub their toes a few times for this to happen. Still, it is a possibility. What they need is two things: senior leadership from Tussel, Shellhaus, Brnilovich, and Hansinger and some points from the upper weight boys like Zampino, Senty, Rhyter, and Skelley. It also wouldn’t hurt if Vance, Coghili, and Glascott could contribute.
3. North Olmsted
   You start off with almost a sure champ in the awesome Joe McFarland. Mix in good performances from Sinko, Zingale, and Dave McFarland, and hope for good work from Beaune, Sturm, and perhaps Tusick.
4. Oregon Clay
   An unknown team with outstanding potential. Ruby and Hinajosa are their mainstays, but Jim Peters, Ryan, and Kahle all have state potential. In fact, Henneman and Bill Peters could also pitch in. The thing that could cause concern is that only Hinajosa has ever been to Columbus, and that was two years ago.
5. North Canton
   Many people are going to be surprised with the placement of this team, and this squad has the potential to make me really look bad. Still, my confidence is based on the foursome of Mears, Grasinger, McLaughlin, and Kolopus — not state champs but all with scoring potential in Columbus. In addition, three or four other boys like a Cubbage, a Humbert, or a Skemp could help out.
6. Lorain Southview
   A team that is tough to judge. Last year they had terrific potential (I picked them fourth), and then finished out of the top fifteen. But I haven’t given up on them — not with Comacho and Colon. Both should place high and should get help from Romero and Wilhelm. The key is the big 185# James Robinson, who, if healthy, could rack up some valuable points.
7. Akron Buchtel
   Strictly a three-man team. The two Fowlers and Decatur are the whole story, but in a fragmented state meet, that should be enough to make the top ten. However, there is no margin for error since there is no one to back them up.
8. Stow
   Last year their star-studded foursome elevated them into third place. This year it’s again four boys to carry the load, but they’re not nearly as strong. Still Wilson and Blazeff have state experience, and Elias and Nikitin are at easy weight classes. That could be enough to make the top five if all goes well.
9. Lakota
   Putting this team into the Top Ten is really a big gamble. However, they come out of a not-so-strong district and could get up to half a dozen boys to state, and then anything could happen. They’re best at the beginning and end; the skittery Farber at 98# and the massive Vitale at heavyweight. Other potential qualifiers include the other Vitale, Goodin.
10. Cincinnati St. Xavier
    Another team that should get four to six boys to Columbus. They are led, of course, by the sparkling Butler, and should also get points from Dierker. After that, Perrino, Valentine, Koopman, or Linz have to help out.
11. Padua
    This rating is based on the potential of three excellent wrestlers: Becka, Liggett, and Mio. Each could place at Columbus, and a healthy, well-motivated Liggett could win it all. Those three better do the job, since only Morrell has even the slightest chance of helping out.
12. Toledo Whitmer
    Mann and Bridges are just about the whole team, but two finalists score a lot of points. A couple of other boys like Szych could win a match or two at states.

---

AA

I talked about the generally lower levels of competition in both “AAA” and “A” in my introductions to those classes, but no such statement can be when talking about “AA”. Some of the best wrestling and wrestlers will be evident in this classification. One change — which in past years would have made a great deal of difference — is the addition of a 3rd qualifier from the Central District. This area has been, in past years, a fertile ground for outstanding “AA” wrestlers, and many good boys failed to get out of that old two-man district. Unfortunately, this year it won’t change much since that area is much weaker, and the third place won’t mean that much. Last year, as in “AAA”, this classification was dominated by the four-man Northeast District which produced eight champs and runner-ups. Those figures could rise in 1980.

Two major team additions have been made in this classification. Steubenville will drop from “AAA” and they bring back three former AAA qualifiers, and Perrysburg returns to AA with a number of good-looking prospects.

98#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Joe Wood (Columbus DeSales)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Emerick (Eaton)
3. Ellsworth (Pickerington)
4. Mariola (Chanel)
5. Florian (Highland)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Evans (Utica)
7. Conway (Akron Hoban)
8. Berger (Versailles)
9. Klee (Watterson)
10. Young (Shelby)
11. Strickland (Hannibal River)

I have to admit that I probably have as little feeling for this weight as any of the 39 forecasts in this report. I’ve gone with the freshman, Wood, only because I’ve seen him several times and he has been impressive. How he stacks up against many of these others is tough to say. I know he lost to Ellsworth, but his improvement will make up that difference. The Columbus area has four solid contenders for their three spots. Klee, ranked 9th, is the odd man out right now, but he’s good enough to win in the Northwest District which shows how important geography can be.

Cleveland appears to be dominated by freshmen. Mariola, Conway, and Florian all have extensive youth experience, but the first two could be overpowered by a strong junior or senior. Florian, on the other hand, is a large 98# who follows in a budding tradition at Highland. Freshmen 98# have placed at the state level the past two years, and I’m betting Florian will extend that streak one more year. He doesn’t have real good genes, but he’s making up for that with hard work. Other Northeast District contenders include Delisio (Olmsted Falls), Mills (Beachwood), Green (Minerva), and maybe Samuels (Orange).

In the Northwest, I see very little. Young looks like the best, but Opoka (Perrysburg) and Sevenish (Rossford) will challenge. Unless I’m missing somebody great, no one from this district should place.

In the Southwest, the senior Emerick should be the dominant figure. Berger, a state A qualifier, also could be a factor in that area. Just about the only champion I completely overlooked last year was Jim Jordan from St. Paris Graham at this weight. Well, he has a brother, Jeff, at this weight, and if it so happens he’s as good, I want to make sure I don’t overlook that family this year. One other boy might be another Hanson from Loveland Hurst.

In the East and Southeast areas about the only two names that have made any impact are Avon (Uhrichsville Claymont) and Brant (Vincent Warren). They’ll have trouble winning even one match in Columbus.

105#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Brian Bartz (Kenston)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Jordan (St. Paris Graham)
3. Rodriguez (Cardinal Stritch)
4. Depas (Highland)
5. Keil (Aurora)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Early (Buckeye Valley)
7. Brustoski (Woodridge)
8. Carter (Cadiz)
9. Ditcher (Whurchsville Claymont)
10. Haeuptle (Milan Edison)
11. Pantand (Greenhills)

This is another solid and very competitive weight class. For example, of my top 11 choices — eight have previous state experience with Jordan, a defending state champ from 98#, Keil, a runner-up, and Early, Brustoski, and Ditcher former place winners.

So with all that I’m choosing a boy who lost in the district quarter-finals last year, and has no state experience. Still he has twice won the Kenston Holiday Tourney and this year beat state “A” champ Adkins 10-8 in the finals. Jordan should be his toughest competition. Last year Jordan won a whole host of close matches to take the states, but I wonder whether he can do it again. Somebody seems due to get lucky against the young sophomore. Rodriguez, a state qualifier at 112# last year, should overpower a lot of boys at this weight class, but may not be quite ready to take the state crown. He still makes mistakes and doesn’t have the consistency needed to win it all. It’s interesting that this was the last weight out of 39 that I finalized, and I’ve had all three of these boys winning at one time or another.

Depas and Keil are both battle-hardened seniors with winning potential. Much, I think, will depend on their attitude as they enter the competition. Together with Bartz and Brustoski they make for a formidable foursome out of the Northeast District. Potential challengers to them are the freshman DiCola (Hoban), winner over Randy Mann at Revere, Constantino (Orange), and Van Tassel (Perry). Only DiCola of this group would seem to rate even a barely realistic shot at my top four, assuming the District pairings work out so that two are in each half of the draw.

Rodriguez and Haeuptle are my top picks out of the Northwest, but Carrisalez (Delta) and Chamberlain (Huron) should fight for that third spot. In the Central District, Early stands out from the rest of a mediocre crew. Perhaps Claprood (Utica) or Scott (Hamilton) can get through, but will certainly not challenge at St. Johns considering the caliber of the rest of the competition.

Carter and Ditcher come from the Eastern District which has done better recently. These two boys won’t disappoint either. The Southeast District is tough to judge, but Boney (Belpre) is the best bet. He has an excellent record this year.

In the Southwest, state champion Jordan towers over the field with state qualifiers Pantand and Bernholt (Versailles) way behind. Only Jordan will place out of this three-man qualifying area.

112#

PROJECTED CHAMP : Dave Sternberg (Beachwood)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Weirich (Oak Harbor)
3. Burton (Highland)
4. Lorence (Crestwood)
5. Sampson (Toledo Swanton)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Irvine (Wyoming)
7. Neely (Marysville)
8. DeLande (St. Clairsville)
9. Nixon (Akron Hobant)
10. Henderson (Jefferson)
11. Carter (Cadiz)

This is an excellent weight class, one of the best in the state. I’ve chosen defending state champ Sternberg since he has had a flawless campaign while winning at three different weights. What sets him apart in my mind is his mental toughness, which he’ll need in abundance considering his competition.

I know I’m going to hate myself for not picking three-time state qualifier Phil Weirich. Each year he’s improved from 5th to 4th to 3rd, so it’s obvious he’ll be runner-up this year. How’s that for subtle forecasting? Anyway, this boy is excellent and could easily win it all. And what a great year Rich Burton is having in 1979-80. He’s beaten some outstanding wrestlers and has probably faced the best competition of my top contenders. He, too, could be champ, as could Don Lorence, down from AAA and 119#. He’s beaten Pat Welch at 119# and has outstanding credentials in AAA the past several years. With the weight he must be cutting, he may have trouble the first day of tournaments, though. Sampson, a two-time winner of the Watterson Open, has great skills and might upset one of my top four boys, but it’s hard to see him winning it all. While Irvine is 14-0 right now and a former state qualifier, he’s not facing the real tough competition.

At any rate, that’s a super half dozen contenders, and they should produce some of the best moments of the 1980 State Tourney. The first four boys are virtually interchangeable, and if you’d wrestle 10 weekends in a row, you’d probably get 10 different combinations.

In the Northeast District, Sternberg, Burton, and Lorence appear to be cinches, but that fourth spot is wide open. At the moment, I favor Nixon or Henderson, but Newhart (Beloit West Branch), Lint (Columbus Station), Sullivan (Akron St. Vincent), and Wimsatt (Minerva) all could challenge. With only one spot open, the draw will tell a lot for that fourth spot. The key will be to get away from the half bracket that contains two of my top three candidates.

119#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tom Weiss (Beachwood)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Adams (Belpre)
3. Renton (Brooklyn)
4. Harpster (Conventry)
5. Zimmer (Watterson)
6. Eberly (Orrville)
7. Johnson (Pataskala Watkins Memorial)
8. Tank (Genoa)
9. Doug Blay (Oak Harbor)
10. Filby (Olentangy)

A solid, good quality weight class featuring two of last year’s state runner-ups, Weiss and Adams. I’ve gone with Weiss because he has wrestled a vigorous schedule and shown normal improvement. Adams wrestles in an area where he gets little in the way of real competition. It’s really a credit to the boy that he was second only to Mark Zimmer at this weight last year. What I worry about is that his skills will erode because they are not sufficiently tested. He failed to make the final eight at the Watterson Open, even though he won a narrow victory over Pat Welch.

The Northeast District, as is true in most every weight class, has a good number of potential place winners. After Weiss come Renton, Harpster, and Eberly, all good solid wrestlers. I’ve particularly liked what I’ve seen of Renton and Eberly, while Harpster did not particularly impress while he was up at 126#. However, he has generally done well in important competitions, getting to the state as a sophomore and failing by one match last year. State 6th place winner Brewster (Perry) appears to be in a position where he will not return to Columbus this year to try and better that mark. Other likely late losers at the district will be Kuzniakowski (Chanel), Bergh (Kenston), and Dieckman (Olmsted Falls), with the latter boy having the best chance to spring an upset.

In the Central District, Zimmer appears to have snapped out of his mid-season doldrums and leads a tough crew of 119’s. Johnson and Filby are also good enough to place and will add to the general confusion in the scramble for state places. The Northwest District is dominated by Tank and Blay, although Schneider (Wauseon) and Walls (Sandusky Perkins) aren’t that bad. Cisco (St. Marys Memorial) is one of the most physical 119’s in the state, but he just doesn’t have the skills to get to Columbus. In the Southeast, Wilson (Cincinnati Reading) and state qualifier Chang (Wyoming) have some experience. However, nobody from this area will place. Likewise, Strickland (Hannibal River) was 5th at 112# last year and just has no chance to win any kind of prize this year considering the quality of competition.

126#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Randy Cole (Uniontown Lake)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Mark Hoppel (Lisbon Beaver Local)
3. Helminiak (Holland Springfield)
4. Zeiler (Cardinal Stritch)
5. Duncan (Marion Pleasant)
6. Rice (Streetsboro)
7. Winter (Highland)
8. Iachini (Steubenville)
9. Krebs (Tipp City)
10. Dan Blay (Oak Harbor)

Another interesting weight class that contains a bevy of former state qualifiers. However, Cole will dominate the competition and will probably have less than a half dozen points scored against him in Columbus. Tall and deceptively strong, he seems to envelop the opponent, and suddenly there’s another victory added to the 74 he already has at Lake. He was 4th last year.

Hoppel and Rice are former state place-winners with impressive experience. They will be the favorites to go to Columbus, along with Cole, to form a most impressive trio. However, Rice has not peaked yet this year, and good credentials aside, he could be upset. If so, Winter seems the most likely prospect to accomplish this, although Cosentino (Chagrin Falls) and Urry (Olmsted Falls) are also tough. Again, the district competition will prove particularly fierce, especially for that fourth qualifying spot, at this weight. Let’s face it, 38 of the 52 Northeast qualifiers placed last year, and another dozen who didn’t make the trip could probably have also done so.

The Toledo trio of Helminiak, Zeiler, and Dan Blay are also talented. Both Zeiler and Blay are important cogs in their team’s efforts to place high in the Top Ten. Thus their matches will carry additional importance beyond just individual placement.

Duncan stands out around the rest of the state, along, maybe, with state qualifier Krebs. The Tipp City boy is down from 132# and he may outmuscle one of the favorites. Iachini is slick on his feet, but just gets destroyed on the mat. He is also a little small for the weight. Walsh (Bishop Hartley) is another real long-shot for a place at Columbus after his 5th place finish at Medina, while don’t overlook Shoemaker (St. Charles) as a real long-shot.

132#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Ricky Cole (Uniontown Lake)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Goodsite (Oak Harbor)
3. Kevin Dieckman (Olmsted Falls)
4. Stewart (Swanton)
5. Wiley (Aurora)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Bender (Martins Ferry)
7. Burkett (Tipp City)
8. Barton (Cardinal Stritch)
9. Gool (Proctorville Fairland)
10. Contino (Circleville)
11. Jacobs (Loveland Hurst)

Not a particularly strong weight, it’s dominated by the Northeast and Northwest Districts, and, especially, by identical twins. I have a particular interest and fondness for identical twins, but that’s not why I’m picking Cole, first, and Dieckman, third. Both are outstanding wrestlers, with Cole in his third state meet and Dieckman trying to defeat the district jinx. Last year I picked Kevin to win at this weight, but for the second straight year he disintegrated at Districts after winning his sectional. This year it should be different. However, Cole should dominate him as he does the rest of this weight class.

Tack on a non-twin, Wiley, and you have three excellent Northeast District wrestlers. The fourth spot, though, is wide open. In Toledo, their best three are all in the top ten with Goodsite, Barton, and Stewart all capable of placing. Again, there is nothing after them.

The rest of the state suffers by comparison at this weight. Still, Burkett, Bender, and Gool do have previous state experience while Jacobs has shown rapid improvement. Whether any of that will be enough to make much difference at Columbus is open to question.

138#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tim Timmons (Highland)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Crosier (Steubenville)
3. Ben Mincheff (Oak Harbor)
4. Lann (Akron Hoban)

OTHER CONTENDERS

5. Kerr (Cardinal Stritch)
6. Hines (Marion Pleasant)
7. McIntosh (Loveland Hurst) |
8. Bedford (Genoa)
9. Blackburn (Minerva)

Last year’s state finals were marred by two very poorly refereed bouts. Undoubtedly the worst one cost Tom Kalski a title, and close behind were a host of doubtful judgements which kept Timmons from winning as a sophomore. I anticipate that, this year, there will be no doubt as to the outcome as I expect him to dominate this relatively weak weight class. Brutally strong on the mat and mentally tough, he will be a blue chipper in 1981.

The unheralded Crosier should be his closest competition. Down from “AAA” where he qualified as a sophomore, this boy is smooth and smart. Excellent on his feet, he also can be physical, as we saw in his narrow 10-6 first-round loss to Pete Mascia. This year he defeated North Canton champ Humbert 16-3 in an early dual meet.

Mincheff was completely undefeated until the first round of states last year and has not lost this year while up one weight. I anticipate him performing much more up to his potential in the 1980 meet.

I’ve ranked Timmons and Lann from the Northeast District, and they appear to be a quantum jump ahead of anyone else here. Battling for the last two spots should be Trizzino (Chanel), Hochstetler (Orrville), Blackburn (Minerva), and Tulley (Crestwood). None of this second group is overwhelming, and outsiders at this weight have a good chance of “crashing through” and making it to Columbus.

In the Northwest, Mincheff is followed by the, I believe, undervalued Derr and Bedford. These two wrestlers, or possibly Fields (Edison), will make Columbus but will have trouble beating any of my top four.

Another long-shot might be Stimpert (Belpre) who comes from a pretty much unknown part of the state. He’ll be vying with the Central District kids who also appear weak. Besides Hines, wrestlers like Savely (Watterson), Klein (Pickerington), or Duncan (Buckeye Valley) are really pretty much unknown quantities.

145#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Iran (Butch) Lapsley (Beachwood)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Miller (Highland)
3. Hord (Columbus DeSales)
4. Carlos Mincheff (Oak Harbor)
5. Kirk Dieckman (Olmsted Falls)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Kouri (Akron Hoban)
7. Laughman (Casstown Miami East)
8. Dwelle (Bethel-Tate)
9. Massey (Woodridge)
10. Tluchowski (Steubenville)
11. Newell (Marion Pleasant)

This is one of the better weight classes in 1980. It contains four super juniors and a number of solid, experienced seniors. I’ve gone with the aggressive, flashy juniors, with Lapsley and Miller my choice as finalists. Lapsley was 5th last year, but only one week before he had defeated two-time state champ, Gus Kallai. Miller defeated Lapsley, 7-6, last year and has the potential to do it again. Both these boys have to remain aggressive to win. If they go conservative, they are gone. Dieckman, the other twin, was completely overshadowed by his brother Kevin until this year when suddenly Kirk has gone wild. He will give Miller trouble. Kouri, a place-winner last year, is solid and workmanlike but lacks the pyrotechnics of the other three. What worries me most is that three of these top Northeastern four will get in the same half of the draw, especially with Miller and Dieckman exiting the same district (along with Massey). If that happens, a less strong wrestler like Reighley (Elyria Catholic), Patsolic (Chanel), or Hissam (Kenston) could sneak in. A lot depends on the Normandy Sectional seeding since five of the top eight district boys come from there.

Mincheff and Hord would seem to dominate their areas, while Laughman and Dwelle stand supreme in the Southwest. Don’t forget two-time “A” state qualifier Paulus (Versailles) out of that same district. Tluchowski and Zascavage (Steubenville Central Catholic) should come out of the Eastern District.

155#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Phil Kokinakes (Perrysburg)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Gangle (Highland)
3. Kovacs (Cardinal Stritch)
4. DiFeo (Akron St. Vincent)
5. Clark (Sandusky Perkins)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Williamson (Brookville)
7. Maxwell (Uhrichsville Claymont)
8. Willett (Watterson)
9. Klemp (Coventry)

This is a weight that appears to be dominated by five wrestlers — three from the Northwest District and two from the Northeast. Perhaps a brief sketch of each is in order.

Kokinakes was an “AAA” sectional champ last year who has really come into his own this year with some outstanding victories, including a big win over Kovacs. Gangle, 6th last year, has a skein of 16 consecutive victories, including North Canton and Medina Tourney crowns. He has defeated both DiFeo and Kovacs. Kovacs, state runner-up at this weight, has not had it easy, getting whipped by my top two choices. However, this is a “hot and cold” wrestler who could win it all if he hits it right at Columbus. Both DiFeo and Clark are third-year wrestlers with good records and excellent skills. They stand a small step behind the first two. I’ve gone with Kokinakes because I think he can beat Gangle on his feet. If that turns out to be wrong, he’s doomed because Gangle should crush him on the mat. Kovacs is going to have to be sharper to stay even with the competition. Any more slippage could result in him falling into a non-placement position.

One other wrestler who has really impressed me is Klemp from Coventry. A non-starter last year, he has shown tremendous determination on the mat, and if he continues to improve, he could move up substantially in these ratings by March. Willett suffered a broken leg in football and may be rounding into shape now. He might sting an unwary favorite if they’re not careful.

In the Northeast District, Morocco (Brookfield), Mellinger (Beloit West Branch), Tromcyznski (Aurora), and Braun (Kenston) will fight for that one final District spot. In the Northwest, the capable Sheehe (Ontario) appears doomed to fourth behind my top three — unable to qualify for Columbus.

167#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Bill Schaeffer (Akron St. Vincent)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Walters (Streetsboro)
3. Walker (Elyria Catholic)
4. Moffett (Delaware Olentangy)
5. Rininger (Highland)
6. Kinnard (Milan Edison)
7. John Potts (Coventry) 1st
8. Dickman (Jefferson)
9. Berry (Toledo Swanton)
10. Kasper (Cardinal Stritch)

The Northeastern District is dynamite at this weight. State champion Bill Schaeffer leads the way with a perfect record and a brilliant 12-4 win over “AAA” champ Phil Welch. He has looked sensational. Walters is a state runner-up at this weight and has only lost once to an “AAA” wrestler by one point. He is very tough to stay with for six minutes. Walker is incredibly strong, and while not a close student of the sport, he is tremendously dangerous. Rininger, a 1979 state qualifier, has been plagued by injuries and will have to be at the top of his game, both physically and mentally, to make a return trip to St. Johns Arena. Potts, the third boy in that family line, has improved tremendously since last year and won the Medina Tourney in impressive fashion. Dickman has great skills but would find it easier to qualify in “AAA,” where he was the first half of last year. Tolin (Beachwood) and Erkilla (Perry) are both excellent, but what chance have they when there are four travel spots and eight outstanding wrestlers. That District will be unbelievably tough.

The rest of the state features the very good Moffett and the improving Kinnard. Both are former state qualifiers, and Moffett, in particular, could beat some of the Northeastern boys. Kinnard will be pushed by Berry and Kasper, with Eckert (Ontario) a strong choice for an upset here. Again, four state-caliber wrestlers in the Northwest and only three spots.

The remainder of Ohio shows state qualifiers Hile (Germantown Valley View), Wilford (Meigs), and Gross (Dayton Kiser). None of this group, despite their past successes, will challenge here.

175#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Corky Fields (Milan Edison)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Teece (Streetsboro)
3. Richards (Columbus DeSales)
4. Lane (Wauseon)
5. Lankford (Aurora)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Scribner (New Richmond)
7. Linton (Circleville)
8. Collier (Cardinal Stritch)
9. Loy (Chagrin Falls)

This is one of my long-shot picks. Fields isn’t even rated first in his own district by most people and, in fact, could have trouble beating a number of my top contenders. Still, he was 4th last year, and he brings to every match a great fighting heart.

Teece has gone up two weight classes this year and would probably be a 167#, except for teammate Walters. He is a real hustler on the mat and can be expected to outlast less well-conditioned contenders. Lankford and Loy, both down from 185#, should be his main competition in the Northeast District. Lankford, in particular, has good skills and will be a threat to anyone. The fourth spot will probably be quite weak as Donnelly (St. Thomas Aquinas), Parvin (Coventry), Boose (Twinsburg), and Render (Warrensville) vie for it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an unknown walk away with that fourth ticket to Columbus.

In the Northwest, Fields will be challenged by that outstanding junior, Todd Lane. Already twice a state qualifier, this boy may be maturing into a fine upper-weight contender. Collier, down from 185#, may be just a bit too slow to beat the really good boys at this weight.

Richards is a really superior wrestler and if he hadn’t been injured every time I saw DeSales, I might be tempted to pick him to win. This weight does not have any real “horses” that can throw people around, and that will help Richards. Linton and Spurgeon (Buckeye Valley) will be possible place threats, too.

Scribner got “bombed” twice at the state last year, but he may be ready to do more this year. Marty (Wyoming) and Jacoby (Greenhills) are possible shots to be his state colleagues from that area.

185#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Mike Potts (Coventry)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. John Eramo (Bishop Hartley)

OTHER CONTENDERS

3. Ridder (Eaton)
4. Rose (Beloit West Branch)
5. Fordenwalt (Orrville)
6. Albers (Versailles)
7. Caris (Millbury Lake)
8. Lewis (Circleville)

A fine weight class dominated by two outstanding seniors. Potts, defending state champ at 175#, is a tall rangy lad with fantastic leverage and a tremendous fall ratio. He is one of the few really top-flight college prospects in the state. He had eight pins in eleven bouts on last year’s tourney trail on his way to a 31-0 record, including three victories over the defending state champ.

Frankly, I thought Potts was unbeatable, but his over 40 match-winning streak was snapped in the MIT Tourney finals by John Eramo. John was 4th last year at 185#, and his last-second 6-5 win made believers out of a lot of people. An All-Ohio running back, he is shorter than Potts, but probably just as strong. My feeling is that the next time the two meet, Potts will be mentally more prepared and reverse that first decision. In either case, I hope that match is for the state title and not in some preliminary round.

Ridder, 5th last year at 175#, could be a factor, too. If he draws away from both Potts and Eramo, he could be a finalist and perhaps pull a big upset. I see him having a better chance against Eramo than Potts.

The Northeast District also has several other possible place contenders. State qualifier Rose and state alternate Fordenwalt should give everyone but the top two a real tussle, while Rice (Streetsboro) and Korman (Waterloo) could be factors.

In the Southwest, “A” place-winner Mike Albers should play an important role in the new “AA” competition he finds himself in. A 6-5 loser to Ridder this year, he should have state placement potential.

With three boys exiting Columbus, we should see a good crop of 185#’s led, of course, by the superior Eramo. I favor Lewis (Circleville) and Miller (Teays Valley) and believe that either one or both could cop a state place, though probably a low one. Schmidt (Sunbury Big Walnut), a sectional champ last year, could sneak in and grab that third spot, too.

There’s not much in the Northwest District at this weight, and I don’t anticipate those three qualifiers winning more than a couple of matches between them. Caris looks like the best bet to do even that, with Osterling (Huron), Swanger (Shelby), and Dellisanti (Milan Edison) other possibilities to make the trip. These boys look like first-round “meat” for the favorites.

HVY.

PROJECTED CHAMP: Frank Cherry (Bethel-Tate)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Royer (Watterson)
3. Roth (Coventry)
4. Fredericks (Circleville)
5. Cales (Washington Court House)
6. Winn (Minerva)
7. Hays (Steubenville)
8. McDonald (Sandusky Perkins)
9. Gergich (Toledo Swanton)
10. Sutter (Akron St. Vincent)

This is a weak weight class. There just isn’t that much to get excited about. Cherry appears to be by far the best choice. He is 24-0 with 23 pins, and that isn’t bad, no matter what the competition. I do know he pinned Mike Golic from Cleveland St. Joseph’s this year and last year almost pinned Chris Riehm before a piece of ill fortune stopped him.

Royer is the kind of competitor that can really clean up in this type of situation. A 167-pound starter last year, he is much quicker than the big boys and has better skills. He has been wrestling heady matches against 300-pounders and winning. However, one mistake will down him. He and Fredericks both should do well in this class of 1980.

Roth is another very small heavyweight. Mean and smart, he placed here last year. Not as quick as Royer, but stronger, he, too, will have to finesse the “monsters”. Cales, at about 300 pounds, is such a wrestler, and anytime somebody is that big, you’ve got to be careful.

McDonald and Gergich lead an uninspiring western contingent, with the third qualifying spot wide open. Nobody there, besides these two, will win a match in Columbus.

In the Northeast, the picture is wide open. Roth should qualify, and Winn and Sutter certainly have a good chance. Dincman (Orange) and Kurta (Twinsburg) are experienced, and the 370-pound Plovarchy (Buckeye) has some size. A good threat is Hartnagle (Orrville), overlooked by most experts this year. He lost a 7-5 match to Roth early in the year. The whole district is just plain uninspiring.

TEAMS

1. Highland – This is the deepest team at the “AA” level with a possibility of eight state qualifiers. The heart of the team is Gangle, Miller, Timmons, and Burton, but they’ll need help. A key man is Rininger who, if he can get out of that murderous district at 167#, will score at the state level. Depas, Winter, and Florian could also really help with good district and state performances. A team that lost state runner-up Dan May and still should win it all.
2. Oak Harbor – A team that must base its hopes on numbers. They must get six to eight boys to the state, and then hope to place a lot of them. Weirich, Goodsite, and both Mincheffs are very good. If the Blay brothers come through and maybe one other wrestler, they can gain that runner-up trophy.
3. Beachwood – The ideal tourney team. Sternberg, Weiss, and Lapsley are all narrow favorites for state crowns. Where more help will come from is unclear. Tolin is good but he’s at a murderous weight class. He’d do better at 175#. Mills and Kravitz are a distant chance to help.
4. Cardinal Stritch – Coach Tom Talbot has the same team every year. Great depth and kids named Derr, Kovacs, Barton just like always. The key folks, though, should be Rodriguez at 105, Kovacs at 155, and Zeiler at 126#. If they place high, the depth could really pay off, boosting them as high as second.
5. Coventry – Who’d have guessed it? This was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but they still have enough horses to make the Top Five. Mike Potts and Roth look real solid at 185# and HVY., and Harpster should be able to help out at 119#. If Klemp and John Potts can come through, this team will do just fine.
6. Columbus DeSales – I like Wood, Hord, and Richards, and that new three-man district might help get a couple others through, too. This team could finish high or like last year, if things go badly, they could be out of the top 20.
7. Streetsboro – Early in the year, I thought this team would rank much higher at this time. They’re solid with Walters and Teece, but both Rices (126# and 185#) have not yet wrestled anywhere near up to par. In addition, only Swaisgood has a chance to help out at the district or state level.
8. Uniontown Lake – This is a two-man, one-family team, but I feel reasonably that both Cole twins will be champs earning about 50 points overall. That will easily be good for 8th place.
9. Aurora – This team is led by the trio of Lankford, Keil, and Wiley, with Tromcyznski and Gnabah of possible help. No state champs here but some solid point-making potential.
10. Akron Hoban – This is a team that has some long-range potential of moving up. Lann and Kouri are the mainstays and need to place. The lightweights like Conway, DiCola, and Nixon don’t seem quite strong enough to get to state, but if they do, they transform this team into quite a threat.
11. Olmsted Falls – The trio of Dieckmans, the Urry brothers, and DeLisio could make this team an exciting one to watch. Unfortunately, the mortality rate at the district is apt to be high, and they’ll get no help from the upper weights.

---

A

After two years of great wrestling and outstanding wrestlers in the “A” tourney, we will see a drop-off in this classification back to 1975 and 1976 levels. This is probably the weakest “A” meet since the first one, with no dominant teams and few blue-chip wrestlers. I anticipate even competition in most weights, mainly because the stars like Potokar, Suszek, Weisenstein, and Stalnaker have all graduated. For this reason, the selection process will be substantially more difficult than in the recent past.

Two important team changes are worth mentioning here. Versailles, fast becoming the dominant Southwestern team, was ready to send about eight boys through in “A” and place four or five of them as they had five state returnees. However, the school has now grown to the “AA” level. Kirtland, on the other hand, is back to the “A” classification, and has just the team to take advantage of it. They will be a factor in Columbus.

98#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Mike Hartman (Hamler Patrick Henry)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Boyer (West Jefferson)
3. Sweress (Independence)
4. Harrington (Sand. St. Mary)
5. Knoll (Arcadia)
6. Roberts (Richmond Hts.)
7. Inks (Ready)

This is not a particularly strong weight. I have chosen Hartman because of his previous state experience and overall skills. He was champ in a tough district last year and has gained a year’s maturity while staying at this weight. In fact, the Toledo District has a number of good competitors at this weight. Following Hartman, both Harrington and Knoll are potential place winners even though Riggle (Woodmore) and Frank (Stryker) could jeopardize their trip to Columbus.

Boyer should exit the Columbus District and could win the entire tourney. He was behind Kasser last year in that one-man district, so he has had good experience. Inks is also tough, but will have a problem getting past Boyer to Columbus so he can prove it.

The Cleveland area has generally had good lightweights and excellent depth, but this is not the case this year. Sweress appears to be the top lad with the late-blooming Roberts a step behind. Pinter (Cuy. Hts.) and Steele (Rittman) are not so far behind that they couldn’t replace one of the favored boys.

In the Southeast, the competition is not good with perhaps Cervelli (Bell St. John) the best contender. He won’t place at Columbus.

105#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Bill Adkins (Richmond Hts.)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Kasser (Lick. Hts.)
3. Giaconia (Kirtland)
4. Carpenter (Beallsville)
5. DeSalvo (Columbiana)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Weaver (Lib Center)
7. B. Perkins (New London)
8. Deter (New Madison Tri-Village)
9. Pendergast (Man St. Peter)
10. Derkito (Black River)

This weight class is dominated by two athletes — Adkins and Kasser. They met last year for the state title with Adkins winning 15-4 in a match he dominated from the start. Frankly, Kasser has made tremendous improvement this year, and the junior from Licking Hts. has won important tournaments like the Watterson against AAA and AA competition. He is much closer to Adkins than he was last year, and their match this time should be much closer. Still, Adkins should win—he’s better on his feet and continues to wrestle tough Cleveland competition every week. Adkins cannot overlook the revenge motive — always big at Licking Hts. — and let Kasser get an early lead. That could be fatal.

My #3 and #5 rated boys both exit from the Northeast district with Adkins, so one of them won’t get to Columbus. My guess is Giaconia — down from AA will beat out the 4th place finisher DeSalvo. Two years ago Giaconia was about one move behind Adkins, while DeSalvo has been erratic this year. Carpenter (3rd at 98# last year) will be competitive with everyone but Adkins and Kasser (he lost to Adkins 18-2 last year) and could gain a low place again this year.

Weaver, Pendergast, and Deter are former state qualifiers, but will just fill out the bracket. Bill Perkins, on the other hand, has the ability — on a hot weekend – to place. Derkito along with Frankmann (Hawken), Velotta (Independence), and Marks (Trinity) are other Northeast contenders hoping to sneak into Columbus.

112#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tim Hanson (Richmond Hts.)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Langston (New Albany)
3. Bendle (Berg. Springfield)
4. Heminger (Galion Northmor)
5. Schirtzinger (Licking Hts.)
6. Bock (Tinora)
7. Luke Di Sabato (Ready)
8. Iams (Barnesville)
9. Tavtigian (Ottawa Hills)

This is a relatively poor weight which will be made even worse at the state level because four of the top seven boys will try for the only one spot out of the Columbus District. That’s right, only one from the group of Langston, Schirtzinger, Heminger, and DiSabato can qualify; and that’s a real pity because all four of them have place potential. In a situation like this where great confusion exists, I have chosen Langston because he has the most ability. However, since the other three look better coached, former state qualifier Heminger is my second choice. The wrestler that does qualify out of this district may be so battle-hardened that the states will seem easy.

However, I’m sticking with Hanson — 3rd last year at 105# — because he has shown good improvement, and because he will be too “slick” for the downstate boys. He is much better than anyone else in Cleveland, and besides, I like his genes.

Bock, a former state qualifier, heads a relatively weak Toledo contingent which may also include Tavtigian (Ottawa Hills), Cruz (FSJ), or Hokes (NSP). This group will not terrify the better boys.

Bendle lost 3rd place to Hanson by one point last year and he will be a big factor in Columbus — if he gets there. After all, he beat Iams by only one point in the District finals and third-place district finisher, Kern (Waterford), is also back at this weight. Because some of the better “A” teams in the east and southeast portions of the state are beginning to upgrade their schedules, I think we’ll see better boys coming out of that area. Both Bendle and Iams are of state-place winning caliber and can no longer be overlooked just because of where they come from.

119#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Jeff Murphy (Mogadore)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Schroeck (Bishop Ready)
3. Young (Norwalk St. Paul)
4. R. Beverick (Sand. St. Mary)
5. Hill (Kirtland)
6. Rositano (Hawken)
7. Ferguson (Caldwell)

Ifeel somewhat disturbed about choosing Murphy because he has not enjoyed the kind of season you expect from a state champion. He has failed to make the finals in his last three tourneys, although he has not lost to an “A” wrestler. Part of the problem may be a talented sophomore having to grow into a new weight class. Murphy is fortunate that his competition is not that strong in this particular weight class. Two other sophomores — Hill and Rositano — should give him plenty of competition in the Cleveland District, but he should survive for another state meet.

Schroeck, still another sophomore, has shown rapid gains and represents the Central District. However, Murphy should overpower him. Young and Beverick lead the Toledo delegation, and both boys have placement potential. Young was one match from the state last year while Beverick was a district champ, though he failed to win matches in Columbus. They’re older than most of the other competition, and that maturity could mean a lot at this weight class.

Ferguson went to Columbus two years ago but failed in his attempt last year. He should be the best in the Southeast, although Adams (Berg. Springfield) and Lang (Waterford) may challenge.

126#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Leo DiSabato (Bishop Ready)

TOP CONTENDERS None

OTHER CONTENDERS

2. Grathwol (Sand. St. Mary)
3. Heminger (Galion Northmor)
4. Bodenbender (Liberty Center)
5. Kosky (Bellaire St. John)
6. Hehr (Newbury)
7. Goodman (Rittman)
8. Loze (Cardinal)
9. Frank (Stryker)
10. Strouth (Jamestown Greenview)

There isn’t anybody at this weight, or the next two for that matter, who can come close to Leo DiSabato. He is the outstanding senior wrestler in “A” and an outstanding college prospect. Super-quick on his feet, he’ll win all his matches at the state on superior decisions or pins. Nobody here can touch him.

Grathwol and Bodenbender seem like the best out of Toledo, with state runner-up at 112#, Tony Frank, far behind. In fact, Frank may not get out of that tough district due to the fierce competition.

None of the Cleveland boys look like place material, but Hehr, Loze, or state qualifier Goodman could get in because there’s not much around. State 4th place finisher at 112#, Kosky may be too small at this weight, while Strouth leads a weak Southwestern field.

A real shame is the case of Brian Heminger. He stands 20-3 right now and would be a sure place-winner. Unfortunately, DiSabato will make sure that he never leaves that one-man district.

132#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Tim Beverick (Sandusky St. Marys)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Cooper (Jonathan Alder)
3. Famera (Kirtland)
4. Carpenter (Liberty Center)
5. Yoor (Columbiana)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Furr (Beallsville)
7. Trayter (Jeromesville Hillsdale)
8. Miller (Edgerton)

An excellent weight class with the solid Beverick as a clear choice. A little small for 132#, this boy makes up for it with great determination, good balance, and smart strategy. He was runner-up at 119# last year, and I expect him to win in 1980.

Cooper lost by only 11-9 to DiSabato in that one-man Central District final last year, indicative of his fine skills. Down from 138#, he should be primed for an excellent performance, especially since most of his tough district competition has left, leaving him a clear road to the state.

Frankly, I’m surprised to see Famera at 132# because in my first draft of this report he was my choice to win at 138#. Clearly, I have a lot of respect for his ability, and there is no doubt in my mind that he could win at this weight, but I don’t think he will. Beverick’s grind-it-out style will be the determining factor in a close match.

Carpenter and Miller should join Beverick in Columbus but are not serious threats to the top three boys. Furr, a former state qualifier, will represent the southeastern area, only if he can get by Beardmore (Waterford).

An interesting participant is Bruce Yoor. Columbiana is in a real down year, having lost most of their team through graduation, and then their coach. Yoor, lost in the state semi-finals last year, 9-8, and was expected to be a mainstay during the rebuilding process. Then he broke his hand and hasn’t competed since. More than that I do not know, so if he comes back, he may not be able to make 132#, and if he does, may not wrestle effectively. Only a junior, he still has great potential.

With Famera, a possible 138#, and Yoor injured, the 132# class in Cleveland falls back to Trayter, Weidrick (Black River), and possibly Marty Richards (Richmond Hts.). If he can get comfortable with the weight, he could provide a lot of help in getting Richmond Hts. that second straight state title.

138#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Jeff Monger (West Jefferson)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Ardner (Tiffin Calvert)
3. Shaw (Licking Hts.)
4. Marcum (Beallsville)

OTHER CONTENDERS

5. Smith (Bergholz Spring)
6. O’Brien (Newbury)
7. Weaver (Arcadia)
8. Jarrell (Ashland Crestview)

Special Note: My choice is Todd Famera if he ends up competing at this weight.

This is just a terribly weak weight (the worst in the state), and Jeff Monger is just a wild guess. I had originally chosen Famera, and if he doesn’t go here, it’s wide open. Monger and Shaw are both in that one-man Central District, so only one can exit to Columbus. Marcum and Smith both try to qualify from the one-man Southeast District, so that only three of my top five choices can even get to the state meet.

This weakening gives the Toledo boys like Jarrell, Ardner, and Weaver a great shot for a place, although Garcia (Woodmore) and Myles (Liberty Center) will challenge there for a state place. This is, however, not an awesome group.

In Cleveland, I’ve had no luck finding any high-quality participants. The best appear to be Wright (Cardinal), Davis (Mogadore), and likely O’Brien (Newbury). I’m convinced that there must be better people than this at what has traditionally been a strong weight. Up to now, I’ve yet to find them. This is the reason I suspect Famera might end up at 138# again if he has any problems cutting the additional weight.

All in all, this is a weight class ripe for the taking.

145#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Dave Kirian (Arcadia)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Fletcher (Grand Valley)
3. Happ (Bishop Ready)
4. Pringle (Edgerton)
5. Weibrecht (Mogadore)

OTHER CONTENDERS

6. Brock (Jewett-Scio)
7. Luft (Licking Hts.)
8. Hoffman (Newbury)
9. Grilley (Mapleton)
10. Wells (Shenandoah)

This is not a strong weight class but is an exceedingly well-balanced one. Almost anyone listed above could win the title, and there are probably two or three others lurking throughout the state that I’ve failed to find.

I’ve chosen Kirian because of his good record against big school competition and his great potential. His district is well-balanced with Pringle — 4th last year — the main competition, and Bair (Elmwood) and Rohrs (Stryker) as potential threats. Calderon (SSM) could also be a dark-horse candidate.

Happ and Luft will battle for the one Central District spot with Happ my choice. A win by Luft, though, would not be a huge upset.

In Cleveland, third-place medalist Fletcher heads a mixed group. Weibrecht, Hoffman, and Grilley will all threaten for the second spot. What makes this analysis tough is that Weibrecht and Hoffman have campaigned up to now at 155#, while Fletcher has switched back and forth. When they all get together, it will be interesting to see how things sort themselves out.

Wells and state qualifier Brock will vie for the one Southeastern spot. I favor Brock, but he is, again, not likely to place in Columbus.

155#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Mark Falk (Blufton)

TOP CONTENDERS

1. Wright (Bergholz Springfield)
2. Yaney (Liberty Center)
3. Dupler (Licking Hts.)
4. Potokar (Richmond Hts.)
5. Herman (Edgerton)
6. Politzer (Berkshire)
7. Laws (SSM)
8. Dawes (Ready)
9. Lasch (West. Res.)

This weight brings together a number of differing styles from throughout the state. I’ve chosen the quick and agile Falk who is superior to anyone here on his feet. That counts for a lot anytime, but particularly in tournaments.

In that same district Yaney (who Falk beat 10-9) is a brutal mat wrestler who should challenge Falk again with Herman a clear choice for that third state spot.

Bergholz Springfield and Brian Wright are not exactly household words, but this wrestler could be one of the big surprises in 1980. Already twice a state qualifier, this is his big chance to do well. The competition is not over-powering at this weight and this is his last chance. Besides, Adams should be helping in the room all week. He’ll have to overcome the generally bad results folks from his district have compiled, but he is capable of winning it all.

In Cleveland, Potokar, a good 145#, has moved up to 155#, and confused the entire district analysis. I think he’ll still probably make Columbus, but it will be tough. Politzer has had a good year while the erratic Pniewski (Ledgemont) can be very sharp when he’s in a hot spell. This group along with Sentelik (Mogadore) is not going to be keeping the top boys up nights worrying.

Dupler is no sure shot in the Central District as Dawes could well ride a Ready tide (if it develops) to that elusive state berth. That would certainly boost their team chances.

167#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Ken Aller (Blufton)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. T. Hill (Kirtland)
3. Porter (Cardinal)
4. Adams (Berg. Spring.)
5. Hurtubise (Bishop Ready)
6. McCullough (Edgerton)
7. McGrain (Elmwood)
8. Fedders (Fenwick)

Aller gave Potokar a decent battle last year in the 167# final, and this year has looked as good. A great running back, Aller demonstrates real balance and strength on the mat, too. He faces reasonable competition from all sections of the state, but he should win without a lot of trouble. Both McCullough, a state qualifier, and McGrain, a state alternate, return at this same weight with Aller from the Northwest District. Both have place potential, but are not within half a dozen points of Aller. Kaman (SSM) could get a state spot via injury or mir-acle, if one of my top three in this district don’t make it.

The Cleveland area also has a trio of fine wrestlers at this weight. Hill has beaten state 4th place finisher Porter once this year and they have both beaten Drozd (Grand Valley). All three of these boys have finalist ability for Columbus, but none could beat Aller. I look for Hill and Porter to go with both to place. Fabec (Richmond Hts.) is an unknown at this weight — as he is just up from 155#. He is short and tough to wrestle, but I have trouble seeing him beat out my top duo.

Two returning state qualifiers are Adams and Fedders. Adams is by far the better of the two, but how he will react to the tough Cleveland and Toledo boys is dif-ficult to forecast. My guess is that he is not quite strong enough to place.

The 167#ers in Columbus are a mysterious lot. Baldridge (Northmor) and Hurtubise (Ready) may have state potential, and no matter which one goes he may well place. At the moment, I lean toward Hurtubise.

175#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Al Loushin (Richmond Hts.)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Beddow (Jonathan Alder)
3. Blair (Newbury)
4. Alt (Blufton)
5. Lucius (New Washington Buckeye Central)
6. Jones (Hamler Patrick Henry)
7. Moxley (Barnesville)
8. Casserlie (Cuyahoga Hts.)

This is the kind of weight class you like to come across. It contains at least a half dozen excellent wrestlers, and there are also contrasting styles to play a role in the final result.

I have chosen Loushin because he has good technique to go with strength and speed. I think he froze in his first match last year when Lucius beat him 10-4. I don’t think that this will happen again since he is now wrestling with great confidence. However, the competition is so rugged that even one slip will cost him the title.

Beddow was 2nd at this weight last year and gave Suszek something of a match for three minutes. Still, he has been nagged by injuries that are bound to reduce his overall effectiveness. He will always be a formidable competitor, though, and with good health is easily capable of winning this competition.

Blair was 2nd at 185# and has come down a weight. Right now he is recovering from an appendectomy, but he should be ready for the tournaments. Though what it will cost him in conditioning will be hard to measure. It’s often forgotten that while he was runner-up last year, he twice lost to Loushin (winning once) and this year he again doesn’t have real tough people in the room to test him all week. Alt, on the other hand, has Aller, Shannon, and Falk to work with, and that has to be making him better. He was 3rd at 155# last year and has moved up two classes. He will be the smallest of my top contenders, but is probably the cleverest with his leg moves and rides. If Blufton gets hot, that momentum could thrust him into the title round, much like what happened with Cardinal two years ago.

Lucius, Jones, and Moxley are all former state qualifiers who are trapped in the best weight class at the “A” level. Almost anywhere else these boys would be shoo-ins to place and possibly to win. As it is, they’ll have to fight like mad just to get any kind of low place.

This is the best weight class at the “A” level and one of the most interesting in any classification.

185#

PROJECTED CHAMP: Todd Wycoff (New London)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Morgan (Kirtland)

OTHER CONTENDERS

3. Courtney (St. Joe)
4. Phillips (Mc Comb)
5. Kidwell (Richwood North)
6. Brown (Brilliant Buckeye North)
7. Shannon (Blufton)
8. Ramsey (Waterford)

There is little doubt in my mind that Wycoff will cruise to a state title pinning most of his opposition. This powerful junior is tremendously strong and physical, and would have won last year except that an outstanding senior (Weisenstein) was at his weight. It would be a gigantic upset if he were to lose.

Morgan is the only possible contender. An “AA” sectional champ last year, this boy is also brute strong, but he is not as quick as Wycoff or as versatile in his wrestling skills. Still he will be tough for anyone else to defeat and will pray for divine intervention against Wycoff.

Courtney and Phillips are my best bets to back up in the tough Northwest District. Each has the potential to place at Columbus, and if Morgan and Wycoff are in the same half bracket, one of these boys could end up a finalist. Shannon rates a good chance to grab one of these two places, and he could really help Blufton in the team competition, possibly boost them as high as second. Kellar (Pioneer North Central), a former heavyweight, seemed, early on, to be another tough candidate but has disappointed me so far. Vern Dyer, a state qualifier from Crestview, is not competing this year, or he would rate very high at this weight.

You haven’t heard much talk about Cleveland area types at this weight, and there is good reason for that. I haven’t found much gold at this weight after Morgan, and it’s tough to guess who a second qualifier out of this district might even be. Clement (Black River), Seidenwand (Trinity), and Edmondson (Newbury) have all looked decent on occasion, but they just don’t seem like Columbus types. I’d say that the second position is truly “up for grabs”.

The eastern district candidates, for one spot, at this weight are not well known. Brown has been the most impressive, but Ramsey (Waterford) could challenge for the state ticket. Both would have a difficult time in Columbus trying to place.

Frankly, I think the specter of Wycoff has chased some boys down to 175# leaving only the true 185’s to compete.

HVY

PROJECTED CHAMP: Brad Nolan (Newcomerstown)

TOP CONTENDERS

2. Horvath (Richmond Hts.)
3. Smith (Tiffin Calvert)
4. Stinchcomb (Berkshire)

OTHER CONTENDERS

5. Nye (Grand Valley)
6. Frame (Pioneer North Central)
7. Blake (Arcadia)

There has never really been a good Class “A” heavyweight champion, but Nolan may come closest to that designation. At 5’10” and 295#, he has a low center of gravity which makes it difficult to do too much to him. Besides, for his build, he is relatively quick, knows some wrestling, and shows good hustle. Third at this weight last year, he should win in 1980.

Horvath is the one kind of wrestler who might beat Nolan. Well-coached and very quick, the 200# Horvath is the best wrestler in this current crop. His big problem is that he is careless about getting underneath these 250# (and more) behemoths and winds up getting pinned all too often. If he can wrestle a succession of smart matches, he should do well. Nye beat Horvath earlier this year, but he will have his hands full beating out Stinchcomb and possibly Hoover (Hillsdale) for that second ticket to Columbus out of the Northeast District. He is neither super-big or super-fast, but either he or Stinchcomb could place at St. Johns with a good draw.

There don’t appear to be any good heavyweights out of the Central or Southwest District so the Toledo area boys have excellent chances to place. Smith, a former state champ, leads that contingent, but he will have plenty of competition. Frame at 185# last year, is another small, but quick heavyweight while Blake was only one match from Columbus last year. A dark horse is Foos (Fremont St. Joe) who in his first year of varsity wrestling has shown real improvement. He could edge into the state picture by March. Leitz (Norwalk St. Paul) also could be a big factor in that Toledo District. Still, watch out for Smith – if he can stay away from Nolan in the draw until the finals, he has the potential to spring that one big upset. He’ll be looking for revenge after being pinned quickly by Nolan last year.

TEAMS

1. Richmond Hts. – Not nearly the team that they had last year, but, then again, neither is the competition. They’ve got to do better in close matches, but they still have too much power. Adkins, Hanson, and Loushin are the heart of the team, but Roberts, Richards, Potokar, and Horvath could all help. Two in a row for Coach Mike Papouras.
2. Sandusky St. Mary – That Northwest District is getting so tough that even with three boys making it to Columbus, it gets more difficult to send a huge contingent. This is, as always, a nicely balanced team with the two Bevericks and Grathwohl the star performers. If Harrington, Calderon, Laws, or Kamen can help, this second rating will be sustained. If not, a drop of two or three places could well occur.
3. Bishop Ready – In a one-man District qualifier you can lose the state meet a week before it begins or you can eliminate a lot of the dangerous opposition. Leo DiSabato is a sure winner and Schroeck and Happ probably will place. If Inks, Hurtubise, and Dawes can pitch in this team could push Richmond Hts.
4. Bluffton – The ideal tournament team since it does not have good depth. However, if Falk and Aller reward my confidence with titles and Alt pulls a minor upset, this team could have three state champions. Throw in Shannon and maybe one other scorer, and you’ve got, at the least, the runner-up trophy.
5. Kirtland – This is a team with very little experience at the state level so it’s tough to know how they will react. Nobody on that team has ever qualified for Columbus. Still, they have five big guns in Giaconia, the Hills, Famera, and Morgan. With good draws and scrappy wrestling, this team could move up to second. If it goes the other way, they won’t make the top ten.
6. Licking Hts. – This team always has some good wrestlers and this year is no exception. They are led by the super Kasser, but he’s at the only weight where he could finish 3rd. Luft, Shaw, and Dupler are their big hopes in the middle, and a bad district could drop them way out of contention.
7. Liberty Center – A team with no projectable champs, but with a lot of place winners. The Weavers, Carpenter, Bodenbender, and Yaney must qualify for them to make the Top Ten. After that, a good tourney might move them into the Top Four.
8. Bergholz Springfield – This is a squad ripe for some kind of team and area recognition. The southeast is not known as a powerhouse location, but kids like Bendle, Wright, Adams, and Smith could dispel that feeling.
9. New London – Wycoff is going to score a pile of points winning the title at 185# and by scoring falls and superior decisions. If Bill Perkins can chip in, and a Kurz, Scheerer, or ‘Conner help out, this team is Top Ten material.
10. Jonathan Alder – Beddow and Cooper should do very well, but anybody else to Columbus is pure gravy. Still, two great performances should be enough for 10th.
11. Edgerton – With Miller, Pringle, Herman, and McCullough solid in the middle weights, this team could easily move into the Top Ten. However, it’s hard to find even one other boy who could contribute.

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–> 1981 Brakeman Report

<– 1979 Brakeman Report

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