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DubStat DubStat

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What Brian Brakeman Said About Every State Champion (1977 – 1982)

By DubStat on April 13, 2024May 23, 2024
Brian Brakeman Said What

From 1972 to 2012, Brian Brakeman was the Nostradamus of the Ohio wrestling world. More often that not, he correctly picked the eventual state champion and was uncannily accurate with his analysis of each wrestlers’ abilities.

However, Brakeman wasn’t perfect and he had a few blunders amongst his prognostications. In fact, he failed to mention a some eventual champions in his reports (two of them ended up four-timers) and didn’t give others much of a chance.

Below you will find what Brakeman had to say about every eventual state champion in his annual High School Wrestling Forecast from 1977 to 1982. You will find his commentary filled with deep insights, honest critiques, and a bit of humor.

This is the first of 8 installments of “What Brakeman Said About Every State Champion”

Enjoy!


Note: Although Brakeman started writing his reports in 1972, he did not provide predictions and commentary for all three classes until 1977, hence why this article starts with the 1977 champions.

View all Brakeman Reports (1972-2012)


1977

1977 Brakeman Report


Class A

98# – Mike Stalkner (Jonathan Alder) – Ranked: #2
Mike Stalnaker (Alder) should be [projected champ Richards’] toughest competition and has shown great improvement the past year

105# – Reggie Johnson (Ashland Crestview) – Ranked: #1
Johnson appears to be a shoo-in to win his second consecutive “A” title

112# – Robert Pastor (Newbury) – Ranked: #1
I lean toward Pastor over Boyert because of superior strength

119# – Thomas Grieve (Sullivan Black River) – Ranked: #3
Troyer, who finished 3rd last year at 105#, and Grieve, a State qualifier at 98#, should provide the major competition [to Potokar]

126# – John Smrtnik (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #2
Smrtnik, down from 132#, is also excellent

132# – Les Pniewski (Thompson Ledgemont) – Ranked: HM
Weaver and Demko, along with Pniewski (Ledgemont) and Hedrick (Richmond Hts.), should contest for the two Cleveland slots to Columbus

138# – Tom Falk (Bluffton) – Ranked: #2
Muncy should breeze to victory at this weight. He defeated Falk last year 10-4

145# – Keven Miller (Edgerton) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

155# – Mark Lowe (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1
Mark Lowe should take his second State crown and will probably do it easily

167# – Mike Glass (Hillsdale) – Ranked: #1
Glass will dominate this tournament just as he did last year when he pinned his opponent in 1:21 in the finals

175# – Joseph Dahlhausen (Newbury) – Ranked: #1
I like Dahlhausen for his strength and speed

185# – John Martin (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: #2
I would rate John Martin as a very strong second choice

HVY – Thomas Carter (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: HM
Other contenders are Tom Carter (Cardinal), Kim Lance (Waynedale), and Jim Kilcoyne (Licking Hts.)

Class AA

98# – Dan Manning (Beloit West Branch) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

105# – Vincent DiSabato (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #4
DiSabato placed at 105# last year and not at 98# like the other top contenders

112# – Mark Zimmer (DeSales) – Ranked: #2
It’s Fischer versus Zimmer with the winner being State Champ

119# – Rick Sorkin (Beachwood) – Ranked: #2
Sorkin has improved and will be out to better his 2nd place finish of a year ago

126# – Randy Glover (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
I pick Glover, but only by a whisker over Marcum

132# – Tim Palermini (DeSales) – Ranked: HM
Long-shots include Dressler (Copley), Palermini (DeSales), Kallai (Coventry), Neinger (Claymont), and Thiemaun (Reading)

138# – Phil Anglim (Watterson) – Ranked: #1
Nobody in “AA” is within 8 points of Anglim this year. The finest middle-weight prospect in the country, he’s the first wrestler Dan Gable mentioned when talking about Ohio high school wrestlers

145# – Jerry Levine (Beachwood) – Ranked: HM
Houska (Highland) and Levine (Beachwood) could be contenders for a State berth

155# – Keith Foxx (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
I rate him marginally better than the other seven

167# – Bill Potts (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #2
Being up two weight classes will hurt since he is a natural 155#

175# – Timothy Jansen (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #1
Not a particularly strong weight, 175# should be dominated by Tim Jansen

185# – Jerry Burgy (Peninsula Woodridge) – Ranked: HM
In our district, Gerry Burgy (Woodridge), Bob Blunk (Streetsboro), and Cliff Allen (Columbia) should be contenders

HVY – Ken Christello (Brookfield) – Ranked: #2
If Kane wins, he will be one of the smallest heavyweights ever to take the crown

Class AAA

98# – Russell Wilhelm (Lorain Southview) – Ranked: HM
One other wrestler that will do well is Wilhelm (Southview)

105# – James Reid (Cuyahoga Falls) – Ranked: #5
Reid will contend with Jenkins at the Akron District and will be tough

112# – Gary Smith (Middleburg Heights Midpark) – Ranked: HM
[Smith] will vie for a state qualifying spot

119# – David Wenger (Copley) – Ranked: #2
Wenger is a solid conservative wrestler who won’t make mistakes

126# – Kelvin Irby (Sandusky) – Ranked: #3
Irby doesn’t seem to worry about the score, he just looks for the fall

132# – Bill Walsh (North Olmsted) – Ranked: #1
Walsh should win because of his experience, mat savvy, great leg moves, and determination

138# – Greg Drenik (Wickliffe) – Ranked: #1
Drenik should win, but he’ll find it hard to dominate these boys like he has all of his competition so far this year

145# – James Milkovich (Maple Heights) – Ranked: #2
It may seem strange to make Milkovich a top contender since he failed to get out of the sectional last year

155# – Steve Reedy (Ravenna) – Ranked: #1
Reedy should, as is his forte, win a lot of narrow matches on his way to the title

167# – Stephen Foley (Worthington) – Ranked: #2
…employing speed, uncanny technique, and a flowing grace

175# – Ted Kopacko (Middleburg Heights Midpark) – Ranked: #1
Kopacko has not been tested so far this year, and this could work against him in the long run

185# – Jerry Lee (Medina) – Ranked: #1
Lee, with his combination of outstanding strength and moves, should dominate, but he makes a lot of mistakes on the mat, too

HVY – Mike Trgovac (Austintown Fitch) – Ranked: HM
…an All-Ohio football player, who has made great improvement


1978

1978 Brakeman Report


Class A

98# – Jude Roth (SMCC) – Ranked: #3 (at 105#)
Jude Roth has really improved, and a convincing 7-2 victory over “AA” runner-up Mike Gerken indicated he’s ready.

105# – Mark Rubish (Columbiana) – Ranked: #4
Rubish lost in the state semi-finals last year and should lead the Northeast contingent.

112# – Vincent DiSabato (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #1
A lot of fine wrestlers at this weight but none will be able to compete with defending “AA” champ Vince DiSabato. He should cruise to the title facing competition, that while strong, is just not prepared to meet one of his skills.

119# – Jeff Waller (Van Buren) – Ranked: #2
Waller was 2nd last year beating among others, [projected champ] Richard’s teammate Ed Potokar. I suspect that Mike Papouras (Richmond Height’s coach) will devise a strategy to beat Waller as he did for Richards with Bollinger two years ago.

126# – George Tompkins (Mogadore) – Ranked: #1
Tompkins, the sensational junior, qualified for Columbus last year, but was upset in the first round. He has the most natural talent here.

132# – Harry Weaver (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: #3
Weaver lost a referee’s decision in the District Semi-Finals to Ohman, but this year should qualify easily.

138# – Larry Davis (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: #2
I’ve gone with the defending champ, Pniewski, even though I feel Davis has better long-range potential and beat Pniewski on a referee’s decision earlier in the year.

145# – Matt Dulka (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: HM
Matt Dulka (Cardinal) has been impressive at this weight, but will be challenged [at the Northeast district]

155# – Ed Potokar (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
It will be interesting to see if Potokar can move from 119# to 155# and win — he has been sensational so far this year. His style of wrestling will be hard for most “A” boys to combat — since they don’t see the legs that often.

167# – Ron Suszek (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #2
Both Day and Suszek are dynamite.

175# – Jim Farnsworth (New London) – Ranked: #3
Farnsworth, Tim Frank (Stryker), and Lenox (Woodmore) are probably the top trio in the Northwest [district]
185# – Joe Dahlhausen (Newbury) – Ranked: #1
There is really no one here who can compete with Dahlhausen in size and strength, and if Joe decided to wrestle at heavyweight, he’d win there, too.

HVY# – John Sciarappa (SMCC) – Ranked: HM
In the Northwest, Sciarappa (Sandusky St. Mary), Zenz (LCC), and Monzingo (Lincolnview) seem like the best after Weaver [projected champ].

Class AA

98# – Mark Allison (Olmsted Falls) – Ranked: #1
This appears to be an extremely weak weight with Allison standing head and shoulders above the rest.

105# – Joe Ramos (Wauseon) – Ranked: HM
Both Ramos (Wauseon) and Wendle (Perrysburg) have pushed in the Toledo area.

112# – Mark Zimmer (DeSales) – Ranked: #1
We all know that Zimmer really isn’t going to have all that much trouble taking his third straight title and setting him up for his attempt on an unprecedented fourth state championship.

119# – Jim Derr (Cardinal Stritch) – Ranked: #3
Derr was 2nd at 105# last year and will be a tough competitor.

126# – Gus Kallai (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #2
Kallai and Schneider will probably be [projected champ Sorkin’s] main competition.

132# – Randy Glover (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
A very fine weight class headed by one of the finest seniors here — the very rugged Randy Glover.

138# – Dave Talbott (Cardinal Stritch) – Ranked: #1
Talbott, 3rd last year at 132#, should be the class of the tourney, although he’s been pounded twice by “AAA” competitors.

145# – Mark Vetter (Chardon) – Ranked: #1
Last year Levine took the title after finishing 4th in the District. This year I’m picking the boy who beat Levine for 3rd then, the sharp junior Mark Vetter.

155# – Keith Foxx (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
Unless Foxx has severe weight problems, he should romp through the field for a second state title.

167# – Bill Potts (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: “champ if recovered from injury”
The critical issue here is whether Potts can wrestle at near full efficiency. If he can, he’ll repeat as champ.

175# – Mike Ciammiachella (Medina Highland) – Ranked: #1
Ciammaichella, a junior, looked impressive in winning the Medina Tourney, and with steady improvement, could cop the title.

185# – Jerry Burgy (Peninsula Woodridge) – Ranked: #1
This year he looked sensational, and would have repeated [as champion] with ease. Now with the complication of a broken collarbone, it might not happen.

HVY# – Ron Troyan (Loveland Hurst) – Ranked: #5
…if he chooses to compete at heavyweight, he will be one of the smallest men in the competition… he will be overpowered by someone

Class AAA

98# – Dane Tussel (Nordonia) – Ranked: #1
Yes, I know. Mason pinned Tussel at Brecksville, and did it in a convincing display of power wrestling. Yet, I think Tussel will win…

105# – Michael Gerken (Vermillion) – Ranked: HM
In the Toledo area, Gerken (Vermillion) was second last year in “AA”, but will see the difference “AAA” will make. He won’t place.

112# – Randy Jenkins (Nordonia) – Ranked: #2
Jenkins could win. He beat Foldesy at Columbus last year and might do it this year, too.

119# – James Deubel (Maple Heights) – Ranked: #1
I put Deubel just a shade above Velez because I think Frank Romano, his coach, will devise the right strategy to win at Districts and States.

126# – John Grasinger (North Canton Hoover) – Ranked: HM
Grasinger (North Canton) could challenge Horton in the Akron District.

132# – John McNulty (Elyria) – Ranked: #1
I like John McNulty, but I recognize that he can be an erratic performer…

138# – Chris Coffing (West Chester Lakota) – Ranked: #1
Coffing, only a junior, has had an outstanding season, and is rated marginally ahead of Elinsky.

145# – Thomas Gallagher (Mayfield) – Ranked: #3
Anzivine looks like he has put it all together, and the former Age-Group World Champion should win. He beat Gallagher handily and has looked very solid.

155# – Ray Tusick (North Olmsted) – Ranked: #1
I’ve chosen Tusick because of his solid virtues of good takedown, strong rides, and good tactical sense.

167# – Joe East (Grove City) – Ranked: #1
…he’s king rapid improvement, is great on his feet, and has superb desire. I see him winning a lot of close matches at State.

175# – Craig Newburg (Claymont Northmont) – Ranked: #1
Newburg should win with his excellent combination of speed and power.

185# – Mike Urban (Maple Heights) – Ranked: #2
Urban, 4th last year, beat [projected champ] Hehl 6-5 at Medina, but Hehl had a super tough semi-final match

HVY# – Brian Heffernan (St. Edward) – Ranked: #3
A possible team trophy might psych him into a championship.


1979

1979 Brakeman Report


Class A

98# – Bill Adkins (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
Adkins, 3rd last year, is my choice because of his continuing mastery of Reiter and his wider experience than Kasser

105# – Jeff Murphy (Mogadore) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

112# – Mike Stalkner (Jonathan Alder) – Ranked: #1
…even if [Vince DiSabato] wrestles it’s hard to see him hobbling to victory over a healthy former state champ, Mike Stalnaker

119# – Mark Rubish (Columbiana) – Ranked: #2
Mark Rubish will provide stiff competition, but he is erratic and wrestles an occasional bad match

126# – Leo DiSabato (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #2
DiSabato has shown tremendous improvement and will win a title next year.

132# – Bob Richards (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
Nobody at this weight can “go takedowns” with Richards, but sometimes he just won’t shoot

138# – Charles Redmond (New Albany) – Ranked: #1
The way I see it Redmond should win this title without an inordinate amount of trouble

145# – Barry Broome (West Jefferson) – Ranked: HM
A long-shot is Broome (West Jefferson) the MVP at the Findlay “A” Classic this year

155# – Rex Henderson (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1
Yes, I know. Dulka beat Henderson 6-3 last year to take home the state title at 145#. But this year it will be different

167# – Ed Potokar (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
There is nobody in “A” that can challenge Potokar

175# – Ron Suszek (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
He is just too strong and powerful for the rest of the field in this competition, and will bring home his second state title with a minimum of effort

185# – Gary Weisenstein (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1
I expect the huge and very physical Weisenstein to win the crown with ease. Only his own carelessness could hold him back from the crown.

HVY – John Sciarappa (SMCC) – Ranked: #1
I’m not that thrilled with defending champion, Sciarappa. He’s short (5’9″) and not real quick, but he wins and wins

Class AA

98# – Jim Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

105# – David Sternberg (Beachwood) – Ranked: HM
If Sternberg (Beachwood) makes the weight he could be a factor, too

112# – Randy Jenkins (Aurora) – Ranked: #1
Let’s be honest, there isn’t anyone here who can beat “AAA” champion Randy Jenkins

119# – Mark Zimmer (DeSales) – Ranked: #1
This will be Mark’s fourth state title — never done before in the over 40 years of Ohio high school wrestling

126# – Pat Henderson (Watterson) – Ranked: #3 (at 132)
He has that little extra that could propel him to the winners stand

132# – Ralph Glover (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #5
Of those others listed I particularly like Glover and Heinrich

138# – Gus Kallai (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
Kallai –conservative, solid, and mistake free

145# – Steve Hansen (Loveland Hurst) – Ranked: #4
Hansen probably comes closest to matching [projected champ] Vetter in strength, but not in moves

155# – Bill Schaeffer (SVSM) – Ranked: #6
not mentioned

167# – Greg Birkhimer (Beloit West Branch) – Ranked: #2
Birkheimer was a district quarter-finalist last year and was a strong 3rd at the Brunswick Tourney

175# – Mike Potts (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
I really hated to make this selection [Potts], picking against one of my favorite wrestlers — State champion Mike Ciammaichella

185# – Mike Scott (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
Certainly not flashy he is calm, unhurried, and good. I think he can grind out a state title.

HVY – Mike Holcomb (Goshen) – Ranked: #1
Holcomb is big and strong and can overpower anyone I’ve listed — if given the chance.

Class AAA

98# – Joseph McFarland (North Olmsted) – Ranked: #1

…my choice is McFarland who is lightning quick and very aggressive. His only flaw is that even as a junior he is still a small 98#.

105# – Dane Tussel (Nordonia) – Ranked: #1
Sensational on his feet this junior has talent and experience — his only drawback at this weight is his small stature.

112# – Ray Jenkins (Nordonia) – Ranked: #2
Jenkins looked like he might well beat [projected champ] Mason at Columbus by staying on his feet and going for takedowns.

119# – Tony Leonino (Stow) – Ranked: #4
Leonino and Pagenstecher are super kids caught at a super weight.

126# – Dan Foldesy (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
I see Dan Foldesy surviving a number of close matches to snare the title.

132# – Mike Ciccarello (North Olmsted) – Ranked: #2
Grasinger, Ciccarello, and Bass all “fire” out and wrestle super aggressively.

138# – Rick Horton (Alliance) – Ranked: #1
Not super strong, he is well-coordinated, quick, and aggressive.

145# – Chris Coffing (Fairfield) – Ranked: #1
…this returning state champ is a blue-chip prospect with great credentials. Unfortunately, there is really no one here to push him.

155# – Phil Welch (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
I’m going way out on a limb with the first of my real long shots — Phil Welch.

167# – Joe East (Grove City) – Ranked: #1
I went with East last year and I’m sticking with him. He’s really a college wrestler in style and outlook already, and he knows how to win.

175# – Eli Blazeff (Stow) – Ranked: #2
Blazeff had a great summer and the tall senior with the great legs rates just a shade behind [projected champ] Lucas.

185# – Erich Hehl (Fairview Parks Fairview) – Ranked: #1
Hehl should win the State Title this year after the heart-breaking loss last year on a penalty point while getting what appeared to be the winning takedown.

HVY – Jeff Golz (St. Edward) – Ranked: #5
I would choose him except he has some bad habits (learned, no doubt, in California) and I’m afraid he’ll get decked somewhere along the line when he’s winning about 10-2.


1980

1980 Brakeman Report


Class A

98# – Scott Sweress (Independence) – Ranked: #3
Sweress appears to be the top lad [in the Clevland area]

105# – Jamey Kasser (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #2
[Projected champ] Adkins cannot overlook the revenge motive — always big at Licking Hts. — and let Kasser get an early lead. That could be fatal.

112# – Tim Hanson (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
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.

119# – Ed Young (Norwalk St. Paul) – Ranked: #3
Young and Beverick lead the Toledo delegation, and both boys have placement potential.

126# – Leo DiSabato (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #1
There isn’t anybody at this weight, or the next two for that matter, who can come close to Leo DiSabato.

132# – Chris Cooper (Jonathan Alder) – Ranked: #2
Down from 138#, he should be primed for an excellent performance

138# – Scott Howell (North Union) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

145# – Michael Fletcher (Grand Valley) – Ranked: #2
In Cleveland, third-place medalist Fletcher heads a mixed group.

155# – Mark Falk (Bluffton) – Ranked: #1
I’ve chosen the quick and agile Falk who is superior to anyone here on his feet.

167# – Brian Porter (Middlefield Cardinal) – Ranked: #3
I look for Hill and Porter to go [to state] with both to place.

175# – Al Loushin (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
I have chosen Loushin because he has good technique to go with strength and speed.

185# – Todd Wycoff (New London) – Ranked: #1
There is little doubt in my mind that Wycoff will cruise to a state title pinning most of his opposition.

HVY# – Bill Nye (Grand Valley) – Ranked: #5
He is neither super-big or super-fast, but either he or Stinchcomb could place at St. Johns with a good draw.

Class AA

98# – Jeff Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: HM
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.

105# – Jim Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: #2
Last year Jordan won a whole host of close matches to take the states, but I wonder whether he can do it again.

112# – David Sternberg (Beachwood) – Ranked: #1
What sets him apart in my mind is his mental toughness, which he’ll need in abundance considering his competition.

119# – Dan Tank (Genoa) – Ranked: #8
The Northwest District is dominated by Tank and Blay

126# – Randy Cole (Uniontown Lake) – Ranked: #1
Tall and deceptively strong, he seems to envelop the opponent…

132# – Kraig Keller (Finneytown) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

138# – Tim Timmons (Medina Highland) – Ranked: #1
Brutally strong on the mat and mentally tough, he will be a blue chipper in 1981.

145# – Carlos Mincheft (Oak Harbor) – Ranked: #4
Mincheff and Hord would seem to dominate their areas

155# – Dave Gangle (Highland) – Ranked: #2
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.

167# – John Potts (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #7
Potts, the third boy in that family line, has improved tremendously since last year and won the Medina Tourney in impressive fashion.

175# – Mike Linton (Circleville) – Ranked: #7
Linton and Spurgeon (Buckeye Valley) will be possible place threats, too.

185# – Mike Potts (Akron Coventry) – Ranked: #1
Potts, defending state champ at 175#, is a tall rangy lad with fantastic leverage and a tremendous fall ratio.

HVY# – Lee McDonald (Perkins) – Ranked: #8
McDonald and Gergich lead an uninspiring western contingent

Class AAA

98# – David Horning (Walsh Jesuit) – Ranked: #2
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 [projected champ] Mann.

105# – Joseph McFarland (North Olmsted) – Ranked: #1
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.

112# – Dane Tussel (Nordonia) – Ranked: #1
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.

119# – Jeff Bentley (Kent Roosevelt) – Ranked: #1
I’ve chosen Bentley because he is relatively mistake-free and is mentally sharp for big tourneys.

126# – Jim Mason (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
He is the greatest middle-weight pinner during the last two decades and should end up with well over 100 victories and 80 pins.

132# – Rick Wilson (Stow) – Ranked: #1
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.

138# – Ernie Blazeff (Stow) – Ranked: #2
Akron, too, has some depth with Blazeff backed up by Higgins (Revere), Humbert (North Canton), and Robinson (Akron East)

145# – Paul Bartolone (Cleveland St. Joseph) – Ranked: #1
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.

155# – Jeff Mey (Vermillion) – Ranked: #4
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.

167# – Phil Welch (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
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.

175# – Doug Dake (Westlake) – Ranked: #3
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.

185# – Ed Black (Brunswick) – Ranked: #4
In Cleveland, Robinson and Black — if they are both healthy — appear to lead a very mediocre group.

HVY# – Vaughn Broadnax (Xenia) – Ranked: #1
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.


1981

1981 Brakeman Report

Class A

98# – Al Pinter (Cleveland Cuyahoga Heights) – Ranked: #2
Somehow my heart says Pinter, but my head keeps thinking that Adkins will find a way to win.

105# – Mike Hartman (Patrick Henry) – Ranked: #1
I’ve gone with state runner-up Hartman (who I picked last year and won’t give up on) because he is tenacious, determined, and resourceful. I’d trade tenacious, though, for a better take-down.

112# – Jamey Kasser (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1 Kasser is so superior that he won’t have a close match.

119# – Tim Hanson (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1 It’s true he’s been beaten a couple of times, but never by an “A” competitor; and it’s just all part of Mike Papouras’ toughening up process.

126# – Ed Young (Norwalk St. Paul) – Ranked: #1 Last year many people, including myself, were amazed at the ease with which Ed Young cruised to the state title. This year he has grown even more into a solid, hard-to-beat competitor.

132# – Bob Furr (Beallsville) – Ranked: #4
I’m not sure that state qualifier Furr is at this weight; but, if he is, he’ll be a stern threat.

138# – Mitch Landers (Caldwell) – Ranked: #1
I’ve gone with Mitch Landers in the interest of justice, since he lost to a referee’s decision in the state finals last year.

145# – Richard Luft (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1 I think Richard Luft, state runner-up, will overcome that depth to take the state title.

155# – Mark Coleman (Fremont St. Joseph) – Ranked: HM
State qualifier Coleman (Fremont St. Joe) and Patton (Arcadia) thus will need an upset to get a state berth.

167# – Mark Falk (Bluffton) – Ranked: #1
This is a good, solid weight class; but the sparkling junior, Mark Falk, should win easily.

175# – Brian Brooks (Arcadia) – Ranked: #1
Brooks, just down from 185#, is an All-State football player with tremendous natural ability.

185# – Tom Wycoff (New London) – Ranked: #1
Defending state champion Todd Wycoff is a great athlete — all-state in football, state champ in wrestling, and state place winner in track.

HVY# – Bill Nye (Grand Valley) – Ranked: #1
It should be defending state champ “Boog” Nye versus the challengers from the West this year at heavyweight.

Class AA

98# – Rob Huston (Oak Harbor) – Ranked: #2
Huston didn’t get to the Districts last year, but has really done well so far this year.

105# – Jeff Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: #1 To my eyes, at least, both Jordans seem to stall on top, but the referees have so far seen it differently, and that has helped both boys immeasurably.

112# – Rick DiCola (Akron Hoban) – Ranked: #3
Rich DiCola, a great freshman last year, is beginning to mature into a really fine wrestler.

119# – Jim Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: #1
While I may have doubts there is just no way I can pick against two-time state champ Jim Jordan.

126# – Richard Burton (Medina Highland) – Ranked: #1
Since I’m allowed at least one “way out” choice, I’ve decided to use it here with Ricky Burton.

132# – Scott Duncan (Marion Pleasant) – Ranked: #1
Todd Winter has already defeated Scott Duncan twice in the last year so many are going to find it strange to see Scott rated #1. The reason goes back to something called style. Winter, as good as he is, is still pretty much a counter-wrestler. At the state level, referees are harsh on this; and, in fact, it was a penalty point that made Winter state runner-up instead of state champ. Duncan’s fast, aggressive style should prevail if they meet again.

138# – Wes Hines (Marion Pleasant) – Ranked: #1
Actually, I’d pick Savely except he always seems to have a bunch of nagging injuries, and Hines manages to “gut it out” to a victory.

145# – Carlos Mincheft (Oak Harbor) – Ranked: #2
If [projected champ Timmons] can avoid the big four or five point move (which cost his team-mate Jeff Miller the crown last year), he should beat Mincheff. He’ll just grind him into the mat.

155# – Jeff Miller (Medina Highland) – Ranked: #2
Miller is one of the few wrestlers not intimidated by [projected champ] Lapsley, and he is also one of the few who can go upper-body with him.

167# – Ed Difeo (SVSM) – Ranked: #2
Starting in [projected champ John Pott’s] own district, he must defeat DiFeo (who he beat by one point at Revere)

175# – Daryl Render (Warrensville Heights) – Ranked: #5
Render is incredibly strong and will challenge anyone. No one is immune to his threat.

185# – Paul Richards (DeSales) – Ranked: #1
Richards because it is just so hard to do anything to him.

HVY# – Troy Peebles (Evergreen) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

Class AAA

98# – Rob Arthur (Lima Shawnee) – Ranked: #8
not mentioned

105# – Rich Robusto (Stow Walsh Jesuit) – Ranked: #2
Robusto has been out nursing an injured shoulder for nearly six weeks, and how much that has hurt his conditioning is hard to determine.

112# – Don Horning (Stow Walsh Jesuit) – Ranked: #1
If Don Horning were a little bigger, there is no question in my mind that he would dominate this weight class.

119# – Colin Funk (Cloverleaf) – Ranked: #4
Funk is an outstanding wrestler, but weak on the bottom.

126# – Larry Vance (Nordonia) – Ranked: #3
Both Vance and Bryson have had trouble winning big matches in the past, but anybody who saw Bryson at Revere or Vance at Brecksville have to believe that that has been cured.

132# – Greg Wright (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
He is super-quick, immensely skilled, and indomitable in battle.

138# – Jim Heffernan (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
Except for his physique, he’s a college wrestler right now; and his machine-like performances allow for no errors.

145# – Greg Elinsky (St. Edward) – Ranked: #3
The best of the remainder is Greg Elinsky — who, I believe, could, at a given time, beat any other 145 in the state.

155# – Paul Bartolone (Cleveland St. Joseph) – Ranked: #1
A lovely blend of speed and power, Bartalone, if healthy, will be able to dominate this top flight competition; and take his second consecutive state title.

167# – Joe Silvestro (St. Edward) – Ranked: #5
Terrific on his feet, if he wins enough to gather confidence, he will be a leader out of this area [Cleveland]

175# – William Elbin (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
Against big boys, he must learn that gnashing teeth, rolling eyeballs, and apparently random body movements don’t get you out. He’ll have to overcome this by getting every first takedown.

185# – Simas Kijauskas (Cleveland St. Joseph) – Ranked: #2
This blocky blonde has been very successful at heavyweight, and should do very well indeed at this weight.

HVY – Kirk Lowdermilk (Salem) – Ranked: HM
Tomak (Louisville) and Lowdermilk (Salem) may also figure closely in that competition [ at the Akron District].


1982

1982 Brakeman Report


Class A

98# – Mark Adkins (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1
There is no question that Adkins will absolutely pulverize any ‘A’ competitor in the state.

105# – Scott Arrigoni (Newbury) – Ranked: n/a
not mentioned

112# – Brent Wohrle (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #2
He has not yet made 112#, but when he does, this ‘AA’ state qualifier of last year will be a ‘load’.

119# – Ivan Parrish (Caldwell) – Ranked: #6 (at 126)
Parrish should dominate the Eastern District

126# – Luke DiSabato (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #1
Luke DiSabato should squeak into the throne room as yet another in a long line of DiSabato brothers and cousins who became state champions.

132# – Pat Schirtzinger (Licking Heights) – Ranked: #1
He’s been in countless pressure matches and will just barely defeat the exceptional Schroeck.

138# – Dave Rohr (Ashland Mapleton) – Ranked: #4 (at 145)
Mapleton has been switching Rogers and Rohr so it’s difficult to say which will wrestle at this weight

145# – John Potokar (Richmond Heights) – Ranked: #1 (at 155)
Potokar is probably the best wrestler of the trio, but both Smith and Wisener will dwarf him.

155# – Steve Smith (Bluffton) – Ranked: #2
Smith, just down from 175#, is the runner-up at this weight from last year. If he can get comfortable with the weight, he’ll be a rugged opponent.

167# – Mark Falk (Bluffton) – Ranked: #1
Perhaps what he’ll most be remembered for is his title last year when, with an injured shoulder, he defeated the rugged Porter to give Bluffton the team title by one-half point.

175# – Keith Edmonson (Newbury) – Ranked: #1
The big senior from Newbury will have to beat a defending state champ, and can expect a tough bout in every round.

185# – Joe Thompson (Bishop Ready) – Ranked: #1
He had an exceptional year so far this season, and with the rugged schedule Bishop Ready wrestles, he has to be the slight favorite.

HVY – Paul Sanchez (Gibsonburg) – Ranked: HM
A good looking long-shot might be Sanchez (Gibsonburg).

Class AA

98# – Robert Huston (Oak Harbor) – Ranked: #1
I’ve gone with the defending champ after substantial deliberation, although Mendicino would seem to have an excellent chance of defeating him.

105# – John Ryba (Bedford Chanel) – Ranked: #2
I’ve chosen Mossing over Ryba on the narrowest of bases as again I think these two will dominate the weight class.

112# – Jeff Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: #1
If this exceptional junior has had a close bout in the last two years, I am unaware of it, although he will be challenged more this year than last.

119# – Jeff Gainer (Akron Manchester) – Ranked: #2
I think his choice to go 119# is wise. He certainly has a good chance of winning here, while it’s not in the cards for him to beat Jim Jordan at 126#.

126# – Jim Jordan (St. Paris Graham) – Ranked: #1
This weight is substantially weaker than in a normal year, and it’s a real tribute to one wrestler, Jim Jordan… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a wrestler control the tempo and flow of a match better than Jordan.

132# – Richard Burton (Medina Highland) – Ranked: #2
Burton, on the other hand, is the defending champ but has not wrestled well much of the year. He still has that unbelievable determination, but just doesn’t seem quite as quick. I hate to pick against him because it will just be one more spur for him to win it again.

138# – Scott Duncan (Marion Pleasant) – Ranked: #1
Scott Duncan is one of the finest senior wrestlers in Ohio. He is highly recruitable and will enhance his reputation with his second state title.

145# – Brian Rhonehouse (Holland Springfield) – Ranked: #4
Rhonehouse has won both the Springfield and Rogers Tourneys and convincingly walloped Meredeith at the latter.

155# – Dick Reed (Ravenna Southeast) – Ranked: #1
From the ‘sensational sophomore’ of two years ago, he has matured into a solid, hard-to-beat competitor.

167# – Jamey Bailey (Ravenna Southeast) – Ranked: #1
Bailey has the knack for always being in a match and, for example, came from far behind to tie Burrer 12-12 in the state semis, and then win in overtime.

175# – Gary Miller (Evergreen) – Ranked: #1
Miller is my choice, but he must not back away as much as he did in the MIT finals or an unsympathetic ref may keep penalizing him.

185# – Vince O’Brien (DeSales) – Ranked: #1
O’Brien the reformed heavyweight, has good technique and speed, and from his heavyweight days realizes the necessity of six minutes of constant work.

HVY# – Jeff Reiner (Swanton) – Ranked: #1
My choice is big Jeff Reiner, a state qualifier and this year’s MIT runner-up to my ‘AAA’ choice, Mike Toor.

Class AAA

98# – John Bennett (North Canton Hoover) – Ranked: #8 (at 105)
Bennett has been erratic at best while suffering through an arm injury… although Bennett, if right, could even take the title.

105# – Scott Hinkel (Fairfield) – Ranked: #6
So far, Hinkle has gone at 112#, but has been “handled” several times.

112# – Rich Robusto (Stow Walsh Jesuit) – Ranked: #1
Tall and wiry, he’ll need to be a little more physical in college, but he has all the tools. He should cruise to the title.

119# – Ken Masica (Parma Heiths Valley Forge) – Ranked: #5
Masica has been a sensational dual meet performer, but has floundered in the tournament atmosphere.

126# – Rob Johnson (Watkins Memorial) – Ranked: #2
Johnson has almost unlimited potential. He has the ability to get sky-high for a bout and with his physical gifts can be devastating.

132# – Chris Mears (North Canton Hoover) – Ranked: #1
He isn’t shooting as much as he should; it’s almost like he’s trying to avoid losses rather than notch victories. If he gets just a little more aggressive, his great skills should see him through.

138# – John Cuetic (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
…he’s a fine wrestler who is just excellent on his feet and he seems to ignite St. Ed’s and that helps him, too

145# – Jim Heffernan (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
He is a mistake-free wrestler with absolutely no weaknesses, and when he matures physically he will be an awesome collegiate wrestler.

155# – Greg Elinsky (St. Edward) – Ranked: #1
He is wrestling with much greater precision than ever before, and he’ll win his second title easily — unless some hulk gets lucky and sticks him.

167# – Todd Darbyshire (Troy) – Ranked: #2
Both Darbyshire, the Resident Destroyer, and Tluchowski (fifth last year) will be enormous at this weight and one mistake by [projected champ] Silvestro will vault them into the throne room.

175# – Doug Brunot (Conneaut) – Ranked: #8 (at 185)
Both [Heropoulos] and Rodhe were one match from State last year and along with Brunot form a trio nearly as formidable as the Cleveland bunch.

185# – Mike Davies (Chardon) – Ranked: #1
I’ve gone with the junior from Chardon because he has superior technique along with quickness and size. He has the failings of one who was a ‘phenom’ in that he seems to lose his concentration on occasion.

HVY – Larry Chesbrough (Mentor) – Ranked: #5
Chesborough, at 185# last year, has developed into a sleek, smooth heavyweight who pinned all four opponents at the prestigious Brecksville Holiday Tourney.


Category: Brakeman Reports

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2 thoughts on “What Brian Brakeman Said About Every State Champion (1977 – 1982)”

  1. David Range III says:
    April 14, 2024 at 12:31 pm

    This is a great selection of quotes to reminisce on. Loved it.

  2. ROBERT SAWYER says:
    April 22, 2024 at 1:24 pm

    An absolute gem of a time capsule. Turns out my recollection is NOT an embellishment! Brakeman’s quotes remind me of great wrestling, by great wrestlers, in times past. So much nostalgia with which to reminisce.

Comments are closed.

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