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1999

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

FORECAST

(28th Annual Edition)

Written By:
Brian Brakeman

Copyright 1999, Reproduction of this material for profit without written consent is prohibited.

DIVISION III

Never since the inception of Division III competition in 1976 has this classification contained the power and depth that it does this year. Without a doubt, the last few years of this century will be remembered as a Golden Age of Division III wrestling. With Opfer, Rowlands, Forward, Carrizales, Schuler and Taylor, to name just a few, this classification has many of the brightest stars in Ohio. At the same time, there is more depth at each weight class than ever before. This March will be a good time to savor the competition and the competitors within our smallest schools.

Division III Teams

1. Delta -- Last year they set a new Division III record by scoring 149 ½ in winning their second title in the last three years. They won't challenge that standard in 1999, but with five potential finalists (and possibly champions), they should score somewhere around 120 points. They have little depth after their top five, but with former champs Schuler and Taylor, and potential champs A. Carrizales, D. Carrizales and Sintobin, that should be more than enough.

2. Sandusky St. Mary -- They will score the most team points during the decade of the '90s, but it will probably lead to just one team title. This year they again have excellent depth and should Delta stumble they are the only potential challenger. Jared Opfer is looking for his fourth title while brother Drew seeks to gain his first. Add in countless Finnerans and another Whelan and this squad could get close to 100 points. They key factors would be a big showing at the weak 103# class, and a very high finish by Whelan.

3. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy -- A team with two incandescent stars in Lester and Vogel, and a potential placer in Turner. They were ninth last year, but should move up into the Top Five. Charvat could play a key role at the weak 103# class.

4. Lima Central Catholic-- There is substantial fragmentation after the three top teams, and so subsequent team placement can swing widely based on the performance of one or two wrestlers. This team with Boyd, Fedeli and Bindel is one of many with Top Five chances. Obviously the key is that the top boys wrestle at peak efficiency in Columbus. Boyd deserves a title at 130# (but so do Carrizales and Simcoe), while Fedeli is only a point or two away from Jesse. Bindel is the key since Huffman and Clemens are not likely to qualify.

5. Cadiz -- A broader based team with a number of wrestlers on the fringe of scoring at the state level. Sedgmer should be good for 20 points, but he'll need help from Brooks, Bittinger, Rapp, Coffman and Dunlap. They'll get a lot to Columbus -- the question is whether they'll be able to score there. The double elimination format could help teams like Cadiz or Martins Ferry.

6. Archbold -- Forward is a superstar of the first magnitude, but he cannot score much more than 30 points. Help could arrive in the form of Bosco, Shirkey, or Grime with Young and Schittkey other possibilities. Somebody has to get hot here for them to make this ranking.

7. Hopewell Loudon -- Two excellent wrestlers can score a lot of points and that is exactly what Hopewell Loudon has. The two excellent juniors Jesse and Frisch are both in line for high placement and that could easily lead to a top Ten finish in this fragmented year.

8. Martin Ferry -- Like Cadiz this is another river squad that had substantial depth, but the issue is whether they can produce victories at Columbus. Roth, Bruney and Ware are their stars, but the two Tierneys, Curnes and Shreve could also be helpers.

9. Chanel -- A very young team that will be fighting for team titles the next two years. Stanek and Schaefer are exceptional sophomores, while Ralph is only a ninth grader. The key is performance at 103#, and maybe help from Adams, Hoogenbaum, or Terry.

10. Ready -- A team like Archbold that features one brilliant superstar, but continues to search for other state point scorers. Rowlands is marvelous, but the key will be if state qualifier Gore or Castorano can generate wins.

103#

Projected Champion: Dan Ralph (Chanel)

Top Contenders
2.  Lloyd (Manchester)                    15. Kuykendall (Madeira)
3.  Schmidt/Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary)  16. Bedford (Woodmore)
4.  Tierney (Martins Ferry)               17. LaCure (Greeneview)
5.  Meiring (Evergreen)                   18. Lint (Cuyahoga Hts.)
6.  Aring (Eastwood)                      19. Simon (Milan Edison)
7.  Charvat (CVCA)                        20. Tillman (Beachwood)
8.  Derr (Cardinal Stritch)               21. Jack (Shadyside)
9.  Ward (Streetsboro)                    22. Hammonds (Reading)
10. Ford (Delta)                          23. Richards (Brookville)
11. McIntyre (River Valley)               24. Mitchell (Brooklyn)
12. Savage (Oakwood)                      25. Buckingham (Mohawk)
13. Stroup (Westfall)                     26. Johnson (Mechanicsburg)
14. Suto (Bellaire St. John)              27. Eckhardt/Hasty (Carlisle)
                                          28. Sweeney (Mapleton) 

This is undoubtedly the weakest and most ill-defined weight class of the 42 that will be contested at Columbus. There are no returning state placers and, in fact, only one returning state qualifier a wrestler who finished 4th in his sectional, 5th in district competition, and suffered his 13th loss in the first round at Dayton. While this is an unusually low number of returning qualifiers, even at 103#, the problem is further compounded by a lack of high powered, younger wrestlers we often find at the lower weights. There is no Harry Lester here this year or, as we saw three years ago, no sensational trio of performers like Opfer, Carrizales and Boyd at least none that I have been able to identify.

If you truly like parity and the element of surprise, this almost certainly is the weight class for you. When I do these reports I generally feel very confident that the eventual champ will emerge from my top five choices certainly from the first 10. In fact, in Division III, the last time a champ did not come from my top ten was back in 1994 when Joe Joltin ranked 14th took the title at 103#. It is very likely that 1999 will see a repeat of that phenomenon.

What is amazing is that each of the four individual districts are just as undefined as the state is in total. For example, at Elyria Catholic there are at least a dozen wrestlers with state qualification possibilities. Perhaps the two best, and this is little more than mere speculation, are Ralph and Lloyd. Ralph, only a freshmen, has been a consistent placer at strong tournaments like Wadsworth, Solon and North Canton. The younger brother of two-time state champ Anthony Ralph, he may well follow in the footsteps of his older sibling who was a state finalist as a freshman. Lloyd, who started the year at 112#, has also been a consistent placer and appears to be undefeated against Division III foes. He was a strong 2nd at Wadsworth at 112# and placed at the Dies, Hoban and Dix tourneys, as well. Tillman, now a junior is no longer a small 103 pounder, while Ward and Charvat have strong qualification chances here. Charvat, in particular, could do very well, while Mitchell and Sweeney are dark horses. Other candidates are Benucci (Wickliffe) and Cavalier (Newbury) from the northern part of the district, and Scott (Loudonville) and Cherry (West Salem Northwestern) from the South.

The Fostoria District might be, top to bottom, just as strong as the one at Elyria Catholic. In this year of parity, Schmidt and Finneran both have placement potential, but one won't get out of the wrestling room. Schmidt seems to have been somewhat more successful and is likely to be the St. Mary's entrant. State qualifier Aring returns at this class and was 1st at Northwood and 3rd at Sylvania Southview behind Meiring who Schmidt defeated in the dual. Derr won the CIT and the Hopewell Loudon tourneys and cannot be overlooked. Any of this quartet has placement chances. Mix in the excellent freshman Ford, along with Bedford, Buckingham and Simon and it should be an exciting competition at Fostoria. Interestingly one of the toprates 103's in the Defiance area is Becky D'Ambrosia (Ayresville) who has district chances.

Both the Steubenville and Xenia Districts are very competitive, but at a somewhat lower level. LaCure, recently the OW at Bellbrook, and continues to show real improvement and he is probably one of the best at the Xenia District. The rest of that area remains a real mystery with the undefeated Kuykendall next best. Savage and Hammonds have shown placement results at local tournaments, while both Eckhardt and Hasty have competed well for Carlisle. Tierney and McIntyre would seem to be best at Steubenville with both having placement chances. However, these two wrestlers will be challenged by their colleagues such as Stroup, Suto and Jack. OVAC momentum could play a role for Tierney here.

112#

Projected Champion: Harry Lester (CVCA) 

Top Contenders
2.  Fazio (Manchester)               14. Magoteaux (Versailles)
3.  Pressler (Margaretta)            15. Cusick (River Valley)
4.  Hochwalt (Oakwood)               16. Zimmerman (Hillsdale)
5.  Sibrel (Elmwood)                 17. Swihart (Sandy Valley)
6.  Brooks (Cadiz)                   18. Fernandez (Elyria Catholic)
7.  S. Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary)  19. Bacon (Stritch)
8.  Kuchta (Streetsboro)             20. Flora (Mechanicsburg)
9.  Hockenberry (Northwood)          21. Kovach (Kirtland)
10. Curnes (Martins Ferry)           22. Saal (Aquinas)
11. Webb (Ayresville)                23. Bailey (Dixie)
12. Wenger (Northmor)                24. Park (Crestview)
13. Wilds (North Union)              25. Heyob (Fenwick) 

There is nothing so humbling as the forecasting business, especially when January's forecast is inevitably compared with March's results. Nowhere was that more apparent than last year's prediction that Harry Lester would not win the state title at 103#. My words then indicated that I recognized his marvelous talents, but somehow I believed that when state 3rd place medalist Fazio dropped down to 103# his superior size and experience would prevail. Was I ever wrong. Lester was absolutely brilliant, defeating Fazio twice late in the season and cruising to his first state title. Fazio was 3rd yet again.

Lester continues to be outstanding as he makes the jump to 112#. He won the Ironman and the Medina by twice defeating Division I state champ Mason Lenhard and also won at CVCA and the Dies the latter with a close 3-1 win over the persistent Fazio. His incredible quickness and balance are still his trademarks as he now stands 58-1 midway through his sophomore year.

Fazio hasn't given up. He has been 3rd the last two years and another such finish would make him the first three-time 3rd place medalist in Ohio history. He has followed the same regimen as last year wrestling up a weight class early in the year and then moving down in January. I thought the cut last year to 103# might have enervated him at the end of last year when Parsons defeated him at Districts and States. This year the cut looks to be less severe and he is likely to be Lester's biggest threat. The rest of the Elyria Catholic District is a full step behind this duo with those listed being augmented by Hudock (Columbia Station), the freshman Pelz (Beachwood) and VerMerris (Hawken).

This is a most competitive weight class. There are currently 13 returning State qualifiers, including five who have placed. Five of this initial group will exit from Fostoria and it will take perfect pairings for all of them to make it once again. Pressler looks to be the best of this group. But there is not substantial differentiation between any of this quintet although I think some have improved more than others over the past 12 months. I've moved Finneran ahead of both Hockenberry and Webb, even though he finished behind both of them at Fostoria last year. Bacon, just back, might have the best opportunity to displace one of this top group while Smith (Cory Rawson), DeCooman (Van Buren) and Young (Archbold) could pull the big upset, with Luke (Montpelier) and Estrada (Tinora) are in the background. Look for several placers out of this district.

Hochwalt stands head and shoulders above the rest of the Xenia District. Last year's district champ went on to place a strong 5th defeating Hockenberry, Wilds and Pressler in the process. While I think Pressler may have moved ahead of him he still has solid placement potential particularly entering the tourney as a district champ. State qualifier Magoteaux is a good half dozen points behind Hochwalt with Flora at about the same level. If Mangen (Mississinawa Valley) is at this weight, he could be a threat as could Schultz (Brookville), Frye (North College Hill), or Thompson (Covington).

The Steubenville District should be wild. State qualifiers Brooks and Curnes both return at 112# and look to be strongest here. State qualifier Wilds defeated Wenger 10-9 earlier in the year, but I believe Wenger has moved past him. Wilds was the district champ at 103# last year, but could well be severely challenged just to return to Columbus. Wilds gave Fazio a good quarterfinal bout last year and nipped Webb in overtime; however, Hochwalt defeated him by 10 points. Jones (Bridgeport) was one bout from States last year, while Swihart qualified at 103#, but at this moment they cannot be favored to qualify out of this district. Throw in Cusick, Francis (Barnesville) and Gibson (Belpre) and this will truly be a hardfought district.

119#

Projected Champion: Drew Opfer (Sandusky St. Mary)

Top Contenders
2.  Jesse (HopewellLoudon)         14. Opichka (Madeira 
3.  Parsons (Loudonville)          15. Zapadka (Stritch)
4.  Fedeli (Lima Central Catholic) 16. Tierney (Martins Ferry)
5.  Morris (Carlisle)              17. B. Lee (Oakwood)
6.  Stanek (Chanel)                18. Grime (Archbold)
7.  Linsker (Beachwood)            19. Horne (Grand Valley)
8.  Krokos (Columbia Station)      20. McCartney (Tusky Valley)
9.  Dunlap (Grandview Hts.)        21. Harmeyer (Reading)
10. Rimbert (Oberlin)              22. Spencer (Northmor)
11. Kleman (Blufton)               23. Kosa (Jackson Milton)
12. Brown (Greeneview)             24. Parfitt (West Jefferson)
13. N. McDowell (Jonathan Alder)   25. Lopez (Genoa)
                                   26. Smilek (CVCA) 

It is my view that 119# will feature any number of close, excellently wrestled bouts in what should be a sharp and combative championship. There is a rich mixture of returning state place winners, well-schooled state qualifiers, and exceptional freshmen. Generally such a combination brews a batch of upsets and that would not be surprising here. What makes it difficult is that there are wrestlers moving down from Division II and that results to this point have not followed a consistent pattern.

The Fostoria District is not real deep at 119#, but the "up top" quality is very high. Drew Opfer, the sophomore brother of three-time-state champ Jared, is very good in his own right. Last year at 119# (a weight class higher than he wrestled most of the year) he was a state semifinalist before losing to Carrizales and Simcoe (in overtime) and finishing 5th. He finished his freshman season with 50 victories. This year he is undefeated, but certainly not unchallenged. He nipped Jesse 5-3 in the dual meet and battled to a hard fought 6-4 win over Fedeli who always seems to give him trouble.

Two years ago Jesse won his first 41 bouts before losing in the 103# state finals to Allega. Last year at 112#, he had some nagging injuries finishing 4th in the District and losing in the first round at States. Fedeli and Kleman should also qualify out of Fostoria with the former having a solid shot at state placement. Zapadka is a marginal pick for the last qualifying ticket with Grime, Lopez, Solarik (Eastwood) and Stacklin (Seneca East) other possibilities.

State runnerup Mike Parsons came out of nowhere last year to become a finalist at 103#. He was 3rd in his sectional behind Lester and Fazio, but then wrestled brilliantly at the district level defeating Fazio twice and losing only to Lester. Now at 119#, he has lost but once this year (at North Canton) and seems acclimated to the two weight class jump.

There appears to be five top contenders for four spots at Elyria Catholic. Parsons, of course, has to be rated the favorite, but state qualifier Stanek will be here and he is very impressive. The outstanding freshman Linsker won at Richmond Hts. and has two close losses to go with 17 wins. He upset the senior Krokos 12-5, who was a district semifinalist at this weight class last year. The big question mark is the puzzling Rimbert. He wrestles a lot of strange, high scoring bouts. Last year Krokos ripped him in the sectional finals 16-9, but Rimbert reversed that result in the district go-to-state bout with a 7-5 win. Rimbert took that district 4th and parlayed it into state wins over the excellent Simcoe and Borjas to finish 6th. He is the wild card in any bracket sheet with his name on it. Others besides those listed above are Brown (CCC), Howley (Girard), Ford (Hillsdale) and Olney (Mapelton).

State qualifier Dunlap heads a relatively weak Steubenville District, while state qualifiers Morris and Brown lead at Xenia. Morris was a Division II participant last year and would appear to have strong placement potential. Brown wrestled one of the most exciting first round bouts last year ending up on the short end of a 15-14 donnybrook.

125#

Projected Champion: Jared Opfer (Sandusky St. Mary)

Top Contenders
2.Borjas (Genoa)                  15. Castorano (Ready)
3. Lowery (Kansas Lakota)         16. Hundley (Dixie)
4. Hackney (Wellsville)           17. Common (JacksonMilton)
5. Schultz (Brookville)           18. O'Grady (Shadyside)
6. Jackson (Tuslaw)               19. Preisler (Beachwood)
7. S. McDowell (Jonathan Alder)   20. Brink (Liberty Center)
8. Davis (Elmwood)                21. Pontius (Evergreen)
9. Foote (Cuyahoga Hts.)          22. McGough (ASV)
10. Justi (Milan Edison)          23. Kumpf (Marion Pleasant)
11. Donahue (Bellaire St. John)   24. Kelch (Versailles)
12. Fields (Summit Country Day)   25. Jellison (Union Local)
13. Roush (Mohawk)                26. Lang (Waterford)
14. Maurice (West Liberty Salem)  27. Kirtley (Streetsboro) 

Jared Opfer is an overwhelming favorite to become Ohio's 9th fourtime state champion, and it all seems to be happening with less fanfare than it deserves. Somehow Opfer has never quite been as appreciated as the other four-time winners. That's surprising considering he will have over 200 high school victories with 120 of them coming by fall. Still, his effortless, less than flashy style may well blind many to how good he really has been these past four years. No other four-time champ has faced the relentless competition that Opfer has. His two contemporaries Boyd and Carrizales have been there year in and year out, while state champion Kitt Allega matched up with him as well. The overwhelming impression of Opfer is that he knows how to win. As a freshman, he won overtime bouts versus Carrizales and Boyd in the last two rounds to take his first state title and then won one point decisions the past two years. This time it should be much easier. This is neither a strong nor a deep weight class and Opfer should have little trouble with the possible exception of Borjas. And after all, no three-time champ has ever failed to win in his senior year.

Fostoria is clearly the dominant district at this weight class. Borjas is very good having won at Sylvania Southview and Brecksville (over state runnerup David Dies) and finishing 2nd at 130# at Northwood. A district runnerup to Carrizales last year he split his first two state bouts by score of 17-13 and 19-11 before being eliminated by Simcoe. State qualifier and placer Lowery is good, but does not threaten Opfer. State qualifier Roush is well behind this top trio with Davis, Justi, Pontius and Brink other reasonable choices for state qualification. Smith (Cory Rawson) and Gray (Wayne Trace) are other possibilities.

There are six strong candidates for the four state berths out of Steubenville. Two, Hackney and Donahue, have previous state experience, although the latter has not qualified in several years. I particularly like the aggressive Hackney who won one state bout last year before running into Carrizales and West. The other wrestler to watch is O'Grady who can blow hot and cold. When he is "on" he has bigtime upset potential. Last year he lost a 9-7 district semifinal bout and then failed to qualify back through the consolation round. Along with Castorano, Jellison, Hackney and McDowell, they should be considered the favorites for Columbus. Lang is a longshot here.

The Elyria Catholic District is uncharacteristically weak so much so that there is a very real chance that none of the qualifiers here will place. This last happened two years ago at 171#. It would not surprise me if some of the 119's who are marginal in terms of state qualification move up to this weight class. I've ranked Jackson at the top based on a number of strong performances in some powerful tournaments. He beat Rimbert at Medina and lost to the excellent Percifull in overtime. The rest of the listed choices are pretty much "by guess or by golly."

Two-time district champ Adam Schultz heads the Xenia contingent, and he won two state bouts at 112# last year. He looked strong at the GMVWA finishing fourth despite losing two heartbreakers. There are at least four legitimate contenders for the two remaining berths including former state qualifier Fields. However, both Maurice and Hundley could move ahead of Fields with Kelch lurking in the background.

130#

Projected Champion: Anthony Carrizales (Delta)

Top Contenders
2.  Simcoe (Johnstown Northridge)  14. Weyer (Blufton)
3.  Boyd (Lima Central Catholic)   15. Engel (Reading)
4.  Miller (Beachwood)             16. Wyse (Evergreen)
5.  Richards (Columbia Station)    17. Long (Wellsville)
6.  Dean (Genoa)                   18. Griffith (West Liberty Salem)
7.  Tomaino (JacksonMilton)        19. Warner (Granville)
8.  Perry (Brookville)             20. Crisp (Elyria Catholic)
9.  Bittinger (Cadiz)              21. Bright (Dixie)
10. Pratt (Shadyside)              22. Smialowski (Milan Edison)
11. Lejeune (Fremont St. Joseph)   23. Landals (Rootstown)
12. Davis (Loudonville)            24. Grygo (Tusky CC)
13. E. Lee (Oakwood)               25. Massaquoi (Richmond Hts.)
                                   26. Weller (Lakota) 

In many ways I foresee this as one of the most competitive and exciting weight classes. In Division III, it is loaded with superior performers who have a long record of outstanding accomplishments at the state level. At the same time none of this top group has won a state title although they have come agonizingly close, and so for most this is their last opportunity.

My choice by a very narrow margin is Anthony Carrizales. As a freshman he defeated Opfer at the district level, but then lost a state semifinal bout to him in overtime and ended up 4th. The last two years he has finished 2nd losing 4-3 to Opfer at 112# and 7-2 to Hughes at 119#. This is his last chance and he will need to put it all together to prevail. He has lost twice this year once 14-12 at Reno in what many call the greatest high school bout of the year, and once at Perrysburg to the surprising Wiles 5-1, which he avenged 14-5 the next week. Wiles, of course, was a state runnerup in Florida last year.

Right behind Carrizales is the undefeated, two-time state qualifier Joey Simcoe. He was 4th last year after a stunning first round upset, but has been brilliant this season. He tied two-time state champ Jeff Ratliff in the Central District preview and then won over a strong field at Medina defeating Boyd 5-1 in the semis and a Georgia state champ in the finals. He gets the first takedown and his opponent is in deep trouble.

Right at the same level of this top duo is Tristan Boyd. He has already won 11 state bouts in finishing 2nd, 3rd, 3rd. Like Fazio he could become Ohio's first three-time third place finisher, but he obviously wants much, much more. As a freshman, he beat Carrizales for the district title, but lost an overtime battle in the state finals to Opfer. He seemed, at that time, to be assured of at least a couple of titles, but it hasn't happened. He lost in the state semis to Opfer (again) at 112# as a sophomore, and a double overtime decision, 7-6, to state champion Allega last year. His only loss is to Simcoe, and he was without his longtime head coach that day as well.

Certainly the wrestler who draws away from the other two should have an advantage. For Boyd that would mean, perhaps, not having to beat Simcoe and, instead, challenging the more familiar Carrizales. One last option might be for one of this trio to move up to the somewhat easier 135 pound level, although Simok is no treat. One thing to note. I've been correct six straight years at this weight class and along with 112# it is my longest steak in Division III. This year that streak will face maximum stress as these top three boys face off.

The Fostoria District is loaded. Beside Carrizales and Boyd, state qualifiers Dean and Lejeune return. They are both experienced competitors who know how to win and have the ability to do so at the state level. Dean, for example, was 6th last year at this class, including impressive wins over Wood and Honaker. I've also rated Weller, Wyse, Weyer and Smialowski who would have good qualification chances at other districts, but who will have to be at the top of their game to make it here.

Simcoe should dominate at Steubenville. That is unless Honaker decides to compete at this weight class, but my guess is that he'll opt for 135#. Otherwise, journeyman performers like Pratt, Long, Bittinger, Minner and Warner have the inside track for the last three spots. However, it is certainly possible that a lower rated wrestler having a hot weekend could grab a spot. People like Grygo, Little (Newcomerstown), Gerber (Garaway) and Border (River Valley) are candidates for such a role.

There is a lot of placement potential at Elyria Catholic, but probably not at the finalist level. Richards was 5th two years making it to the semifinals before being bombed by Carrizales. Last year he picked up a flagrant misconduct at the end of the season and the two match suspension extended into the sectionals. This year he has been unbeaten mostly at 135 pounds. Miller, too, has been a little short of sensational this season after winning one bout at states last year as a sophomore. He is unbeaten with over 20 wins including a title at Richmond Hts. defeating the very tough Trivisonno 11-4. State qualifier Tomaino and Davis are next best with Crisp, Landals and Massaquoi behind them. Other possibilities are Fiorini (Warren JFK) and Burnett (Chagrin Falls).

Two-time state qualifier Perry leads a pedestrian group of warriors from Xenia. Engel and Lee are very close for the second spot with Griffith looking for upset to make the top three. Add to this list Bright, Alexander (Triad), Bierman (Carlisle) and Rigling (Madeira) and we have hopefully covered all the bases here.

135#

Projected Champion: Steve Simok (Northwood)


Top Contenders
2.  Honaker (Jonathan Alder)      14. Heller (Beachwood)
3.  Frisch (Hopewell Loudon)      15. Minner (Marion Pleasant)
4.  Schaefer (Chanel)             16. Burns (Crestview)
5.  Setmire (Evergreen)           17. Dunlap (Cadiz)
6.  Ware (Martins Ferry)          18. James (Oberlin)
7.  Weible (Tinora)               19. Hensley (North College Hill)
8.  Turner (CVCA)                 20. Mendenhall (Versailles)
9.  Woodby (Monroe Central)       21. Meyer (Cuyahoga Hts.)
10. Kelly (Reading)               22. Guillen (Woodmore)
11. Lambert (Columbia Station)    23. Glasser (Shadyside)
12. Wytko (Jackson Milton)        24. Lakes (Brookville)
13. Kiss (Rootstown)              25. Soellner (Summit Country Day) 

Steve Simok is one of those wrestlers who has made enormous strides over his high school career. His first two years were at 103# and 112# where he reached the state qualification level, but was no factor at States. Then suddenly last year, it all came together at 130# as he won his first 37 bouts before losing to three-time state champ Eric Burnett in the state semifinals. This year at 135#, it's been more of the same as he won brilliantly all year including a 6-3 win over two-time state champion Jeff Ratliff at Sylvania Southview. He has certified at 130#, but with Forward committed to 140# he becomes a solid favorite at this weight class. His biggest threat would be if Boyd or Simcoe move up from 130#.

In the past the Northeast District was relatively dominant in Division III wrestling with the Northwest District a step behind. That has begun to change dramatically and this year's talent pool exiting Fostoria is probably the best ever. During the past three years the Northwest District has won 19 titles compared to 14 for the Northeast. In the three years before that the Northeast had led 18 to 6. It is not inconceivable the Northwest District qualifier could win as many as 10 titles.

Three returning state qualifiers will not allow Simok to relax at the district level. Frisch was 5th at this weight class losing in the semifinals to Forward. Setmire is the best of the excellent Evergreen middle weights and will challenge everyone at the state level but Simok. Weible won a state bout last year and looked very good at Medina capturing a 4th place trophy. That quartet should capture four of the five berths available, but the last berth is wide open. Good bracketing and good luck will be a big plus for those vying for that last spot.

Simok's toughest foe is likely to be Honaker who he defeated in the state quarterfinals 5-3. This year Honaker has won at North Union and Brookhaven, and fought Kevin Maehl to the last second before losing an 8-7 preview thriller. State qualifiers Woodby and Ware both have long-term impressive credentials, while here, too, that fourth spot is wide open. Glasser, Minner and Dunlap are the leading candidates, although Minner could decide to compete at 130#. Incidentally Glasser is the best of three brothers, all of whom compete at the varsity level for Shadyside.

Kelly should dominate at Xenia facing a field that is not terribly strong. A state qualifier last year as a freshman, Kelly lost twice at Wright State but gained valuable experience. Reading's good schedule should also help.

It will be a real battle at Elyria Catholic. I count at least eight strong contenders and I'm probably missing a few. I've struggled putting them in some reasonable order and the version you now see is only the last of many. Heading the list is Chanel's rugged sophomore Tom Schaefer. A sectional champ last year defeating state qualifier Cecil he lost his go-to-state match to the self same Cecil a week later. This year he was 3rd at Solon at 140# after losing on an "illegal slam," 3rd at Wadsworth and won the title at North Canton. He is a nice combination of speed and physicality and has great potential. Kiss and Lambert were both one win away from States last year, but Lambert seems to have had the best record so far in 1998-99. Turner has shown substantial improvement (it probably doesn't hurt having Vogel as a workout partner), while state qualifier Wytko has been steady. Heller and James have both been good, but I think Heller has the better chance of getting to Columbus. Add in Meyers and maybe Knight (West Salem Northwestern) and it's close to bedlam. With Vogel competing at 145# I would not be surprised to see some of this crew opt for 140#.

140#

Projected Champion: Clark Forward (Archbold) 

Top Contenders
2.  Peyton (Rootstown)                16. Hamman (Columbia Station)
3.  Gordon (Mapleton)                 17. Di Donna (Streetsboro)
4.  Stoll (Milan Edison)              18. Vaccari (Madeira)
5.  Roth (Martins Ferry)              19. Lucas (Barnesville)
6.  Patzakis (Richmond Hts.)          20. Derr (Stritch)
7.  Derek Koch (Bellaire St. John)    21. Carnevale (Reading)
8.  Smith (Girard)                    22. McBride (Oakwood)
9.  Walker (Tinora)                   23. Lieux (Elyria Catholic)
10. S. Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary)   24. Schmitmeyer (Versailles)
11. Gertz (Lockland)                  25. Huffman (Lima Central Catholic)
12. Aiello (Fisher Catholic)          26. Smith (Cardington)
13. Jacobs (Garaway)                  27. Davia (Union Local)
14. Sorg (Elmwood)                    28. Higgins (Jonathan Alder)
15. Leeland (Huron) 

In a year of great senior wrestlers, Clark Forward is one of the absolute best. Were it not a two-overtime controversial loss in the 119 pound state finals during his freshman year, Forward would be headed for a fourth title. He has lost only twice in his high school career and none at all since the middle of his sophomore season. During that time he has been dominant last year winning with three falls and a 19-7 decision over the excellent Vogel. His career reminds me a little of Lee Kemp's collegiate career which began with an NCAA final controversial overtime loss in his freshman year and then total success. Of the three-time champs, Forward has come closest to winning four and the University of Michigan has recruited a real winner.

There is no one here to challenge Forward so the battle will be for those steps on the victory stand that fall below the first one. Several of those steps should be occupied by qualifiers from the Elyria Catholic District. Last year as a sophomore Peyton finished 37-2 including a 3rd place medal at 130#. He won four consolation bouts including wins over Simok and Geiger. This year has been one of similar success, but he won't sneak up on people like he did last year as something of an unknown. The sophomore Patzakis is undefeated this year with the Richmond Hts. title under his belt. He missed state qualification last year with a tough draw (he had state champion Roberts in the quarterfinals and Klinger shortly thereafter), but should easily qualify this time. State qualifier Smith also returns and has performed well this year. However, watch out for the fabulous freshman Gordon who should also qualify. He has won rave reviews while winning at Bucyrus and copping the MVP award. I may have overrated him here, but he is one of the best freshmen in the entire state. A dynamo he is perpetual motion in human flesh and as he matures he should be sensational. Di Donna and Hamman are poised right behind this top quartet with Lieux, Adam (Chanel), Buchanan (Kirtland) and Hinman (CVCA) also in the running. Other possibilities are Snook (Wickliffe), Persinger (Waynedale) and Buckner (Waterloo).

While Forward dominates at Fostoria (or wherever else he happens to be), there is some solid talent behind him. State qualifier Stoll is excellent, but had the misfortune last year of losing to former state runner up Jones in the first round 11-7, and then getting eliminated when Jones lost in the next round. That cannot happen this year with the double elimination format. State qualifier Finneran has oscillated between 130# and 135#, but may find this weight class as ultimately best. In addition to those listed, Vance (Patrick Henry), Liss (New London) and Emery (Crestview) are possibilities. Also back is Mike Bushman (Delta) who was 5th at this weight class as a junior and was a two-time state qualifier. He barely survived a horrendous car accident last summer and lay in a coma for nearly three weeks. He has just returned to competition, but has not yet regained his former skills. A healthy Bushman would have been ranked 2nd at this class, but he is far from peak form at this time. Nonetheless, he is competing with real courage and his presence adds immeasurably to Delta's team.

Gertz should dominate at Xenia. He was a district champ last year and won a firstround bout as well. I've also rated four other contenders with Carnevale and McBride my two favorites for state qualification. Tighe (Mariemont), Combs (Indian Hills) and Landis (TriCounty North) are other thoughts. Except for Gertz, this will be a good district to draw into.

The Steubenville District should be dominated by wrestlers from along the river. State qualifiers Roth and Koch return, with the former winning one bout at Wright State, while the latter finished 5th. Rather ironic since Roth won their district encounter. Aiello is a Central District wrestler who should qualify, while Jacobs, Lucas, Higgins, Davia and Smith have the best shot at the last spot.

145#

Projected Champion: Andy Vogel (CVCA)

Top Contenders
2.  D. Carrizales (Delta)             15. Parr (Shadyside)
3.  Stevenson (West Liberty Salem)    16. Gleckler (Evergreen)
4.  Kingery (Genoa)                   17. Harvey (Granville)
5.  Garcia (Milan Edison)             18. Baker (Union Local)
6.  Grimes (Smithville)               19. Rauen (Deer Park)
7.  Barga (Versailles)                20. Hoogenboom (Chanel)
8.  Karr (Tinora)                     21. Dollaway (Northmor)
9.  Vedra (Milbury Lake)              22. Schmitz (Tri County North)
10. Rizzo (Cuyahoga Hts.)             23. Manfredonia (Independence)
11. Tucture (Streetsboro)             24. Bawtenheimer (Landmark)
12. Daniel Koch (Bellaire St. John)   25. Conley (Plymouth)
13. Spoores (Eastwood)                26. Wackerly (Malvern)
14. Favaro (ASV)                      27.Harmon (Waynedale) 

This looks to be a two-man battle with both boys coming to Columbus as 1998 state runners up. It's a difficult choice, but I'm going with the brilliant Vogel who has lost only to the Russian Tomaev, who wrestles for Blair Academy. Vogel was 2nd last year at 135# to Forward, getting hammered after three impressive wins including two by fall. This year he won at CVCA, Dies and Medina while getting 3rd at the Ironman. He has spent most of the year at 140#, but will move up to 145# at tourney time. An excellent student (SAT of 1,530), he appears to have analytic approach to his matches always a significant advantage.

Carrizales, cousin of my 130# choice, transferred from Napoleon after his sophomore year, and it paid immediate dividends as he cruised to the finals at 145# before losing to the St. Paris Graham late transfer Chris Schlaegel in overtime. This year he has been excellent, losing only at Reno. I favor Vogel based on a slight edge in quickness. If Delta gets on a roll, however, team energy and momentum could be a big intangible for Carrizales. In any case, it should be a great battle between two excellent seniors.

Carrizales exits from the strongest sectional. Four others competing at Fostoria have previous state experience. Kingery won two state bouts at 140# last year and has also vacillated between 140# and 145#. Karr won a first round bout at 145#, but then lost twice including a 7-6 thriller to the returning Stevenson. Garcia qualified at 160# and won a consolation bout and has now dropped two weight classes. He was the champ at Brecksville and Edison. Vedra, yet another transfer (from Rossford), has been at 152# until recently with outstanding success. This is a very strong quintet all with placement chances if they can make it through at Fostoria. Gleckler and Spoores would qualify out of any of the other three districts, but they'll need to be at their very best to have a chance here.

Vogel should have little trouble at Elyria Catholic. State qualifier Grimes returns, but he is a clear step below Vogel. After this duo, it's wide open with plenty of opportunities for all those rated.

Stevenson and Barga are a very strong duo out of Xenia. Both are returning state qualifiers with Stevenson garnering a state win last year. This season they have met once with Stevenson winning 119 in overtime. I've listed Rauen, Schmitz and Shimp, but Batdorf (Covington) and Shimp (Mariemont) are other possibilities. This top duo will be strong competition for all of the qualifiers this year.

On the other hand, it will be a weak contingent coming out of Steubenville. There are no returning state qualifiers and placement potential appears to be lacking. Koch and Baker would seem to be best, but no one has yet shown dominance. It could be a weight class of surprises at this district.

152#

Projected Champion: Dean Schuler (Delta) 

Top Contenders
2.  Cannon (Milbury Lake)          15. Hershey (West Salem Northwestern)
3.  Sedgmer (Cadiz)                16. Blair (Reading)
4.  Klinger (Cuyahoga Hts.)        17. Hoffer (Mechanicsburg)
5.  Roberts (Westfall)             18. Thompson (Margaretta)
6.  Sampsel (Tuslaw)               19. Terry (Chanel)
7.  McDaniel (Belpre)              20. Caldwell (Northwood)
8.  Jefferis (Barnesville)         21. Longstreath (Madeira)
9.  Pedroza (Tinora)               22. Clemens (Lima Central Catholic)
10. Gore (Bishop Ready)            23. Booher (Summit Country Day)
11. Rumplik (Streetsboro)          24.Clark (Johnstown Monroe)
12. Blevins (West Jefferson)       25. Haines (Norwayne)
13. J. Hartz (Grand Valley)        26.Scarl (Gilmour)
14. Reineck (Fremont St. Joseph)   27. Miller (HopewellLoudon) 

Participants from the Northwest District have won this weight class for the past three years and have an excellent chance of extending it to four. Schuler really didn't have a close bout, district or state, in taking this title last year. He defeated Hoff, who had beaten him earlier in the year, 18-3 for the championship and will be a strong favorite to repeat. A transfer from Whitmer after his sophomore season, Schuler has thrived at Delta losing this year only at Reno.

An unexpected threat will come from Cannon who placed in Division I last year for Oregon Clay. He has just begun to compete, but clearly has the skills and experience to challenge Schuler provided his conditioning and timing have returned. The rest of the Fostoria District is substantially below this top two. The only exception would be if Whelan should choose to compete here, but 160# would seem to offer him some clearcut advantages. Given that scenario, the last three tickets to Columbus are "up for grabs" with the winners unlikely to place.

Sedgmer is the third Division III wrestler with the prospect of finishing 3rd for three consecutive years. He is already a two-time district champ and last year entered the state tourney with 37 consecutive victories. Nevertheless, Hoff caught him in a second period fall and Sedgmer could do nothing more than win his four consolation bouts for another 3rd. This year he lost twice at Brecksville, but it may have been a good experience wrestling outside his local area, and may prove to be solid preparation for the State Meet.

He will exit a strong district. Former state qualifier Roberts was sharp at Medina with a runner up finish losing only to Tolar. He has placement potential. State qualifier McDaniel and Jefferis are my other two choices to emerge from Steubenville, and both have low placement possibilities. For McDaniel it was "two and out" at Dayton last year, but he had a tough draw with the state runner up in the first round and Bushman immediately thereafter. Even the slightest error by this top quartet could prove to be disastrous. Former state qualifier Gore and the excellent Blevins are waiting in the wings. Gore, in particular, has very high upset potential.

The Elyria Catholic District has a good mixture of talent which could be augmented if Jedick decides to move down to 152#. Klinger had a fabulous freshman season with 32 victories and a state qualification appearance. This year he has been equally good including an impressive win over Magistrelli (who defeated Sedgmer at Brecksville). The only negative was a pummeling by Whelan at the Panther Classic where he was turned twice in the first period and pinned in the second. Right behind him is the veteran Sampsel, a transfer from Wadsworth, who has given Tuslaw added muscle at the upper weights. He was 5th at Medina and a solid 2nd at the Dies. He looks to be improving as the season unwinds. There is a substantial dropoff after this twosome as the last pair of state tickets from Elyria Catholic are clearly in play.

Xenia qualifiers will likely not play a major role in the ultimate resolution of this weight class at Columbus. Blair and Hoffer battled into overtime at Reading with Blair the narrow winner thereby inheriting the mantle of district leader at this point. Longstreath, who is undefeated, and Booher, who was one win from state qualification last year, are close behind.

160#

Projected Champion: Tim Hoff (Liberty Center)

Top Contenders
2.  Whelan (Sandusky St. Mary)         15. Schnittkey (Archbold)
3.  Jedick (Lutheran West)             16. Gates (Belpre)
4.  Brierly (Ridgewood)                17. Eberhardt (Tuslaw)
5.  Polk (Milbury Lake)                18. Lohrer (Springfield CC)
6.  Johnston (Sidney Lehman)           19. D. Hartz (Grand Valley)
7.  Anthony (Columbia Station)         20. Davis (Tinora)
8.  Rapp (Cadiz)                       21. Van Dyke (Milan Edison)
9.  DiEgidio (Cuyahoga Hts.)           22. Hirt (Reading)
10. May (Mohawk)                       23. Poland (Crestview)
11. Bierman (Carlisle)                 24. Comisford (Jo. Northridge)
12. Tacosik (Union Local)              25. Kuhn (Elyria Catholic)
13. D. Statzer (Tri County North)      26. Kuhns (Jonathan Alder)
14. Palker (West Salem Northwestern)   27.Haney (Sandy Valley)

Up to now, with the obvious exception of 103#, every weight class has provided a well-defined set of three wrestlers or less who, in aggregate, have a very high probability of producing a state champ. This is also true at 189# and above, but both at 160# and 171# there are much more chaotic conditions. In both cases a combination of oddly configured results, important tournament cancellations and injury issues obscure the end result.

My choice at 160# is Tim Hoff and as Suzanne says to her betrothed Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro, "giving a reason for being right amounts to admitting I could be wrong." Nonetheless, let me explain the dilemma.

Last year at 152#, Hoff won his sectional with a 4-3 triumph over Dean Schuler. In district action he was nipped by Polk 7-6 in the semifinals, but then finished a strong 3rd. At the States he opened with three falls, but then inexplicably lost to Schuler 18-3 in the finals. This year he looked very raggedy (a technical term) at Medina, but much of that was likely the result of the super long football season which saw Liberty Center in the state finals yet again. My feeling is that by late February Hoff will be back in peak shape and the slight favorite at this weight class.

There won't be much margin for error at the Fostoria District. State qualifier Polk returns and he holds the aforementioned win over Hoff. Last year he won two state bouts and missed placement as the result of a 2point loss to Sedgmer. Polk has also had some injury problems this year. Whelan is the one to watch here. Extremely strong he has certified at 152#, but may find it more congenial at this weight class. His destruction of the excellent Klinger is stark evidence of his ability. May has been somewhat overlooked by others, but he lost by only 2 points to Whelan and has been effective all season. Schnittkey, Davis and Van Dyke are all solid and may deserve better rankings than I've given them. Davis, for example, was 6th last year at Fostoria, missing qualification by one spot.

Jedick, like Whelan, has certified at 152#, but this senior wrestler probably has a better chance at a state title at this class. A strong performer, he and Klinger traded victories last year with Klinger winning the critical district consolation semifinal bout that led to Wright State. This year he remains undefeated, but has not wrestled a particularly rigorous schedule. Anthony is probably second best at Elyria Catholic, but it seems all but certain that injuries will prevent him from competing. He roared through the Columbia tournament in his one appearance winning the final 19-5. DiEgidio is a late transfer from Aurora who could play a significant role at this weight class. He was a district semifinalist last year before bowing out and may feel even more comfortable at this higher weight. Palker, who returns after two years in Texas, is currently 17-2 and has good qualification chances. The last spot should be the subject of some very closely fought battles.

State qualifier Johnston heads a particularly deep field at Xenia. He lost a first round heartbreaker last year at Wright State, but has bounced back to fashion a fine 1998-99 campaign. He is undefeated except for two 1-point defeats at the always strong GMVWA. That leaves two state positions open for a quartet of good performers. Bierman, down from Division II, might be a slight favorite but Lohrer, Statzer and Hirt all have extensive district experience.

Brierly was very impressive at Medina and certainly has finalist potential. Last year he won two state bouts over Johnston and Blankemeyer and missed placement by a single win. This year his wins over Canty and Clemens highlighted a strong Medina runnerup finish. Rapp was a semifinalist at Brecksville, while Tacosik and Gates have had outstanding seasons. It will be a struggle for anyone else to break into this top group.

171#

Projected Champion: Brent Friscone (Columbia Station) 

Top Contenders
2.  Hoylman (West Liberty Salem)    15. Crosier (Barnesville)
3.  Wagner (Springfield CC)         16. Kirby (Reading)
4.  Goble (Black River)             17. Miller (Plymouth)
5.  Walton (Hawken)                 18. Skaggs (Tuslaw)
6.  Blankemeyer (Columbus Grove)    19. Young (Westfall)
7.  Bonnigson (Margaretta)          20. B. Statzer (Tri County North)
8.  Smolik (Rootstown)              21. Deisch (Northmor)
9.  Shuller (Monroeville)           22. Riedy (Sandusky St. Mary)
10. Coffman (Cadiz)                 23. Lenhart (Fremont St. Joseph)
11. Bosco (Archbold)                24. Walters (JewettScio)
12. Beckett (Shadyside)             25. Vogelsong (Sherwood Fairview)
13. Everhart (Mohawk)               26. Day (Sandy Valley)
14. Keener (Mapleton)               27. Buchanan (Kirtland) 

Each district is relatively strong, but no one has leapt out of the pack to proclaim dominance. My guess is that we'll see a large number of close low scoring bouts at this class where bracketing, refereeing, good fortune, injury avoidance and cool decision making will lead to eventual triumph.

The Elyria Catholic District boasts at least three strong contenders. State qualifier Friscone has compiled a solid 17-1 record with several tourney titles. His victory at Buckeye was particularly significant in that it featured Goble, Walton, Jameyson and Chambers. Goble had a tough district draw last year and failed to qualify. He lost by one point to Friscone at Buckeye and has crafted a solid season to this point. Walton, a district finalist last year, lost a close first round bout at Wright State and was eliminated. This year he surprised the field at Medina taking the 171 pound title with a last second flurry involving a takedown and near fall. He has the kind of style that could win it this year, particularly in terms of intelligently and patiently choosing his spots to be aggressive. Smolik, only a sophomore, made it to the district level at 160# as a freshman. Friscone beat him in the first round, but Smolik will not go so easily this year. At the tough Brecksville Tourney he finished a strong 3rd losing only to the unbeaten White and defeating defending West Virginia runner up Daggett, state qualifier Coffman and Dominick. Keener, a transfer from Ashland, could have low placement potential, but will have to be super sharp to qualify out of this district. He has been at 189# much of the year.

The Southwest District has produced at least one state champion in Division III every year since 1983. In fact, in nine of those years it was exactly one. Their best chance to do so this year is probably at this weight class since both Hoylman and Wagner are excellent. Hoylman was a district champ at 160# last year and won a state bout before being eliminated. This year he won the GMVWA and was second by a point to Weimer at Graham. Wagner placed 5th at this weight class last year, but has been hampered by injuries. He has just returned after missing the first six weeks of the season. Kirby and Statzer will battle for the last berth with Ullery (Brookville) a longshot possibility.

The Steubenville District has achieved something akin to parity, but it is likely not at a placement level. State qualifiers Coffman and Crosier each won a bout at Wright State last year, but still look to fall short of placement positions. Crosier, in particular, has suffered some difficult losses this year. Beckett is a solid 3rd choice, but after that it is wide open. Young, Deisch, Walters, "Duck" Day and Morrison (Ready) are viable candidates.

I've found it difficult to sort out the Fostoria candidates. State qualifier Blankemeyer returns and was a semifinalist at Medina. State placer Bonnigson has been bedeviled by injuries, and just recently made his 1998-99 debut losing to Everhart. Last year Blankemeyer shut out Bonnigson 5-0 at the district level only to see him win three state matches and finish 6th while he was shutout. State qualifier Shuller is a steady performer, while Everhart is very capable of the big upset. It should be fun watching things work themselves out at this class.

189#

Projected Champion: Adam Sintobin (Delta) 

Top Contenders
2.  Whitesel (Black River)           15. Jenkins (Fremont St. Joseph)
3.  Tracy (Ayresville)               16. Way (West Salem Northwestern)
4.  Kraft (Tuslaw)                   17. Cole (National Trail) 
5.  Bruney (Martins Ferry)           18. Speaker (Sandy Valley)
6.  Arnette (Wellsville)             19. Clark (McComb)
7.  Bindel (Lima Central Catholic)   20. Wells (Monroe Central)
8.  Doty (Blufton)                   21. Wiley (Brookfield)
9.  Weingart (Streetsboro)           22. Finfrock (Covington)
10. Grewell (Newcomerstown)          23. Stephens (Plymouth)
11. Harmon (Carlisle)                24. Sanna (Granville)
12. Border (Ridgewood)               25. Skowronsky (Columbia Station)
13. Yancik (Brookville)              26. Roeder (Norwalk St. Paul)
14. Berns (Gilmour)                  27. Jemison (Finneytown) 

Quite a few experts have essentially conceded the title to Sintobin at this weight class, but to me things do not seem quite so clear cut or so definite. Granted, Sintobin has had a sensational season highlighted by his Reno win over my Division I choice Lammers. Still, Sintobin lost nine times last year at 171# and finished 3rd at one of the weaker classes. Compare that with Mitch Whitesel who finished 40-1 at the much tougher 189# class, also with a 3rd place medal. Whitesel's only loss in the past two years was a twoovertime criteria loss to then defending state champion Dick Engel. Other than that, Whitesel has been perfect. The way I see it Sintobin could well win, but his likely opponent in the final will be a primed and ready Whitesel, meaning Sintobin will really have to earn that first place trophy.

I see four outstanding wrestlers at Fostoria with a major dropoff after that. Obviously Sintobin stands first here, but the powerful Tracy could challenge him at the sectional, district and state level. Already a two-time state placer, Tracy has been perfect this year, including a fall over state place winner Kraft to win at Medina. He was 4th at this weight class last year losing in the consolation finals by a point. Doty is down from the Heavyweight class and has fit right in at 189#, while Bindel is just an outstanding athlete. Bindel, in particular, needs to show that he has moved up to the state placement level as a jumping off point for next year. Jenkins is my choice for the 5th qualifying spot, bit I've listed several others.

Whitesel's main competition at Elyria Catholic will be 4th place finisher Kraft moving up from 171#. He lost that consolation final after a great run for something of an unknown. This year he has built on that reputation with a 3rd at the Dies after a narrow 9-8 semifinal loss and a 2nd at Medina behind Tracy. Interestingly enough, he twice took Tracy down in the 1st period, but then got caught by the more powerful Ayresville senior in the 2nd period and decked. The lanky Berns and the sophomore Way could be the surprise elements at this weight class, but they'll face plenty of competition for those last two spots.

State qualifiers Yancik and Harmon lead a respectable group of 189's at Xenia. Harmon has been sharp for Carlisle and may yet prove to be best here, while Cole, Finfrock and Jemison all just missed state qualification last year. Finfrock and Cole both finished 4th in this threequalifier district with the latter losing a tough 9-6 battle to Yancik. So the spread is quite close for this top quintet. Cardoza (Madeira) is another possibility as is Newsome (Dixie).

There are also a covey of good wrestlers at Steubenville. Arnette, Bruney and Border all reached Wright State last year while Wells was only one bout away. In my mind though, Arnette and Bruney have pulled away from the rest of this pack, essentially leaving open but two qualifying spots. Since many of these competitors have met numerous times, there will be few surprises during the bouts, but perhaps some very surprising outcomes.

Two wrestlers with outstanding credentials and placement potential are apparently not competing. Robinson (Richmond Hts.) was, I'm certain, ready for a breakout year with his combination of speed and strength. Physical problem will apparently prevent that happy outcome. Szymczak (Genoa), also a returning state qualifier, will seemingly not compete as well.

215#

Projected Champion: Tommy Rowlands (Bishop Ready) 

Top Contenders
2.  McCoy (North Union)              16. Abbott (Sandy Valley)
3.  Box (Liberty Center)             17. Garling (Cardinal)
4.  Schumacher (Monroe Central)      18. Pohlman (Versailles)
5.  Cotterman (Elmwood)              19. Meisner (Mohawk)
6.  Steffenhagen (Margaretta)        20. Rahe (Indian Hills)
7.  C. Schwind (West Jefferson)      21. Rodhe (Waynedale)
8.  Turner (Kirtland)                22. Shreve (Martins Ferry)
9.  Mirsalis (Richmond Hts.)         23. Penny (Fenwick) 
10. Slaughterbeck (Blufton)          24. Malone (Milan Edison)
11. Gallaro (Sandusky St. Mary)      25. Hawkins (Fostoria St. Wendelin)
12. Rutherford (Streetsboro)         26. Linden (Black River)
13. Sayer (Deer Park)                27. Conrad (Gibsonburg)
14. Held (West Salem Northwestern)   28. Crow (Arcadia)
15. Marr (Waynesville)               29. Perko (Independence) 

Rowlands does have a genius for this sport and, along with hard work, has parlayed it into the top national ranking at this weight class. Starting as a 125 pounder in his freshman year, he has grown in both accomplishment and size during the intervening period. Last year at 189#, he had two technical falls at Wright State and then two first period pins the latter over the defending state champ. This year should be more of the same at this relatively weak class. Rowlands is that classic case of a good little wrestler suddenly growing into an upper weight contestant, but retaining every bit of his coordination and athleticism. They become almost unbeatable because they wrestle a style most big men rarely see. Eddie Potokar of Richmond Hts. is another example of this phenomenon, but I believe Rowlands will surpass his college feats.

McCoy, the runner up at this weight class last year, would have anticipated in the normal course of events to be a heavy favorite this year. His big advantage will be that he won't have to face Rowlands until the finals. Last year he was pinned in the district quarterfinals, but won three bouts to finish 4th. Then at Wright State he heated up after winning by default over the favorite at the weight class in the first round. A technical fall and a 46 second pin over Goldsbury put him in the final where the magic finally wore off during a titanic 12-10 loss. Schumacher, another member of that athletic family, took a year off, but has returned with a vengeance. He is very strong. Schwind lost to McCoy in his gotostate match last year, but should qualify this time. A major absentee will be Harshbarger (Garaway) who was twice one win from states as a freshmen and sophomore losing last year 2-1. The big junior apparently will not compete this year.

Box was 3rd last year as a quick, mobile heavyweight, but has moved down to 215# this year. He should do very well and either he or McCoy should be the last high school competitor Tommy Rowlands will wrestle in Ohio. The rest of the Northwest District is uncharacteristically weak with a lot of workmanlike performers whose highest goal is likely to be state qualification.

Much the same is true at Elyria Catholic where a very pedestrian group of 215's will gather. The big junior Sean McHugh (Chargin Falls) would undoubtedly have been the top performer here unless he elected to be a heavyweight. However, like Harshbarger, he too, has decided to take a year off. As it is, Mirsalis, Rutherford and the sophomore Turner look to be best. The last mentioned is the younger brother of last year's heavyweight champion and seems to have the steepest upward improvement trajectory. He will be a real factor next year.

Xenia also lacks much up top firepower at this weight class. There are no returning state qualifiers although Sayer, Rahe, Marr and Penny all came close last year. Besides those rated Flora (Miami East) and Davis (Dixie) are also possibilities.

Hvy.

Projected Champion: Dean Taylor (Delta) 

Top Contenders
2. N. Schwind (West Jefferson)   14. Conner (Berkshire)
3. Krisha (New London)           15. Klotz (Fremont St. Joe)
4. Rainer (Caldwell)             16. Whitaker (Batavia)
5. Lewis (North Union)           17. Lambright (Gibsonburg)
6. Lampe (Sidney Lehman)         18. Farber (Sandy Valley)
7. Shirkey (Archbold)            19. Carte (Monroeville)
8. Fetters (Covington)           20. Cash (Cuyahoga Hts.)
9. Kline (Garretsville)          21. Wohlgemuth (Norwayne)
10. Lucas (Barnesville)          22. Bridinger (Tiffin Calvert)
11. Nolting (River Valley)       23. Herman (Loudonville)
12. Wilhelm (Elyria Catholic)    24. Binkley (Brookville)
13. Link (Versailles)            25. Alexander (Richmond Hts.)
                                 26. Sullivan (Cory Rawson) 

Dean Taylor is not the huge, well muscled, physically imposing heavyweight you would expect of a recordsetting wrestler, but appearances can be deceptive. It is very likely that he will become the first four-time heavyweight finalist in Ohio history, a remarkable feat especially in light of the fact that only one other heavyweight since 1938 has made the finals even three times. That wrestler, Jim Dregalla (Cleveland John Marshall), was a state champion in 1952, 1953 and 1954. He will also became the first heavyweight to win titles in nonconsecutive years in Ohio history having taken the title in his sophomore season. While forecasting the heavyweight class is always a risky business, there is really no one here who can go even four minutes with Taylor. He was champion at the high-powered Reno tourney and his only loss is to the mammoth Davie in a match where no one did anything.

There is only one other heavyweight who has had state experience at Fostoria, and Kenny Krisha has so far missed the entire season nursing a football injury. Should this mammoth 275 pounder compete, and I expect him to, he could well exceed his 5th place finish of a year ago. At that time he followed a similar strategy at both the district and state level lose in the first round and then win a bunch of consolation bouts. As far as I know he and Taylor have never met. I've placed Shirkey, Klotz and Lambright as the highest probability hopes for the last three spots, but there are probably a dozen competitors with about equal likelihood of reaching Columbus. Besides those listed, remember Merricle (Spencerville), Mosher (Crestview) and Grohoske (Columbus Grove). State qualifier Lingruen (Liberty Center) will apparently be unable to compete because of injury. The big junior would have rated right with Krisha at this district.

There is good quality at Steubenville. State qualifier Schwind won his first round bout at Wright State but fell victim to a ninesecond fall by eventual champ Turner. The powerful Rainer and state qualifier Lewis are also very good and that should account for three of the four qualifying berths. I look for Lucas and Nolting to be the top contenders for that last spot with about equal chances. Last year Rainer had to get by Schwind in his gotostate bout but fell short in that endeavor while Lewis came through in the other half. Lewis had the least mat time for someone who wrestled two bouts lasting a total of 72 seconds with Taylor and Hadlock.

State qualifier Lampe leads a solid Xenia delegation. He has been impressive in the Dayton area winning several small tourneys and finishing 4th at the GMVWA. Fetters, Link and Whitaker are all solid, but only two of this three can qualify. While at Elyria Catholic there is very little quality or depth at this class. This will be one of the few times when this entire district's contingent will be nonfactors at a weight class.

You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com

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