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2001

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

FORECAST

(30th Annual Edition)

Written By:
Brian Brakeman

Copyright 2001, Reproduction of this material for profit without written consent is prohibited.

DIVISION III

103 #

Projected Champion:  Andy Wade (CVCA)

Top Contenders 

A trend that had been growing probably reached its peak this year –and that is the influx of Division I and II wrestlers into the small school classification.  For example, we have Buzek, Beers and the two Caponi boys transferring to Akron St. Vincent,.  Paparone, moving over to Chanel and the Lichty brothers competing at Ayersville.  All of this will have significant impact on the team competition as will the move of Division I state qualifier Andy Wade to CVCA.

This weight class may well be the weakest of all 42 that will be contested in Columbus. Only two wrestlers return from last year’s state bracket sheet and they won a total of two bouts.  Wade won that many himself as a Division I state qualifier.  In November he seemed a strong favorite, but constant battles with injuries and weight have slowed him down.  He did not place at the Ironman, but was 2^nd  at Medina and the Top Gun.  If he is healthy and reasonably comfortable with the weight, he should still have too much firepower for the rest of this field.

Most of what firepower that does exist would seem to be at the Elyria Catholic District.  A contented Wade is the best, but state qualifier Monsman knows how to win the close bouts.  He was 2-2 at Columbus and missed placing by one win.  This year he has been a consistently high placer at strong tournaments.  Both Ward and McCahan are a bit of mystery at this point.  Ward, a senior, missed state action by one bout last year at 112#.  He has wrestled little this year so it is difficult to judge his status at this time.  However, history, suggests that if he can perform at this weight he will do very well.  McCahan, only a freshman, has been up and down.  He lost to Monsman 6-5, but has crushed Cavalier and Kagey in this field.  He’s a wild card.  Burrer upset Scott last year at the district almost derailing his state title express, but then lost twice (one of them to Monsman) and was eliminated.  He, obviously has upset potential.  Keyes, Cavalier and Mosher would be likely qualifiers at the other districts, but will have to work miracles to make it here.  Hunt, a brilliant youth wrestler, has adjusted well to high school competition, but may be too small to beat the best.

State qualifier McIntyre has finalist potential –especially if Wade is not up to par.  Monsman beat him by two points last year, but I believe that was his last loss.  Wickline is the other one to watch at the Marion district.  McIntyre beat him 6-1 in their go-to-state bout, but those two tower over the rest of this district.  Wickline’s only loss this year was at 112#, and he pinned in the finals at West Jefferson – in fact, he has had all falls when at 103#.  The last two spots are wide open with Emery, Ellis, and Kagey slight favorites for those last two berths.  Besides those listed, Ewing (Bloom Carroll) and Smith (Fisher Catholic) are other possibilities.

The Northwest District is generally loaded at the lower weights, but that is not true this year.  In fact, the entire district is far weaker than usual.  The one standout so far is the freshman Schaeffer, who won at Van Buren, Bucyrus, Sandusky St. Mary Duals, and the Panther Classic.  He has placement potential.  After that its pretty much “by guess and by golly” with results changing from week to week.  Clemans, Weller and LeJeune are next in line, but they will have plenty of competition.  The sectional lineup is unbalanced with the Sandusky-St. Mary sectional featuring Schaeffer, Weller, LeJeune, Grosswiler, Noel (Arcadia) and Renwand (Sandusky-St. Mary).  Also watch for Amburgey (New London) who has upset potential in this evenly balanced competition.

Another freshman heads the Xenia district.  Levi Wyant is a very successful and experienced youth wrestler who will have a big impact in the Southwest.  He pinned McCahan in the consolation round while placing at Wadsworth and won a number of smaller tournaments including the “A” classic.  He should be a district champ out of Xenia and have excellent bracket position at Columbus.  I also like Bey in that district while Kill and Niswonger are nominal favorites for the last two spots.  Only Wyant, I believe, has real placement potential.

112 #

Projected Champion:  Adam Buzek (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders 

Sometimes at a district venue the finals seem almost anti-climactic since state qualification has already been attained.  And, yet, there continues to be a consistent pattern that wrestlers who lose at the district level do not often win state titles.  Last year, for example, all 14 Division II state champions were also district champs.  Looking at the last three years:

Thus 4 out of every 5 state champions were also district winners

An exception to that general rule was Tyler Scott who lost (for the first time) in the district quarter-finals.  Until just a few years ago he would have been eliminated from competition (his vanquisher lost in the semis) , but instead he won four consolation bouts to finish 3^rd and then four more to win his state title.  With three of the top contenders emerging from the Elyria Catholic District, this could be a weight class where a district champion does not prevail.  I’ve been correct for eight consecutive years at the class, but this year, I believe, may be my biggest challenge.

With the three top teams – Akron-St. Vincent, Chanel and CVCA – competing at Elyria Catholic, this district is loaded at many weight classes – and 112# is no exception.  Buzek was an excellent 103-pounder at Green last year finishing 4^th in a district that qualified but three for state action.  This year he won at Solon and the CIT and was a strong runner-up to state champion Stoffer at the Dies.  He was 3^rd at Medina and 5^th at Wadsworth where he lost a couple of strange bouts – including one to Lutz.  He is a battle hardened junior well suited for the rigors of this weight class.

State champion Scott has had another strong season losing only to Hurley of Kenston and Paparone.  He showed excellent match management at Columbus last year winning his four bouts by one, two, three and four points respectively.  Paparone, a transfer from Kenston, has been a godsend plugging a huge gap for Chanel  I was impressed with him at Solon, and he has placed well in all five of their tourneys.  This trio is very close. Paparone defeated Scott, 2-1, while Buzek beat Paparone 5-3 in overtime.

The battle for the fourth qualifying spot is wide open.  With the top three all exiting from different sectionals the pairings will be uneven with two of them in the same half.  The fourth qualifier will, at least, in part, be determined by where wrestlers fall in the bracket sheet.  Besides those listed, McClelland (Berkshire), Saal (Aquinas) and Morris (West Salem Northwest) are possibilities.

A wrestler who could inject himself into the midst of this battleground is Ranzie Gambill.  I barely mentioned him last year, but he proved to be sensational.  After losing an overtime bout to Kuykendall in the district finals he crushed McIntyre and Aring in the first two state rounds.  Then in the semi-finals trailing late in the bout he beat Smilek with a fall only 12 seconds from the end.  Scott won a hard fought finale, but Gambill has certainly opened a lot of eyes.  This year he has hardly missed a beat at 112# and this time will come to the state meet known to everyone.  State quarter-finalist Henry is at this district as is the excellent Lutz – a 1-0 winner over Buzek at Wadsworth.  Wittenberg qualified at 119# last year, but with Burroughs and Kuykendall laying claim to his normal choices he has made the cut to 112# in order to compete.  That is a strong quartet, but leaves out Rhodes, Ekhardt and Frances all of whom might have strong qualification possibilities in other years.  Shields (North College Hill), Schierloh (Lockland) and Mitchell (Dixie) are a second trio of long-shot contenders.

State qualifiers Rossiter, Wyse, Jones and Jack head up a strong Marion district.  While they were only a combined 2-8 at Columbus they should perform much better this year.  Rossiter, in particular, has had a solid year winning at Richmond Hts. and Union Local and finishing 2^nd only to Kendjursky at the OVAC,.  However,  the other three will be challenged by the fast improving Huffman and by Gantz.  Huffman defeated Jack at Shadyside and won the Red Rider Classic.

Again, the Northwest District qualifiers look a little less intimidating then in the past.  Derr, a major exception, was 5^th last year at 103# after reaching the semi-finals.  He has won several tournaments this year, but was 5^th at the CIT as Buzek majored him 16-7.  State qualifier Chapa and Slachta have done well and certainly a low place is  a possibility.  Slachta was the champ at Tiffin and could be a surprise here.  Also, competing will be state qualifier Buckingham, Resendez, Ollon and Roth (Sandusky St. Mary).

119 #

Projected Champion:  Jeff Jaggers (Chanel)

Top Contenders 

This weight class will test the hypothesis that a truly superior freshman can vanquish a very strong and experienced field.  Jeff Jaggers is a two-time state junior high school champ with outstanding credentials.  He was one of the finest junior high wrestlers I  have ever seen, and he has moved into high school competition with a vengeance.  He was a champion at Solon, Wadsworth and Doylestown pinning in the finals each time. His only losses were to Protz (a winner over Kyle Ott) 4-2 at North Canton and an upset defeat by Agozzino 4-2 at Mayfield.  To win he’ll have to surmount a field that includes state placers Smilek, Cavalier, Tierney and Bedford along with six other state qualifiers.

Smilek was a district champion at 103#, and was ahead late in the state semi-finals before getting caught and pinned by Gambill.  He ended up beating Schmidt for 3^rd.  This year he has had some difficulty settling in at 119# capturing low places at the tough tournaments CVCA schedules.  Cavalier was 4^th at 112# last year and has wrestled well all season.  He defeated Smilek at Medina by a point where he finished 2^nd and was also runner-up at Toledo Waite.  He was the champion at Hawken, Cardinal and Clearview.  Add in state qualifier Smith and that is a very formidable quartet (including Jaggers) that will match up at Elyria Catholic.  But that’s not all. Bernath was a district qualifier at Mentor last year for Elyria as a 9^th grader.  This year, competing for Keystone, he has, I believe moved ahead of Smith.  Since Smilek, Jaggers, and Bernath all exit the same sectional, there is a danger of asymmetrical pairings at the district level.  That could open the door for , Ford (Hillsdale), or Caruso (Beachwood) to grab a qualifying spot.

There will be a wave of solid contenders exiting the Waite district at this weight class.  Bedford is a mercurial up and down wrestler with lots of ability.  Last year he won the district title against tough competition.  After reaching the state semi-finals he lost three straight bouts to finish 6^th - - three wrestlers from the district where he was champion finished ahead of him at Columbus.  Incidentally the championship bout between Meiring and Pressler was a unique event.  It was the only time in history where a district 5^th placer wrestled a district 4^th for a championship.  Ford was very impressive at Brecksville reaching the finals and he certainly has placement potential.  State qualifier Ogg, and the powerful Estrada make my Top Ten so that four of that group will compete at ‘Waite.  I have also listed Stines and Dean, but they need bracketing breaks to get into the hunt.

As a freshman, John Tierney finished a strong 4^th at 103# besting Bedford among others.  Then last year he was a district 4^th barely squeaking into the state meet.  However, he went 2-2 at Columbus losing a one-pointer to Cavalier in the quarter-finals.  This year he has won at Bellaire St. John and Barnesville, and was 3^rd at the OVAC losing an overtime tie breaker to Maple.  The Tierney brothers seem to alternate placement years so it is John’s turn.  I like both Vaughn and Anderson out of that district, but not enough to pick them to place.  Napier is the best bet for the fourth state berth, but he’ll have a host of challengers – including one of my favorite e-mail correspondents, Bubba Larew.  He, along with  Dornan, Kinzy and Aberegg are leading a regeneration of Beallsville wrestling --- witnessed by 2^nd place in the OVAC small school division.

There’s lots of state experience at the Xenia district.  LaCure is a two-time qualifier while Burroughs and Bodey went last year.  Only LaCure has won a state bout and this group will face tough competition this year, too.  Franz, only a freshman could be the fourth qualifier, but Beach, Mages and Smith (Versailles) will be tough challengers.  This group needs to get just a little better for placement.  I mean, Tierney only beat LaCure by three points last year while Burrough lost in the first round by the same margin.

125 #

Projected Champion:  Drew Opfer (Sandusky St. Mary)

Top Contenders 

The deciding game of the 1912 World Series went into extra innings with the Giants and Red Sox tied at one run.  When the Giants scored a single tally in the top of the 10^th they were only three outs away from the World Championship.  Even better they had, arguably, the greatest pitcher in National League history on the mound in the person of the incomparable Christy Mathewson.  But the Red Sox fought back and had men on first and third with one out and the 24-year old Tris Speaker at the plate.  To the fans’ chagrin Speaker lifted a high harmless pop fly into foul territory between home plate and first base.  However, confusion reigned among the Giants as Mathewson made no call and the ball dropped uncaught  into foul territory.  The confident Speaker turned to Mathewson, a winner of 373 games, and said, “Matty, that just cost you the winners’ share” and, true to his word, he rifled the next pitch into deep right field for a long single to tie the game.  Moments later a sacrifice fly gave Boston the title, which Mathewson said, was the biggest disappointment in his brilliant career.

That’s the level of confidence that Drew Opfer exhibits as he competes.  Already a two-time state champ (and three-time placer) Opfer has lost only two bouts since the beginning of his sophomore year.  He wrestles with an air of utter confidence and is not one to diminish his own performance.  Last year he had three relatively easy state wins, but was pushed to the limit in the quarter-finals by Jim Stanek winning a heart-stopping 11-10 decision.

This year he is undefeated including a title at Medina where he beat former state champion Wooten (who defeated Lang 14-3) by a 6-5 tally in the finals.  It was another squeaker with Opfer starting in the down position with 11 seconds left and getting the winning reversal at the buzzer.  Still he did not look sharp on his feet, and his conditioning could have been better.  Nonetheless, he is still a heavy favorite to take his third title.  Incidentally should he win it would mean six consecutive years of state titles for the Opfer brothers (Jared 96-99, Drew 99-01).  The state record is seven years held by the Dernlans (Jeff 85-86, Steve 87-88, and Matt 89-91).

In fact, if anyone is to challenge Opfer it may well come from his own district.  That wouldn’t be a surprise since in both state title years Opfer has had to defeat first Jesse and then Justi to take the crown.  Last year Lopez lost to Opfer in the district semi-finals, 7-2 and barely qualified at Columbus.  He won 3 bouts (including a win over Stanek), but lost twice to two-time state runner-up Parsons 2-1 and 3-0.  State  qualifiers Frye, Cook and Solarik all return to make for a real district battle.  However there may be questions about whether Solarik will be competing.  Also, at this weight are Bloom and Neilson – which means seven of my top thirteen are at this district.  With 130# looking substantially easier we may see some strategic moves.

None of the other districts come close to matching this kind of firepower.  Tierney was 3^rd last year losing only to Lester, 8-4 and is a potential finalist.  His only defeats this year were an overtime loss in the OVAC semi-finals and a 10-3 mauling by Opfer.   However, he should still be a major factor at this weight.  Wenger, a returning state qualifier, also could place out of this district, in this his last opportunity.  The rest of this field is a fairly major step down although Daniels is a possible exception.

The Xenia district would seem to have only Kuykendall as a possible placer.  A two-time state qualifier at 103#, he has wrestled at 130# much of the year before dropping to 125#.  He missed placement by one bout last year and is the linch-pin of a solid Madeira squad.  I struggled to find other people to put into this grid from this district and that’s usually a bad sign.

This is one of the few weight classes where there is not a lot of strength emerging from Elyria Catholic.  State qualifier Ralph returns and he has placement potential.  He is excellent at keeping himself in a bout no matter the opponent. His only win was at Doylestown but he was 2^nd at Solon and Wadsworth and 3^rd at Mayfield and North Canton.  The freshman Blunk is very good.  A little small for this weight class he makes up for it with superb wrestling.  He won five bouts at Medina losing only to state

Division I.  3^rd place finisher Enright by scores of 4-2 and 4-3.  He was 4^th at the Top Gun losing only to Wooten and Bowersock, the latter loss in overtime.  Don’t overlook him.  After that its anybody’s guess who will get the last two spots.  Steiner was MVP at Hillsdale defeating Perry (Smithville) in the final.  He’s so very tough you’ll barely notice he has but one arm.

130 #

Projected Champion:  Harry Lester (CVCA)

Top Contenders

Ohio has had nine four-time state champions and they tend to show a strikingly similar pattern.  They tend to be at the very lowest weights (McGhee the only exception) compete outside of Division I (Wineberg the only exception) and fail to win an NCAA title (Jim Jordan the only exception).  Harry Lester fits that pattern with one exception – I will be very surprised if he fail to win that elusive NCAA championship.

There are wonderful wrestlers every year in Ohio, but only a very select few have the style and charisma that transcends the sport.  Wrestlers like Alan Fried, Tommy Milkovich and Mike DeAnna transform a simple wrestling bout into an event that people will remember for decades.  Lester has the speed and incredible balance that seems to make the word winning inadequate to describe the end result.  Last year Lester came back from a broken leg to win his third state title, but we didn’t see the total package.  This year nobody has challenged him and a very fine wrestler like T. J. Tepley, always tough to score on, lost 17-4.  There are some outstanding 130’s in Ohio and this is one time you’d like to see a one classification event.  Imagine a bracket sheet with Pflug, Schlatter and Lester, but you know what, you can only imagine Lester as the winner.  Unfortunately in Division III, there is no one to challenge him and it is unlikely any of his bouts will extend much into the third period.  And even that may be critical should the team race be as close as anticipated.

Zimmerman and Cimino, are both returning state qualifiers who have won at Columbus.  In fact Zimmerman missed placement by a single point.  Zimmerman won at Hillsdale and was a strong 3^rd at Smithville – losing his only bout of the year to Henry.   Cimino, on the other hand, started strong with a 2^nd at Solon and a 4^th at Wadsworth.  But then he lost two early bouts at the CIT and did not place, got beat at the Ohio Duals by the freshmen, Whelan and Wright, and did not place at the Dies.  Qualification could be in real jeopardy.  Johnson missed qualification on a 3-0 loss to Cimino while Wright, Hunt, Tripp and Anthony (Columbia Station) are possibilities.  Peltz out most of the year with injury is an intriguing thought.  He can be very good though he may be at the wrong weight class.

Finneran has moved down to 130# and he could be a finalist.  There would be kind of a capstone feeling if he were to meet Lester in the finals.  Already a three time state qualifier, his very first state bout was against Lester who pinned him in the 3rd period.  As a sophomore he was away from Lester, but lost to runner-up Fazio in the first round.  Then as a junior he met Lester in the quarterfinals and avoided the fall, but not the loss.  So he and Lester will both be four-time qualifiers at the same weight classes.  Not the best way for Finneran to win a state title.  By the way, he finished 4^th last year.  The reminder of the Waite district is not strong and only Lohman would seem to have placement chances.  He was a semi-finalist at Brecksville before losing to Schlatter.  The only dark-horse I have identified here is Szozda (Swanton).

It’s much the same story at Marion where Borders and Walker look to be strongest.  However, it is a wide open competition with little to choose from among the  primary contenders.  It would not be surprising if a couple of “unknowns” walked away with a tickets to Columbus.

There are some solid placement possibilities at Xenia.  Seta was 6^th at this weight last year after reaching the semi-finals.  After a rapid fire loss by fall to Linsker, he lost a very tough overtime tiebreaker to Schultz – the same score but the opposite result of their district final.  Merle was an early district loser, but fought back for a 3^rd at this weight.  He lost a couple of close bouts to end his year.  This year he has won several tournaments mostly at 135#.  State alternate Fox also returns at this class and he should get through this year.  The last berth could go in any direction with those listed plus Bladen (Lincolnview) and Rader (Lima CC) in the mix.

135 #

 Projected Champion:  Mike Hurley (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

Suppose one day you’re pondering the mysteries of mathematics and you come up with the expression 29 + 2x².  You calculate x=0 and get 29 and then keep increasing x by one and you get 31 (for x=1) and then 37 (for x=2) and then 47,61, and 79 (for x=5).  Quickly you realize that each number you generated is a prime number evenly divisible by only one).  Suddenly fame and fortune beckon, you may have discovered a simple formula for generating primes that has up to now, eluded every great mathematician.  You go to x=6 and generate 101 – yet get another prime.  You keep increasing x by one and still it works and works and works.  By x=28 (where you get 1597 which you instantly recognize as prime) the formula seems foolproof.  You decide to try one more increment, x=29 and generate 1711.  That certainly looks prime, but , oh no, its evenly divisible by 29.   Your dreams of glory, that moments before had seemed well within reach, have vanished.

I’m guessing that was how Mike Hurley felt last year – maybe even worse.  He entered the state meet with a 45-1 record after defeating Linsker 10-6, in the district finals.  At Columbus he crushed his first three opponents including a win by fall over state runner-up, Borjas.  Waiting again at the championship mat, was Linsker – someone he knew from his earliest days of wrestling at Longwood Y.  Again, Hurley had a comfortable lead when with little more than a minute remaining disaster (in the form of a spladle) struck and Hurley lost on a fall.  One of the most incredible turnarounds in a state finals bout had doomed his chances less than 60 seconds from the title.

That is not likely to happen this year.  Hurley has been sensational winning at Solon, Medina, Wadsworth and the Dies.  In doing so he has decisively defeated defending state champ Tom Smith. (who beat brother Ryan in the finals last year) three times and has done the same to Stanek, too.  His only loss was to Ryan West - - one of two bouts which they split.  Unless some rare misfortune occurs Hurley should win handily this year.

He comes out of a dynamite district.  Smilek is very tough and he, too, knows about sudden misfortune.  Ahead 8-0 in his district semi-final bout, he was pinned by Peyton and he couldn’t make it back in the consolations.  Stanek was 4^th two years ago, but after losing 11-10 to Opfer last year at 125# he failed to place.  That eats up three qualifying spots leaving only one to be contested by Kosa, Bower, Hamman, and Alexander – who may opt to compete at 130#.  Hamman is young while Kosa and Bower wrestle in distant parts of the district.  My choice is Kosa.

Smith exits the Marion District to defend his title.  While he may have lost three times to Hurley – he only has to beat once to take the title.  They will be seeded apart assuming each wins his district) so Smith could conceivably have to defeat Smilek, Stanek, and Hurley to repeat.  Last year he came to Columbus as a district runner-up with 10 losses, but after surviving a 10-9 first round thriller, he easily won his next three bouts.  As the only member of the Cardington team, he won’t have to worry about the team title.  Almost all the good 135’s in this district come from the Columbus area.  State qualifier Anderson,  Courtad, Nutbrown, Long and Springer (Licking Hts) all come from that region.  Only Peddicord and Samsa have a chance from the Eastern District.

State qualifier Harris and state alternate Rhoades head the cast at Xenia.  Harris was at 140^# last year and it was a quick “two- and out” at Columbus.  Rhoades seems to get better as the year progresses and he could be a factor in state placement.  It’s a step down after that with Hazlett Tamaki and Higginbotham leading the remainder of the Southwest contingent.  Gratz, Kimmet (Delphos St John) and Mack (Allan East) will challenge from up north.  Watch out for Gratz – he was an overtime loser in the “A” Classic final and won decisively at Van Buren.

State qualifier Malott was originally higher on my grid, but he has struggled lately – possibly because of injuries.  At full speed he’s easily the best at Waite.  Someone to watch for is the freshman twin Joe Whelan.  Wrestling up a weight class he still has the firepower to qualify.  He defeated Cimino at the Ohio Duals, and should be a huge factor next year.   With Fedak moving to 130#, people like Bugner, Foster, Bogdan and Burkholder suddenly have twice the probability of qualifying.  Also note Frankart (Fostoria St Wendelin), Suffel (Edgerton) and Garner (Elmwood).

140 #

Projected Champion:  Ryan Hurley (Akron St. Vincent) 

Top Contenders

I’m a big movie fan, but, in general, I stay away from sequels.  After Jurassic Park –part two and Speed 2 you realize that they’re generally a pale imitation of the original.  But there are exceptions - - Terminator2 and quite possibly here at 140#.  Again we have a sensational, once beaten Hurley, in this case Ryan- - whose biggest obstacle to a state title may once again be the seemingly ubiquitous Linsker.

Last year Hurley won a trio of two-point bouts only to fall to Smith in the finals.  I’ve often wondered whether he was still in shock after watching his brother lose only minutes earlier.  Still he had 42 wins and a state runner-up trophy after his freshman year.  This year he has been even better wrestling  a very tough schedule he has lost only to Division I champ, Jason Bake, 3-1, and has been labeled as “unrideable” by his coach.  His titles at the CIT, Medina, and Solon indicate that this former junior high state champ is ready to become the first wrestler (though there are others with a similar opportunity) to win both state titles.

Linsker, however, is a formidable obstacle.  He is undefeated this year, including a big win at Kenston where none of his bouts went the distance.  While he has not wrestled the exhausting and difficult schedule that Hurley has, he should be well prepared to spring another possible upset this year.  Linsker, only a junior, had three falls at last year’s state meet, minimizing his mat time and reducing uncertainty.  Exiting the same district these two should be apart at the state level.

There are strong contenders for the last two state berths at Elyria Catholic.  There are strong contenders for the last two state berths at Elyria Catholic, but by far the best is Scarl.  A state qualifier at 112# last year, he gave everyone (even Foster) a tremendous match.  He won at Richmond Hts. and is a devastating rider.  He keeps matches close and is very tough to score against.  If he gets a lead on Hurley or Linsker they are in  very serious peril.  Look out for him in the bracket sheet.  Kirtley, a state qualifier as a sophomore, has had a couple of up and down seasons.  Last year he went into district action with a 10-10 record, but reached the semis beore losing two close battles.  He beat Orlosky in that run.  Orlosky is very good and could help Chanel mightily at the state meet, if he can get there.  His unorthodox style might score well at Columbus.  He has been a consistent placer this year.  Sanderson is a wild card here.  He has had some excellent results this year shuffling between `135# and 140#.  He was 6^th at the Top Gun in an excellent field.  Olney, Coy, Fryman (West Salem Northwest), and Taylor (Loudonville) are solid, but that may not be enough here.

While not as strong as the Elyria Catholic District, each of the other three can boast a serious contender - - although to win you’d have to beat both Hurley and Linsker.  At Xenia, Engel will be the top contender and will try to emulate his brother’s state title in 1997.  He was 3^rd last year at 135# losing a close bout to Ryan Hurley in the first round, and then winning five consolation bouts.  He could definitely compete on a nearly even basis with Hurley last year, whether he can do so against the new and improved version is problematical.  State qualifier Short is a strong second choice here, and he needs better luck at Columbus.  He was twice a loser by scores of 10-9 and 7-6 (to Vogel).  The rest of this district is well below the top duo, and you’ll want to draw into their 3^rd and 4^th place finishers.

Mayhugh will have to make a decision as to whether he’ll compete at140# or 145#.  He and Roth  (rated at the next weight) have flip flopped at these two weights with great success.  Mayhugh has won at Bellaire St. John, Barnesville and the OVAC, but competed in the latter at145#.  He was 5^th at Columbus last year losing a 3-1 bout to Ryan Hurley and a consolation one to Engel.  His district is definitely easier at 145#, but a high place might come easier at 140#.  State qualifier Vogel also returns and he has rebounded from a slow start to get the runner-up nod here.  Wilson also was a state qualifier last year, and had been outstanding until OVAC.  He was 2^nd, but I was disappointed by a 10-4 less in the final to Roth.  Kinzy is strong, but Belfrage, Bender and Jefferies (Barnesville) will not go away.

The undefeated state qualifier Stacklin is best in the Northwest.  He has swept to four tourney titles without having many tight bouts.  Young and Grime are in the exact same situation as Roth and Mayhugh.  Both have certified at 140# so again, a decision will have to be made.  Dotson and Madden can win at the state level, but may be pushed by the freshman Lichty.  Frye, Gibson, S. Mack (Tinora) and  Gerber are other thoughts.

Incidentally, if both Hurleys win, they’ll become the first brothers to win in the same year since the Opfers in 1999.  Interesting it took 18 state tournaments before the first brother combination won in the same year.  That  was in 1955 when Darryl and Jim Hoppel both won.  They were two of the five brothers who won more than a half dozen state titles for little Beaver Local.

145 #

Projected Champion:  Michael Parsons (Loudonville)

Top Contenders 

The likely finalists at this weight class attend high school only a few miles apart – one just north of Ashland and the other just south of that city.  Both have also been state runners-up, but they do differ in some significant ways.  Gordon, only a junior, finished 6^th his freshman year accumulating 49 victories at 140#.  A state quarter-finalist he lost that bout to Scott Roth by a narrow 6-4 score.  Then last year, he crushed his first three opponents before losing a heartbreakingly close overtime bout to the same Scott Roth.  Gordon is a very strong, very physical wrestler with abundant physical tools.  This year he has again been outstanding with exception of a 4^th place finish at Richmond Hts, where he was twice disqualified for illegal slams.  In my mind that may be his single biggest obstacle to a finals berth.

Parsons has an equally distinguished record.  He won 40 bouts as a freshman at 103# , losing to Lester in the finals 11-4.  The following year he won 49 times at 119#, but lost again in the finals, this time to Drew Opfer - - so we are talking exceptional competition.

Last year at 125# pounds he lost in the semis and finished a strong 3^rd crushing Frye in the consolation finals.  This year he is undefeated including wins at North Canton (over Busnick) and Doylestown (over Ambrose).  If anyone has paid their dues it would seem to have been Parsons.

A key comparison score between the top two wrestlers brings things into sharp relief.  State qualifier Huddle, defeated Gordon 2-1 in overtime, but lost to Parsons 9-2.  That’s an enormous difference, so you have to favor Parsons early on—like at the sectional.  The question is how quickly will Gordon narrow that gap over three weekends.  I believe he is physically stronger which over time is often decisive as styles are learned and counters developed.  Still you’d have to think the very experienced Parson would find a way to stay ahead.

With these two at the top and a lot of equivalent wrestlers a step below them what we have is a fiendishly difficult qualification process.  Roppel has come on strong, now that Schaeffer has chosen to stay at 152#.  He, too, has been a steady placer with, perhaps, his pin over Beers at the Ohio Duals as his highlight Beers, another Lake transfer has had a strong second half including a title at the CIT and a 3^rd at the Dies.  That already provides us with four worthy state candidates meaning that its going to be tough for everyone else.  Next best is Roman who has been at 152#, and may seriously consider it once again.  Drellishak, Sammons (CVCA), and Goldstein (Beachwood) are possible contenders who will need a small miracle to qualify out of this district.

None of the other districts are remotely this difficult.  Probably next in line would be  Toledo Waite where state qualifiers Link and Lofay lead a reasonably deep field.  Both were at 145# last year, but neither placed although Lofay won twice.  This year Link has waged some huge battles losing to Mahone 13-12 and to Beers 14-12 in overtime.  He has won just about everything else, and is a superior pinner.  I’m surprised Lofay dropped from 152# considering his success this year including three tourney titles and a runner-up trophy at the GMVWA.  Grime is also very good – winning at handily at  Woodmere and in Michigan.  They should be the top trio, but a second threesome Mack, Park and Muenzer could also play a significant role.  Decooman was the first Van Buren grappler in 16 years to take home a first-place trophy at his home schools big tourney.  Along with Bedford (Woodmere), Bethel (Toledo Christian) and Moss (Delta) they provide excellent depth.

If it’s Roth at 145#, the Marion district will be very weak at this weight class.  It’s difficult to imagine anyone here having much of an impact in the final resolution of this weight class.  Much the same is true at Xenia.  Its almost impossible to identify someone there that will match up well with boys from Waite and Marion.  Besides those listed look for Christian (Brookville), Rutledge (Madeira) and Alig (Coldwater).

I’m not sure how they’ll do the pairing with those four man districts, but if they match districts for all four first round bouts – you’d hope that Waite and Elyria Catholic would be apart.

152 #

Projected Champion:  Tom Schaefer (Chanel)

Top Contenders 

Defending state champion Tom Schaefer is an outstanding wrestler, enjoying an excellent season at a very uncrowded weight class.  That is almost  always the recipe for a state title and that is the situation that we have here.  Schaefer, 3^rd as a sophomore, won his first state title last year at 140#.  After two easy wins at Columbus he had a titanic struggle with Greg Ware winning on a fall in the30-second double overtime.  I believe the 8:22 fall time is the latest I’ve ever seen.  Then, as he did in the district he dominated Jason Miller on his feet to win the state title 13-5.  This year its been more of the same - - wining at Solon, North Canton, Doylestown and Mayfield. 

His only loss was to Tommy Bauer at Wadsworth and that in a down tempo 3-2 bout.  Probably his biggest win was over Chris Kallai at Mayfield in a bout that hinged on an early 4-point move.  However, nobody in Division III should be within a half dozen points of Schaefer this year.

The one exception might be Tim Kelly who battled Division I state placer David Blanks into overtime at the SWOCA before losing on a locked hands call.  Kelly is a two-time state qualifier who missed placement last year by a single win.  What he’ll have to do is get an early lead against Schaefer and then ride him as long and hard as he can.  Kellen Campbell also returns and he was a major surprise last year. He won two close bouts to reach the semi-finals, but then was drilled by Roth, Walker and Gore.  He, again, has placement potential, but will not match up with Schaeffer.

The rest of the district is substantially weaker with a number of potential qualifying candidates.  The one person I may have rated too low is Schultz, although Cox (Triad) could be a factor here, too.

Schaefer has very little to worry about at Elyria Catholic.  The freshman Caponi is qood, but Schaeffer defeated him 13-4. State qualifier Harmon and Goble are well rated but it will be pretty much decided on who is having a hot district weekend.  Foote has been around a long time, and could make waves, while McCaroll (Brooklyn) and Blunk (CVCA) are difficult to evaluate.  One because of his very tough schedule and the other because of his weak one.  The one mystery is Libert.  He missed going to state by one win at 160# last year.  Seeing the district logjam at the class he has certified at 152# in what was an excellent strategic move.  He wrestles an out-of-the-way schedule, but he can score and should be very effective at this weight class.

Glasser and Dauski both have state experience, but it is the first of the duo that I rate highly.  He was undefeated until the OVAC finals where he lost a tight 3-2 bout to a West Virginia competitor.  He won two state bouts last year just barely missing placement.  The Columbus trio of Picazo, Word and Weis ( Bloom Carroll) will certainly look to grab a couple qualifying spots with Picazo having the best chance.  If you’re looking for a dark-horse candidate it might be Sefsick who can pull the big surprise.

It’s a pretty pedestrian group at the Waite district.  With Lofay moving to 145# there is not a lot of “up-top” strength.  Only Brand - - who last year had the name Ken Brewer - - has had previous state experience.  He easily won at Van Buren, and seems to be rounding into top shape.  Siebert, Park and Ehrsam are solid journeyman performers who will win most of the time.  Lill, on the other hand, is a good pinner and has strong upside potential.  If he gains momentum and confidence he could be very tough.

160 #

Projected Champion:  Matt Klinger (Cuyahoga Hts.)

Top Contenders

While it’s a one-man show at 152# its likely to be a tough two-man struggle at this weight class.  The favorite has to be defending champion Matt Klinger who was 4^th as a sophomore and then won it all last year.  Klinger dominated his district last year and then won his first three state bouts handily.  However, the final was a close 3-1 battle with the tough Blair.  This year Klinger has lost only in the Brecksville final to my Division I choice Magistrelli.  That was a battle where Klinger led 4-3 with 30 seconds to go, but ended up getting pinned in the last second.  Otherwise he’s been perfect including five falls at Sandusky St. Mary’s

His constant shadow will be the unorthodox Pycraft.  They’ll meet at the sectional district and state level and frankly that’s likely to benefit Klinger.  Pycraft was 3^rd last year at 152# finishing with a 45-1 record.  A two-time state placer he met Koch in the semi-finals for what amounted to the state title and lost a 7-6 squeaker. Koch took the title the next day by a 7-1 count.  Pycraft does not wrestle quite the schedule that Klinger does but he is undefeated winning at Southview and Black River.  He has kind of a different style which makes him particularly tough on first time opponents

The Elyria Catholic District is loaded.  Klinger and Pycraft head my list but Hoogenboom is not far behind.  He was a district finalist last year before losing on a fall to Klinger.  He won four bouts at the state meet losing twice to Koch and finishing 4^th.  This year he was a finalist at Solon and Doylestown (winning by fall) and 4^th at North Canton and Wadsworth.  He pinned McGough at the Ohio Duals and this after a great year of football.  The sophomore Aeschliman is also very good, and doesn’t it seem that Tuslaw always has two or three outstanding wrestlers.  He missed state competition by a single point last year and he may be co-equal now with Hoogenboom.  That’s four of my top six coming out of this district, but there is much more.  Hartz was a state qualifier two years ago, but did not compete last year.  Rounding back into shape, he can be a threat to all but my top duo.  State qualifier McGough is also back but he will have to move up another level to qualify.  He has yet to make the finals in any of five tournaments, but has placed in all but one.  He did defeat Hoogenboom at Wadsworth.  Also back is state alternate Hampshire who has won some smaller tourneys, but lost badly to Aeschliman at Richmond Hts - - add in Persinger and Knapp and you have a district that looks like a state meet.  Certainly the possibility exists that the four state semi-finalists could all be from here.  With 171# slightly easier you might get some movement in that direction.

If the Northeast District monopoly is to be broken at this weight class only two wrestlers would appear to have the firepower to challenge them - -one of them is state qualifier J. D. Davis, who returns at 160#.  He was an impressive 4^th at Medina and leads the way at the Waite district.  He won one state bout but  was pinned by Hoogenboom.  State qualifier Anglemyer also returns at this weight after a season where he is rated 3^rd in the Northwest District.  However, Klinger has tech falled  him while Hoogenboom defeated him 12-4.  State qualifier King has been a strong performer this year but will not match up well with the Elyria Catholic boys.  The last spot is wide open with Giesige and Moffitt probably having the inside track

Two-time state qualifier Justin Jefferis tourney may want to believe in omens.  He was 3^rd twice at the giant OVAC tourney, but this year on his third try won the event.   Now comes a somewhat more daunting challenge – winning the state meet on his third attempt.  Two years ago he was 5^th which included a one-point loss to Klinger.  Last year he lost 8-7 quarter-final bout and had to forfeit in the next round.  He is strong enough to give Klinger some problems.  The Columbus trio of Lewis, Fisher and Hughes look to be the other three qualifiers with not a lot below them - - of course, bracketing issues could mess that up.  Fisher who was 4^th in the State last year faces a tough road to match that mark

I’m anxious to see how Cloran does at 160.  He certainly was a fine 171-pounder, and perhaps, this drop will make him even more formidable.  State qualifier Batdorf heads a group of good Covington wrestlers who always seem to qualify one or two.  King beat him by four last year and he dropped his first consolation bout as well.  Seal has had a good year but Cloran, in his first week at 160#, pinned him at Valley View.

171 #

Projected Champion:  Chris Smolk (CVCA)

Top Contenders 

We’re in the midst of a somewhat unusual streak here at the upper middle weights in Division III.  Between 152# and 189# we have a stretch of four weight classes that feature a defending state champion.  At two of these classes (152# and 189#) the returning champ should have little trouble defending his title while Klinger at 160# will be involved in a tough two-man struggle with Pycraft.  However, it is Smolk here at 171 that is likely to face the widest array of challengers in his quest for a second title. 

Smolk was a state qualifier at Rootstown but lost to eventual champ Blankmeyer in the first round.  Then last year at CVCA he dominated the Elyria Catholic District giving up only four escapes in four bouts.  At Columbus he followed up a first round pin with three hard fought decisions culminating in a 5-3 win over Borowicz in the final.  This year Smolik won at the Ironman and Hudson and was a solid 3^rd at Medina and the Top Gun.  The past two years 171 has been a relatively weak weight class, but that is not the case this season.  There is substantially more strength here than at any of the other upper weights,

Smolk’s strongest challenges are likely to come from the Marion district.  Morrison is a two-time state qualifier who just missed placement last year.  Two years ago he defeated Smolk in a consolation round, but last year lost one round away from an anticipated rematch in the semi-finals.  This year he won at Hamilton Twp., Ready, and the CIT.

At the last he whipped state champion Lukens 13-5 in the final while in the first he defeated Hackett for the crown.  Hackett defeated Smolk at the Top Gun.  Also at Marion is the athletic Dollaway who was 5^th last year at 160#.  My choice to win he stumbled when Klinger moved up to 160# and manhandled him in the quarter-finals.  He has huge upset potential.  The entire Marion district is strong.  Tooill was state qualifier last year who missed placement by a single point.  Yet I only vote him third best in this district.  He lost to Dollaway by just one point last year.  He has strong placement potential, but this is a tough weight class.  Also returning at Marion are state qualifier Powell and the excellent Johnston.  That’s a quintet of state-ready boys with only four spots available.  Hepe, Hepburn (Shadyside) and Lee (Tusky Valley) will struggle against this field.

Smolk will face two state qualifiers at Elyria Catholic.  Terry is another wrestler who has made enormous strides the last two years.  He has grabbed a high place at every tourney, but won only at Doylestown.  He has beaten many of the best 171’s regardless of school classification and should place    Bishop has lost to Terry, but has defeated many of those ranked just below.  He has won at Woodridge and Richmond Hts this year.  Two wrestlers who can surprise are the senior Howley and the freshman Glover.  Howley lost to Bishop 6-3 in their go-to-state bout last year, and wrestles a relatively gentle schedule.  He should be fresh at tourney time, but, perhaps not battle-hardened.  Glover is all over the place.  He pinned Terry at the Ohio Duals, but failed to place at the CIT. Look for him to catch at least one wrestler unawares.  Cash lost in overtime to Bishop while Briscoe gave Terry a good bout at Loudonville.  It should be interesting.

State junior high school champion Ohl is a real talent who should win a state crown before graduation - - though it may not be this year.  He was a district champ last year and won two state bouts at 160# before Hoogenboom eliminated him 12-10.  He was 2^nd at the Gorman to Dollaway by a 5-4 score, and he keeps getting better.  Right behind is Lichty who was at Defiance last year.   He has settled in nicely winning the “A” Classic and Stryker Invitational among others.  Brink is a returning state qualifier who has looked a little shaky this year.  I think Jacobs may have passed him and Turner is right there as well.  Lichty defeated Turner in the final while Brink lost for 3^rd place to Fremont.  Caywood wrestlers for a small Toledo Christian school, but that name brings back memories of a wonderful wrestler some years ago.  Burkholder who has been at 215# certified at 171# and whether he’ll compete the is difficult to know.  There is not much at Xenia.  Ullery is 21-8 wrestling a tough schedule while Stephan and Howard are very close.  This group, whomever qualifiers will struggle at Columbus.

189 #

Projected Champion:  D.J. Grewell (Newcommerstown)

Top Contenders

One of the truly forgotten stars of baseball was a second basemen who played most of his career in Cleveland during the 1890’s.  Cupid Childs was a sensational player during that long ago time and might well be the best second basemen of the 19^th century.  Yet, even in his own time he was undervalued and overlooked.  He was an outstanding fielder and a unmatched lead-off man often walking a 100 times a year when a season was 130 games.  He scored over 100 runs in seven seasons and stole bases at a rapid clip.  Yet while many lesser players from that era and from more recent times are in the Hall of Fame, Cupid Childs is known only to the most dedicated historians.

And so it may be with D. J. Grewell.  Probably the least publicized of last year’s 42 champions he remains something of an unknown to most fans.  Last year he crushed every sectional, district and state opponent until winning a 10-7 decision over Josh Riedy that really wasn’t that close.  This year he has yet to be tested although Newcomerstown does not wrestle a daunting schedule.  How good Grewell really  is remains a bit of a mystery because he wrestles at a small school in a rural part of the state with a schedule that is almost invisible to the vast majority of fans.  Still when we get to Columbus expect to see Grewell on the top step of the podium once again.

Beside Grewell only one underclassman placed at 189# last year.  Way finished in 3^rd place after reaching the semi-finals and losing to Grewell 11-1.  Way won the St. Mary’s Duals, and was 2^nd at Smithville losing to in-county rival Meggyessy.  He heads up a relatively weak Elyria Catholic District that has only two entrants in my Top Ten.  This is a weight class where none of the powerhouse schools would seem to have a place winner but each has a possible qualifier.  The best of the group is Ucker who should qualify if in top form.  Akron St. Vincent has Pryor, a back-up 171-pounder, who has won some big bouts.  He defeated Chanel’s hope Kyle Hoogenboom 13-5, in the Ohio Duals.  Hoogenboom has battled injuries and his availability may not be certain.  In any case they’ll have to get by folks like Chappell Poweski, and Gray who have lots of district experience.  Grewell has nothing to fear here.

The most difficult district will be at Waite.  The brilliant sophomore Nagel may be one of the best big men Coach Robin Rayfield has ever produced – and that’s saying a lot with people like Taylor, Schlatter, and Sintobin coming out of that program.  He was 2^nd at Brecksville losing only to Pliev.  A big, rangy boy he doesn’t give up anything easily.  Remarkably as a freshman he came close to state qualification at this weight class.  Sowers is also excellent and he, too, nearly qualified at this weight.  It will be interested to see how they’re rivalry grows during the next few years.  No doubt about it – they are two excellent sophomores.  Westhoven was a 152-pounder last year, but has moved up three weight classes.  He’s really a 171# who wrestles at 189# for the team, nonetheless, he is also definite placement material.  Garber lost a criteria overtime decision to Westhoven in the “A” classic finals and with consistency he could be the fourth qualifier.  However, wrestlers like Frankart, Barker and Zavala will be nipping at his heels.  Watch out for Haber (Ontario) or Freeh (Fremont St. Joseph) too.

After Grewell there is very little at Marion.   Only Barte sneaks into the bottom of my Top Ten mainly because I liked his performance at Medina even though he did not place.  In fact, the Columbus entrants should dominate after Grewell – leaving only Duck Day and Padgelak with qualification hopes.  You know that its weak along the river when no Division III wrestler placed at the OVAC at this weight class.

Williams was the state alternate at this weight class last year, but should qualify easily in 2001.  He is 19-1 losing only to Division II foe Robbie Moyer.  I think he’s moved well ahead of returning state qualifier McConnell.  He was 2^nd to the excellent Keough at Reading and beat Cummings to win at Madeira.  Sampson is also a very strong challenger and his 17-4 record included three losses at the tough GMVMA.  Two dark horse candidates are Apple and Thobaden (Clinton Massie).  They finished ahead of Thacker and Schmitz at Valley View and that may be a portend of the future

215 #

Projected Champion:  Angelo Caponi (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

Last year the 215-pound weight class in Division III was exceptionally deep – especially in the Northwest District.  Four of the top five placers emerged from that area and the eventual champion Chris Box, actually finished 5^th in district action (this year he would have stayed home).  This year the competition should be every bit as close although, perhaps, at a slightly lower level.  It’s a weight class that poses some interesting questions that will be examined as we look at the main players in this contest.

By New Years Day I had pretty much decided on my choices at every weight save one.  That is not only unusual it is unique.  I generally agonize over many of the selections to the moment I write up the weight class.  Even as I write this I’m pondering choices in Division I and II (I wrote Division III first this year).    The one exception was at 215#.  Should I go for the brute pinning power of Clark?  The rapid improvement of McStoots? The trimmed down heavyweight in Stookey? Or the past record of Johnston?  In the end I went with the strength and match management of Caponi.  He doesn’t let bouts get away from him and there are no easy points off him.  He won at Solon and the Dies shutting out Yates both times and at Wadsworth defeating the tough Mohler.  He was 4th at the CIT but both losses were tight battles to outstanding foes.  He has defeated Stookey and Zarance among the top contenders and, I believe, will win a series of close rather low scoring bouts to bring home the title.  It is likely that he will be the last wrestler of the top contenders to compete late Saturday afternoon, and it may well be that on his result will hang the team title.

Capone, one of the four Uniontown Lake transfers, should have few problems at the district level.  State qualifiers Zaranec and Shultzman return, but he has defeated Zaranec, 14-2.and Shultzman is no stranger - - he was a distant 4^th at the Dies.  On the other hand, Logan can be dangerous.  He is a strong pinner and that can erase a lot of mistakes.  He pinned in the final of three tournaments.  He lost 14 times last year, but has been brilliant in this his senior season.  Slepko is 19-1, but does not wrestle a real strong schedule.  However, with 17 falls this sophomore is clearly dangerous as well.  Austin is only a junior but he too, has compiled an excellent record losing only twice.  He pinned to win titles at Avon and Hawken.  Watch for him.  Also note Spencer, Shultz, (Clearview) and Hastings (West Salem Northwest).

The Waite District has three of my top five contenders.  State qualifier Clark was one point from placement at 189# last year, and may now have finalist potential.  I certainly don’t get all the McComb scores, but I’m not sure that Clark has gone six minutes even once this year and that may not be a plus since he’ll have tougher opponents at the state level who will test conditioning.  Stookey was a good heavyweight last year as a freshman, but really seems more attuned physically to this weight class.  I believe his only Division III loss at 215# was to Caponi, 6-3, at the Ohio Duals.  McStoots has been a terror in the far, northwestern part of the state. Last year he was 6^th in that meat-grinder district losing to eventual state champ Chris Box for the last qualifying spot.  Since four of that group placed he would have done well at Columbus had he reached there.  Williams has to be the favorite for that last berth especially since he should come in as a sectional champ– as should the top three as well.  Lauck and Merillat are possibilities while Widmer (Genoa) and Dixie (Fostoria. St. Wendelin) have a ways to go.

Johnston has been ranked #1 all year in Columbus and rightfully so.  He won at North Union and Ready (pinning Fisher) and should capture an attractive spot in the bracket sheet.  Wade was runner-up at the OVAC after winning at Shadyside and Union Local.  He has placement possibilities.  Hutchinson certified at 189# and may choose to compete at that class.  I’ve also listed Fisher, Cook and Nichols, but Moore (Newcomerstown), Debelis (Sandy Valley) and Bachman (Tusky Central Catholic) are virtual equivalents.

Maybe, I’m overlooking someone or several someone’s, but I just don’t see much at Xenia.  There are some solid performers competing, but no one that consistently stands out.  Pattison hammered Childers, 8-3, to win at Valley View, but was defeated by Mosbacher, 13-5 at Madeira.  Childers won at Edgewood while Snelling was runner-up at Lockland.  My guess is a very spirited competition at the district level, but the survivors will struggle at Columbus.

Hvy.

Projected Champion:  Matt Turner (Kirtland)

Top Contenders 

Last year Turner went in as my second choice primed to challenge Lingruen in a long anticipated final.  However, a second round 10-9 upset loss to Shirkey short-circuited that match-up, as Turner wound up with four falls and a 3^rd place medal.  The last pin incidentally over the self same Shirkey.  It was reminiscent of his brother.  Rob’s junior year where he lost a one-point bout and finished 3^rd.  If such a parallel track continues Matt is destined to win this year and its difficult not to buy into that thought.

However, it has not been completely clear sailing this year for Turner.  He won at Hawken in overtime against Ridenour, but lost to Garling in a dual.  He was a strong 2^nd, however, at Medina losing in the finals to the powerful Olds.  Still he has the experience and the talent to win Division III.  Interestingly enough, should Turner win he and Rob would become the first set of brothers to win heavyweight titles in Ohio high school wrestling history.  Probably the closest duo were Ned and Mark Stepanovich in the 1970’s when Ned won after Mark was upset in the semi-finals the previous year while ahead 8-0.

I’ve correctly forecasted the winner here for eight consecutive years but at heavyweight anything can happen.  That is particularly true in Division III where many teams stay within the local area when scheduling so that many of the top heavyweights have never met.

Some of Turner’s biggest challenges will come from his own Elyria Catholic District.  Garling has won at Cardinal and Jackson-Milton and out weighs Turner by about 25 pounds.  He was one point from a state berth last year, but should easily qualify in 2001.  Whitmyer is a returning state qualifier with low to middle placement potential.  Last year at States he drew the eventual runner-up and a placer in the first two rounds and was twice pinned.  This year he was 3^rd at Smithville (victim of one of the year’s worst parings process) and did not place at Medina.  Wellert is a 210-pounder with excellent speed who missed state qualification when Whitmyer caught him in the third period of their consolation semi-final and pinned him. He won at Black River but lost to Weidinger and Lauck at the St. Mary Duals.  We might see him at 215#.  Dailide and Frost are two big heavyweights with good placement chances.  They met in the first round of districts last year with Frost winning 19-10.  He placed at the CIT this year, and has excellent heavyweight size.  Quinn, Cox (Columbia Station), and Borbely (CVCA) are other possibilities.

The Marion District is loaded with potential qualifiers, probably double the four they are allowed.  Five of that group same from the Columbus area where there have been terrific battles all year.  Allegree, a state qualifier last year, has won at Alder and West Jefferson, but was a 2-1 loser to Lynch at North Union.  Lynch and Stuff have plenty of experience although the latter has had some shaky outings this year.  Two dark horses are the light but quick Crabbe and Daniels (Madison Plains).  Both could be qualifiers.  The Eastern district has four strong entrants of they’re own at the district.  Wright wrestles a nearly invisible schedule for me, but he was impressive at last year’s district losing to Allegree in the consolation semi-finals.  He is undefeated in duals.  Wells has been great.  He took titles at St. Clairsville, Shadyside and the OVAC while finishing 2^nd at Barnesville (to Cottrell) and Bellaire St. John (upset fall by Corothers).  The second half of the season he has been unbeatable.  Carothers and Brown also placed at the OVAC in the opposite order that I rated them, but I do think Carothers, has slightly better overall record.  It should be quite a show at Marion.

Boes has been the best so far in the Northwest.  He has met many of the contenders and won against them all to remain undefeated.  He was the titlist at Van Buren, Hopewell Loudon, and the “A” classic.  DeWalt is probably very close to him.  He has wrestled a totally different schedule with excellent success including wins at the St. Mary Duals and Hudson – where he beat an excellent field.  Arbogast and Weidinger are journeyman heavyweights who know how to win the close battles.  Weidinger, in fact, is a returning state qualifier, Yenser sidelined with a broken arm will return to a sectional that includes Egly, Nash, and McPike.(Edgerton) all of who are just about at the heavyweight limit.

State qualifier Binkley heads the Xenia district.  He was the district runner-up last year to the eventual state 2^nd place winner Mark Lane.  He won a state bout and has transformed that momentum into a fine senior season.  He is currently 22-5 with three of those losses to the excellent big school heavyweights at the GMVWA.  I believe there is a substantial drop-off after him with the mammoth Parthemore, Putnam and Slaughterbeck next best.

TEAMS  

Only four times in Ohio history has there been a term competition where two    squads scored over 100 points - - 1994, 1996, and 1998 in Division I and 1978 in Division II.  In Division III we could have the unique experience of three team scoring over 100 points.  Strangely enough all three exit the Elyria Catholic District where intra-district warfare may reduce each team’s point potential.

1.   Chanel   They have a chance of qualifying as many as ten wrestlers for the State Meet - - all of whom could score in Columbus. The senior Schaefer and the freshman Jaggers are potential finalist while almost everybody else can place.  The key elements are Paparone, Orlosky, and Hoogenboom who need to do well to keep Chanel ahead of their two primary competitors.  If Dailide and Roppel score at Columbus they’ll win easily.  Chanel could become only the sixth team in Ohio history to win at least five state team titles.

 2.Akron St. Vincent Both Mike and Ryan Hurley are favorites to be champions and score some bonus points as well.  If Buzek and Caponi do as well as I have forecasted that is 90 points for just that quartet.  Beers has been sharp lately and could do very well at 145#.  If state qualifiers McGough and Cimino regain top form and the freshmen, McCahan, Caponi and Glover, can score they’ll have a chance to sneak by Chanel.

 3.Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) Lester is a sure champ and both Smileks, Smolk and Wade could be finalists.  They desperately need Wade to wrestle to his potential at 103# and Charvat, Sanderson, and Ucker to score at Columbus.  The hidden resource might be the freshman Blunk who could be a  super-surprise.  If everything comes together they, too, could surpass Chanel, and win it.

 4. Sandusky St. Mary        They do not have the depth that they have exhibited in past years, but they have four solid state scores in Opfer, Finneran, Link, and Stookey.  Opfer of course, should get some bonus points as he goes for his third  title.  The freshman Whelan and Lill are other possibilities, but 4^th is the best they can hope for.

6. Loudonville This is essentially a two-man team, but both Scott and Parsons should be finalists and score somewhere in the neighborhood of 45 points.  Maybe Taylor or Briscoe can add to that total, but it’s a long-shot.

7.  Martins Ferry They return four state qualifiers including both Tierneys who have placed in the past.  Finding exactly the right weight class for Mayhugh is critical as are some state points from Jones.  If Roth or Padgelek can help that would be an enormous boost.

8.Delta I think Ford and Nagel can be big-time scores at the state level, but Lohman ad Madden need to help out, too.  Nobody else can be a helper so its up to the leading quartet.

9. Madeira   A team that has dominated in their own area, but have never done quite that well at Columbus.  They have four state qualifiers between 112# pounds and 130# pounds with Wittenberg, Burroughs, Kuykendall, and Merle.  A key element will be the upper weight trio of Cloran, Pattison, and Cummings.  The first named, in particular, could be a state scorer.

10. Mohawk State qualifiers Buckingham, Ogg, and Lofay should get some state points, but the key component is Sowers.  If he can score big this team could make the Top Ten.

You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com