WWW.OhioWrestler.com would like to thank Brian Brakeman for all the hard work it took putting out the High School Wrestling Forecast and for the opportunity to share it with all our loyal e-patrons.

Introduction

The object of these annual reports encompasses two basic goals.  First is to acquaint everyone with the basic character of each weight class and identify the participants who are likely to play a major role in its resolution.  In addition, each district is examined as to whom its’ representatives might be.  Second is to stimulate interest in the whole State tournament process throughout Ohio.  Naturally, accuracy is also of primary concern, so care is taken to develop the most comprehensive list possible of outstanding wrestlers, though of necessity, the evaluation of their final place is, in part, subjective.  This report was written during a ten-day period ending January 20, based on the information available at that time.  It’s kind of a snapshot in time, with a picture that will surely change in many ways by tournament time.  Certainly many of those listed at weight classes where they are currently certified will move up for competitive reasons or because they cannot make the 50 percent rule.  In fact, some of those moves may well be precipitated by information contained within this document.

There are several ways you can help make this report more accurate.  First by sending me bracket sheets for tournaments you enter either by fax or mail – I’m especially interested in sectional and district bracket sheets this year and any tournaments for next year.  Also, phone calls, or better yet, e-mail messages dealing with results, weight class selection, or whatever, are gratefully received.  I especially appreciate coaches who provide an honest overview of their squad and superior wrestlers they’ve seen in competition.  Already I get messages and information from too many people to name individually, but I appreciate it all.

Brian Brakeman

23225 Hardwick Road

Shaker Hts., OH  44122 

Fax No.: 216-749-2801           E-mail:  cherylabrake@aol.com

This report is also available on the Internet on John Organiscak’s Ohio Wrestling Sport Page at:

<http://www.ohiowrestler.com> 

©2003– Reproduction of this material for profit without written consent is prohibited.

And remember, my usual fee is a wrestling T-shirt – XL.

(and that includes all your Internet readers)

HISTORY

The state wrestling tournament began with the 1938 event and has continued on an annual basis since then.  In 1971 the tournament was divided into two classes, and in 1976 a further sub-division created the three classifications used today.  This chart divides the 1554 state titles awarded by the location of each winner’s school.

These results are skewed since the tournament was run by the Greater Cleveland Coaches Association until 1954, primarily because the vast majority of entrants were from the Cleveland/Akron area.  This can be seen on the next chart which shows only Division I results.

As can be clearly seen in this chart, the Southwest District has made giant strides in the last two decades.

You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com