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Projected Champion: Tyler Scott (Loudonville) Top Contenders 2 Aring (Eastwood) 14 Wyse (Grandview Hts.) 3 Derr (Stritch) 15 Slachta (Swanton) 4 Smilek (CVCA) 16 Monsman (Chanel) 5 Schmidt (Sandusky St. Mary) 17 Hamilton (Clear Fork) 6 Kuykendall (Madeira) 18 Rhodes (Brookville) 7 McIntyre (River Valley) 19 Chapa (Liberty Center) 8 Martin (West Jefferson) 20 Craemer (Smithville) 9 Tillman (Beachwood) 21 Hixson (North Union) 10 Eckhardt (Carlisle) 22 Gallagher (Barnesville) 11 Buckingham (Mohawk) 23 Baker (New Albany) 12 Jones (Martins Ferry) 24 Keyes (Berkshire) 13 Henry (Versailles) 25 Conte (Oakwood)
One of the surprise teams that surfaced last year in Division III was a powerhouse Loudonville squad. They won the tough Northeast District title at Elyria Catholic qualifying six wrestlers for Columbus. They maintained that momentum at the State meet with a solid sixth place finish. Four of those qualifiers return (the four district finalists) and they have added an outstanding transfer. Loudonville has never had an individual State titlist, losing four times in the final round over the years. However, Tyler Scott must be rated the narrow favorite to take the crown at this weight class. Last year he lost to eventual State champ Dan Lloyd 11-8 and 10-6 in the sectional and district finals, and then suffered a heartbreaking overtime State semifinal loss to Matt Finneran 4-2. A 17-15 overtime loss in the next round dropped him to fifth. This year he remains undefeated, including an impressive 17-5 win in the North Canton final. He is a good combination of experience and ability.
Much of his fiercest competition will come from the Fostoria District. Three outstanding competitors should exit that district, any of whom could unseat Scott. Aring was the district runner-up last year and won his opening bout at Columbus. However, eventual champ Lloyd defeated him in the quarterfinals and a tough overtime consolation loss eliminated him. He is now a senior, which means he normally has a substantial age advantage in most matches and has substantial experience as well. He beat returning Division I State qualifier Weaver to win at Northwood, and did the same to Division II State qualifier Gilsdorf at St. John. Derr is also a returning State qualifier reaching the State semifinals on two close decisions before losing three bouts (the last to Scott) and finishing sixth. He has won this year at Hopewell-Loudon and the CIT, while finishing sixth at Brecksville. I thought he might have gotten to a bit of a slow start this year, but he has come on strong recently. Schmidt started for a good part of last year for Sandusky St. Mary, until Finneran eventually claimed the job after a series of very close wrestle offs. Finneran then went on to be State runner-up, narrowly missing a fall in the finals when well behind. Schmidt beat some State qualifiers last year, and has done very well this season, too. He won at Gibsonburg and St. Mary's and was a finalist at the Midwest Classic. At the Top Gun he placed fifth, pinning Paz in the final round. He is the only one of this trio without previous district or State experience and that could be a negative. The last two spots are wide open with Chapa, Slachta, Hamilton and, particularly, Buckingham all in the hunt. Also, watch out for Kill (Delphos St. John), Herner (Monroeville) and Becky D'Ambrosia (Ayresville) who is just coming off knee surgery. She could become the first female district qualifier.
Scott will face tough competition from Smilek at Elyria Catholic. Smilek was second at the Ironman defeating the very tough Paglia in the semifinals. He won at Hudson a week later and was a strong third at Medina. He has wrestled a very tough schedule and will be a factor deep into the State tourney. State qualifier Tillman also returns at this weight, and this canny senior pinned Smilek in the first period to kick off their dual meet. I look for Monsman to have the best shot at the fourth slot. Schmidt barely beat him 4-3 at the Ohio Duals.
Kuykendall was undefeated until the district semifinals at Xenia before losing to LaCure 4-3. He still qualified for State action, but lost to Scott and Meiring (in overtime) and was eliminated. He has already won at Madeira and very impressively at the powerful GMVWA this year. However, Schmidt handled him 9-2 at the Ohio Duals. He'll be challenged by Eckhardt, who was a district qualifier at 112 pounds last year, and the excellent Henry. The latter boy was a sectional champ who just missed State competition last year. He was an impressive champion at Graham this year. Besides those listed, Sells (Milton Union) and Gambill (Miami East) are other possibilities.
McIntyre and Martin lead at Marion. Both have State placement potential with McIntyre, in particular, looking very strong this year. He lost to Stoffer the first weekend of the year at the Coke Classic, and had clear sailing until losing twice at Clyde including by four points to Buckingham. I'm looking at that as a bit of an aberration. Jones has been tough in the Valley winning at Barnesville and Bellaire St. John, but was pinned by Schmidt at the Ohio Duals. Wyse is my front runner for the fourth spot, but there are a number of other worthy contenders.
Projected Champion: Gregg Pressler (Margaretta) Top Contenders 2 Bedford (Woodmore) 15 Charvat (CVCA) 3 Foster (Dalton) 16 Burroughs (Madeira) 4 Meiring (Evergreen) 17 Webb (Ayresville) 5 J. Tierney (Martins Ferry) 18 LaCure (Greeneview) 6 M. Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary) 19 Francis (Barnesvile) 7 Scarl (Gilmour) 20 Welling (Avon) 8 Winnen (ASV) 21 Prendes (Wellsville) 9 Fernandez (Elyria Catholic) 22 Ward (Streetsboro) 10 Bacon (Stritch) 23 Glass (Pleasant) 11 Cavalier (Newbury) 24 Simon (Edison) 12 Vaughn (Johnstown-Monroe) 25 Johnson (Mechanicsburg) 13 Magoteaux (Versailles) 26 Saal (Aquinas) 14 Swihart (Sandy Valley) 27 Gieske (West Liberty Salem)
We've had a succession of marvelous champions at this particular weight class the past several years. Think about it. Three-time champ Scott Burnett, four-time champ Jared Opfer (twice) and potential four-time champ Harry Lester last year. That, in part, has been one of the reasons I've successfully forecasted the eventual champion seven consecutive years. Even the high placers in past years have had terrific credentials, with names like Boyd, Allega and Carrizales. There is no one of such stature in this year's field, although I currently count 11 returning State qualifiers competing here. What this suggests is a close, hard-fought series of bouts with pairings likely to be a very important ingredient in determining the final order of finish. The other crucial element will be the impact three sensational freshmen (Foster, Scarl and Winnen) have at this weight class.
Often the favorite at 112 pounds is the returning 103 pound champion (almost always an underclassman). That would make Dan Lloyd my choice, but he apparently will not compete this year leaving something of a vacuum. Unfortunately, there are so many imponderables, it is difficult to develop a reasonable rating list, so bear with me on this one.
My choice is the powerful, but injury-riddled Pressler who is returning at 112 pounds for his senior year. He has missed a good portion of this year, but won at Marion Harding and took the exceptional Doug West into overtime at Clyde. A former State placer, he will win only if he stays injury free and can consistently wrestle six-minute bouts. Given that and some good luck, he could win at 112 pounds.
That Fostoria District is positively brutal. Last year Meiring was fourth at Fostoria, but third at the State meet. He has had some great wins this year beating, for example, Finneran in overtime. Matt Finneran has also expanded on last year's somewhat unexpected success. Replacing Schmidt at 103 pounds in midyear he captured a sectional and district title, and made it to the State finals where, trailing badly, he came very, very close to pinning Lloyd for the title. This year he won at St. Marys, and was fifth at the Top Gun. It'll be interesting to see if he has some more surprises up his sleeve. Bedford had a great summer wrestling season and has had some huge wins this year. He defeated two-time State qualifier Webb, 16-6, at the A Classic and majored Bacon 11-3 at Hopewell-Loudon. He has no losses and this is the guy who can pull the big upset. And, if he has a hot weekend this field is so closely bunched he could win it all. Bacon, the CIT champ, and Webb are both excellent with Webb defeating Pressler last year at this district level. Factor in Simon, DeCooman (Van Buren) and Ford (Delta) in this is a very deep, very strong district.
If Pressler falters John Tierney could be right there to pick up the hardware and the champions bracket sheet. He was fourth last year, losing at the State meet to Scott and Meiring. This year he has walked through a relatively easy schedule and won his match with Matt Finneran 5-4 at the Ohio Duals. Tucked in between Jones and his brother, he has some great workout partners. State qualifiers Swihart, Vaughn and Prendes are also here and each is a full step below Tierney. However, I particularly like Vaughn who has placement potential at this very crowded weight class. Prendes may be vulnerable here with Francis and Glass possible upset makers. Jessi Shirley has a 11-4 for Northmor and has district qualification possibilities, as well.
The Elyria Catholic District is even more muddled than what we saw at Fostoria. The excellent freshman Winnen was a finalist at 119 pounds at Solon, and gave Division I State placer DeAngelo Penn a good battle. Since then he has been injured so it's difficult to know exactly what he'll do at this weight class. Based on what I saw, he is very good. The powerful Fernandez missed State qualification by a single point at 112 pounds last year -- losing to Hudock (Columbia Station) who apparently is not competing. This year he won at Columbia Station (at 119 pounds) and was second at Vermillion. The freshman Scarl has also been terrific winning at Wadsworth and clearly performing well above anticipated freshman levels. Charvat has also done well in CVCA's big-time schedule and will be battle hardened for this district fray. A major mystery is the freshman John Foster. An extremely accomplished youth wrestler he left the Massillon Perry program where he was 18-0 in junior high and returned to Dalton which just inaugurated wrestling three years ago. Absent strong workout partners and wrestling a very easy schedule, he is currently 12-0. Whether his substantial skill will erode at Dalton is undecided, and it's anybody's guess how he'll do at tournament, though my view is very well. That still leaves State qualifier Chevalier, Welling, Saal, Ward, Benucci (Wickliffe), Hicks (Chanel) and the excellent freshman Eicher (Tuslaw). An amazingly crowded weight class which might encourage some movement to the far easier 119 pound class.
State qualifiers Magoteaux, Burroughs and LaCure should easily qualify out of Xenia. They seem well ahead of the other competitors, and barring a major upset should return en masse to Columbus. However, they will struggle at that level based on the very high quality present at the other districts.
Projected Champion: Harry Lester (CVCA) Top Contenders 2 Jesse (Hopewell-Loudon) 14 Corrigan (Grand Valley) 3 D. Tierney (Martins Ferry) 15 McCartney (Tusky Valley) 4 Amstutz (Liberty Center) 16 Bodey (West Liberty Salem) 5 S. J. Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary)17 Weiland (Woodmore) 6 Morris (Carlisle) 18 Ogg (Mohawk) 7 Ralph (Chanel) 19 Good (Fisher Catholic) 8 Gibson (Belpre) 20 Brown (Cleveland Central Catholic) 9 Kleman (Blufton) 21 Bailey (Dixie) 10 Daniels (Jonathan Alder) 22 Follick (Reading) 11 Zimmerman (Hillsdale) 23 Peltz (Beachwood) 12 Anderson (Barnesville) 24 Schuck (Brookville) 13 Wenger (Northmor) 25 Neilson (Sherwood Fairwood)
There are probably as many different definitions and perceptions of genius as there are individual human beings. Still, most people instinctively can identify genius when they see it in action. One of my favorite composers is Felix Mendelssohn who was most definitely a genius. For example, in the 1830s Bach's majestic St. Matthew's Passion had basically not been performed for nearly 100 years. As unbelievable as that seems today, it resulted when fashions had changed in the mid-1700s and by 1800 the work had been nearly forgotten. Mendelssohn recognized its greatness and made preparations for a huge revival in London. The night of the premiere came and as Mendelssohn went out to conduct this most difficult work, he was horrified to discover that the orchestra librarian had mistakenly placed another score on the stand. No problem. Mendelssohn conducted the entire work from memory so well that the press (unaware of the mix up) showered him with accolades. Most interestingly, while on the podium conducting, Mendelssohn (here's the genius part) turned the pages of the wrong score at exactly the appropriate time so as not to concern the orchestra, which might otherwise have wondered what was happening to their conductor.
I think Harry Lester might have a touch of genius, as well. Anyone who has seen him wrestle knows that he is something special with a combination of talents that is close to unique. Only a junior, he has already won two State titles and compiled an 88-1 high school record. He twice defeated two-time Division I State champ Mason Lenhard last year, and utterly demolished the field in both his State title victories. Last summer he won the World Cadet title, the only American to win the gold medal. This year he has missed the entire season as I write this because of a broken leg suffered as an active and effective defensive back in football. There are some outstanding competitors at this weight class (especially Doug Jesse), but a healthy Lester will be an overwhelming favorite. Even worse he'll be fresh having missed seven weeks of the season. While Lester may be a huge favorite, I suspect his final round match-up with Doug Jesse will be far closer than what he has experienced the last two years. Jesse carried an undefeated record into the 103 pound State final his freshman, but lost to Allega. He did not place his sophomore year, but was third last year losing only 1-0 to Drew Opfer in the semifinals. This year he is again undefeated and will be Lester's last test as he tries for a third title. The good news here is that they will be seeded a part.
There are probably two other potential placers at Fostoria with both Amstutz and Finneran having excellent credentials. Both are multi-State qualifiers with exceptional experience. Finneran, for example, won 46 bouts last year and 49 the year before. However, he has never won at the State level. Incidentally, he wrestled Lester in the first round at States when they were both freshmen. After this trio, the race for the last two spots is wide open with Kleman, Weiland and Ogg probably forming a second triad. Ogg certified at 112 pounds, but I'm guessing he stays here and it would not me surprise if a couple of the current 112s think about moving up a weight class.
Tierney was a district champ last year, but got Jesse in the first round (Jesse had finished fourth after qualifying the week before) and ended up "two and out." That won't happen this year as he has stayed at the same weight class and enjoyed even greater success. He handled Finneran 7-3 at the Ohio Duals and was second seeded to Division II Bowersock at the OVAC. There is a substantial drop off at Marion with State qualifier Gibson at the next level. After that, it's a wide open race with lots and lots of contenders. I've mentioned more than a few, but add Schweinfurth (River Valley) to that list.
Lester will have very little trouble at Elyria Catholic. With the huge gap in quality and numbers between 112 pounds and 119 pounds, I've got to think a few boys are considering moving up a weight class. As it currently stands, I like Ralph second best with Zimmerman at about that same level. Beyond those three, it's wide open.
Morris is the heavy hitter at Xenia, and I don't see anyone really challenging him at the district level. He cruised to the district title last year at this weight class, but had a very tough first round draw with eventual fourth place winner Stanek, followed up with the excellent Amstutz. He was 30-1 going into the State meet, but never really showed what he could do. This year you have to expect him to vie for a place.
Projected Champion: Drew Opfer (Sandusky St. Mary) Top Contenders 2 Parsons (Loudonville) 14 Howley (Girard) 3 Justi (Edison) 15 Bierman (Carlisle) 4 Stanek (Chanel) 16 C. Smith (Hillsdale) 5 Fedeli (Lima Central Catholic) 17 D. Roth (Martins Ferry) 6 Lopez (Genoa) 18 Richardson (Swanton) 7 Fox (Blanchester) 19 Sammons (CVCA) 8 Frye (Ontario) 20 Deetz (Garaway) 9 Spencer (Northmor) 21 McKinney (Batavia) 10 Hundley (Dixie) 22 K. Anderson (Fisher Catholic) 11 Estel (Amanda Clearcreek) 23 Kovach (Kirtland) 12 Grime (Archbold) 24 Jones (Bridgeport) 13 Opichka (Madiera) 25 J. Schultz (Brookville)
As we all know, wrestling seems to be a sport that attracts an inordinate number of marvelous brother combinations. This has certainly been true in Ohio where brother combinations have prospered from almost the first State meet with the Russos and Milkoviches (first generation) and continues to this day. As an observation, it generally seems to me that the oldest brother tends to be the most conservative, while the level of aggressiveness tends to increase as younger brothers reach the varsity level. Using an extreme example, the first couple of Mason brothers (in the late '60s) State champion Bobby and Pat were conservative grapplers who rarely pinned or even scored a lot. By the eighth brother, State champion Jimmy, we saw a super-aggressive competitor with an 80 percent pin record. Much the same appears to be the case with the Opfer family.
Four-time State champion Jared Opfer was a tremendous pinner, but he took few chances in big matches. He wrestled a solid program that was error-free and that minimized risk. Brother Drew is clearly much readier to gamble. His matches are far more exciting and he generates a lot of high-scoring contests. It seems to work as Drew defeated a very strong field to win the 119 pound title last year as a sophomore, and will be solid favorite to take the title at this weight class this year. However, he will not duplicate his 60-0 record of last year, having lost three high scoring bouts (two at 130 pounds) this year. There are still two more Opfers to come, and I think the next one talks even more than Drew.
As mentioned earlier in this report, only two wrestlers have finished second three times in a high school career, with it happening the last time over 45 years ago. Parsons, only a junior, has had a brilliant career so far winning 89 bouts and finishing second both times, once to Lester and once to Drew Opfer. Like Lester, he has not yet competed this year, but still should dominate the Elyria Catholic District. Stanek will be his only challenger and Jimmy has had a tremendous junior season. He has won titles at Solon, North Canton and Wadsworth and ripped through the Ohio Duals, although not facing Opfer. Still, Parsons defeated Stanek last year 18-7 and you have to wonder if he has made up that much ground. After this duo the well is pretty much dry with a great opportunity for two State spots for "hot" district weekend wrestlers. Besides those listed, check out Cimino (ASV), Branham (Clearview) and Johnson (Mapleton).
Opfer faces strong district competition from a quartet of excellent wrestlers. Justi was third at the Fostoria District losing to Borjas in the semifinals, and was third at the State level again losing to Borjas in the semifinals. This year he won at Bellevue, but was second at Edison (to Tepley), second at the Top Gun (to Moody) and third at Brecksville (losing to Yurchisen). Fedeli is also a returning State qualifier who lost a 4-1 quarterfinal State battle to Parsons and was quickly eliminated in the consolation round. He beat Grime at the A Classic and was third at the CIT. Lopez was a district semifinalist at 119 pounds last year, but lost three close bouts on Saturday and didn't make the trip to Columbus. He was the runner-up at 125 pounds at Brecksville finishing ahead of Justi, though they did not meet. Frye won the big Gorman tourney this year and is 12-2 against good competition. Below these five potential qualifiers are Grime, Richardson, Durst (Lakota), Prince (Fostoria St. Wendelin) and Emery (Crestview).
There is not a lot of placement potential at Marion. Spencer might be first in a battle of near equals, but Frye pinned him in the Gorman finals. Estel is also solid, but the competition will be wide open. An intriguing possibility is Kiernan Anderson, the brother of three-time champ Keaton. Only a freshman, he'll still get a lot of scrutiny should he qualify for the State meet. There'll be a real battle for the three spots at Xenia. Fox was a Division II State qualifier last year and has been at 140 pounds early in the season. He'll be rugged competition at this weight class. State qualifiers Hundley and Opichka also return. Hundley won a State bout last year and was eliminated in an overtime thriller. There will be a strong challenge from Bierman for a State spot with McKinney, Schultz and Rhoades (Versailles) also in the hunt.
Projected Champion: Mike Hurley (ASV) Top Contenders 2 Borjas (Genoa) 14 Cook (Mohawk) 3 Linsker (Beachwood) 15 Gerber (Garaway) 4 N. McDowell (Jonathan Alder) 16 Schreiner (Sandusky St. Mary) 5 V. Davis (Loudonville) 17 Borders (River Valley) 6 A. Schultz (Brookville) 18 Jo. Jefferis (Barnesville) 7 O'Grady (Shadyside) 19 Malott (Magaretta) 8 Maurice (West Liberty Salem) 20 Kelch (Batavia) 9 Avery (Milton Union) 21 Young (Archbold) 10 Lieux (Elyria Catholic) 22 Leffman (Spencerville) 11 Foote (Cuyahoga Hts.) 23 Harmeyer (Reading) 12 Weyer (Blufton) 24 Parfitt (West Jefferson) 13 Olney (Mapleton) 25 Merle (Madeira)
I said in last year's report that 1995-1999 era will be remembered as the golden age of Division III wrestling and the State meet just reinforced that belief. It was an outstanding run of great wrestlers and exceptional depth that will not soon be duplicated. My increased exposure to Division III wrestling also translated into superior forecasting results. I had 11 of the 14 winners last year, and have been near the 80 percent success level the past three years. I have had seven straight winners at his weight class, and in the '90s was nine out of ten with the late, great Jason Hartman (my #2 pick), upsetting my choice Steve Feckanin for his second State title. It was the closest I came to having a perfect decade in the 1990s. Getting it right this year will be a real challenge. There are three topflight competitors mixed in with a solid supporting cast with substantial upset potential.
The safe, conservative, non-controversial choice at this class is State runner-up Nick Borjas. Last year he was a sectional, district and State second placer only because he had to wrestle four-time State champion Jared Opfer in each final. In the other three bouts at the district he won by a combined score of 54-19 and at the States by a 69-23 margin. He has had health problems much of this year and has missed much of the season. Wrestling at Brecksville in duress, he looked nothing like the Borjas of last year. Still, he'll likely to be in good form by mid-February and, if so, he will be very tough to beat.
However, I'm rejecting the safe route and selecting the outstanding sophomore, Mike Hurley. A towering talent, he was 32-7 for Walsh last year going into district action at 125 pounds, an excellent record in light of Walsh's brutal schedule. Hurley won three of his first four bouts and needed one more win to qualify. Instead, he lost on an overtime tie-breaker and 2-1 and ended up as a State alternate. This year he was sensational at Solon pinning in 16 seconds in the final, and then won handily at Wadsworth majoring Jordan 10-2 in the finals. His only loss was in overtime to State champion Drew Opfer at the Midwest Classic. He has a powerful offensive arsenal, but he also is great defensively and I just don't see Borjas able to play the takedown game against him.
Linsker, another sophomore, was sixth at 119 pounds last year, losing to McDowell in the last round. I don't think that will happen this year as Linsker has shown monster improvement. He is undefeated with wins at Richmond Hts. and Kenston. He has had a history of quick falls which should help keep him fresh during the grueling tournament process.
One advantage Borjas has is that he exits from a relatively easy district. Nobody there should be within 10 points of him, and so he should come to Columbus relatively fresh. That is not true for Hurley and Linsker at Elyria Catholic. State qualifier Vince Davis returns and he is very good. He was the district runner-up at this weight class and won two State matches last year. This year he was first at Mapleton and the Gorman and was runner-up at North Canton to Heldman. Lieux, Foote and Olney are also strong, but will need to be sharp and have a good draw to reach the State tourney. Olney was a district semifinalist before losing twice while Foote was the 125 pound district champion. At most weight classes, those would be credentials enough to virtually guarantee qualification. Lieux won three district matches at 145 pounds last year, and may move up a weight or two from this certification level looking for a more congenial environment. Also here are Fiorina (Warren JFK), Rhodeback (Jackson Milton) and Bower (West Salem Northwestern). If Smilek, who has certified at 130 pounds chooses to compete here it will become a real donnybrook with some good people left at home.
McDowell should dominate at Marion although I think O'Grady is very good. McDowell was fifth last year losing twice to Stanek. O'Grady has won at Shadyside and Bellaire St. John this year and seems best along the river. Borders, just down from 135 pounds could also be a factor along with Gerber, Jefferis and Parfitt.
State qualifiers Schultz and Maurice lead a very representative field at Xenia. I believe this would be Schultz's fourth trip to States, the first three (and this is quite an accomplishment) were as district champion. However, despite winning four bouts he has never placed there. Maurice can score points very quickly and will be dangerous opponent. Avery has the inside track for the last berth.
Projected Champion: Jason Kresser (Sandusky St. Mary) Top Contenders 2 Smilek (CVCA) 15 Mayhugh (Martins Ferry) 3 Peyton (Rootstown) 16 Stacklin (Seneca East) 4 S. McDowell (Jonathan Alder) 17 Park (Crestview) 5 Perry (Brookville) 18 Pajestka (Cuyahoga Hts.) 6 Jackson (Loudonville) 19 Rawlins (Fisher Catholic) 7 Smith (Cardington) 20 M. Dotson (Ayersville) 8 Gleckler (Evergreen) 21 B. Dotson (Liberty Center) 9 Kirtley (Streetsboro) 22 Esinger (Hannibal River) 10 R. Hurley (ASV) 23 Ruch (Genoa) 11 Engel (Reading) 24 Brauneck (Kirtland) 12 Warner (Granville) 25 Preisler (Beachwood) 13 Orlosky (Chanel) 26 Wesney (Liberty Union) 14 Lee (Oakwood) 27 McLain (Sidney Lehman)
The easiest weight classes to forecast are those headed by a superstar (like an Ott or a Lester) with a proven track record of success. It gets progressively more difficult as you add legitimate contenders, and when there are three or more competitors it can be very complicated. However, the worst, most confusing situation is when it is very difficult to visualize anyone in the field winning a State title. That is pretty much the dilemma I face at this weight class where no one has that "look" of a title holder. That's why I have decided to take a chance and select someone who has not wrestled the entire season. Jason Kresser transferred from Sandusky High School to St. Mary's, but will not become eligible until the end of January. Last year as a junior, he was a Division I State qualifier, winning two bouts at Columbus before being eliminated by two-time champ Kevin Maehl. He prospered by having excellent workout partners at Sandusky (Walls, Prophet, et. al) and it can't be hurting him that he works out with Opfer and Finneran every day. Admittedly, it's risky choosing someone based principally on last year's efforts, but in this case there may be merit in that approach.
Uncharacteristically, the Fostoria District is not strong. The one exception (besides Kresser) is State qualifier Adam Gleckler who made it down last year as a 145-pounder. It was "two and out" for him last year, but I think he has positioned himself perfectly for possible State placement in 2000. State qualifier Stacklin is, perhaps, next best, but the rest of this field will probably have difficulty at the Schott.
Smilek could well end up at 130 pounds, but I think this weight class may be better choice. It is not an overly crowded field, and Smilek has participated at this weight most of the year, and done very well. He was second at Hudson, third at Medina and the Ironman, and fourth at the Top Gun. The upside is he has State finalist potential at 135 pounds with perhaps less risk than at 130 pounds, but he is also will emerge from the most competitive district (as he also would at 130).
Joining Smilek at Elyria Catholic will be Peyton, Jackson, Kirtley and R. Hurley. Peyton was third at Columbus two years ago and won one bout there last year before being eliminated on a disqualification. He won this year at Cardinal, but has not wrestled nearly as demanding a schedule as Smilek, who defeated him in the dual meet. Jackson is a transfer from Tuslaw and he has fit in beautifully at Loudonville following Parsons and Davis. He was a big winner at Mapleton and third at North Canton. Kirtley has missed all of this year with eligibility issues, but he was a State qualifier at 125 pounds last year. Only a junior, he will be fresh at tourney time. Possibly left home will be Ryan Hurley, but he is coming superstar. He was dominant at the Junior High State championship and has had an excellent season as a freshman. He's already in my top ten at this weight, but he will have to beat one of the four from this district rated above. This is not at all a far-fetched possibility. That leaves State qualifier Pajestka with real difficulties in returning to Columbus, while Orlosky and Preisler both deserve a better fate.
Like his brother, McDowell was fifth last year after losing in the semifinals to Jared Opfer. He has already won at North Union and Brookhaven, but will face tough competition from Tom Smith at the district. Smith, too, is a returning State qualifier who wrestles a much tougher schedule than McDowell. Interestingly, he is the only wrestler on the Cardington "team," but has scored points for his school at places line Medina and the Top Gun. There is a drop off in quality after this top duo with Warner, Mayhugh and Rawlins the top contenders for the last two spots. I particularly like the progress Mayhugh has made, and he is someone to watch.
Perry has excellent State placement chances coming out of Xenia. He won the GMVWA pinning four of his five opponents. That is typical as he has a very high fall ratio. Last year he had a quick first period fall at States, but could go no farther. He'll do far better this year. State qualifier Engel is also back, but has not had the kind of results this year, at least so far, that I expected. He still, however, has placement potential. The last slot should go to another State qualifier, Eric Lee, making this district's qualifiers a very experienced lot, although they had a 1-6 State record last year. McLain, Rutledge (Madeira) and Nichols (Indian Hills) are long-shot possibilities.
Projected Champion: Jason Miller (Beachwood) Top Contenders 2 Schaefer (Chanel) 14 Pallotta (Brooklyn) 3 S. M. Finneran (Sandusky St. Mary) 15 Minner (Pleasant) 4 Ware (Martins Ferry) 16 Overmyer (West Jefferson) 5 Smith (Girard) 17 Harris (Brookville) 6 Kelly (Reading) 18 Kern (Liberty Center) 7 Weible (Tinora) 19 Fields (Summit Country Day) 8 McGough (ASV) 20 Wukelich (Shenendoah) 9 Guillen (Woodmore) 21 Adam Gore (Madison Plains) 10 Short (Carlisle) 22 Vance (Patrick Henry) 11 Szymanowski (Fremont St. Joseph) 23 Kopyar (Bellaire St. John) 12 Meyer (Cuyahoga Hts.) 24 Knight (West Salem Northwestern) 13 Roush (Mohawk) 25 Huck (Waterford)
As it is presently constituted, this is one of the strongest and deepest weight classes in Division III. In fact, I would not be surprised to see some flow to the much weaker 145 pound class where high State placement would seem much easier. While there are at least a half-dozen very legitimate contenders for the top spot -- two stand out as, perhaps, a shade ahead of the rest. Both of these returning State placers will exit the Elyria Catholic District, so they should be apart in Columbus. Jason Miller has had a brilliant high school career. Already a two-time State qualifier, he entered the State tournament last year with a perfect 34-0 record, primed for a huge semifinal match up with the excellent Tristan Boyd. As it turned out, a tough 10-6 quarterfinal loss to Smialowski derailed that appointment and Miller ended up sixth. This year he is again undefeated and unchallenged. That may be an issue since Miller has just not wrestled the kind of schedule needed to toughen him for the rigors to come. Still, his ability is so great that he should be able toovercome that problem.
He'll have to be good if he's going to beat Schaefer, who has wrestled a much more difficult schedule. Schaefer, only a junior, was third at 135 pounds last year losing only to Nick Frisch 4-3 in the semifinals. This year he has won titles at Solon, Wadsworth and Doylestown; and was second at North Canton to the powerful Bolyard. He has beaten Finneran 3-1 in the Ohio Duals. An interesting, although possibly irrelevant, comparison. Schaeffer beat Turner 3-2 in the district finals last year, while Miller pinned Turner while leading 8-0 this year.
Also present at Elyria Catholic will be State qualifiers Smith and McGough. The former won two bouts at Columbus last year and missed placement by a single point. He wrestles an almost invisible schedule to me, but what results I have suggest strong placelent probability. McGough was second at Solon and third at Wadsworth, losing in the first round and then winning seven consolation bouts. That's a strong quartet with Meyers, Knight and Pallotta needing a break somewhere along the line to qualify.
Sean M. Finneran is a two-time State placer who has made a quantum jump forward in 2000. Last year he qualified at 140 pounds, and had to be the smallest contestant at that weight class. This year he'll have a choice at 140 pounds or 145 pounds, but I think this is the better fit. He won the Midwest Classic over the excellent Spivey and crushed Meyers at the Panther, but his biggest win was at the Top Gun. His only loss was to Schaefer at the Ohio Duals 3-1. He also beat Ware at that meet by a point. Weible leads off a string of excellent Tinora middleweights and is probably next best here. State qualifiers Roush and Guillen should get return tickets to Columbus, but there will be some solid low placement competition at this district. Besides those rated, I've also noted Bonnell (Toledo Christian), Madden (Swanton) and Caryer (Hicksville).
Ware was sixth last year and should become a four-time State qualifier this year. His only loss has been to Finneran, but Meyers also gave him a real battle at the Ohio Duals. He would have to be at the very top of his game to be a finalist this year, but certainly stranger things have happened. He should have no trouble at the district level because I just don't see a lot of high quality in either the Eastern or Central Districts. Other possibilities here besides those rated are Vogel (Grandview Hts.), Goins (Crooksville), Ross (New Albany) and Belfarge (Worthington Christian).
Kelly heads a Xenia District that returns three State qualifiers. He was only one of two Division III finalists at the SWOCA (losing to Zinkan) and won handily at Madeira. Short and Fields both have State experience, while Harris has been a solid performer at Brookville. He was third at the GMVWA losing only to Helmer. Daugherty (Williamsburg) could be a long-shot here.
Projected Champion: Scott Roth (Martins Ferry) Top Contenders 2 Gordon (Mapleton) 15 Buckner (Waterloo) 3 Walker (Tinora) 16 Roppel (Chanel) 4 Turner (CVCA) 17 Coates (Milton Union) 5 Scarl (Gilmour) 18 Johnson (Indian Hills) 6 Quillen (Edison) 19 Manning (VASJ) 7 Brewer (Lakota) 20 Malave (Lutheran West) 8 Kiss (Rootstown) 21 Parr (Shadyside) 9 Dauski (Sandy Valley) 22 Link (Sandusky St. Mary) 10 Byrd (Oakwood) 23 Flathers (Swanton) 11 Hill (Liberty Center) 24 Schaffer (Fenwick) 12 Am. Gore (Madison Plains) 25 Higgins (Jonathan Alder) 13 Rizzo (Cuyahoga Hts.) 26 Bautenheimer (Landmark Christian) 14 Fisher (Liberty Union) 27 Linebaugh (Clinton Massic)
There are a lot of uncertainties at this weight class. Roth could end up at 152 pounds with Ware here, in which case I see Gordon winning the title. Turner is certified at 140 pounds and may well end up there, although he's been at 145 pounds the last few weeks. Roberts (Westfall) could move down to his certified weight at 145 pounds, but I think he is better placed at 152 pounds. All of these unknowns (and others, too) make this and the next weight class difficult to unravel. At the moment, the top three contenders come from widely separated parts of the state. Interestingly enough, they were in the same quarter-bracket at last year's State Tourney and, in fact, were on adjacent lines. The results there just reemphasize how close these wrestlers are in overall ability. Roth defeated Walker 9-7 in overtime and Gordon 6-4, while Walker beat Gordon for fifth place 5-3. Roth ended up third, losing only to the incomparable Forward. It was the only blemish on an otherwise perfect season as he finished at 35-1.
Roth will become a four-time State qualifier this year and should be undefeated at State Tourney time. His biggest win was a narrow 3-2 win over 152 pound pick Matt Klinger. He emerges from a crowded, but not overly strong district. Still, Dauski, Gore and Fisher are all former State qualifiers with experience and talent. Dauski had a 12-second fall last year for his only win, while Fisher, unluckily, drew Forward in the first round. Gore, who previously competed for Ready, qualified as a 9th grader, but has not, so far, cashed in on the ability he showed at that time. If someone is to break up the qualifying quartet, it would seem Parr and Higgins would have the best chance.
Walker heads a Fostoria District that lacks substantial depth. Walker is very good, while State qualifier Quillen and Brewer seem solid. Hill might be next, but Link, Flathers and Brown could be right here. Of course, if Finneran wrestles here he would be second best in the district having lost to Walker 7-5 in the dual. Other possibilities are Steinmetz (Huron), Utrup (Columbus Grove), Parkins (Cory Rawson), Mack (Ayersville) and Sims (Alan East).
The Elyria Catholic District is again the deepest. The sophomore Gordon is a real prodigy and almost surely will win a State crown in his high school career. Last year he was sixth at 140 pounds and has followed that up with wins at Mapleton (OW), Bucyrus and Black River. Turner, up from 140 pounds, won at the prestigious Medina Tourney and was fifth at the Ironman. Scarl has also wrestled a big-time schedule with excellent success placing, for example, at the Top Gun and Wadsworth. Kiss was a district semifinalist last year, but then lost overtime matches to Schaefer and Heller to heartbreakingly be left home. Buckner, Rizzo, Malave and Manning are all very good, and Roppel has been very impressive with his toughness and intensity. Also available are Roman (West Salem Northwestern) and Sims (Wickliffe), who shouldn't be overlooked.
The three qualifiers out of Xenia are likely to struggle at Columbus. It's difficult to see any of this trio getting beyond the first round. Byrd, Coates and Johnson are my top choices, but they are not likely to have a substantial impact on the final results at Columbus.
Projected Champion: Matt Klinger (Cuyahoga hts.) Top Contenders 2 Roberts (Westfall) 14 Walker (Northmor) 3 De. Koch (Bellaire St. John) 15 Ehrsam (Evergreen) 4 Pycraft (Keystone) 16 Carnifax (ASV) 5 Henry (Versailles) 17 Glasser (Shadyside) 6 Jacobs (Lakota) 18 DiDonna (Streetsboro) 7 K. Hamman (Columbia Station) 19 Wilson (Milton Union) 8 Pedroza (Tinora) 20 Hoover (Shenendoah) 9 Clemens (Lima Central Catholic) 21 Beckley (Mohawk) 10 Adams (Chanel) 22 Thornton (Dixie) 11 Curry (Oakwood) 23 McGuire (River Valley) 12 Schober (Avon) 24 Westhoven (Liberty Center) 13 Batdorf (Covington) 25 King (Elmwood)
The weight classes from 145 pounds through 189 pounds are uncharacteristically weak in Division III. One of the principal reasons is the very strong senior orientation that dominated the upper weights last year. For example, in 1999 the six weight classes from 140 pounds to 189 pounds (which would be expected to feed into this year's classes from 145 pounds to 189 pounds) had all senior finalists (12 of 12), and the top four spots included 22 seniors (22 of 24). There were only three underclass State qualifiers at 152 pounds and 160 pounds, and only five at 171 pounds and 189 pounds. I think you can anticipate many more underclassmen qualifying and placing at these weights this year, with a normal level of quality returning in 2001.
My top choice is Matt Klinger, who was fourth last year at Columbus and has built on that to fashion a very successful 1999-2000 season. He was runner-up to the incomparable Bertin at Medina and won handily at Aurora and St. Mary's. His only other loss was to Roth. I expected Klinger's major competition at the Elyria Catholic District to come from Hartz (Grand Valley) who he defeated 4-3 in the district finals, and who was a point from State placement last year. However, Hartz is apparently not competing this year. Nonetheless, that still leaves State placer Pycraft and State qualifier Adams as substantive challengers. Wrestling in Division II last year, Pycraft grabbed the last State qualifying spot at Firestone only to catch eventual State champion Turnbaugh in the first round. He rebounded from that with three consolation wins, the last two by 10-9 and 8-7 to grab sixth place. Good on the mat, Pycraft is excellent in flurry situations. Hamman, Schober and DiDonna are other possibilities here.
Roberts is very good. I saw him finish second at Medina last year and was impressed, and he ended up as district runner-up and winning two State bouts. He is an excellent mat wrestler who given the lead gives it up only with great persuasion. Right behind him at Marion is returning State qualifier Derek Koch. He wrestled three one-point matches at Columbus last year (losing to State runner-up Stoll and Smith and defeating Finneran). He was second to Roth at Bellaire St. John, but won solidly at Barnesville. Klinger will probably have to defeat both to take home his State title.
State qualifier Henry towers over the field at Xenia. He won this year at Graham majoring Division II State qualifier Jenkins in the final round. State qualifier Batdorf also returns, but I think he's "on the bubble" this year. Currey and Wilson are both excellent, and Thornton is also tough. Also watch for Booher (Summit Country Day), Shimp (Mariemont), Wolf (Reading) and Bannasutti (Troy Christian) who has moved down from 189 pounds where he was a district qualifier last year.
There is utter chaos at this weight class at Fostoria. There has been all kinds of give and take within this class with only Jacobs steering a steady course. At the Northwest Duals he was the only one to escape without a loss, and he now stands 18-0. Pedroza and A Classic champ Clemens are also very good, with Ehrsam and Beckley not far behind. Somewhat unusually, there are no returning State qualifiers at this weight class at Fostoria.
Projected Champion: C. B. Dollaway (Northmor)
Top Contenders
2 Ju. Jefferis (Barnesville) 14 Cloran (Madeira)
3 Da. Koch (Bellaire St. John) 15 T. Brown (Eastwood)
4 May (Mohawk) 16 Knapp (West Salem Northwestern)
5 Blair (Reading) 17 Dillon (Tri-County North)
6 Haney (Sandy Valley) 18 J. Derr (Stritch)
7 Hoogenboom (Chanel) 19 Steinmeyer (Columbia Station)
8 Walters (Milton Union) 20 Gates (Belpre)
9 J. Ohl (Ontario) 21 Weiss (Beachwood)
10 Kabbage (Black River) 22 Hughes (Grandview Hts.)
11 Lewis (Woodmore) 23 Magro (Indian Hills)
12 Hampshire (Woodridge) 24 Garmier (CVCA)
13 Davis (Tinora) 25 Manfredonia (Independence)
26 Emery (Crestview)
It's apparently a banner year for wrestlers who go only by their initials. I've chosen two as forecasted champions and at least another five have made this report. We have C. P. Schlatter, C. B. Dollaway, P. J. Jones, C. J. Davids, B. J. Blair, D. J. Engel, D. J. Grewell and even B. Jenkins. Perhaps, like leg tattoos, there is yet another trend that I appear not to have noticed.
Two things you should know about this weight class. First, it has a relatively weak field with only one returning placer (and that was a sixth), and second my top three all exit the same district. Surprisingly, that district is at Marion and the last time, both finalists were from that location was in ___. Let's take a look at that top trio.
Dollaway was an outstanding youth wrestler who was a district runner-up as a freshman last year and gained that coveted State experience. This year he has won at Bucyrus on a major decision in the final and the Gorman on a fall. There is still a lot of upside potential left in Dollaway, and that should be a scary thought for future opponents.
Koch was also a State qualifier at 145 pounds last year and had a win at Columbus in addition to losing a pair of heartbreakers (8-7 and 8-6 OT). He has struggled slightly this year, losing to Haney at Bellaire St. John and to Division II choice Peters by four at Barnesville. Still, I think he will peak at the district and State meet as he and his brother build momentum. Jefferis was a State quarterfinalist at Columbus last year and ended up sixth. He did not compete at Barnesville, but won at St. Clairsville and Sheridan. Right behind this trio is State qualifier Haney who had the aforementioned title at Barnesville. All four of these folks could place.
May is that only returning placer that I mentioned early on. He has spent part of the year at 171 pounds, but won the "A" classic at this weight. With relatively weak district competition, he should go into the State meet as a district champ. The rest of the field at Fostoria has no experience beyond the district level, and usually with little success at that venue. Unlikely as it may seem for such a generally powerful area, you would have to think that only May has placement chances.
The usually strong Elyria Catholic District is even weaker. No one here has previous State experience and only Hoogenboom has been successful wrestling a tough schedule. He was second at Solon, fourth at North Canton, and fifth at Wadsworth against solid competition. An excellent football player, he has good athletic ability. Everyone else rated here is based pretty much on surmise and conjecture. I've ranked Kabbage, Hampshire, Knapp, Steinmeyer, Manfredonia, Weiss and Garmier basically because there were 25 lines to fill. This is a great opportunity for a relatively unknown, say like Sorace (Cuyahoga Hts.) to get to Columbus.
State qualifier Blair leads a Xenia District that has some puzzling features. He was second at the SWOCA losing a 30-second sudden death to Padgett, and first at Madeira. Very good on his feet, he could have finalist potential based on the level of competition he faces. As a likely district champ, he should get good pairings. Walters has had a successful year as he moves down from Division II, while Cloran and Dillon seem to be the best bets for the last State slot.
Projected Champion: Ray Anthony (Columbia Station) Top Contenders 2 Morrison (Ready) 15 Koepnick (Oakwood) 3 Smolik (CVCA) 16 Youngquist (Licking Hts.) 4 Everhart (Mohawk) 17 Moore (Wayne Trace) 5 Poland (Crestview) 18 Juliani (Independence) 6 Powell (Barnesville) 19 Penrod (Archbold) 7 Van Dyke (Edison) 20 Chappell (Streetsboro) 8 Lenard (Fremont St. Joseph) 21 Goggins (Hartley) 9 Eberhardt (Tuslaw) 22 Brink (Liberty Center) 10 Statzer (Tri-Valley North) 23 Bishop (Woodridge) 11 Owens (Covington) 24 McConnell (Summit Country Day) 12 Terry (Chanel) 25 Lewis (Sandy Valley) 13 Stoecker (Bloom Carroll) 26 Seals (Carlisle) 14 Borowicz (Elmwood) 27 Reinhart (Fostoria St. Wendelin)
One of the major problems in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries was the determination of longitude by ship captains. There was an enormous amount of seagoing commerce and exploration at that time, but the so called longitude problem was a tremendous difficulty. While the exact latitude was relatively easy to calculate, sailors were literally lost at sea once out of sight of land. Thousands died and fortunes were lost because of longitude errors and huge prizes were offered for the solution.
There were two principle ideas to resolve this question; those who hoped to build accurate clocks and those who devised astronomical tables. The final winner was a humble London clock maker, John Harrison, who labored over 40 years to build the perfect chronometer, which solved the problem. His persistence and tenacity was a marvel to King George III, who cut through political chicanery to make sure he was awarded the prize money.
That's the same type of perseverance (well, not 40 years) that Ray Anthony has had to have. He missed all last year with an injury that required surgery, but he has come all the way back this year. He was second at both Columbia Station and Buckeye to Division I star Tony DeAnna, losing close decisions in both instances, and was third at Southview. This is not a strong weight class by any means and a fully recovered Anthony needs to win some close decisions to claim the championship trophy.
Smolik will be one of his principle threats. One of the very few returning State qualifiers at this weight class he has changed schools in the intervening year and now represents CVCA. Again, their big time schedule has "stretched" him as he was second at Hudson, third at the Top Gun, fourth at the Ironman and fifth at Medina. It strikes me he'll either finish first for sixth based on the above, and he is likely to be closer to the first mentioned possibility. One good thing -- he should be away from Anthony at Columbus. The rest of the Elyria Catholic District is a respectful step behind this top duo.
Morrison is also a returning State qualifier and defeated Smolik in the first consolation round. With the possible exception of Powell, he should dominate at Marion. This year Morrison won at the Ready Classic and was fourth at the very strong 171 pound class at the CIT, finishing behind Scholes, Canty and Clemens. Powell won at Shadyside and St. Clairsville and was one bout from State qualification last year. The last two qualifiers are likely to be first round cannon fodder.
It should be a closely packed field at Fostoria. Everhart has had a solid year at both 171 pounds and 189 pounds. Most recently he pinned Penrod to win the "A" Classic and he is probably the best of a relative even assemblage. Poland was the champ at the Gorman and is 21-1, while Van Dyke won at Edison and Bellevue. A wrestler to watch is Lenhart who may have shown the most improvement at this weight class. Borowicz is my choice for the fifth qualifying spot.
Statzer and State qualifiers Owens head a representative Xenia District. Both boys wrestle schedules that I rarely glimpse, so that one or two events have to be the criteria that I use. Owens had nine losses going into last year's district meet, but grabbed the third and last qualifying spot. However, May beat him by 10 and Duncan pinned in 27 seconds.
Projected Champion: John Asbury (Milton Union)
Top Contenders
2 Grewell (Newcomerstown) 14 Rospert (Norwalk St. Paul)
3 Yancik (Brookville) 15 Springer (Licking Hts.)
4 Clark (McComb) 16 Newsome (Dixie)
5 Kekelis (Cuyahoga Hts.) 17 Slaughterbeck (Blufton)
6 Riedy (Sandusky St. Mary) 18 Shultzman (Waynedale)
7 Cardoza (Madeira) 19 Boucher (Huron)
8 Way (West Salem Northwestern) 20 Ucker (CVCA)
9 Sanna (Granville) 21 Wells (Shenendoah)
10 Cordes (Liberty Center) 22 Hutchinson (Bloom Carroll)
11 Tetzel (Doylestown Chippewa) 23 Poweski (Warren JFK)
12 Day (Sandy Valley) 24 Spore (Wyoming)
13 Swindell (Kirtland) 25 Wolfe (Stritch)
26 Finfrock (Covington)
Of all 42 weight classes, this appears to be the weakest. There are no returning place winners and very few returning State qualifiers. It provides a glorious opportunity for wrestlers who have been in the background (while Sintobin, Tracy, Rowlands, Bruney and others have dominated tournament action) to gain now a real measure of glory. Every district has one or two potential contenders who could win a State title on a hot weekend. The question remains who is that one individual, and I'm not too sure that this particular summary will go a long way in providing a definitive answer.
This is one of those "by guess and by golly" weight classes and my guess is the junior from Milton Union High School, John Asbury. He is a transfer from Tipp City where he was a Division II State qualifier. He drew eventual champ Pentorn in the first round and eventually ended up winning one consolation round bout. This year he defeated Cardoza to win the GMVWA and followed that up with a victory at Indian Lake. Most of his results also show one-sided victories which indicates substantial domination at a weight class that seems relatively uniform.
A major challenge for Asbury will be at his own district where returning State qualifier Shawn Yancik will challenge. Campaigning much of the year at 215 pounds, Yancik was third at GMVWA at that weight class. I think he'll compete at 189 pounds, even though his district may be a little more difficult at that weight, because he can be a major factor at Columbus. That isn't likely to be true at 215 pounds. Cardoza lost by five points to Asbury at the GMVWA and won handily at Madiera, he should be the third qualifier. Newsome would seem to be the biggest challenge. This is a relatively strong trio for this not-so-strong weight class in Columbus.
Grewell won two bouts at Columbus last year and missed State placement by a single point. He does not wrestle an overwhelming schedule, but did win the Hornet Classic (and probably some other things as well). He is very strong and will punish mistakes. He was the Marion District runner-up last year and should move up a notch in 2000. Sanna would seem to be next strongest with Day and Springer slightly further behind. Only Sanna of this latter trio can win at the State level, but placement for him will be iffy.
The Fostoria District is very weak. Clark lost an overtime bout for the last State berth in 1999, but has been outstanding this year, winning at the "A" Classic and Arcadia by fall. If it's a close team competition, Riedy could be a key factor at this weight class. He has certified at 171 pounds, but will probably compete here. He should be a relatively sure State qualifier, and has State placement chances if he can avoid being overpowered. Cordes and Slaughterbeck might be next best, but I think this is likely to be a situtation where one, or, perhaps, two unknowns suddenly appear and reach qualification status. Other possibilities besides those listed might be Biller (Mohawk), Layman (Spencerville), Frankart (Fostoria St. Wendelin), or Stein (Elmwood).
State qualifier Kekelis has to be a slight favorite to win his first district crown, but it will probably be very close. He has been solid this year winning at St. Mary's and Aurora and placing fifth at Medina. Way won at Hopewell-Loudon and Black River and lost to Kekelis 1-0 in overtime last year. Tetzel may be better than I have him, losing narrowly to Manges in the Wayne final and winning at Chippewa and Norwayne. He didn't make it out of sectional last year, but he has a solid shot at Columbus this year.
Projected Champion: Chris Box (Liberty Center) Top Contenders 2 Bindel (Lima Central Catholic) 14 Davis (Grandview Hts.) 3 Held (West Salem Northwestern) 15 Childers (Carlisle) 4 St. Colterman (Elmwood) 16 McStoots (Sherwood Fairview) 5 Conrad (Gibsonburg) 17 Wallace (Oakwood) 6 Szymczak (Genoa) 18 Schrock (Northridge) 7 Linden (Black River) 19 Davis (Granville) 8 Weingart (Streetsboro) 20 Davis (Dixie) 9 Ebie (Waynedale) 21 Jordan (Marion Elgin) 10 Flora (Miami East) 22 Grubbs (Cleveland Central Catholic) 11 Hershberger (Garaway) 23 Pattison (Madeira) 12 Meisner (Mohawk) 24 Borthwick (Elyria Catholic) 13 Abbott (Sandy Valley) 25 Johnston (West Jefferson)
While I have characterized the last five weight classes as relatively weak, that description is not accurate when examining the 215 pound class. Both the Northeast and Northwest Districts have a quartet of excellent contenders, while the other sites have several possibilities as well. There are nine returning State qualifiers and the competition will be rugged from the very first round. District action will be very important at Elyria Catholic and Fostoria. With so many good boys at each class, just qualifying will be a struggle; but higher placers should grab an added bonus with far easier first-round State bouts. Last year the Fostoria qualifiers met those from Elyria Catholic in the first round. Let's hope that we do not see a repeat of that in 2000.
My choice is the powerful senior Chris Box, who has finished third the last two years. As a sophomore, Box competed at heavyweight getting pinned by Ike Clepper in an early round and then pinning him for third place. Then last year at 215 pounds, he whizzed through a difficult district with four falls, none of which took as much as three minutes. At Columbus, he again lost early on a fall to John Rodhe and then came back to finish third beating Rodhe along the way. My feeling is that Box could again be vulnerable early in the tournament. He is cutting a lot of weight (it's the only to get both he and Lingruen into the lineup), and so in early rounds he is nervous, cold and just returning from making a tough cut. He gets by those first couple rounds and it could be real tough keeping him from his first State title.
The Fostoria District is totally loaded, ironic when you consider the paucity of talent at 189 pounds. If there were perfect justice in this world -- and somehow I suspect there is not, this district should get about seven qualifiers at this weight class. Box of course, is numero uno here, but it's not by much. Bindel is a terrific athlete who, at certain times, is just plain excellent. The problem is he has some very erratic results. He was a district third last year, losing only to two-time State champion Sintobin, and then finished fifth at Columbus. This year he gave Box a terrific battle at the "A" Classic losing 8-7 and was second at the CIT. On a hot weekend he'll win it. Cotterman also was a district third last year, losing to Box. However, at States he was pinned by Rowlands and couldn't bounce back. This year he won the Northwest Duals and lost in overtime to Held in the Hopewell-Loudon finals. Conrad was fourth at the district, losing to Box and Colterman, but was outstanding at the Schott. He beat district champ Mirsalis in the first round and almost upset two-time State runner-up McCoy in the quarterfinals. He came through in the consolations to finish sixth, including a pin over Held. This year he won at Gibsonburg, but was third at the "A" Classic behind Box and Bindel. Szymczak was a State qualifier two years ago as a sophomore, but did not wrestle last year. Back as a senior, he won at Oak Harbor and lost in overtime to Katafiasz in the Northwood final.
That's my top five at Fostoria, all with solid placement chances, but there is more. State qualifier Meisner is also back but has struggled somewhat against the powerhouses in this area. Still if he can get to Columbus, he would have low placement opportunities. The junior McStoots has won at Wayne Trace and, impressively, at Toledo St. John's. He may have to wait until next year to compete in Columbus.
It's virtually as crowded at Elyria Catholic, though at a slightly lower level. State qualifier Held has been excellent, but Linden pushed him to the max in their 8-7 barn burner at Black River. It was an interesting result since Held won his State berth last year with a nine-point win over Linden in the consolation semifinals. State qualifier Weingart has had an interesting summer. A razor sharp shingle flipped through the air and nearly severed his right hand. With a severed artery, he was in danger of bleeding to death, but some good Samaritans rushed him to the Clinic. After Weingart was stabilized, he underwent four hours of microsurgery to reattach his hand. Initially the chances of retaining the use of his hand and fingers seemed small. Intensive therapy and incredible mental toughness have won at least part of the battle. Although his right hand is only about 25 percent as strong as his left, he opened the season on the Streetsboro varsity. He won the Aurora tournament by fall and was second at Hudson. His State qualification chances are excellent, but his return to the sport is miraculous. Last year John Rodhe placed fifth at the State level for Waynedale, but decided not to compete this year. No problem! His replacement, Steve Ebie, won at Medina and has been impressive all year. That an exciting quartet, but there is more. Borthwick has excellent upset chances while the explosive Grubbs is exceedingly dangerous. He, clearly, has big-time upset potential. Other possibilities are Zaranec (Chanel), Dawson (Girard) and Britton (Richmond Hts.).
If Yancik stays at 189 pounds, State qualifier Flora should dominate at Xenia. He has been a finalist at Graham and Troy and should have little trouble here. However, there is one major exception. Two-time Division II State qualifier Brandon Faubion (Batavia?) has apparently transferred from Bethel-Tate to Batavia. However, I've seen no signs that he is currently competing. Should he reappear, he would be in my top ten list and a very worthy challenger for Flora. In addition, to those rate my lists include Sampson (Brookville), Marr (Waynesville), Williams (Milton-Union) and Mosbacher (Batavia).
Hershberger did not wrestle last year, but the lay-off has apparently not harmed him. He lost only to Weingart at Aurora and Ebie at Waynedale in an encore season. The rest of this district does not look overly strong and there could be some real surprises. However, this crew will have trouble matching up with the boys from Elyria Catholic and Fostoria.
Projected Champion: Blake Lingruen (Liberty Center) Top Contenders 2 Turner (Kirtland) 15 Alegree (Jonathan Alder) 3 Shirkey (Archbold) 16 Kline (Garretsville Garfield) 4 Lane (Milton Union) 17 Hawkins (Fostoria St. Wendelin) 5 Lucas (Barnesville) 18 Carte (Monroeville) 6 Herman (Loudonville) 19 Stookey (Sandusky St. Mary) 7 Wilhelm (Elyria Catholic) 20 Smith (Wickliffe) 8 Hefflefinger (Hicksville) 21 Wright (Garaway) 9 Stuff (Northmor) 22 Wellert (West Salem Northwestern) 10 Link (Versailles) 23 Brindley (Bellaire St. John) 11 Farber (Sandy Valley) 24 Abdulghani (Summit Country Day) 12 Sa. Cotterman (Elmwood) 25 Arbogast (Hopewell-Loudon) 13 Binkley (Brookhaven) 26 Brewer (Carlisle) 14 Klotz (Fremont St. Joseph) 27 Magnuson (Granville)
For the past four years, Dean Taylor has been a fixture in State finals at heavyweight, while winning two titles and finishing second the other two appearances. This year his absence (while duly noted) will not prevent the Northwest District participants from being favorites to take the crown. Last year the Northwest captured 10 of the 14 individual titles and the top two spots in the team race. The 10 individual titles were an all-time Division III record; no district had ever had that many champs since the inception of Division III in 1976. In fact the Northwest District has captured 29 individual titles in the past four years compared to 17 for its nearest competitor, the Northeast District. Incidentally, I've had a run of seven straight successes at this weight class; the longest streak I've ever had in picking heavyweights.
My choice to take the title is the outstanding senior Blake Lingruen, who missed all of last season due to injuries. Lingruen was a State qualifier at 215 pounds as a sophomore, but lost his only bout that year. After the long absence, he has returned a powerful 260 pound senior coming off a football season that saw him reach first team All-State honors and accept a scholarship to Wake Forest. He has wrestled a rugged schedule finishing third at Hudson (losing to Piccirillo) and second at Medina (losing to Stepanovich). Ironically, his only other loss was to Shirkey who also missed all last year after a successful sophomore season.
The Fostoria District is again one you'll want to draw away from. Lingruen and Shirkey are a powerful one-two punch, but there is a lot more. The real difficulty is that the rest keep beating each other in kind of random disorder. It's a kind of Brownian motion with heavyweights colliding with almost random results. State qualifier Hefflefinger is probably next best, but after that it's all pretty hazy. I've listed Kotz (who I think could do much better than I've rated), Cotterman, Carte, Stookey, Hawkins and Arbogast. Also, Weidinger (Seneca East), Boes (Carey) and Sullivan (Coney Rawson) deserve to be recognized. A wrestler to watch is the freshman Stookey (who may well be the lightest of this group), who may out-quick some of the biggest boys here.
Turner continues to improve. He was the Elyria Catholic district runner-up last year as a sophomore and won one State bout. His district loss was to Herman, but I think he may reverse that result this year, even though Herman outweighs him by 40 pounds. Both boys should have good State placement chances. All-State football player Wilhelm was enjoying a sensational season of success (say that fast three times) when he was injured. Hopefully, he can return because he may well be the best in the district this year. There are a lot of question marks after the top trio. Besides those listed, note Whitmeyer (Waynedale), Garling (Cardinal) and Veverka (Streetsboro).
Actually, the only returning State placer is Lucas who finished sixth last year after capturing the fourth and last district qualifying berth. He finished third at Barnesville and second at St. Clairsville before cashing in a victory at Shadyside. State alternate Farber also has struggled somewhat this year, and will need to be sharper come tourney time. Two wrestlers who appear to be showing the most improvement are Stuff and Brindley. Stuff, coming off knee surgery, was second at the Gorman despite still rounding into shape, while Brindley has defeated Farber and battled Lucas to a 2-0 loss.
I've rated Lane first at Xenia based on his big win at the GMVWA and a strong second at Indian Lake. An experienced big man, he has the tools to prosper at the Xenia District. State qualifier Link failed to place at Graham and Medina, but is still dangerous. Binkley placed at the GMVWA and is probably third best. However, people like Abdulghani, Brewer, Prater (Tri County North) and Parthmore (West Liberty Salem) are possibilities.
1. Sandusky St. Mary -- This is always a team to be reckoned with in Division III, and this is one of their better squads. State champion Drew Opfer returns along with three Finnerans, all of whom have excellent placement chances. Add in the little Schmidt at 103 pounds and Riedy at the weak 189 pound class and that's close to 100 points. The wild card is the transfer Kresser who, if he wins at 135 pounds, closes out the competition.
2. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy -- This is a team that looks to be building a potential Division III dynasty. The incomparable Lester is the heart of the team, but the Smilek brothers just keep getting better, and both could be finalists. Add in Turner and Smolik and you have the possibility of lots of State points. Other possible helpers are Charvat, Sammons and Ucker. Their tough schedule should help them at tournament time, but they need to get Smilek and Turner at the right weight. If Sandusky St. Mary falters, this squad could win the team title.
3. Martins Ferry -- This team has four outstanding wrestlers as the foundation of their State hopes. Roth has the look of a champion, while Ware, J. Tierney and D. Tierney all have top four abilities. They need help from Jones, D. Roth and Mayhugh and that could be forthcoming. Early in the season I thought they would be a huge challenge for St. Mary and, while that threat may have receded slightly, they still have the firepower to win it all.
4. Loudonville -- They took a huge step forward last year, and now it's time to build on that, both as individuals and as a team. Scott and Parsons should be finalists while V. Davis, Jackson and Herman need to place. If you can get five people scoring in that range, you can move up a spot or two.
5. Liberty Center -- The upper weight classes in Division III are usually a good place to score team points and with Box and Lingruen, the Liberty Center team has the best one-two punch in the State. Amstutz also can score at Columbus and there are plenty of other possibilities in Dotson, Kern, Hill, Westhoven, Brink, Cordes and Chapa. The latter group, though, may be just good enough to get to State -- not to score there. If I'm wrong, they'll move up fast.
6. Chanel -- This is a team that always surprises at year's end, and they could do so again. Stanek and Schaeffer have finalist potential, while Hoogenboom, Adams, Ralph and Monsman can, maybe, score at the State level. Terry and Orlosky are both good, but they may not be quite good enough. They're still a year away, but watch out in 2001!
7. Beachwood -- Miller and Linsker are returning State qualifiers with plenty of points scoring punch, while the senior Tillman can do well at 103 pounds. They need help from people like Preisler and Peltz, but those are long-shot possibilities.
8. Milton Union -- If Asbury can score at the level I believe possible and Lane and Avery can place this team will do very well. They need help from Walters, Wilson, Coats and Williams.
9. Akron St. Vincent -- This is a very young, very talented team. Mike and Ryan Hurley are a great one-two punch at 130 pounds and 135 pounds, and they are still only a sophomore and freshman. State qualifier McGough and Carnifax are other possibilities, as is Cimino. They need to get Winnen back in the line up at the correct weight class (is it 112 pounds or 119 pounds).
10. Cuyahoga Hts. -- A team that needs just a little extra to score at the State level. Klinger is excellent at 152 pounds, but they need to get the other middle weights through that tough district. Kekelis could be an enormous plus if he can place high at 189 pounds, and somehow they need to fit Sorace in where he can help.
You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com
