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Division II

In something of a landmark, the 2003 State Tournament will be the 33^rd conducted with a Division II classification--exactly matching the number that were held with only one classification (1938 – 1970).  Division II has always seemed to have the most competitive and spirited team competitions and some of the most entertaining weight classes.  Recently, the always-high quality of wrestling has moved sharply upward and that trend continues this year.  It is safe to say that this year we will see the strongest field ever assembled in Division II.  Virtually every weight class is loaded with talent that includes not only a bevy of state champions, placers, and qualifiers, but wrestlers who have excelled at the national level.  Both in terms of individual brilliance and weight class depth, we have entered what looks like a golden age of Division II wrestling. This has occurred because of a rare convergence of factors. These include the blossoming of talent in the Southwest District (most notably Graham), the movement of exceptional wrestlers and teams from Division I and III, and the continued excellence of powerhouse programs like Walsh and DeSales forcing their competition to match their efforts.  Add to this young wrestlers emerging from the Junior High State Championships and the result is competition at a level never before reached in Division II.

103 #

Projected Champion:  Pat McLemore (Padua)

Top Contenders

After the introductory paragraph, it is somewhat ironic, though understandable, that this first weight class is the one that is not “loaded”.  There are, at last count, only two returning state qualifiers, including McCahan, who placed two years ago in Division III.  There is, as always, at this class, an influx of talented freshmen that have competed very well with those returning at 103 #.  Because we’re talking about a wide variety of styles and sizes, the pairings algorithm is likely to play a major role in the final outcome.  Despite so many unknowns, my view is that the freshman Pat McLemore has the best shot at winning it all, given his portfolio of tangible advantages.  He is a big 103 (something of an oxymoron) with lots of experience, an outstanding skill set, and emerges from the easiest of the four districts.  This year, he has already won, comfortably, at Avon Lake and Brecksville ending both finals in less than six minutes.  However, facing a multitude of challengers at the state level, he must remain super-focused, and avoid the tendency to rely on muscle rather than technique.

While the Firestone District is the weakest of the four, it still offers some long shot possibilities for low places.  The freshman Kriwinsky, in particular, should be watched after recording some big early wins with a decision over the excellent Shaft, a highlight example.  He pushed McLemore before losing 8 – 6.  District qualifier and Hudson Champ Valore is also in the mix, but after him, there are a lot of uncertainties.  Henry, Connelly, and House (Ravenna Southeast) are three of those uncertainties, but look for a surprise qualifier (like Yourkewicz), too, from this district. 

The competition at Galion – as it is at virtually every weight class – will be fierce with at least nine potential qualifiers fighting for only four spots.  Two-time state qualifier McCahan is the veteran of this group with his 4^th place finish in Division III two years ago being a critical component of their team title.  Last year, he grabbed a district 3^rd and just failed to place at Columbus.  However, the inconsistent Rooney beat him by five at the Ironman, where despite the #1 seed, he failed to place.  However, if you look at history, note that he has had 12 losses going into the state meet each of the last two years, so expect him to “come on strong” at tourney time.  Rooney beat both McCahan and Hart at the Ironman and was 5^th at the Powerade.  On a hot weekend, he could be a potential finalist.  The powerful junior Davis, is a returning district qualifier who tested McLemore in the semi-finals at Brecksville (9 – 6) where he finished 4^th.  His unusual strength makes him very dangerous.  Factor in the capable Collier and junior high state champion, Stroh, and you have a solid group – but that ignores four other potential qualifiers from the two western sectionals.  One of the best of that quartet is state alternate, Schaeffer, who won 29 bouts last year.  He lost only to Gardella at North Canton, finishing 3^rd, but failed to place at Brecksville, losing in overtime to Shaft.  Kidwell also has district experience and has dominated in the Northwest, winning easily at Sylvania Southview.  Cubberly was the surprise winner defeating state champ Levi Wyant in the finals.  But the wrestler I really like here is Michaels, a junior high state finalist last year, who won handily at Franklin and beat Duffield to win at Lorain Southview. He could place. Factor in district qualifier Ritzenthaler, and there will be chaos from the first round on at Galion.  Remember the difference between #1 and #15 in these rankings is not great.

Things seem much clearer at Coshocton.  State qualifer, Artmann, Division I state alternate Duffield, and the clever Cormier should dominate this district.  Cormier is very good on top and has thrived on DeSales tough schedule while Duffield is strong and experienced.  Artmann is undefeated at 103#, including a win at the giant GMVWA where he took the title without a close bout.  The fourth berth is wide open with Brown, perhaps the most logical candidate.  Other thoughts might include Miller or McKay.

There is also clear directionality at Goshen.  A trio of excellent freshman-- two-time junior high state finalist, Hart, and junior high placers, Christensen and Penny--should head a relatively thin field.  Hart, a cadet national All-American, will lead the way, but Penny, 1^st at Edgewood and 4^th at the GMVWA is also solid.  Christensen, just down from 112#, won at Xenia and Beavercreek and there is no question that he’ll be a real load at this weight class.  Watch for him the next three years.  Blevins and Harrison would seem to be next best with Reese a possibility out of the Northwest sectional that competes here.

112 #

Projected Champion:  Mike Compton (Willard)

Top Contenders

This is a weight class that has a sharp dividing point between the top contenders and everyone else.  The top eight all have state placement potential, while those below that mark are low probability items.  That is not to say that the brilliant freshmen Keyes, Llanas, and Murton don't have great upset potential.  But most of those on the awards stand on Saturday night will come from that top group.

Now that long-time rival Ryan Smith has been moved to Division I, Mike Compton becomes a clear favorite to win his second state title.  Compton posted a 43-1 mark last year at 103# losing only to Smith (who else?) in the district finals.  But he avenged that loss (and several others, including the junior high state championship bout) with a solid 4-2 win.  Except for Smith, he totally dominated the opposition last year.  The move up one weight class has seemingly had little impact on him as he has won at Wadsworth and the Gorman.  A superior athlete, he’ll face not only many of the excellent 103’s he defeated last year, but a number of returning 112’s, who have already won at the state level at this weight class.  Still a healthy Compton will be very difficult to defeat.

Some of Compton’s most vigorous opposition will emanate from the Goshen District.  Franklin, a senior, was state runner-up two years ago at 103# when Compton finished 5^th.  Last year, at 112#, he was a district finalist losing (again) to Schlatter by some enormous score.  Injured at the state meet, he was never a factor, despite 40 wins.  This year, he has been at both 125# and 119# until dropping here.  I’m guessing this is a tough cut, but he won at 112# at Coffman.  Essentially even with him is the athletic Penny, who was a surprising 3^rd at this weight class in Columbus after placing 4^th at the district level.  He and Franklin battled to the 30-second tiebreaker at the district with Franklin prevailing.  Doggett, a transfer from Tecumseh, joins his cousin at Graham and he should be a factor.  He beat Wyant the first week of the season, but was injured at the Ironman and has not wrestled since.  He will not suffer for a lack of excellent workout partners at Graham.  The improving Land and the state qualifiers Shearer and Pleiman are left fighting for the last ticket to Columbus.  Land was 4^th at Medina after finishing 2^nd at Edgewood -- where Penny tech falled him.  Pleiman and Shearer share an interesting bond.  Last year, Pleiman was 4^th at the district, while Shearer wrestled his heart out to win the 5^th place bout 17–12.  When Pleiman couldn’t wrestle, Shearer went to Columbus.  It could come down to the two of them again this year.

Compton’s toughest foe may well be 112# state qualifier Horne, who should dominate the relatively weak Firestone District.  He went 1-2 at Columbus, losing two narrow decisions to experienced seniors.  This year, he has been crushing most opponents, losing only to the exceptional Federico 6-5.  As a district champ, he should get an excellent pairing, but with each of the other districts having two high quality wrestlers, he’s bound to have difficult opponents from the quarterfinals onward.  The freshman, Murton, won handily at Kenston and is a strong pinner.  But the other two state spots are wide open.  However, I believe Bartley has the inside track based on his record at 119#, which included a 2^nd at the Wayne Invitational.

Compton is not alone at Galion.  Two-time placer, Laughlin, is very good, but Compton pinned him in 84 seconds last year.  This year Laughlin has won at Canton South and Wadsworth -- both at 119#.  However, I see him at 112# rather than the super tough 119#.  He’ll be away from Compton at Columbus and he certainly has the ability to defeat anyone else in this field.  The two freshmen, Keyes and Llanas, are both junior high state place winners, and have a go-for-broke attitude.  Llanas gave Compton his toughest battle before succumbing 10-7.  Should any of them falter, the little known Best may be in line for a state berth.  He was a district semi-finalist last year.  Otherwise, Aona, Pusateri (Perkins), and Hall (Genoa) will get the fourth berth.

There are three excellent contenders at Coshocton, any of whom could be a finalist.  The high scoring Bowers has just moved down to 112#, where he beat Franklin and he has put together 2 ½ great regular seasons.  As a freshman, he came to Columbus as a district champ at 45-1, but narrowly failed to place.  Then last year, as a sophomore, he repeated as district champ and entered the state tourney with a 42-0 record-- and again, failed to place.  He needs to prove that he can win at the state level, which is why I rated him between Franklin and Penny.  I think Pizzurro has looked vastly improved this year, and is wrestling with more confidence.  He was a semi-finalist at both the Ironman and Brecksville, losing tough matches to the eventual winner each time.  A two-time state qualifier, he has posted wins over Laughlin and Jackson and dropped a one-pointer to Franklin.  He is excellent on top and doesn’t let bouts get away from him.  State placer Jackson, was 5^th at Medina and won at Brecksville.  Both Pizzurro and Laughlin defeated him last year at tournament, but he was the only one of that trio to place.  There are a number of solid wrestlers battling for the last two slots.

119 #

Projected Champion:  cameron doggett (graham)

Top Contenders

This weight class features the kinds of match-ups that wrestling fans dream about.  We have two past state champions battling one of the finest sophomores in the country and all of this amidst a very strong supporting cast!  Let’s take a look at the top trio.

Doggett, only a sophomore, is something of a prodigy.  A two-time state junior high champion, he wrestles year round and was a Cadet National Champion.  Last year, as one of the quartet of fabulous Graham freshmen, he competed in the unbelievably brutal 119# class.  He was a district 3^rd after being upset by Conger and then lost at Columbus once again (in overtime), and failed to place.   This year, he has taken it to the next level winning two of the toughest tourneys in the country – the Ironman and the Beast of the East – in back to back weeks.  He has been brilliant.

Doggett’s closest bout this year was with former state champ Ricky Deubel in the Ironman semi-finals.  Deubel, now a junior, posted an undefeated freshman season culminating in an easily won state title.  He, too, was at the brutal 119# class last year, and like Doggett, failed to place after a tough overtime loss.  This year, he was 3^rd at the Ironman and 1^st at Kenston.  In the latter tourney, he beat state runner up Keyes and state champion Lipp by a combined 34-2 score in the final two rounds.  Interestingly, he also lost to Doggett at the junior high states three years ago.  He is nearly as fast as Doggett, and should he get the first takedown, he’ll be difficult to defeat.

LaFollette surprised everyone two years ago winning the Division I state title including pins in the last two rounds.  Than, to prove it was no fluke, he made it to the finals last year before getting thumped by Schlatter.  That was a bout where dubious strategy possibly impacted the outcome.  Devastating on top, LaFollette chose down on his choice negating his greatest strength.  As it turned out, he never got the top position, as Schlatter was superior on his feet.  His only loss this year was an overtime thriller to Perez at Brecksville.

Hamed, 3^rd in Division III last year, also certified at this weight class, but somehow I think he’ll end up at 125#.  At this weight class, he’s only, in my opinion, at best, fourth rated--and possibly lower.  At 125#, if he wins his district, he’ll be away from Schlatter and very likely a finalist --plus he gets to eat.  That’s why I rated him at the next weight class.  Of course, he and his coach may see it differently. 

Deubel and LaFollette exit the same district (and sectional) and so Doggett will have to defeat both of them to take home the title.  The likely scenario is that the Firestone District champion will be away from the other two, so that bout takes on added significance.  State alternate, Jones, should be the third Firestone qualifier, and he is no easy mark.  A tough competitor, he lost to state placer Sandy in his go-to-state bout last year.  This year, his only loss has been to state champion Jordan Lipp 3-1.  The fourth berth should go to the excellent Jastal, although Small, Buchholz, Bowers (Lake Catholic), who defeated Cradlebaugh, and Soeder (Holy Name) could play a role here.

Doggett also emerges from what looks like a two-man district.  Browning is already a three-time state qualifier who has won two state bouts and lost two state bouts each of the last three years.  He has had five bouts where a win would have meant a state place and has, unfortunately, lost them all--several times by narrow margins.  A perennial winner in the Southwest--he won handily at the GMVWA--he is clearly due to make it to the awards stand this year.  The last two spots should feature a wide-open battle with Szczubewski and Sells a slight favorite over Quiqley, Hodge, and Potter (Goshen).  I particularly like Szczubewski (except for having to spell his name) as he came close to qualifying after losing a first round battle to Conger. 

The question at Galion is whether state placer Sandy will compete here or at 125#.  My guess is that we’ll see him at 125#, and he is accordingly ranked there.  Given that assumption, qualification should be relatively straightforward.  State qualifier Smith and Ysaguirre are old rivals--Smith last beat him in overtime to qualify for state action-- while state qualifer Albaugh and Zeller are both solid.  This makes Sabatino the dark horse and people like Shroyer (Eastwood) having a chance.  For Sandy, the choice is interesting.  Should he go at 119# with an easier district, but brutal state competition or compete at 125# with a more difficult district, but a somewhat easier state bracket.

The district at Coshocton will be very, very competitive.  Two-time state place winner, Reichman, heads the field, looking to qualify once more and improve on his 6^th and 4^th place finishes.  That will be a large assignment, but, possibly doable.  He won easily at Barnesville this year, but was truly outstanding at Medina.  He had four first period falls (and one decision) including ones in both the semis and finals (over Riggs).  State qualifier, Scurry, wrestles a non-descript schedule, but has put up some big numbers.  Undefeated, he has excellent low placement potential.  Now that Jenkins has moved to 112#, two spots are open for folks like state qualifier Woods, the fast improving Schneider, Bates, and Cradlebaugh.  Factor in the excellent freshman Saxton and Coshocton will really rock.

125 #

Projected Champion:  Dustin Schlatter (Graham)

Top Contenders

I’ve been somewhat perplexed by the articles and commentary that suggest that Dustin Schlatter has lost his confidence after a couple of upset losses at the Ironman.  You have to figure that someone as good and as successful as Schlatter has to be mentally tough--extremely mentally tough.  It is beyond far-fetched to suggest that somehow Schlatter will no longer be as sensational as in the past.  Sure, he won’t be the first four- year wrestler to go totally undefeated, but I’m betting that he’ll be a four-time champ--and I’ll give odds on that.  With a resume that includes innumerable national titles and an undefeated freshman year where he was never challenged, Schlatter is a huge favorite to win--even though he may be a little small for the weight class.  I’m seeing Zupancic competing at 130# and, most likely, Conger doing the same thing, which tells me that they like the odds far better at that higher weight class.

Schlatter exits a crowded and rather demanding district.  Lee, a state qualifier two years ago, looked good winning at Edgewood and should return to Columbus this year.  Grant, something of a forgotten guy, missed going to State by one win last year at this weight class.  He should be very tough after campaigning at 130# most of the year.  Niswonger, a district runner-up and state qualifier at 103# last year, started the season at 119#, but, clearly is growing.  He already has seven losses to date--Kozusek and Klofta both have past district experience and good current results.  Hinton and Fetters are two other possibilities with, maybe somebody like Wilhelm (Paulding) as a real long shot. 

The deepest district is clearly at Galion.  Assuming Sandy competes at this weight class, I count at least six legitimate state qualifiers for four spots.  Hamed was 3^rd in Division III last year and this year won at the D-3 Classic and was a semi finalist at Medina.  Still, I don’t think he has looked quite as good as he did last year though it is still early.  Naso, the hard nosed state qualifier from Canal Fulton Northwest, lost to Hamed in overtime at Medina, but won in overtime over Huss to take the title at North Canton.  Again, I don’t sense the same positive energy as last year.  Sandy, of course, would be the district favorite after placing last year, and except for a crushing loss to Doggett, looked good at the Ironman.  French defeated Naso at Medina and won at the Wayne Invitational over Sponseller.  Spitalieri, Rando and Yaros are good, and would qualify at the other districts.  Nuhfer may be even better and that gives us eight wrestlers for four berths.  Some are going to be disappointed while others may consider migrating to the slightly easier 130# weight class.

I’ve had trouble locating solid contenders at the Firestone District.  State placer, Colby Turchetta, is one obvious choice as he continues to perform at a high level.  He was 3^rd at Brecksville (losing only to very tough West Virginia star, Shane Grogg) and 2^nd at Solon to Caruso.  The outstanding sophomore Protz is up three weight classes this year and has had to make some adjustments.  He didn’t place at the Ironman, losing to state champions Zupancic and Schlatter and was runner up to Caruso at Kenston.  After this duo, however, I’m struggling to identify viable contenders.  I’ve listed Lamancusa, Scott and Munn, but maybe the young Rendinell will pull a very mild upset.  At any rate, there is great opportunity for someone with the hot hand at district time.

It’s an interesting cast of participants at Coshocton with lots of different strengths.  I’ve always liked the two-time state qualifier, Sponseller, but he has only one win at the state level--though admittedly, his two losses last year were to Zupancic and Doggett.  He won easily at West Holmes, but failed to place at Medina--though, again, his losses were to state runners-up Jonnstone and Horne.  Based on this, his biggest need might be better bracketing luck.  That should happen if he wins this district.  Thress was probably the smallest 140-pounder in the state last year, but still had a district win.  He should be a bear at this weight.  State qualifiers Cain, Turnbull and Dailey will be battling for the last two state tickets, but there is a lot of depth here.  Williams is very dangerous and his explosiveness could create huge upsets.  Melnichenko won a district bout last year and has moved back down from 130#.  And, of course, there is state qualifier, Kempf, up three weight classes and stuck in a very crowded district.  The freshman, Triplett, was a junior high state finalist last year and he can do nothing but get better at Claymont.  Hoover (Beaver Local), Webb (Circleville), and Espervoa (Ham.Twp.) are other possibilities.

130 #

Projected Champion:  Josh Zupancic (Walsh)

Top Contenders

Has there ever been a wrestler as under appreciated and unrecognized as Josh Zupancic?  This is a wrestler who could well be a four time state finalist and two time state champion who still garners few accolades.  Last year, he took the title at arguably the toughest of all 42 weight classes contested, defeated the brilliant all-everything Mark Moos, and snapped Ricky Deubel’s high school unbeaten string and scarcely raised a ripple on the consciousness of most wrestling fans.  This year, he has had his usual slow start wrestling at 125# and 130#, but I expect him to be fully prepared by tournament time.  After all, he has defeated probable four-time champ Jaggers and did anyone doubt that this Stanford recruit would beat Freirichs the second time they met.  I also like his newfound aggressiveness, which means more back points and more falls (like six in a row at the Ironman).  This is a very difficult weight class augmented by some 125’s looking to avoid Schlatter, but Zupancic has to be accorded the favorite’s role.

In fact, both finalists could be competitors who started the year at 125#.  The ferocious Conger was 3^rd last year after beating Doggett at both the district and state level (Doggett has twice defeated Zupancic), and generally, terrorizing most of the field.  I don’t receive all of his scores, but I don’t think he has been challenged this year (not always a good thing).  Assuming both are district champs, they’ll be apart in the state bracketing setting up a possible confrontation in the finals.  Two years ago, they met in the first round with Zupancic winning handily--but things can change in 24 months.

Conger exits a rather difficult district lead by the talented Brown.  Like Conger, he, too, was 3^rd last year winning a succession of close bouts (his four wins were by a total of eight points) including one over Hoffman.  He was a strong 4^th at the Ironman--defeating Freirichs--but was only 5^th at Brecksville including a consolation loss to Smith.  I think that was an anomaly.  Right behind them is state qualifier Hawk, who beat the older Pizzurro at Columbus last year.  A fine competitor, he lost a first round district bout, then came back to face the same wrestler in his go-to-state bout and won 10-4.  There is a wide gap between this duo and the rest of the Coshocton district.  Johnson and state qualifer, Trawinski, are back, but both will be challenged by Worley, Kerr, and Neil (Vincent Warren).

The best district is at Galion.  Zupancic will not have it easy.  State qualifiers Hoffman and Lashaway return as does state alternate Smith.  Smith was 1^st at Avon Lake and 2^nd (to Sheehan) at Bellevue, while finishing a strong 4^th at Brecksville.  Last year, he lost to Lashaway in his go-to-state bout.  With Hoffman and Lashaway exiting the same sectional, I foresee potential bracketing issues at the district level.  If so, one of this quartet could be eliminated with folks like Huss (Fairless), Yaros or Doughty, having a golden opportunity.  Two other candidates to watch are Johnson (Minerva) and Hudak (Lexington).  The wild card, here, is the sensational freshman Rohler.  I’m not sure where this state junior high champ fits in, but he is a dynamite kid.  I may have him too low here.   

There is also solid strength at Firestone.  State qualifier, Hurley, is now down to 130#, and will build off his successes at 135#.  He was 4^th at the Ironman and won at Kenston.  Sheehan had a very tough draw at Columbus last year--especially for a district champion--getting state runner up Budd and Turchetta early on.  This year, he has looked very good winning at Southview, for example, where he had a technical fall in the finals.  Both of them have definite placement potential, but are unlikely finalists.  Factor in Kemble, Dreger, and Murton and this is a good, solid, representative district.

The Goshen district, and, in fact, the entire 130# bracket got a whole lot tougher when Midlam moved down to this weight class.  A two time state qualifier and 4^th last year, he escapes the trio of excellent 135’s, but he’ll find this weight class nearly as tough.  Zupancic, by the way, beat him 6-3 two years ago at Columbus.  West Virginia state runner up, Freirichs, was a felicitous move-in for Graham, and the tall, lanky junior is very good.  He was a semi-finalist at the Ironman and ended up 5^th there and at the Beast of the East.  He has split two bouts with Zupancic.  He and Midlam make a great 1-2 punch, but the rest of this district lacks strength.

135 #

Projected Champion:  Anthony Constantino (Lake Catholic)

Top Contenders

This is just a sensational weight class--even better, I think--than at 119#.  It should be one of the best and most exciting competitions of the last decade.  Just writing about it is exciting.  We have five runner-up trophies among these participants and there are a host of other state placers and qualifiers.  Even at the district level, the competition will be fierce with outstanding wrestlers in every area failing to qualify.  This class could use a 32-man state bracket, just to accommodate those who deserve to go.

My choice is two time runner-up and three-time placer Tony Constantino.  Loser to Ott in the finals two years ago, he was upset by Thompson in last year’s final round after having defeated him the previous week.  He defeated Blunk to win at Medina this year and beat Vince in last year’s state semi-finals.  He is the most consistent wrestler at this weight class and, perhaps, the most talented.

Blunk, in an almost a bizarre coincidence, is also a two time state runner-up losing last year in a mild upset to Chris Seta.  He is a scoring machine in the top position, where he is nearly unstoppable.  His only loss this year was to Constantino at Medina, where he outscored his four other opponents 59-8.  Last year, he had 40 consecutive wins before losing to Seta--after outscoring his other state opponents 44-1.  He and Constantino emerge from the same district, so that winner will be away from both the loser and Vince at State. 

Vince was 2^nd two years ago--losing to Schlatter in the finals--and then was 3^rd last year after losing to Constantino in the semis.  He, too, likes to score points by the bushel basket and a bout with Blunk could well burn out the scoreboard.  He wrestles a much weaker schedule than the other two, and that could cost him at the state level.

Each district is loaded.  At Galion, there are six outstanding candidates for four spots.  Blackburn missed much of the early season, but returns at this weight, where he was 6^th last year.  He came back with a crushing win at Southview and will be a factor here.  State alternate, Spurlock, lost his bid for Columbus to Blackburn last year, but won at both Avon Lake and Bellevue this year.  He was 7^th at Brecksville, losing to Division I state runner up Flake and Morgan.  I’ve liked state qualifier Fee for several years, but it’s time for him to step it up a notch or two.  At this difficult district, he’ll have to be in top form to qualify.  Right behind him are Escober--whom he defeated in overtime-- Johnson, and Bodnar.  Seven potential qualifiers and there are only four openings. I’m thinking, maybe, some of these folks might opt for the far easier 140 # class at this district.

Constantino and Blunk should dominate at Firestone, but there is other talent as well.  Hazlett recently dropped from 145# and will be a factor.  He won at Kenston and might be third best at this district.  State qualifier, Maston, is “on the bubble” with Kissinger, Wright, England (Aurora) and Wiles (Perry) as the potential fourth qualifier of this group.  I think England has the best chance--although being in the same sectional as Blunk and Hazlett could hurt his district bracketing.

There are five wrestlers with previous state experience at the Coshocton District, but I think Aaron Martin is the best of this quintet.  They wrestle at lots of different weight classes at Watkins Memorial, but Martin is good wherever they put him.  He was a dominating district champ last year at 130#, but then lost a narrow quarter-final bout to Vince and ended up 6^th.  Morgan has moved up from 119#, where he drew Deubel and Perez in his first two bouts, and has rebounded with good success this year.  He was 3^rd at Brecksville, including wins over Spurlock and state runner-up Young.  Miller has been a mainstay at Carrolltown and was a state quarter-finalist last year.  Hoppel and Apperson both went 0-2 last year at Columbus, but they’re much better this year.  Hoppel won three bouts at Medina and was champion at Beaver Local.  Apperson, only a junior, is up two weight classes.  But remember, his brother is a 160 pounder so there is room to grow.  Pairings, as is so often the case, will be critical with Apperson looking to be the odd man out.  Other possibilities are Wheeler, Bennett (Fairfield Union), and Wilson (Claymont).  Some of these folks might end up at 140#.

With Midlam dropping to 130#, the field is not quite so crowded at Goshen. The best of this group might be the totally unheralded Tyler Schlater.  Frankly, I was stunned that he made it to State last year and even more when he won two bouts.  This year, he was a semi-finalist at the Ironman and gave Lang his best bout of the tourney.  He gets overlooked with the star-studded cast that Graham puts on the mat, but he has become a very good performer. State qualifiers Kanta and Robinson are both good, but they’re likely to get lost in the cauldron of competition at Columbus.  The last qualifying spot is a puzzle.  Slonaker, Gray and Deeter (Valley View) are top contenders.

140 #

Projected Champion:  Kalen Knull (Graham)                           

Top Contenders

This would appear to be pretty much a two-man competition, especially now that Gross has had health problems that make it uncertain the he will participate.  The only fly in the ointment is Davis, who can be brilliant one day and not much more than ordinary the next.  Since Knull and Turchetta are both state runners-up, they should be apart in the bracketing to set up what should be an exciting final.

I favor Knull, but I’m not sure why.  He was 2^nd at the Ironman and 4^th at the Beast of the East after losing to Hurley in last year’s state final.  A solid, intelligent performer, he doesn’t let any bout get totally away from him.  He was 3^rd as a sophomore, 2^nd as a junior, and will climb that last step this year.  Turchetta is also very good.  He won at Solon and Hudson and lost in overtime in the finals at Brecksville to Pietropinto.  He was a surprise state finalist last year at 135# and went the full six minutes with Schlatter.  His coach, Dave Mariola, has an uncanny knack for developing effective game plans that give his wrestler an edge (see Haring vs Cianciola), and that may help even the playing field against Knull.

Turchetta should dominate his district unless, by some chance, Gross not only returns, but is in top form as well.  Gross, twice a state qualifier, lost to eventual champ Thompson in the quarterfinals 3-2, and then failed to place.  He crushed the Avon Lake field at 145#, but then had to default out at Brecksville.  If healthy, he has finalist potential.  Also very good is Krawcyzk, who won two bouts at Columbus last year.  This Buckeye senior has remained undefeated to this point and has strong placement potential.  Rendinell should also qualify, and I anticipate seeing Cost here based on substantially better qualification chances.

I thought Davis might be a real challenger for Knull and Turchetta, but his 11-0 loss to the latter at Brecksville suggested I might have been overly optimistic.  Then he goes out and beat Knull at the State Duals and I don’t know what to think.  Still, he’s the best at Coshocton and should place high.  He was 3^rd at both Brecksville and the Ironman, and I liked the way he beat Gael at the latter tourney after losing to him earlier.  State qualifier, Spohn (New Lexington), is out for the year with a football injury, leaving state qualifier Klingensmith as Davis’ main rival.  I’ve always liked Klingensmith and this is the year he should get to the placement level.  Last year, he lost to eventual state runner-up Turchetta 5-4 in the first round, and then to Henry 7-6 in his placement bout.  After this duo, the last two qualifiers could be anybody, but Mizer, Rennicker and Givens have the best chances.

Knull should pretty much have things his way at Goshen.  State qualifiers Shiff and Rumpke and state alternate Odenweller are a respectful step behind him with very little behind them.  Rumpke and Shiff met in the first consolation round at Columbus with Rumpke winning in overtime.  This year both have operated at about the 90% win level.  I’m thinking that some of the excess 135’s may move in this direction creating more competition at this rather sparsely populated weight class.

Even at Galion, there is very little depth and, in fact, little up-top strength.  State qualifier Nelson is back and certainly has placement potential.  The key element, though, is the freshman Rella.  A dominating junior high state champion, he brings an explosiveness that cannot be taught.  He is on the steeply rising portion of the learning curve, and I anticipate good results.  After this duo, I think the qualifiers from the two western sectionals will be the principal contenders for the last two berths.  Plowman, Taylor, Powers and Slauterbeck (who will surely realize his chances are better at 140#) look to be the prime combatants.  Someone to watch out for is Kuhn, a district qualifier last year, who was 4^th at Wadsworth.

145 #

Projected Champion:  Ryan Hurley (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders 

Generally, the most ferocious rivalries are with teams in close proximity to one another.  Think of Ohio State and Michigan or the Browns and the Steelers as two good examples.  The danger is that, sometimes, the adrenalin flows too vigorously and results are distorted and sportsmanship vanishes.  So might it be at 145#, where the fierce rivalry of nearby schools could factor into the final result.

My top two choices will need no introduction.  Hurley has had a fabulous career.  A state junior high champ, he was state runner-up as a freshman, state champion as a sophomore, and a brave 3^rd last year as he battled injuries at Columbus.  This year, he went into double overtime before losing to #1 rated Ryan Davis of Blair Academy at the Ironman and took the title at Reno.  His only other loss was to the highly underrated Miller of Uniontown Lake.  He also holds a 2-1 win over his most likely rival, the super sophomore, Mike Pucillo.  Pucillo missed much of his freshman year, but placed at 125# anyway.  Up four weight classes this year, he has placed at the Ironman, Beast of the East and Powerade.  These two are well ahead of the rest of the field at Galion.  In fact, there are no clear favorites for the last two spots.  Somebody to really watch in this context is explosive Juan Lopez.  He has been at 152# most of the year, including a win at Oak Harbor, and a runner-up performance at Sylvania Southview.  If an upset is to occur at this district, he could be the perpetrator.  Other possibilities are Brecksville 3^rd placer, Henneman, Solon 3^rd placer Joseph, and Avon Lake runner-up Pelton.  The hard to analyze Bergman could play a role here, as might Davis or Reimond.

The district at Goshen is very deep.  Last year as a freshman, Erwin wrestled up at least two weight classes and still managed state qualification as a district champ.  Then he won one bout and lost two heartbreakers to finish out of the money.   This year-- down one weight class--he has wrestled a brutal schedule and has a loss to Pucillo.  He and Pucillo could be rivals for a long time.  Roush was a state semifinalist at 135# last year, but somehow is consistently overlooked.  He has already won at Oak Harbor and the GMVWA and my admittedly incomplete records show him as undefeated.  State qualifier, McSorley, and Ray have split a pair of bouts with Ray’s win coming on a 15 second fall.  McSorley won titles at Franklin and Edgewood.  There two are a bit ahead of other potential contenders.  However, with both of them and state alternate Beall, Longsworth, and Flinders (Little Miami) at the same sectional, district pairings could get messy.

The apparent top contenders at Coshocton have fallen into an informational black hole for me, so my normal margin of error (pretty big to begin with) is even larger.  Summers, a district semifinalist, won at Hamilton Township and was a strong 4^th at North Canton-- losing twice to Division I, Verdi.  Ferris and Westbrook are returning state qualifiers, whose results this year are mostly unknown, but Westbrook was 2^nd at West Jefferson and won several dual meet titles.  His only district loss last year was to Knull.  Ferris qualified two years ago, and this year was a big winner at Gallia.  Young, Bowman and Warner are three possibilities, should any of the top group falter, and the middle man (Bowman) may well be an important factor here.  However, somebody to watch in this situation is Parks--a big move guy.

I see very little at Firestone.  I’ve listed some state possibilities led by state alternate, Ganzhorn, who has won at Aurora and finished 2^nd at Hudson, where he was pinned by Joseph.  Ranallo is a solid journeyman, wrestling up a weight class because of Turchetta.  The big unknown is Pankiewicz, who may be way better than I’ve rated him.  Other than that, there’s a very good chance that at this weight class, the Firestone District will be shut out at the awards presentation. 

152 #

Projected Champion:  C P Schlatter  (Graham)

Top Contenders

I think it could be argued that CP Schlatter is the finest high school wrestler in Ohio’s long history.  While he doesn’t have the charisma of an Alan Fried or the explosive power of Luke Fickell, or the fireman’s carry of Tommy Milkovich, he has established a record of consistent excellence that is unmatched.  For four years, he has wrestled an extremely difficult schedule with but a single blemish--and that was to an out-of-state competitor in overtime.  He will be the first four-time champ who I believe would have won four titles had we maintained the single class system utilized prior to 1971.  For the past three years, he has met and defeated the Division I state champion during the regular season, and this year, wrestling in the toughest of multi-state tournaments, been unchallenged.  He wrestles with a calculating intelligence that allows for no errors on his part, and punishes every transgression--however small--by his opponent.  He reminds me of the great Jimmy Heffernan in his approach and for me, that is high praise, indeed.

As is often the case when a superstar lays claim to a weight class, we find more crowded fields at the adjacent weights.  That provides exceptional opportunities for state qualification and placement for those that remain.  I would anticipate that those who recognize that they are unlikely to be on the awards podium at 145# (or 160#), may think about conceding the state title to Schlatter and focus on the other possibilities at this weight class.

All four districts should be very competitive in the battle for state qualification tickets.  Schlatter, of course, dominates at Goshen, but there will be a real battle for the other three spots.  State qualifier Rhoades returns after posting two state wins last year, and has performed at a high level this year.  State qualifier Couch is up two weight classes, but hasn’t missed a beat at this here.  Bellman has gone in precisely the opposite direction moving down two weight classes after being a district semifinalist at 171# last year.  He was  a solid 5^th at Brecksville.  Goebel and Wagner will also be factors here with the first named finishing 3^rd at the GMWVA.  The pairings may be a problem with Schlatter, Rhoades, Couch, and Van Buskirk (Benjamin Logan) all competing at the same sectional.  Apparently, not wrestling because of a football injury is the excellent Kleman (Kenton).  However, I note that he has certified at this weight class.

It’s also a crowded field at Firestone, but at a somewhat lower level.  State qualifier, Tripp, has been outstanding all year, and while he could wrestle at 145#, I expect to find him here where he has finalist potential.  Milano is the bright spot at Rocky River with a win at Hudson (over Phillips), while Phillips and SanFillippo are solid.  The one to watch, however, is the explosive Davis.  A runaway champion at Kenston, he lost two super close matches at the Ironman including a 3-2 defeat by Koz.  On a hot weekend, he could go a long way.

There are a lot of uncertainties at Galion.  State qualifier Smith was 3^rd at Wadsworth in a very competitive weight class losing only do Division I placer, Tim Miller.  I’ve always like Butzer, but he has never quite reached the level I’ve anticipated.  He keeps losing the close ones, but I believe that he is placement material--especially since this is his last chance.  Glover was a state qualifier at 189# two years ago (and competing at 215# last year) and will try to set something of a state record by qualifying this year at 152# -- three weight classes down.  Riggleman was a semifinalist at Brecksville finishing 4^th and won at Avon Lake, while Witt was 2^nd at Oak Harbor.  The wild card is Dingus, who was one point from state qualification last year, but has not been as convincing this year.

Shaw, Shriner and Marsh lead the Pack (and the Peck) at Coshocton.  Shaw, a returning district champ and state qualifier, has been at 160# much of the year.  He has had some injuries, but should be very solid at this weight class.  Shriner had a heartbreaking afternoon at last year’s district, losing two go-to-state bouts by a total of three points.  State qualifiers Marsh and Pack could capture the last two spots with both providing extensive experience at this district.  Pack had an interesting state meet losing to the ferocious Galvan by just one point in the first round and then being crushed by Erwin in the consolations.  Burns is a mystery.  He has wrestled with great success between 145# and 160#.  Last year, he lost two district bouts--both in overtime -- the latter one 10-9 in his go-to-state bout.  Based on his past performance, his success this year, and his lineage, he could be a game breaker.  He is a real mystery and could be a state finalist or fail to exit his district.

This is an incredibly crowded district with this top quartet backed up by Bush, Babel, Peck, Casey and Aleshire.  I, particularly, like the first two named, but there just doesn’t look like there’ll be room for them in Columbus.

160 #

Projected Champion:  Tim Maxworthy  (Buckeye)

Top Contenders

Clearly, I have not given Maxworthy nearly enough credit in the past.  A state junior high runner-up, he was a surprising (to me) state runner-up two years ago, losing to Cupp in the finals.  Then, last year, I still (mistakenly) ranked him 5^th and he took the state title beating the mighty Galvan in both the district and state finals.  Should this weight class stay as it is (i.e. no Hahn), he has to be the favorite to win his second state title with only Bertolino, Evans and, perhaps, Lowther as credible threats.  This year, he won at Buckeye and Perrysburg and was second to Division I state champ Luke at Medina.

Maxworthy should dominate at Firestone.  It is likely that only he will place from this district.  Brenner had one district win and Canfield always seems to produce a couple of outstanding wrestlers.  Bitsko and Kopacz have previous state experience and have put together solid senior seasons--which may be enough at this district.  A dark horse candidate might be Stettin, who was 2^nd at Avon Lake and 5^th at the Midwest Classic.  Bardo and Stetka (Crestwood) are other thoughts here.

The big question is how well will Evans do at 160#.  Two years ago, he was 4^th at 130#, losing to Vince 16-13 in a wild semifinal.  Then last year--again at 130# --he was one of the favorites, but got terribly sick during district week and could not wrestle.  This year, he is up five weight classes and just returning after a football injury.  So far, so good.  He’s had six bouts and won all six by fall.  He’ll be one of those competitors who wrestles like a little guy, but has suddenly gotten big.  Examples like Ed Potokar or Tommy Rowlands show how effective that combination can be.  The questions to be answered are whether he’s big enough and healthy enough to win.  There’s a lot of other talent at Goshen.  State qualifiers, Walton and Fuller, also return, but they have low place potential at best.  Fuller lost to Tamaska at Madeira and was also 2^nd at Edgewood.  Walton won at Franklin and was 2^nd at the GMVWA in a tight overtime bout.  Nipping at their heels will be Tamaska, Bussell, Weimer and Garvey from the southwest.  A bigger challenge will come from state qualifier Hoehn, who lead a northwest contingent that also includes Green (Elida) and Rhodes (Celina).  If Evans is healthy, there are only three spots left for everybody else.  I’m thinking Bussell, who just dropped to 160#, may reflect on that decision as I check out the 171’s.

It seems like every district has one dominating figure and Bertolino is just that at Coshocton.  This excellent senior was 5^th at this weight class last year, losing two very close bouts.  He has ravaged the Eastern District the past few years and 2002-03 is no exception.  In addition, he won the prestigious Midwest Classic defeating several Division I stars.  I think he’ll take Maxworthy to the limit.  State qualifiers Grove, Dixon and Apperson also return.  Grove has been at 171# most of the year with a win at Barnesville and a very strong 4^th at Medina.  In the latter tourney, he faced very strong opposition, losing only to Grogan and Johnson.  Should any of this trio falter, Clark, Glancy and White are all experienced competitors, while Perdue and N. Hackett (Hamilton Twp.) are also in the wings.  Again, as we saw at Goshen, one standout wrestler and a boatload of very even competitors clamoring for the other three state berths.

I thought Lowther looked great at the Ironman finishing a very strong 4^th, losing twice to Scarl and defeating Caponi.  However, he has not wrestled for some time and one hopes that he’ll be sharp on his return.  Last year, he was 5^th and gave Maxworthy everything he could handle in the quarterfinals 11-10.  Caponi, also a state qualifier, split his two bouts with Lowther, and the two are very close in overall ability.  Common and McMullen are slight favorites for the last two tickets to Columbus, but Smith looked good winning the Gorman.  He could grab one of these two spots, as could Keaton, who has already won three tourneys this year.

171 #

Projected Champion:  Joe Dennis  (Graham)

Top Contenders

As I think about it now, this may be the strongest single weight class in close to a decade.  It features two returning state champions and two returning state runners-up plus a host of returning qualifiers and placers.  All this at an upper end weight class where most previous winners are usually seniors.  Even more surprising is that two of this top quartet are still just juniors and will be two of the top recruits in the country next year.  This is a feast for any wrestling fan and its anticipation should generate incredible excitement in the weeks leading up to the state finals.

The pairings are likely to be unbalanced--and that would be a shame.  The Coshocton District champion is likely to be on one side with Dennis, Hahn, and the Coshocton runner-up on the other side of the bracket.  That would mean that the district final at Coshocton would be hugely important because it would tremendously enhance the winner’s probability of making it to the final round.  It’s almost a once-in-a-century situation that is not likely to occur again in our lifetime.

Let’s look at the principal players.  Hahn, a junior high state champion, was 6^th at 152# as a freshman two years ago and then took the title at the 160# class last year.  An exceptional talent, he really had no close bouts throughout the entire state tournament process.  This year, he has been at 171# with equal success.  He pinned his way through the Wayne Invitational and beat both Division I stars, Johnson and Grogan, on his way to the Medina title.  His father, John, won one state title (1974).  This boy is looking to surpass that total.

Hackett is the defending champion at 171#, but has competed at 189# up to now.  Last year, he was a perfect 50-0 after finishing 3^rd the year before.  Ironically, his only close match at the state level was a one-point victory over Dennis in the finals.  However, twice at districts, he won the coin flip in the second overtime and escaped to victory-- both those wrestlers, Williams and Razzano (at 189#) return.  This year, he continues to win with a consecutive win streak, now stretching toward 80.  

Dennis, still only a junior, was 4^th two years ago at this weight class, and won last year’s district in easy fashion.  After a technical fall in the first round, he was involved in three one-point bouts--winning the first two, but losing in the finals to the undefeated Hackett.  This year he won at Graham and was 2^nd at the Ironman, losing to Pennsylvania star Jake Herbert 7-1.  He was 3^rd at the Beast of the East, and has been untouchable ever since.

Knapp, 2^nd at 160# last year to Hahn, has also been superb this year.  He was 3^rd at the Ironman, losing to Herbert in the semifinals by the same 7-1 score.  He was absolutely dominating at Brecksville, crushing everyone.  He has been out the past two weeks, so his anticipated showdown with Dennis at the Ohio Duals never (unfortunately) happened.

Two state placers back up Hahn at Galion.  Both Schutte and Marhoffer were 6^th at their respective weight classes last year.  Marhoffer, then at 160#, lost to Knapp by a single point in the semifinals and struggled thereafter.  He also lost to Herbert, 15-0, at the Ironman, who made a point in knocking off Ohio place winners.  Dennis has majored Marhoffer twice in duals.  Schutte lost to Hackett in the first round last year, but then won three straight to place.  He has had his ups and downs this year, but has the experience to do well at tourney time, as demonstrated by his runner-up finish at Perrysburg.  Dennis pinned him in their dual meet.  It’s a struggle to find another possible qualifier at this location.  I think Keesee might have the best shot, but Currier (should he be at 171#), Griffin and Righi are also possibilities.  My guess is we’ll see a surprise or two.    

Dennis wasn’t challenged at this district last year, and I sure don’t see it happening this year.  Missing here is the Alter star, John Borland, who is not wrestling this year.  The only state qualifier back is Brennan, who represented Tri-County North in Division III last year.  He has been at 189# most of the year, but moved down and was a strong 3^rd at GMVWA.  I also like Randolph, who won at Edgewood, and Brewer, a high placer in several tourneys this year.  Right behind this trio is a second threesome of Sanders, Harmon and Cook, with almost equally good hopes.  Besides Dennis, there might be a low place out of the last three qualifiers.

As has often been the case, I’m not seeing a lot of strength at Firestone.  State alternate, Seeley, won at Buckeye and was 3^rd at Perrysburg, and 6^th at the very strong Medina Tourney.  After that, I’m looking for potential qualifiers.  Good won at Avon Lake, but was shaky at the Midwest Classic.  Moores and Kozenko are very close, while Palmisano may be good enough to qualify.

The power district is at Coshocton, where two or three boys who would qualify anywhere else are going to be kept home.  We’ve already talked about Hackett and Knapp, but there is much more.  State alternate Jordan Williams was 2^nd at Beaver Local, losing to Hahn by the respectable score of 9-4.  He then just missed placement at Medina, losing 3-2 to Seeley.  He was one of the two who took Hackett into double overtime last year.  Green, a Division I state quarter finalist, also returns, and this experienced senior won easily at Lorain Southview.  Lyons was 6^th at last year’s district, losing a one-point decision to Williams, and 3^rd at Barnesville and 1^st at Steubenville.  State qualifier, Vaughn, is up 3 weight classes, was still 2^nd at the Wayne Invitational, but didn’t place at Medina.  Jewell has been exceptional for Miami Trace, winning at Hamilton.  That still leaves Rey and Johnson (Hamilton Twp) to be accounted for.  This will be a great competition, and the winner looks to have great bracketing upsides.

189 #

Projected Champion:  J D Bergman  (Oak Harbor)

Top Contenders

Some of the excitement left this weight class with Jason Hackett when he returned to the 171# weight class.  Still, it should be outstanding with super star J. D. Bergman battling extremely fine wrestlers from all around the state--wrestlers who, in most years, would have expectations of wrestling late on a Saturday evening.  All districts are well represented, but the one at Galion, in particular, is very good.

At the top of the list has to be the defending champion, J. D. Bergman.  Last year, he cruised to the title, pinning in both the district and state finals, and being challenged only by the fearsome Villers--who had beaten him the previous year.  This summer, he was second at the Junior Nationals and has used that as a springboard toward complete domination.  Of the results I have (admittedly incomplete), he has not yet gone six minutes with any Ohio wrestler in winning at Medina and Oak Harbor.  Normally, we would just cede him the title and look for placers, but this is not a normal year.

At Coshocton, Razzano and Jared Williams will vie for top honors.  Razzano was 5^th at the Ironman and 4^th at Brecksville, but I didn’t think he looked quite as sharp as I remembered at the latter tourney.  As a state qualifier last year, he lost to Dennis by one point in the quarters, and eventually ended up a takedown short of placing.  Williams is part of an excellent Beaver Local team that is loaded with good wrestlers and Hoppels.  Behind this duo is Rodden, who was second to Hackett at Hamilton Twp and won convincingly at Tiffin.  Whitten and Yackey stand to the ready for the last qualifying spot, with Kreider and Kessinger as other possibilities. 

The suddenly transformed Hoke, should win at Goshen.  He has gone from a 160# state qualifier who didn’t place, to a 189# with placement hopes.  Short, stocky and very strong, he was 2^nd at the Ironman (beating the #1 ranked Maciag and losing in two overtimes to Bond) and 5^th at the Beast of the East.  He’s beaten both Razzano (narrowly), and Carpenter by being very difficult to score against and looking far more aggressive than he is.  He does it beautifully and it seems to work.  Two-time state qualifier, Snowden, is probably second best here.  He’s 0-4 at the state meet, with a 15-4 loss as his closest bout.  He should win a couple this year.  After that, it’s pretty much chaos with Osborne and Schmidt the two best bets to qualify.  I particularly like Schmidt, who has had some big wins this year.

At Firestone, state placer, Narinsky, and state runner-up, Unger, are well ahead of the rest of the field.  In a mild upset, I think Narinsky will edge out Unger for the district title.  Narinsky won at Kenston, and the WRC, but failed to place at the Ironman, losing by one point to Hoke and two points to Razzano.  Unger was a surprise finalist at 171# in Division III, losing to Dollaway in the finals.  He has not yet wrestled a very demanding schedule, but has been undefeated to this point.  After this duo, look for Gavlak to grab the third spot with the last berth a real opportunity for somebody.

The district at Galion is dynamite.  It starts, of course, with Bergman.  But there’s much, much more.  Ohl was 3^rd as a sophomore two years ago, losing a semifinal battle to Dollaway.  Last year, they were co-favorites after Ohl evened the score and stopped Dollaway’s unbeaten streak at the Gorman.  Unfortunately, Ohl injured his elbow, lost to Unger, and defaulted to 6^th--with Dollaway taking the title 15-1.  This year, Ohl hurt his knee in football, but has come back to win at the Gorman and Marion Harding.  Like Hoke, state qualifier Carpenter has moved to 189# with immediate success.  He won two smaller titles before grabbing first place at Brecksville with wins over Razzano and Hough-Snee.  I thought he looked great.  Turchin is an enigma.  He is already a three time state qualifier who finished 6^th as a sophomore, but he doesn’t seem to be getting better.  Last year, he was only a district 4^th and went 0-2 at the state level.  This year, he was 1^st at Hudson and 2^nd at Solon, so I’m thinking this is his last time to place and I’m expecting an all out effort.  Any slip-ups by the top quartet and both Saniuk and Willis will step in.  The former won at Chippewa and Southview, while the latter was 4^th at Wadsworth and 2^nd at Rogers--losing only to Division I wrestlers at both tourneys.

215 #

Projected Champion:  Jared Villers  (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

From 160# through 215# in Division II, it’s just one exceptional weight class after another, each just as marvelous as the last.  This is no exception.  The top quintet is outstanding and the last two rounds will be riveting.

It is difficult to pick against a defending state champion, but we have here a former state champion and a future state champ (though not this year) at this weight class.  In addition, there is a Division I placer, a Division III placer, and several potential Division II placers.  Interestingly, three, of my top five, were junior high state champions (Marshall, Villers, and Hoppel).

My choice--and it’s a very tough call--is the dynamic senior from Akron St. Vincent, Jared Villers.  A three time state qualifier, he was champ at 171# as a sophomore and 3^rd at 189# last year, losing in the semis to junior national runner-up, Bergman, by a narrow 6-4 score.  This year, he won at both Reno and the Ironman, wrestling with tremendous verve and enthusiasm.  At the Ironman, he pinned Marshall in the semis and then whipped two-time state champ, Koz, for not only the title, but the Outstanding Wrestler award.  Tremendously quick and strong, he’ll need to maintain his focus and enthusiasm at this most difficult weight class.

The first great wrestling family in Ohio were the Hoppels from tiny Lisbon Beaver Local.  This was the era of just one state champion per weight class--big schools and small schools all together--and in the 1950’s and early 60’s, the Hoppels were a force to be reckoned with.  With Mama Hoppel screaming in the stands, Herman, Daryl, Dave, Jim, and Carl won a boatload of tournaments and six state titles (with a number of other places, as well).  The best of the boys was the last, Carl, who came within a few points of being Ohio’s first and only four-time champ in the one classification system.  Only a semifinal loss in his sophomore year to the excellent, Gary Joseph, prevented him from winning four titles.  Now his son, Adam, a 6’ 5” giant, is re-igniting the Hoppel legacy.  Last year, as a sophomore, he swept aside a good field to capture this title, including a technical fall in the final round.  This year, he opened with four falls at Medina before succumbing to Koz in the finals, 4-1.  Hoppel could have one huge bracketing advantage.  If he wins his district (no easy task as we’ll discuss), he’ll be away from Stansbury and McAllister and he’ll be seeded away from Villers.  That would provide a 50% chance that Marshall, too, would be in the other half bracket.  That is a lot of ifs, but it could end up with Hoppel in one half and his four major challengers all bracketed together.

Marshall, a sophomore, is a hugely powerful wrestler who overpowers the opposition.  Marshall was 4^th last year, losing to Villers, 11-10 in the consolation finals.  It was an amazing performance for a freshman.  This year, he was a semifinalist at both the Ironman and the Beast of the East, losing to Villers (by fall) and Koz (by major decision).  He can defeat anyone in this field.

Stansbury was 4^th in Division I, losing only to Koz and Barrentine.  He also is exceptionally strong and, along with the solid McAllister and Hoppel, makes the Coshocton District exceptionally strong.  The fourth spot, which could well be determined by the bracketing gods, should fall to Johnson, Fankhauser, or Howard.  Other possibilities are Holsinger or Ellwood (Indian Valley).  With three spots more or less already spoken for, there will be no margin for error for the rest of the competitors.

Villers will not face such a formidable field, but there are still a number of competitors with state qualification credentials.  Including Villers, there are eight on my list participating at Galion.  Thoburn was a state alternate, losing his go-to-state bout by two points.  He was a semifinalist at Medina, losing to Hoppel by fall, but performing at a high level.  The sophomore Thomas won titles at Solon and Hudson and will be a huge factor next year.  The powerful Sanders was 3^rd at Solon and Brecksville and might be getting better faster than anticipated.  I may not have him ranked high enough.  Mason was 4^th at heavy weight as a Division III performer for Genoa, but then last year, competed at Holland Springfield.  This year, he’s back at Genoa, but at a new weight class.  Genoa, generally a Division III team but six boys over the limit this year, has an excellent team this year.  They’ve won titles at Northwood, Sylvania Southview and Oak Harbor this year, and would be an enormous factor at the relatively weak Waite District.  Mason won at both Northwood and Sylvania, but did not compete at Oak Harbor.  The winner there was the powerful, Levy, who is also undefeated in duals.  Those six fine competitors, and if you factor in Prosser, Bidlack and Green, it makes for a deeper field than at any other district.

Marshall’s task will not be nearly as daunting.  State qualifier, Morton, heads a representative group coming from the one Northwest District sectional feeding Goshen.  That should also include Kunk and Wachtendorf--both with past district experience.  However, that trio must face Gutierrez, Akers and Kelly coming from the nearby Southwestern sectionals.  Gutierrez has my vote as the most impressive of this trio, but Kelly, with a 2^nd at Edgewood and a 4^th at SWOCA may be a “sleeper” pick.

While I have a dozen names at the other three sectionals, I literally cannot come up with five at Firestone.  Radva won at Avon Lake and was 2^nd at the Midwest Classic, and may have placement potential.  After that, I drew a major league blank.  Eventually, I produced those listed above, but this group will struggle big time at Columbus.

Hvy.

Projected Champion:  Mike Skonieczny  (Akron St. Vincent)

Top Contenders

Last year, I agonized trying to come to some conclusion about this weight.  It came down to Ryan or Seals, or was it Seals and Ryan.  Eventually, after long deliberation, I predicted a Seals win.  Naturally, Seals (not totally healthy) failed to escape his district and it was Ryan who took the title.  This year, it’s much worse with a half dozen or more possible winners, and, again, no clearcut choice.  Even worse, almost all the best heavyweights exit Galion, where there are at least seven excellent contenders.

Let’s take a look at the big guys in Galion.  In a bold move, Coach Randy Glover moved Skonieczny from 215# to heavyweight in mid-season.  At about 230#, the worry was that some behemoth would out muscle him.  It was a brilliant move, with Skonieczny finishing 3^rd, but ironically, losing only to the even smaller Boggs.  This year, he was 2^nd at the Ironman (losing to Barrentine) and, otherwise, undefeated in Ohio.  I under-valued both Boggs and Fox last year, as they proved resourceful in finishing 2^nd and 4^th – both losing to Ryan in the championship rounds.  Boggs, short and strong, is not a dominator, but he is almost impossible to score against.  He was 2^nd at Brecksville, losing only to Division I, Taylor.  Fox beat Boggs at the district finals, but drew into Ryan’s half and lost in the semifinals.  As far as I can tell, he hasn’t had a close bout this year.  Widmer has won at Oak Harbor, Northwood and Sylvania Southvew and his closest final round bout was 19-8.  That’s four possible contenders, but wait, there’s more.  Seals, my choice from last year is back.  However, he has been slowed by injury and was only 3^rd at Clyde, but won at Franklin (over Katris), and Lorain Southview.  If he is totally healthy, he’ll do better than this rating.  Marino was 2^nd at Wadsworth and wants desperately to qualify.  Last year, he lost a 6-4 overtime decision in his go-to-state bout.  Karcher, Bowers and Edgington are possibilities, but of all the weight classes, out of all the districts, this may be the single toughest one to qualify from.

Katris is one of the strongest threats to break the Galion monopoly.  A state qualifier last year, despite injury issues, he lost to Fox by a single point in the first round and failed to place.  This year, he won at Coffman and finished 2^nd at Medina (to Johnson) and Franklin (to Seals).  State qualifier, Moler, won two bouts at the state level, and lost by only two to Skonieczny.  He won at Carlisle, but did not place at Medina, despite wrestling reasonably well.  Eyink competed in Division I last year, and just narrowly missed state qualification, while Crummey was 3^rd at GMWVA.  At least to me, the top trio, are a notch above the rest here at Goshen, with Crummey facing a host of challenges for that fourth berth.

At Firestone, there are two potential placers and then an enormous chasm that separates them from the rest of the field.  I particularly like Sharp, who missed placement last year by a single bout.  Ridenour did place last year--beating Sharp to do so--and these two will fight it out for the district title.  Ridenour, a state junior high champ shows an inconsistent pattern, but he knows how to win.  The rest of the field is quite weak, with the pocket size DiPetro, Fenner and Keckan making my short list.  This is a wide-open competition for the last two sports with a dark horse--like Garafalo, maybe, getting through to Columbus.

It’s a nice solid group of heavyweights at Coshocton, but that may not be enough to place at this difficult weight class.  Randolph looked amazingly good at the rugged Ironman for a first year varsity wrestler, finishing 3^rd.  He is very athletic and will probably get even better at a rapid rate.  State qualifiers, Burdette and Doolittle, may be overmatched at Columbus again this year, as they went a combined 0-4 last year.  Baumann may turn out to be second best here, while Neuenschwander and Rankin have definite qualification chances.  Basically, though, with the exception of Randolph, this is the group you’ll want to draw into.

TEAMS

One of the most durable records in Ohio wrestling is the Division II scoring record held by the 1978 Coventry squad with 158.5 points. That record was set with four state champions (Kallai, Glover, Foxx, and Potts), three third place medals, and a fourth place finish. At that time there were thirteen weight classes, no technical falls, and a very much abbreviated consolation process so that team total would be roughly equivalent today to about 180 points. It is the silver anniversary of that record this year and there is absolutely no doubt that Graham will seriously challenge it.

1.            Graham - The most powerful public school team assembled in the last 40 years. It is a squad with unparalleled brilliance, strength at every weight class, and exceptional coaching. They could qualify as many as 12 for the state tournament including at least five potential finalists. Unless something bizarre occurs they should smash the Division II scoring record and challenge the all-time state record of 203 points held by the 1995 Walsh team.

2.            Walsh - My super-secret team scoring methodology actually rates them fourth best, but they get extra credit for almost always performing well at the State Meet. I'm expecting big things from state champion Zupancic, Pucillo, and Sandy, but help needs to come from Lowther and Marhofer up top and the exceptional freshman at the lower weights.

3.            Akron St. Vincent - They have three potential finalists in Hurley, Villers, and Skonieczny which should generate between 60 and 70 points--however Hurley has been shaky lately and Skonieczny has the horrendous district situation. McCahan must come up with a huge effort and Nelson and Caponi must do the same. A big unanswered question is at what level can Rohler contribute.

4.            Columbus DeSales - They have not done as well at recent state meets as anticipated. This year that should change. Knapp is terrific, but he is at that hideously difficult 171# class, and the sometimes erratic Davis needs to score heavily at 140#. Then they have great chances with excellent people like Brown, Morgan, Pizzurro, Cormier, Razzano, and McAlister. In many years this would be a state championship assemblage. However, even factoring points from Randolph, the runner-up trophy is all that can be hoped for.

5.            Kenston - There is an enormous drop-off in potential team scoring after the top quartet. There may be as much as a 40 point differential between 4^th place and 5^th. Deubel, Hurley and Narinsky lead a Kenston team that is not as deep as usual. However, the big guns can score, and, maybe, Hazlett, Rendinell and Davis can chip in with some unexpected points. The Firestone District is much easier this year and that could help get people to Columbus.

6.            Claymont - As always this is a team with multiple scoring chances, but low and middle places are probably the most they can hope for on an individual basis. Their best chances are Reichman and Jackson at the lower weights and Marsh and Grove in the middle. Burdette could help the cause with some points at 275#.

7.            Beaver Local - Adam Hoppel should be worth at least 20 points and the Williams brothers could score, but they are brutally tough weight classes. State qualifiers Shaw and Jared Hoppel need to contribute with Hoover, Luke Hoppel, and Grant Hoppel long-shots to score.

8.            Hamilton Twp. - State champion Hackett will probably make me look bad and win again, and then you have to wonder who else will step forward. There are lots of possibilities with Summers, Pack, Woods and Baumann the best hopes

9.            Buckeye - State champion Maxworthy, Krawczyk and Seeley are a trio of potential point scorers, but the big problem is that Seeley is locked in at 171#. Only Kissinger and Bryson have any hopes of making it to Columbus, and they are both long shots to do even that.

10.       Clyde - This is a team with some upward mobility. Blackburn, Hoffman and Ysaguirre can all score at the state level, but, perhaps, not enough to get them into the Top Ten. However, if the bookends--the precocious freshman Michaels and the experienced Seal-- can escape the dynamite weight classes at their district, they can score in Columbus.

You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com