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Division III

I am totally puzzled by the district structure in Division III.  Incredibly, district size varies from as few as 46 schools to as large as 61.  Even worse, the district that has easily the best state record of all districts (Divisions I, II, and III) has been augmented with the best Northwest sectional.  This creates an Elyria Catholic District of 61 teams that is far and away the most difficult from which to qualify.  Not every competitor can be a state champion, but reaching the state tournament is something everyone can aspire to.  That process ought to be as fair to all contestants as possible.  The argument that this was somehow a geographical necessity is patent nonsense.  There are many other, equally logical, ways by which to create more appropriate districts.  The oversight authority in this process, whoever they are, should be ashamed of themselves.  Let’s hope they can do better next year.

103 #

Projected Champion:  LEVI WYANT (TRIAD)

Top Contenders 

It would almost seem that the entire Elyria Catholic district is in pursuit of Levi Wyant’s state title.  There are seven state caliber wrestlers competing there with only four to qualify.  At the same time, never have I felt uneasier about the choice of a state champion returning to defend at the same weight class.  Wyant is undefeated at 103#, but his sojourns to 112# have been unimpressive and slightly disturbing.  His schedule at 103# has not been terrifically strong and he’ll need to be at the very top of his game to hold off the Elyria Catholic contingent.

It will be just plain brutal at Elyria Catholic.  Gardella is vastly improved.  He was 2^nd at Solon (including a win over Jordan Brown), 1^st at North Canton, and 3^rd at Wadsworth – losing to Wyant 7-6 in the semi-finals.  He massacred Rooney at the Big Eight, and will be a real force in the tourney process.  Marthey, an Orville transfer, might be even better.  He won the D-3 Classic and was 2^nd at Medina, losing only to Division I pick, Lance Palmer.  He built on that with a win at the Bill Dies, and clearly he is on a sensational roll.  Lint is a pinner.  He won at Bellevue, was 2^nd at Aurora, and a very strong 3^rd at Medina, losing only to Division II pick McLemore 7-4.  I have Gray rated 4^th at this district and he was 5^th in the state last year.  Still the BCS goes on strength of schedule, and so do I.  Gray was 2^nd at 112# at the Gorman, losing only to state champion Compton.  He has not lost at 103#, and that includes a big win at Doylestown Chippewa.  Combs was 2^nd at North Canton to Gardella and it isn’t often that two Division III boys compete in the finals there.  He won at Canton City and Canton South, and has past district experience.  I’ve liked Kemble the last two years.  He was one bout from state qualification last year, and this year won at Jackson Milton and was 2^nd to Marthey, 8-6, at the D-3 Classic.  The sophomore Notte was 3^rd at the D-3 Classic – pinning Geesey, but he is clearly at the wrong district.

Two excellent wrestlers head the field at Waite.  Lee came in at mid-season for Elmwood last year and ended up winning 35 bouts and just missing state qualification, losing 6-5 to Tinnel in his go-to-state bout.  He has won at Hopewell-Loudon and was second to Bugara, 9-7, at Edison.  He will give the Elyria Catholic boys all they can handle.  State qualifier Porter was 6^th at Columbus last year, losing twice to Gray.  He won at Marion Harding and Lincolnview.  After these two it’s wide open with Evans, Smith, and Froelich all at the same level.  Should some of this group falter a second trio of Strickland, Geesey, and Laney could step in.

There’s not much at Xenia after Wyant.  Long is experienced while Austin has done well in smaller area tourneys.  He was, for example, 1^st at Carlisle and Waynesville.  The last qualification berth is wide open.

I’m not sure what to expect at Marion.  Many of the top contenders are newcomers without much of a track record, and who have wrestled only within their own geographical area.  Skoff, winner at Bellaire St. John and Barnesville, and Wilson, champion at Ready, seem to be the best.  They should probably both be ranked at 8½.  I have to admit Skoff has put up some excellent results in his freshman year.  Wright and Miller, both from the Columbus area, would seem to have the best opportunity for the last two spots with the other Wilson, from Malvern, certainly a viable contender.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone I’ve completely overlooked in the ratings grid get to Columbus.

112 #

Projected Champion:  COREY OPFER (SANDUSKY ST. MARY)

Top Contenders 

So how do you analyze a weight class that features 13 state qualifiers and 3 returning state placers?  Especially, how do you do that when there are, in addition, four exceptional freshmen--all of whom were either champs or place winners at last year’s Junior High State Tournament?  The difficulties I face are more than offset by the interest and excitement this weight class should generate during the remainder of this season.

The last two years have seen an influx of exceptionally talented freshmen from every part of the state, and in all three divisions.  It has been so pronounced that it raises a question as to its cause.  Is there an upsurge in interest in wrestling that manifests itself in more youngsters becoming involved in the sport, or is this just a peak period in the natural cycle of ups and downs that every sport experiences?  Both those may be true, but there is an important third factor.  The Ohio Junior High State Championship has grown to be a very important event on the wrestling calendar.  It gives middle and junior high school wrestlers added incentive to continue practicing.  It attracts a star-studded field that provides competition at the very highest level.  As you look back at past champions at that event you can see it almost always translates to overwhelming success at the senior high level.  All of us in the wrestling community owe Jude Roth and his cohorts a huge thanks for creating and growing this event, and owe it to our sport to promote it in any way we can.

Revenge is a powerful sports motivator and it may become an important theme at this weight class.  Many of these wrestlers have a history with one another that predates high school competition.  For example, Cory Opfer, one of last year’s favorites at this weight class, cruised into the state semi-finals after two easy wins and was rudely awakened by Lucas Huffman, who yanked him to his back and went on to defeat him 9-4.  Opfer recovered to gain two more easy wins, but third place isn’t what the Opfers are about.  This year it’s time to make amends and Opfer, now a sophomore, has been excellent.  He defeated Division I state champion Iovine at the MWC and his only loss at 112# has been to the excellent Federico 10-1.

Huffman, now a senior, also has something to prove.  After his big win over Opfer he never got going in the finals and lost a narrow 3-2 decision to Lipp.  Very determined he got to 112# early and has not yet been challenged.  No doubt he will be further motivated by this particular selection.  He has already won this year at Malvern, Beallsville, Union Local, and Shadyside.

Scaletta also finished 3^rd last year as a freshman, but I’m sure he thinks it could have been even more.  After defeating the very rugged Schafer in the quarterfinals he battled Wyant into overtime.  Actually I thought Scaletta might have been slightly the better of the two boys (a difficult admission since I picked Wyant), but Wyant won in overtime.  This year Scaletta has dominated smaller tournaments and was a very good 2^nd at Brecksville, losing only to the ubiquitous Federico 5-0.  While this trio is excellent, they’ll face, as I started this essay, very strong competition.

The Marion District is both strong and deep.  Huffman has not matched up with many of them to date so his dominance is not assured.  Foremost is one of the outstanding freshmen, Mick Nicola.  Last year he won the junior high state title at a weight class that also featured (among others) Kevin Lipp and Jacob Murton.  He dominated at Bellaire St. John, and his only loss has been to Terry Jackson, 7-5.  He’ll win a state championship or two before he’s done.  Also at this weight class are returning state qualifiers Minner, Ewing, Riley, and Seidler.  Ewing, top-rated in Columbus, won at West Jefferson, Hamilton Township, and Sheridan, where he beat Grosswiler to win the OW.  Minner won a state bout last year, and along with Wilson has given Pleasant a great 1-2 punch at the top of their line-up.  Riley has won several tournaments for Madison Plains and should improve on his 0-2 record at Columbus last year, if he can get there.  In a normal year Seidler would expect to easily qualify, but he will struggle to do so this season.  Garee is good, as is Grossi, but they are at the wrong weight class.

Unbelievably, it’s even more crowded at Elyria Catholic and even Opfer is not a lock to get out.  I count nine wrestlers with state caliber credentials.  Opfer and Scaletta lead my list, but the other three exceptional freshmen are all here.  Lipp watched his older brother take the state title at this weight as a freshman last year, and hopes that lightning strikes twice in the same place.  He took the title at Solon, but was 3^rd at both Riverside and Kenston.  Koballa, a junior high state runner-up last year, has been very good.  He has been 2^nd three times this year – at Solon (to Lipp 3-1), North Canton, and the Big Eight.  He was 3^rd at Wadsworth, losing only to state champion Compton.  I don’t know as much about Pycraft.  However, he was runner-up at Lorain Southview, losing only 5-2 to the explosive Mitcheff, and has won a couple of smaller tourneys.  His reputation and his genes are both excellent.  That’s five outstanding candidates, but there is much more.  State qualifier Tinnel won a bout at Columbus last year.  This year he was 2^nd at Edison and Bellevue (losing by fall to Scaletta), and 7^th at Brecksville.  State qualifier Amburgey is also good.  He defeated Tinnel at last year’s district in a tiebreaker, but lost twice at states.  This year he humbled state champion Wyant at the A Classic in a 4-0 win.  Add in the D-3 champ Hambrick – a pin master – and the steady Grosswiler and it adds up to a lot of heartbreak.  Ironically the four boys out of the Northwest District that were shuttled to Elyria Catholic would probably all qualify out of Waite.

There is not much left at Waite.  No state qualifiers, no fabulous freshmen (well, maybe one), and no state placement hopes.  Weller and Karnes were the consolation finalists at the A Classic and they might be the best here.  Lopez is that one freshman, and he looks to be real good.  Abair and Smith are also top contenders here, but this is the district you’ll want to draw into at Columbus.

There are four returning state qualifiers at Xenia, and if the bracketing works out, they should be the qualifiers.  Harris is the best.  He beat Mosher early and lost to Huffman by a narrow 4-2 margin.  His highlight this year was winning the giant GMVWA, finishing ahead of state placer Penny, Depoy, and Kostoff.  Despite all of the big names from other districts, he has placement potential.  Bernholt is not that far behind.  He, too, placed at the GMVWA and won two state bouts last year, over Tinnel and LeJeune.  Factor in Steiner and Robbe and this is a very representative district at a very difficult weight class.  Two caveats need be made here.  The bracketing could work so that one of the top four cannot get out, or there could be a big upset.  The key figure in both cases is Traugh who has chances either way.

119 #

Projected Champion:  JORDAN LIPP (BEACHWOOD)

Top Contenders

This is not a particularly deep weight class except, again, at the dynamite Elyria Catholic District where six potential state placers will be whittled down to only four.  My guess is that at both Xenia and, particularly, Marion some of the excess 112’s may find their way to this weight class.

Jordon Lipp had one of those dream seasons last year.  A junior high state champion, he fashioned an undefeated regular season then swept through the tournament process with 12 more wins to complete a perfect year with a state title.  Wise beyond his years, he is an intelligent wrestler who does exactly what it takes to win.  After easy wins in the first three rounds at Columbus he met the fiercesome Huffman, who had just vanquished Opfer.  Wrestling a beautifully choreographed bout he won a close 3-2 victory – his only close bout in the tournament process.  This year he extended his winning streak to 46 with a title at Solon, but fell to the buzz saw Deubel in the Kenston final 18-3.

Despite his credentials, Lipp is not assured of qualification at Elyria Catholic.  Schafer lost narrowly to Scaletta at Columbus last year and did not place, but he deserved better than that.  He got stuck in an unbalanced bracket situation, which put him with Scaletta, Wyant, and Bill.  This year he has taken the title at Gibsonburg, Marion Harding, Clyde, and Van Buren, including wins over people like Ysaguirre.  He exits the easiest sectional and should get a good draw at the district level.  Keyes was the state runner-up at 103# and bitterly disappointed immediately thereafter.  He has not been as dominating up two weight classes where he does not have the size advantage he enjoyed last year.  He was 3^rd at Kenston, also losing to Deubel, 16-1 – but ripped through Jackson Milton.  Tomasone is another brilliant Chanel freshman coming off a stellar junior high career.  His highlight tournament was a 2^nd at Wadsworth to Laughlin.  But he placed at both Solon and North Canton as well.  Mosher and Bill are both returning state qualifiers, both of whom lost their placement bout at Columbus.  If they qualify they can place.

It’s a two-tiered district at Marion with only state placer Kagey and state qualifier Emery on the top level.  Kagey got pinned in the first round at Columbus by Opfer, but won three consolation bouts (Emery and Mosher were two of his victims) to get 6^th.  Most recently he was a sparkling 1^st at the CIT.  Emery was 2^nd at the D-3 classic losing to Mosher in the 30 second tie-breaker.  Emery was a state quarter finalist last year losing to Lipp 10-5.  Below this duo are a large group looking to capture one of those last two spots.  State alternate Wilson and Terry look like slight favorites, but Gossett, who certified at 112#, will probably be back to challenge.

State qualifiers Matt Bloniarz, LeJeune, and Rufenacht head a not so strong group of 119’s at Waite.  Bloniarz defeated Rufenacht in the consolation finals at Waite last year, but got hammered by Emery in the first round at Columbus.  He won two bouts at 125#, and then lost by only 7-6 to the excellent French.  On a hot weekend he could place.  LeJeune had a state win last year and won easily at Northwood.  He had the bad luck to draw Wyant in the first round last year, but as a district qualifier he could look forward to a much better bracket position.  Rufenacht won at the A Classic and has met and beaten most of the other good 119’s in this district.  Martinez, Senn, and Sroufe are the top battlers for the last two spots with Wakefield and, maybe, Schalk as possibilities.

State qualifier Riley transferred from Milton Union to Troy Christian and should become the first wrestler from that school to qualify for the state tourney.  Below him is a tangled mass led, I think, by Carver, Bey, and Mages.  However state alternate Schierloh is a good second-half wrestler who beat Bey last year, but lost to Mages this season.  Kief, a transfer from Indiana, may be a factor.

125 #

Projected Champion:  RANZIE GAMBILL (MIAMI EAST)

Top Contenders

There is no clear-cut choice at this weight class.   Early in the year defending state champion Shearer was competing at this weight and was, in my mind, an overwhelming favorite.  However in the end, he was growing too rapidly and has since moved to 135#.  That makes it a wide-open race to the top step of the podium with a surprise winner the likely outcome.

As I see it there are four choices that are slightly more likely than anyone else.  The most interesting is Ranzie Gambill, who was state runner-up as a freshman and sophomore (the second loss a 3-2 defeat in the 30 second tie breaker).  Last year he was unable to compete in the state tourney process, but now returns at this weight class.  He was 3^rd at the GMVWA, losing only to the sensational freshman Kyle.  Caruso lost to Jaggers, and Spencer (to the two state finalists) at the district level and has no state experience.  This year he won at Solon (over Turchetta) and Kenston (over Protz).  He can be inconsistent, but when he’s good, he just might be the best one here.  Anderson was 3^rd at this class last year, losing only to Spencer.  This year he has won titles at Shadyside, St. Clairsville, and Sheridan (He likes the letter S) and was second to Tucker, 3-2 at Barnesville.  Tucker is up three weight classes after a state 4^th last year at 103#.  He won at Bellaire St. John and Barnesville.

As always the Elyria Catholic District is loaded.  We’ve already discussed Caruso, but if my top quartet doesn’t snare the title, the champ will likely be someone from here.  Cavalier, twice a state qualifier, was 5^th last year after a quarterfinal loss to Opfer.  This year he has been somewhat shaky.  At the D-3 Classic Hill had him beat in the semi-finals, but allowed some late points that permitted Cavalier to forge a 12-12 tie.  Then Hill defaulted in the overtime and Cavalier ended up 2^nd to Hamed.  At Waite, Cavalier only finished 5^th, losing to Morris in the process.  I wonder whether the loss of the Spencer twins as workout partners (they moved to Mayfield) has been a huge negative.  Herner and Burrer are two excellent wrestlers who have never quite made it to Columbus.  They certainly have state caliber talent.  Herner has won at Gibsonburg, Bucyrus, and Clyde, and was 2^nd at Marion Harding.  Morris was 1^st at Jackson Milton and 4^th at Waite, including that upset win over Cavalier.  Nelson and Friedman are other possibilities.

While Tucker and Anderson stand out at Marion, state qualifiers Graessle and Navarra are not far behind.  The former won a state bout last year, and had two interesting bouts with Anderson.  He lost 14-13 in probably the most exciting district final in the state, but then was dumped 17-7 at Columbus.  He has dominated Division III action in the Central District this year.  This would leave Schmelzenbach outside the qualifying circle unless he can manufacture an upset.

There is not much placement potential at Waite.  Hill, second to Herner at Waite, is the top dog here and he has shown that he can stay with some of the top folks here.  State qualifier Steinmetz is probably next best after finishing 3^rd at Van Buren and the A Classic, and 1^st at Hopewell Loudon.  Kunisch and Coleman look good for two state tickets, but Knisely, Madden and Suffel cannot be overlooked.  Nedolast (Fostoria St. Wendelin) and Dotson (Liberty Center) are also possibilities.

A reconstituted Gambill should take the title at Xenia.  In addition, the fierce rivalry between Ison and Franz should continue with both eventually gaining a place in the state bracket sheet.  I look for Gibson to nail down the last spot with Zickafoose, Stapleton, and probably countless others in close pursuit.

130 #

Projected Champion:  JEFF JAGGERS (CHANEL)

Top Contenders

At last!  A weight class where there is just one dominating figure.  Jeff Jaggers is on track to win his 5^th consecutive state title (two junior high titles, plus two state titles to-date).  A dominating foe, there is no one in Division III who can compete with him.  Last year he did not go six minutes in any of his four bouts, winning by technical fall over Spencer in the finals, 19-4.  This year he has won four tourney titles, but has split two great bouts with Division II choice Josh Zupancic, losing 11-10 and winning 7-6.  In both cases I thought his conditioning might be suspect, but it won’t matter here.  He will be highly recruited next year.

The best district is – surprise – at Elyria Catholic.  Bernath, who was district runner-up to Jaggers last year (it took 73 seconds) was 4^th last year, defaulting in the consolation finals.  He is an excellent wrestler who could well meet Jaggers in the sectional, district, and state finals.  Craemer lost his district semi-final to Hamed (who ended up 3^rd) by a 5-4 count, and then failed to qualify.  He missed the early part of the year, but won impressively at Chippewa.  There is a real logjam after this trio.  Gliatta, Kertesz and Eicher are all possibilities, but so too are state qualifier McGhee, Snyder, Allerding, and Dierkes (Jackson-Milton).  It should be a frantic race for the two bottom slots, with Craemer in the lead.

State qualifier Cocherl should dominate a curiously weak Marion District.  He had one win at Columbus last year and should better than that this time around.  He has been at 135# much of the year, but his district is much easier at this weight.  He took titles at Bishop Ready and North Union and should have a great opportunity for a high place.  Brown won the D-3 Classic and has the look of a district finalist.  During the past few years Monroe Central has developed some excellent wrestlers and this year is no exception.  State alternate Hampton is returning from a broken ankle, and has just begun wrestling.  Still, he was 2^nd to Craemer at Chippewa.  After that it’s “by guess and by golly” with Cottrill, Casebolt, and Workman as the prime candidates.

It’s like we’ve gone back in a time warp to the 1970’s when I look at the Xenia District.  The one exception is state alternate Ezerski who is down two weight classes.  Should he be able to compete at this level, he will be very tough.  He was at 135# at GMVWA and finished 3^rd defeating Ryan Wilson in the consolation finals and losing only to the excellent Midlam.  Watch for him.  That leaves five prime contenders for just three spots.  The freshman Jake Gambill is a national age group champ and was 7^th at the GMVWA.  Hensley is ranked as the best Division III 130-pounder in Cincinnati, with a 13-1 record and wins at Deer Park and Lockland.  Dobereiner was one win from Columbus last year and won at Beallsville and Belpre.  Adams was also one win from Columbus last year and was 2^nd at Madeira.  And Henry is from Versailles and that Henry family is always good.  Take your pick.

There is also an overload of state candidates at Waite, but not at a performance level that will generate many state placement opportunities.  State alternate Bloniarz and state qualifier Clum are probably the best here.  Bloniarz was runner-up at Perrysburg, losing only to Oberdove, but was not so fortunate at Medina where he lost early to Eicher.  Clum wrestles an easier schedule, but I was impressed with his big win over McCreary at Marion Harding finals.  Shindledecker started slow with only a 3^rd at Gibsonburg, but bounced back to win at Rogers and the A Classic.  Kelly, whom I didn’t recall from last year, was 3^rd at Rogers and the A Classic, and won at Oak Harbor.  That’s my “starting” quartet, but the back-up guys may be just as good.  That includes Autullo, Thomas, Nickles and Schalk, who won at Gibsonburg and Hopewell-Loudon, and was 2^nd at the A Classic and Van Buren.  He might be way better than I’ve rated him.  That still leaves state qualifier Buckingham (who beat Schalk once this year),  Wagner and Barton to be factored into this equation with eleven variables.

135 #

Projected Champion:  TANNER SHEARER (SANDUSKY ST. MARY)

Top Contenders

For the past two years Chanel has been the team to beat in Division III, but they did not win either time.  Two years ago injuries and bad wrestling luck cost them the team title by ½ point, and last year bad luck at the brackets (compared to tremendous draws for Sandusky St. Mary) and some shaky wrestling cost them the title.  Now this year the shoe is on the other foot.  St. Mary is now the big favorite, but they have been bedeviled by injuries, and weight problems.  So they’ve gone to Plan “B” which, I believe, will start here.

Defending state champion (at 119#) Tanner Shearer began the year at 125# and looked like a sure shot to win another state title.  After all he was 57-0 last year, with no close bouts with Division III folks – except the last, tense, nail-biting final against Tierney won on a 30 second ride-out.  Shearer had grown too much and so it was on to 130# - or was it.  Suddenly we see him at 135# eating and smiling, and happy, and not having to wrestle Jaggers (that’s why he is smiling).  The question remains how well will he perform at this weight class, and that answer is still to be determined, but my guess is “just fine.”

Shearer will face tough competition at Elyria Catholic with four other state qualifiers in that bracket.  Meyers, a district champion, had a puzzling state tourney going two and out.  This year he has been at 140# much of the time, and with great success.  He’ll place this year – and toward the top end of the podium.  Paparone, a two-time qualifier, was 5^th two years ago at 112#, but failed to place last year.  He started at 145# this year and has now apparently settled here.  He was 4^th at Solon and North Canton (at 145#), 2^nd at Wadsworth (at 140#), and 2^nd at the Big Eight (to Lang at 135#).  This could be a pivotal weight for the team title.  Steiner and Nolan may have to battle for just one spot if they want to return to Columbus.  Last year Steiner defeated Nolan 9-7 in a first round consolation bout.  Pallotta and a bevy of others may have to wait until next year, unless they’re seniors.

The sophomore Moss, already a state qualifier, has become a hammer in the Northwest District.  He’s now only losing to the very best kids like Flake or Martin, or Shearer’s teammate, Young.  If he doesn’t win it this year his time will come soon thereafter.  He has lots of good company at Waite.  I’ve always liked state qualifier Grigson and he should place after just missing last year.  He’s won at Northwood and Sylvania Southview.  Gracia wrestled at the district level at 160# and has dropped four weight classes (shades of Jake Glover).  He won the A Classic over state placer Mulholland and they may meet again at the district level.  Factor in state qualifier Weyer and Rogers champ Jahnz and this district begins to look like Elyria Catholic.

State qualifiers Bennington and Borders should lead the way at Marion.  Bennington has already qualified twice and a couple of state wins would be a fitting climax for an exceptionally fine career.  Borders, now a junior, is top-rated in the Columbus area after another excellent year.  He beat Moss in overtime last year and a rematch would be a great gauge of their progress.  Mamone is a good third choice, but there really is no standout fourth option.

The Xenia District is also strong at this weight class.  Stapleton won two state bouts last year and has moved forward this year.  He was 2^nd to a Kentucky champion at Carlisle and beat Ezerski at Waynesville.  State qualifier Shaver also returns, as does the puzzling Smith.  Two years ago Smith was one bout from state placement, but last year failed to gain a return trip.  This year he placed at the GMVWA at 140# and should catch that return visit this year.  That leaves Waldman and Lanham as the top choices for the last spot and they are very close.  Lanham won two district bouts last year and three tourneys this year.  He’s close to going.

140 #

Projected Champion:  MATT SAMMONS (CVCA)

Top Contenders

There seems to be in Division III more than the normal maneuvering by wrestlers and coaches seeking the perfect weight class.  It is, for example, very evident at 140# where several wrestlers may still decide to compete elsewhere.  I would not be greatly surprised if both of my top choices were, for one reason or another, not participating at 140#.  Nonetheless, my intent is to approach this analysis as if these weight classes are fixed, though I’ll mention some possible changes.

My choice is the physical senior from CVCA, Matt Sammons.  Last year he was 3^rd at both the district and state level, winning four consecutive bouts in the consolation rounds.  He has been at 145# much of the year and the cut to 140# cannot be an easy one.  Still, strategically, it sets him up for an all-out effort to achieve a state title in his senior year.  He won the D-3 Classic at 145# in a tough weight class, but did not wrestle at Medina.  This will be two tough weekends as his district bracket may be nearly as difficult as his state one.  A major risk is early round action where he is cold, nervous, and right on weight.  It’s a time when upsets seem to blossom.

The Elyria Catholic District is very strong, anchored by three state placers and two other returning qualifiers.  Young has certified at 135#, but will probably be here if, as expected, Shearer moves to 135#.  I think it’s a good fit.  A state runner-up last year at 130#, Young is very good in close bouts, and will be quicker than most opponents at this class.  He wrestled a brilliant bout against my choice, Tierney, in the quarterfinals, and had solid winning chances in his one-point final loss.  He was 4^th at Medina.  Gliatta was 5^th last year at 135#, and both losses were very close to Ralph – the last one on tiebreaker.  This year he won at Edison and was 2^nd at Bellevue (losing to Meyers).  He should place once again.  Also returning are state qualifiers Majer and Eicher, and they are both good.  Majer has won their two bouts – last year’s district and this year’s D-3 Classic – by one point.  Gliatta beat both of them in state consolation rounds last year.  Majer also won at Clyde and was runner-up at Kenston.  There are several other possibilities here.  Janas has had a sparkling year including a runner-up finish at Chippewa, losing only to Blunk.  Hicks had manufactured a solid season at 135#, but has now switched weight classes with Paparone.  McFarland and Comer would have good placement chances at the other district, but will need good fortune to escape this district.

The Marion District is also strong.  Walker is a two-time state qualifier who was just on the edge of placement in Division II last year.  This year he should reach that level.  State qualifier Fleming lost a 10-7 decision to Sammons in the first round at Columbus and then won a consolation bout before being eliminated.  State qualifier Ferguson, Bruce, and Hunkler are not strangers to one another.  This year Bruce has made solid improvement and may now be the best of the trio and fully capable of challenging Walker and Fleming.  He won at Bellaire St. John and Shadyside, pounding Hunkler in that final.  Hunkler has won three times, Sheridan, St. Clairsville, and Barnesville, and defeated Ferguson at the latter event.  Ferguson was 5^th at the D-3 Classic losing 7-0 to Eicher.

The Northwest District is quite crowded, but I’m not sure at exactly what level.  I’ve rated the top quartet very close to one another, and they may deserve to be somewhat closer to the top.  Gratz, a state qualifier last year, moves from the Xenia to the Waite District, and this may not be the best weight class to do that.  He won at Van Buren and Lincolnview, but will face stiff competition here.  Hoff is a great freshman whose potential has been noted to me in several e-mails, but Stuckey did stick him in the A Classic final.  State qualifier Burkholder may be the best of the lot right now.  He placed at Waite and Brecksville (at 145#), but his results always seem a little inconsistent to me.  Bogden will be the wild card here.

State placer Knoop and state qualifier Reynolds are well above the rest of the field at Xenia.  Knoop was 6^th last year losing to Gliatta in that bout, but wrestled very well after a first round loss.  He defeated Burkholder by two during that consolation run.  He was 2^nd at the GMVWA losing only to the excellent Division II wrestler, Aaron Martin.  Reynolds lost two state bouts by a total of three points last year.  I don’t have him losing this year with wins at Carlisle and Waynesville.  After that the competition is wide open with the last two qualifiers likely to face big trouble in the first round at the Schott.

145 #

Projected Champion:  JOHNNY VOGEL (GRANDVIEW HTS.)

Top Contenders

There are eight returning state champions returning in Division III and, except for Jaggers, picking them to win again is problematical.  In almost every case they have to be looked at as favorites, but they are not the big hearty, virtually nothing could go wrong favorites.  And so it is here.  Vogel was 6^th as a sophomore and then wrestled extremely well at Columbus, was never in serious trouble in any of his four bouts, and came home with a state title.  His much-anticipated match-up with Lohman in the final round failed to materialize when Lohman hit his head in the first ten seconds and briefly lost consciousness.  Doctors wisely ended the bout.  It was Grandview’s first state title and led them to a third place finish in the team race.  It also completely erased the belief-- held by some-- that they couldn’t win at the state level.  This is an excellent program that gets better every year.  Vogel was a very strong 2^nd at Medina, losing only to Division I selection Travis Kovach, 3-2.

Vogel’s toughest competition might come from his own district.  Wilson, already a three-time state qualifier, was runner-up at this weight class, losing to Marcus Gordon.  Wilson appears to be an excellent athlete (all-state football) who should give Vogel problems, although Vogel defeated him at the district finals two years ago.  Wilson’s only loss was at 152# when the fierce Smilek manhandled him, 10-0, at the D-3 Classic final.  State qualifier Irwin is also here after winning a bout in Columbus last year.  Vogel beat him 5-2 in the district semifinals last year.  This year Irwin has won at Bellaire St. John, Shadyside, and St. Clairsville.  Only a junior, he will be exceedingly tough next year.  The last opening should be a struggle between two Columbus area wrestlers (Geers and Ross) and two wrestlers from the Eastern District (Bologna and Youngen).

Defending district champion and state qualifier Bryant has placement potential, qualifying out of the Xenia District.  It’s a rather thin district with few challengers for him.  Burton had 33 wins last year, but only one of those was at the district level.  However, he was an impressive 4^th at the GMVWA and looks to be second best at this district.  Muldrow won at Madeira, while Goins and Voisard (just recently installed in the line-up) are possibilities.  It looks like there is plenty of opportunity here for others.

There are a number of potential placers at Elyria Catholic, maybe even a finalist.  Fearon was 4^th last year after losing 9-8 in the first round.  He was 2^nd at the D-3 Classic, losing to Sammons.  He does not wrestle a real rugged schedule, but he seems ready for the big meets.  State qualifier McCreary lost to Vogel in the first round at Columbus, and then to Sammons (again) two rounds later.  He went toe-to-toe with Fearon at the D-3, finally losing in overtime.  Wright, also a state qualifier, was the 140# district champ, but was upset in the first round, and despite two consolation round wins (one over Irwin) did not place.  He has been at 152# and placed 2^nd at Solon and North Canton and 3^rd at Wadsworth.  Baum, only a sophomore, has excellent credentials at the youth level.  Last year as a freshman 152-pounder he won 33 bouts, but lost both his district encounters.  He is the likely fourth qualifier.  The big obstacles to this top quartet are Smith and Kisella, along with, perhaps, Windom (Waynedale).  I particularly like Smith who is a pinner.

Much as we saw at 140#, the Waite District is tightly bunched, but at a respectful distance from the very top boys.  Again, we’ll see a lot of churning with results from one weekend not being good predictors of what will happen the following weekend. I've ranked Shannon and Racheter as best here, but the top three are very close. Hill, who is very tough on top, has had vacillating results but, I believe, has the most upside potential.  He’s the guy to watch when this group gets to Columbus.  McGaharan and Rammel should engage in an epic struggle for that fourth berth, with Layton and Porter having little hope.

152 #

Projected Champion:  JOE WHELAN (SANDUSKY ST. MARY)

Top Contenders

Let’s face it – three can be a very awkward number.  Whether we’re talking about love or wrestling it becomes a complicating factor.  What we have here is a three-man battle – each of whom has put together an impressive resume.  One of them, probably the Elyria Catholic champion, will catch a break, as the other two must wrestle each other before they can get to him.

Joe Whelan won the super tough 140# class at Waite last year and was a state semifinalist before finishing 4^th.  This year he has been little short of awesome while winning at the Midwest Classic (over Kuhner) and Brecksville (over Monk).  He has to be a slim favorite.

Matt Smilek has been almost as good.  He was 3^rd last year at 130# and has moved up four weight classes.  He will be a small 152 pounder, but he is very strong and preternaturally quick.  He dominated at the D-3 Classic, beating state runner-up Wilson (who looked bigger) 10-0.  He was a finalist at Medina, defeating Butzer and Foster, but losing a squeaker to Kuhner 6-5.  Already a three-time state placer (3-6-3) all he needs now is a state title.

Pat Hardy was 3^rd last year, losing only to two-time champ Marcus Gordon.  He was 2^nd at his district (losing to Wilson), but ended the year with 40 victories.  This year he has been a champ everywhere but at Medina where a first round upset loss threw him in that tortuous consolation maze where he lost (eventually) to Butzer.  He and Vogel are a superb one-two punch for Grandview Hts.

Whelan and Smilek are the two best at Elyria Catholic, but Roppel is gaining on them.  He has a pair of second place finishes, a third, and a fourth at four major tourneys where, generally, he competed at 160#.  I originally thought that Keck at 152# for Jackson-Milton was returning state quarterfinalist Lee Keck, but apparently it is Adam.  That solves a major problem for the top trio. It also gives the fiery Emery, freshman Bellottie (State Junior High 2^nd), and Burton far better odds of qualifying.  Horn might just blast by this whole group.

Hardy has a much easier district.  State qualifier Bahmer is his chief obstacle, but Hardy did beat him at districts, 5-3.  Bahmer has already won three tourneys this year, beating the excellent Shriner twice.  The Central District, with Hardy, Baldridge, and Bates should dominate at this weight.  I particularly like Gorman champ Baldridge, who will try to follow Dollaway’s state title – Northmor’s first – with one of his own 

We have a mini-three man battle at Waite.  State qualifier Lichty, state alternate Merillat, and district 6^th Thompson are all back, Merillat for a new school.  Lichty beat Merillat 3-2 and Thompson 4-1, while Merillat defeated Thompson 3-2.  The transitive holds here, at least until next week.  However, I still think that Merillat has better statewide potential.  There is a big falloff after this threesome, with folks like J. Studer, Fisher, Bays, and Bedford well behind.

There isn’t much at the Xenia District except state qualifiers Whitt and Keiser, and they went 0-4 at Columbus last year.  Keiser has won at Norwood and Lockland, while Whitt, who spent some time at 160#, was 2^nd at Madeira.  Lehn is my choice for the third spot, with McKnight, Dellaposta and Owens hoping to grasp that last ticket to the Schott.  There isn’t a lot of sleep being lost in the other districts over Xenia.

160 #

Projected Champion:  A. J. Aeschlimann (tuslaw)

Top Contenders

Sports Illustrated has a tongue-in-cheek feature entitled “This Week’s Sign of the Apocalypse” where some strange or ironic athletic activity is chronicled.  Under that heading we might well note that Jimmy Jewett (Dixie), a state placer at this weight class last year, quit wrestling --to play varsity basketball this year.  Of those that remain, my choice is the senior A. J. Aeschlimann, the pin-happy senior from Tuslaw.  A mild favorite last year, he went to the state meet with a serious injury and failed to place.  This year, healthy once more, he has won three tournaments, including the D-3 Classic, the Dies, and Northwest.  Rangy and very athletic, he will face a solid field that features three dominant challengers.

One of those challengers will be at the Elyria Catholic District with him.  P. J. Bolanis.  (this will obviously be a district big on initials) moved from Oak Harbor to St. Mary’s this year.  He was a Division II district semifinalist last year before losing to eventual state champ Maxworthy.  He has been hampered by injuries all year, but when healthy he is very good.  Keough surprised me last year by qualifying for Columbus in a very strong district.  This year he has placement potential but, again, as it was last year, this is a difficult district.  State alternate Hickey has wrestled Keough more times than I can count.  He’ll battle him again at the sectional and district level, along with Kostel and Cletzer, for a state berth.  All four exit the same sectional.  Add in Miller, Brinkman and Vernon and Elyria Catholic is a district that will not allow you to make any mistakes.

Petrella is an even bigger threat to Aeschlimann.  Ranked at the top in the Columbus area, he won at Ready and Hamilton Twp., and was 2^nd at the CIT, losing to Caponi.  He ended up 5^th in the state last year, but should do even better come early March.  He, like Aeschlimann, faces a crowded district, but it is not quite as strong as Elyria Catholic.  State qualifier Sutter is back, along with Fischer, Burkhart, and two different competitors with the last name of Myers.  The Sandy Valley Myers was a district 6^th last year, while winning 27 times, and was 3^rd at Bellaire St. John this year.  The Harrison Central Myers was a Junior High State Champion who hasn’t wrestled in two years and is making a comeback (if that’s possible at age 17).  Watch for Blackford and Blevins here.

Aeschlimann’s biggest battle, however, may be with Mack who was 3^rd last year.  Tinora has had some outstanding 160’s (e.g. J. D. Davis) and this lad could be the best one yet.  He went 4-1 at the Schott, losing only to eventual champ Nick Roppel in the semifinals.  He has dominated his own area and was a very strong 3^rd at Medina, losing only to state champion Maxworthy.  He was very nearly my choice here.  Mack is a senior and it is very likely that his younger brother will carry on the 160# tradition next year.  The remainder of the field at Waite is not nearly as strong.  I see Ross, Gery, and Frank at about the same level, but it will take a very hot weekend for one of them to place at the state level.  I think Van Buren champ Ross is the best of this trio, but he was pinned by Kostel in the Bellevue final.  Mignin is the strong dark-horse candidate here, and could well derail one of that top trio.  Utrup is also a possibility.

I’ve been impressed with the scores Mages has put up in the Southwest and he looks to be a real factor at this weight class.  He was 4^th at the very tough SWOCA and won handily at Reading.  Last year at 145# he lost a tough, overtime quarterfinal battle to eventual district champ Bryant and kind of faded out of the picture.  This year, with Jewett gone, he should top this district.  His biggest challenges should come from O’Neal, also from Dixie, and Dobereiner.  After this trio the rest of the field is very weak.

171 #

Projected Champion:  ALEX PICAZO (GRANDVIEW HTS.)

Top Contenders

This is probably the weakest weight class in the tournament this year.  However, it may be one of the most competitive given the variety of styles that will be exhibited.  I think there are at least five wrestlers with a 10% probability or better of winning, but none that edge above the 30% mark.  In addition, nagging injuries have contributed to some unexpected results and, in some cases, absence from major tourneys that help define a weight class.  My choice, Alex Picazo, has missed some time this year, but has manufactured a track record that is impressive.  He was 3^rd last year, losing only to Ohl, but had several narrow escapes in other rounds.  He will not be a dominating choice, and he must be prepared to succeed against a wide range of styles.

Picazo exits one of the best districts.  Samsa placed at 145# last year, winning his first two bouts by a single point in two very different ways – 1-0 in the first round and 9-8 in the second.  Up three weight classes now, he shut out Yoder to win at Bellaire St. John and also won at Shadyside and St. Clairsville.  State qualifiers Yoder and Barker also return although the latter has not wrestled in some time.  Yoder’s big win last year at Columbus was a first round triumph over Dye, but then eventual champ Roppel and Ross beat him.  Selfsick may actually move ahead of both of them.  He was an impressive 3^rd at the D-3 Classic.  Dimmerling and Eichorn are also very strong, but it’s Bates who could be the upset-maker here.  Dimmerling is another name that hasn’t shown up lately, but he was 2^nd at Barnesville ahead of some top contenders.

The other good district is at Elyria Catholic.  I think Oxford, Dye, and Morgan all have winning chances.  Of this group Oxford might have the best opportunity based on his consistency.  He has won at the D-3, Dies, and Northwest events, and had horrible bracketing luck at Medina, drawing Grogan in the very first round and only losing 3-1.  He seems to be wrestling a good tournament every time out, and that may be enough to win here.  Dye is the most dangerous wrestler in this weight class.  An exceptional pinner, this sophomore is just starting to get real strong.  A state qualifier last year, he was 4^th at Brecksville, losing to Knapp in the semifinals.  His father, Joe, was the first Division III state champion at this (equivalent) weight class in 1976, and also St. Mary’s first of 17 state winners.  Morgan also comes from an excellent wrestling family and is a transfer from Cuyahoga Heights.  He’s already won at Solon and Kenston, and should do very well here.  Only a junior, he has made rapid strides.  The last spot is up for grabs.  I think Yoakum has looked good this year, but state qualifier Schnittger, who has battled injuries all year, Fox, and Hood also have hopes.  Factor in D-3 winner Beeghly, Lewis, and the powerful Churn, and it should be quite a competition.

There doesn’t seem to be much at Waite.  I had state alternate Weaver rated at the top, but then Hausch beat him 19-6 at Van Buren.  State qualifier Queen has missed the entire year, but did certify at this weight class.  It’s difficult to know what we can expect from him.  Dustin Sowers – aka the little Sowers – won the A Classic and was 6^th at the GMVWA, and could also figure prominently in the resolution of this weight class.  In the far west Flowers has had successes and Alig will be returning to this district after time at Xenia.  All in all this is not likely to be a set of qualifiers that have much success at Columbus.

I’m intrigued by Wright at Goshen.  A state alternate last year, he was 2^nd at GMVWA, losing only to Merkle and finishing ahead of Combs, Sanders, and Sowers.  He should have placement chances.  State qualifiers Simmons and Eilerman are also back and should return to the Schott.  However, the trio of Parrish, Day, and Bumgardner may be better than just one qualifying berth.  Smith (Waterford) might also play a role here.

189 #

Projected Champion:  LARRY REICHARD (NEW ALBANY)

Top Contenders

This is a weight class that lost some of its focus when state champion Chad Sowers decided to compete at 215#.  What that means is that in all likelihood the final will be the last bout in a long high school rivalry between Scott Smith and Larry Reichard.  Reichard, a junior, was 5^th last year, losing to Sowers in the semifinals.  He had beaten the other finalist, Barte, 10-2, at the districts.  This year he has been outstanding, finishing 2^nd at both the GMVWA (to Clinger) and the Gorman (to Ohl) while winning at Bishop Ready.  Smith has been at 215# much of the year, but dropped to 189# at the beginning of the month.  He comes from a family of big people and good wrestlers -- two older brothers were state qualifiers.  He was 6^th last year at Columbus. He has lost to Reichard the last four times they met including a dual meet this year. As you might guess there is less scoring in each successive bout, the last one ending at 1-0 (I guess you can’t get any lower than that).  I favor Reichard because he is somewhat more mobile and he still has lots of upside.  However, when we’re talking about boys who have wrestled a great number of close bouts, anything can happen.

State qualifier Lee is also at Coshocton with Reichard and Smith, and he won a state bout last year.  He’s had a second straight excellent season at Tusky Valley, but he’ll struggle against the top duo.  Smith defeated him 11-5 last year.  The rest of the district is also good, but there is only one state berth left.  I think the Central District pair of Mehling and Joseph have the best shot with Antonik and Mello also possibilities.  Oldfield, Brickles (Coshocton) and Horn (Shenendoah) have little chance here, but would do well at other districts.

None of the other districts are remotely as strong at Coshocton.  It’s a tightly bunched field at Elyria Catholic.  Blackwell has had a quantum leap in performance with a 4^th at Solon and a 3^rd at Kenston.  He and state qualifier DeWeese have split two bouts this year.  DeWeese won at Jackson-Milton and split consolation final bouts, with Blackwell at Solon and Kenston.  He struggled at Columbus last year.  Ayers was a district semifinalist last year, crushing Blackwell in the process.  I don’t think he’ll be able to do that this year.  The results I have for him this year have not been as strong as I anticipated.  Poweski was also a district semifinalist and, along with Urso and Martin, will be the principal challengers to the aforementioned trio.  Urso was only 4^th at Jackson Milton, but then matched that placement at the far tougher Perrysburg Tourney.  Go figure.

The Northwest District is not strong at most of the upper weights, apparently saving all of their firepower for 215#.  I’ve struggled to put together a comprehensive list of good 189’s and find some consistency in their results.  This I have failed to accomplish.  In the end I have placed an A classic champ, Studer at the top of the list, but there is no great surety involved in that selection.  I do like Schlack to qualify with Gracia probably somewhere near the top of the list as well.  Frankly, I thought 2001 Junior High State Champion Van Sickle would be further along at this juncture, but that pivot point could happen at any time.

There is a 189-pound Bergman leading the way at the Goshen District, but no, it’s not J.D.  Instead it’s Kyle Bergman who was 3^rd at the GMVWA after jumping up two weight classes this year.  He will be challenged by a whole boatload of potential qualifiers in a weight class that is surprisingly deep.  This district has had, over the past two years, the second poorest state results of all 12 districts.  That seems to be changing as one begins to identify greater depth at many weight classes.  Both Simonds and Trimble also placed at the tough GMVWA, while Goff was 2^nd at Bishop Ready.  Marion was a state alternate in Division II last year and will be a major threat at this weight class.  Lambert was 3^rd at West Jefferson and he’s down from 215# where he won two district bouts.  This suggests that state qualifier Dress will have to move it up a notch to qualify, and three or four notches if he wants to be a factor in Columbus.

215 #

Projected Champion:  MARK NAGEL (DELTA)

Top Contenders

This is an absolutely fantastic weight class – absolutely the best in Division III and nearly on par with 171# in Division II.  I don’t remember a better assemblage of wrestlers at the heavier weights in Division III history.  We have a pair of state champions and a two-time state runner-up, and a deep weight class surrounding them.  Somehow I thought Stookey, Sowers, and Nagel would work this all out.  You know – “Chad you go to 189#, and Mark you head up to 275#, and I’ll stay here.”  Didn’t happen.  So now we’re in for a tremendous treat as three of the best upper weights in Division III history square off for the state championship.

Sower was 3^rd at 189# as a sophomore and then captured the state title last year in relatively easy fashion, with only the final with Barte ever in doubt.  He is quick and very strong, with excellent balance for a big man.  This year he has not tasted defeat and beat Stookey 8-4 in the St. Mary’s duals, but Stookey was clearly not (as we shall soon see) 100% at that time.  He has had absolutely no trouble moving up one weight, although he has not wrestled a difficult schedule.

Nagel was a state runner-up as a sophomore, losing to two-time champ Grewell, in a tense, nail biting overtime battle decided on a takedown.  He had defeated Sowers in the district final.  Then last year Nagel moved up to 215# and again was a finalist (after a titanic struggle with Zaranec).  His finals opponent was Stookey, who he had beaten 7-6 at districts.  This time it was no contest, as Stookey controlled early and thumped the demoralized Nagel 11-3.  It was a victory margin that no one could have predicted.  This year Nagel has won at Brecksville, Perrysburg, and Waite, but I sense that he is wrestling more conservatively now, and I don’t think that’s an unalloyed positive.

Stookey was 3^rd at 215# as a sophomore and then won 56 bouts last year on his way to the state title.  Interestingly, he was at heavyweight as a freshman, but his quickness and technique pay off far better at this weight class.  He has wrestled only during the first week of the season and will not return until the week before sectionals.  How that will impact him is unclear.  He certainly will be fresh, but timing and conditioning could be a factor.

I favor Nagel.  He is bigger and stronger than Sowers, and Stookey may still not be 100% at tourney time.  The Waite District winner should be away from the other two and that will surely be a positive.  Whoever the winner is in Columbus should automatically be awarded the Outstanding Wrestler Award.

Nagel and Sowers will totally dominate at Waite.  However, the next big star, freshman, Nick Girlie, could well qualify.  A state junior high place winner, he will be the next terrific big man to emerge out of the Northwest District.  The rest of the district is a pretty pedestrian lot, but one or two of them will quality.

Stookey will face far fiercer competition at Elyria Catholic.  State qualifiers Wellert, Phile, and Turnbull will all be competing with the trio of state alternate Slepko, Kraft, and Bachna right behind them.  Wellert would give a perfectly healthy Stookey a competitive match, and certainly has strong placement potential.  He was the champion at the Wayne Invitational where he defeated Division II state placer Kuhn, and was a solid 3^rd at Wadsworth.  Turnbull has missed the entire year to this point, but should be ready to go soon.  Phile won at Jackson-Milton and was 3^rd at Waite, but did not wrestle Nagel.  Bachna was a district semifinalist at heavyweight, and I wonder if qualification might be easier there this year.

There is some strong wrestling at this weight class at the Xenia District.  In a normal year a couple could expect state placement, but it will be very tough in 2003.  Monroe was a district runner-up last year and drew Stookey in the first round.  He gave the eventual state champ by far his biggest scare losing a thriller 14-11.  Stookey was never challenged again, and Monroe ended losing in the second consolation round to his nemesis Dusty Johns.  Wilson was a state semifinalist, pinning twice, including Wellert, before getting blown out by Stookey 11-1, and falling all the way to 6^th place.  Thobaden was a district champ at 189# and came one victory short of placement.  All three of this trio have had excellent seasons and will be important factors in the hunt for low places at Columbus.  Add in Randolph, Huck and Keiser, and this is a district with excellent quality.

The Coshocton District is outmanned and outgunned at this weight class.  State qualifier Leach is the lone returnee, but he was pinned in both his state bouts.  After him the well has gone dry and there just isn’t much.  Song (Coshocton) might have been a factor, but he is out with a torn ACL.

Hvy.

Projected Champion:  TONY CAROTHERS (HARRISON CENTRAL)

Top Contenders

As was certainly convincingly demonstrated last year just about anything can happen in the heavyweight classification.  There were upsets galore, overtime thrillers, sudden pins, and an unexpected winner. I think you can expect more of the same this year, as there are no dominating figures at this weight class.  In fact, the overall quality at heavyweight is far less than it has been in the past few years.  It also is an unbalanced distribution, with one district far superior to the other three.  This is all bad news for forecasting types, but should provide plenty of entertainment for the wrestling fan.

It all happens at Coshocton.  I would not be surprised to find all four semifinalists from this district.  And because they vary widely in size and style, the bracketing at the district level may be a key factor in the order of finish.  A natural consequence is that we may not have consistency from week to week.  Do not be shocked that the eventual state champ will not have won the district.  That is, in fact, what happened last year when Davia was the state titleholder, but failed to win at the OVAC, his sectional or his district.  My choice is the stocky senior, Tony Carothers, from Harrison Central.  Short, blocky, with quick feet, Carothers is very difficult to score against and is great at attacking opponent’s mistakes.  He was a state semifinalist last year before getting pinned by Mariast and falling to 6^th.  This year he has won everything and his performance at the D-3 Classic was awesome.  He checks in at right about the heavyweight limit, and he is the defending district champion.  Bartholomew is the lightest of these four heavyweights, but he has exceptional speed and guile.  He was a state quarter-finalist, pinned also by Mariast, and fell an overtime loss short of placement.  He was injured at Medina after winning two bouts and had to forfeit his remaining contests.  He did win handily at Hamilton Township.  Daniels has won at Madison Plains, but does not wrestle an overly ambitious schedule.  He is slightly larger than Bartholomew.  That leaves defending champ Davia, who is right at the heavyweight limit.  He had the hot hand last year at Columbus, winning the coin toss to escape in the 30-second overtime in the first round against Miller, and winning 4-3 in the next round.  Then suddenly he racked up falls in the last two rounds to take home the title.  It was a bravura performance.  I would have bet the mortgage on Mariast.  In fact, we were telecasting the Division I final, and when I heard the scream for a quick fall I just assumed it was Mariast winning.  This year Davia won at Barnesville, but has lost at least once this year.  Hopefully each of this quartet gets a full shot at qualification, and I believe that they will since it is likely that they will all be at a different sectionals.  Duvall, equal in size to Carothers and Davia, and Givens, who missed last year, have some upset potential, as does McIntire.

For virtually the only time, I can report that there are not many placement possibilities at Elyria Catholic.  I liked what I saw of Highlander and, except for the Coshocton heavyweights, he’s probably as good as it gets.  He missed state qualification by three points last year, and should have placement chances here. Howell looked good at Medina and could well be second best here. Wojtasik is a light, mobile heavyweight, while French is about the same size as Howell.  Nobody here has state experience, and no one here has the size and strength we saw at Coshocton.

The heavyweight picture is no brighter at Waite.  Hanenkrath has good size and good results, but lacks district experience.  He pinned Borer to win the A Classic, and majored Jones, but was 2^nd at Lincolnview to Kaverman.  Fluke pin or important fact?  Borer has been a consistent placer and he has the size to match up with anyone.  I saw Slaughterbeck at the first junior high state tourney, and I’ve been waiting for him to blossom every since.  This is his last chance, and he finally is beginning to win.  Taylor, Scifers, Jones, and Harrington (Stryker) are all other possibilities, but it really is wide-open right up to the championship position.  Other possibilities could be Kaverman (Delphos Jefferson) or Ruhlen (Hopewell-Loudon).

Xenia might turn out to be the second best district at this weight class.  Miller, Ivins, and LouAllen all have state experience, although none of them have won a bout there last year.  Ivins won easily at West Jefferson, but neither Bartholomew nor Daniels were there to be challenged.  Snelling has won at Reading, Norwood, and Lockland and, perhaps, should be rated more highly.  LouAllen won at Deer Park, but was upset by Rohe at Madeira.  Brewer took the title at Waynesville so there is a lot of give and take at this district.  It’ll be interesting to see how the four qualifiers do at Columbus.

TEAMS

1.            Sandusky St. Mary - A team that was supposed to dominate this year and have no trouble repeating may just be vulnerable after all. Injuries, weight issues, and performance questions could give Chanel a chance. They need to get Shearer, Young and Baum at the right weight classes for optimum team performance, and for whelan and Dye to put points on the board. A critical component is to have a healthy Stookey and Bolanis in Columbus. Given all that Jude Roth will sleep at night and they'll run away with it

2.            Chanel - A re-building year, which means they'll only be in line for runner-up trophy. However, this is the one team that could really challenge St. Mary if they falter. It all happens in the first nine weight classes because they are very inexperienced after that. Jaggers is, of course, unstoppable and Wright and Paparone can score at the state level. Gardella has made amazing strides while Roppel continues to improve. The freshmen Koballa and Tomasone have undeniable talent, but are question marks at the state level.

3.            Beachwood - State champion Jordan Lipp and younger brother Kevin will score heavily at 119# and 112#. Not only that they still have a combined five more years of eligibility after this. They should also have some heavy lifting done by the big guys Morgan and Blackwell. The key component, though, is the senior, Caruso, who must not only get to Columbus, but must score there as well.

4.            Grandview Hts. - This is a team that proved it could do it on center stage last year, and now has a shot at the runner-up trophy. The big four of state champion Vogel, state placers Hardy and Picazo, and state qualifier Bartholomew have to score and score and score. Extra points will be difficult, but, perhaps, Sutter, Mehling or Long can help.

5.            Tuslaw - Another team that has built a solid program and is now ready to stand up and be recognized. Aeshlimann and Marthey are their big guns and are potential finalists. Oxford is the secret weapon who could score big at 171# while Kraft and some of the three Eicher should help out.

6.            Cuyahoga Hts. - Meyers, Scaletta, and Lint are just about everything there is but they are an excellent trio capable of top Four results. If Kostel can get through that murderous Elyria Catholic District he could be a helper in Columbus.

7.            Delta - This may be a stretch, but Nagel and Moss are a great 1-2 punch and should score in the vicinity of forty points. The inconsistent Burkholder has also got to be on form if they are to reach this level, because there is no help on the way.

8.            CVCA - Smilek and Sammons are an awesome duo who could be finalists. Turnbull is back, but at the crushingly strong 215# class where he'll have to be in top form to score much. There is no depth, no margin for error, and no next year for this team.

9.            Archbold - My analysis shows that their stars are just on the periphery of scoring at the state level. Still, they have so many possibilities starting with Merillat, S. Gracia, Stuckey, and Rufenacht that they should do well. Add in somebody like a Mignin or J. Gracia and a Top Ten Finish is possible.

10.       Harrison Central - Carothers can score big points at 275# and Emery can do the same at 119#. That leaves Sefsick, Bologna, Myers, and, maybe, Baker to help.

You can contact me at John@Ohiowrestler.com