A Salute to all of Region 1's wreslters

[cyclone152]

Ladies and Gents,

I realize all on this thread are wreslting fans so pleas don't feel insulted by the explaining of some basic principles. This article was written for a publication in Elizabethton, TN (Cy Peter's Double Play Sports and Kim Richardson's sports.edit.com) I thought perhaps many of you might find it interesting.

God Bless

 

 

6 ‘Betsy Wrestlers place in Region, prepare for State

by: Will Righter, WCYP Radio / Double-Play Sports / www.sportsedit.com- Righter or wrong

 

Chuckey-Doak High School- Six Elizabethton Cyclone wrestlers placed in the Region 1 wrestling tournament held at Chuckey-Doak High School this past weekend. Zach Potter (285) and Andrew Richardson (119) both advanced to the tournament finals and placed 2nd. Chris Hubbard finished 3rd in the 145 pound weight class. Zach Coggins (189), Josh Richardson (160), and Steve Pearse (140) each finished 4th in their respective weight classes. Additionally, the Cyclones finished 5th overall in the team standings (quite an accomplishment considering the size of the other 13 schools competing). The Cyclones accomplished this 5th place finish in spite of having to forfeit four weight classes (103, 112, 152, and 171) due to injuries.

Friday night (the first day of the tournament) found the Cyclones in high gear as seven EHS wrestlers secured spots in Saturday’s semi-finals by demolishing quarter-final opponents. The quarter-final action was intense (after witnessing Josh Richardson’s 5-4 victory over Morristown West’s Shipley in the 160 lb. quarter-finals, one first time spectator was overheard saying, “I couldn’t take seeing my own son do this!”). Josh’s brother, Andrew, kept the Richardson family unbeaten by pinning Duncan of West Greene in the 119 lb. weight bracket. To the amazement of many area wrestling fans (but to no surprise of Cyclone Coach Bill Potter) Elizabethton’s 5th seeded Dalton Williams upset Dobyns Bennett’s 4th seeded Will Sorgelous with a pin. A series of close matches ensued with Steve Pearse (140 1bs.) and Chris Hubbard (145 lbs.) both scoring 9-6 victories in their quarter-final matches. One more intense moment remained for Cyclone fans on Friday night. Having trailed most of the match the resilient Zach Coggins pinned M. Montgomery of Daniel Boone with 11 seconds remaining. The quarter-finals were concluded for the Cyclones with Senior Zach Potter protecting his perfect 33-0 record by pinning L. Bailey of Morristown East in 63 seconds. Cyclone under-class wrestlers Macmillian, Woodby, and Papantonio also fought hard on Friday night but fell just short of the quarter-final round. Friday night ended with Coach Potter feeling very good about his team’s chances, “So far everything has just about played out according to plan. I feel real good about our guy’s chances to place. I believe we’ll have 6 or 7 wrestlers place tomorrow.” Having taken care of business at Chuckey-Doak, the Cyclones headed back to Elizabethton feeling confident but knowing their goals had not been accomplished. These young men would have one more night to endure the anxiety of the un-known. Seven Cyclones had a chance at the finals. Perhaps more important, they had dodged the grueling grind of the consolation bracket.

The semi-finals got underway in Chuckey-Doak at 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning. The equation was simple, win and you’re in (the Regional Finals and State Tournament). A win in the semi-finals also guarantees a much needed rest until the evening finals. Lose and you’re still a win away from placing. Andrew Richardson rode the momentum of the following evening by pinning K. Johnson at 1:05 of the 2nd period. Dalton Williams had perhaps the toughest draw of the tournament as he lost a tough match to Greenville’s Caleb Myers. (Myers went on to win best wrestler of the entire tournament). Steve Pearse and Chris Hubbard both lost to top seeded Sullivan East wrestlers. Josh Richardson lost to Sullivan East’s 2nd seeded Wheeler who went on to win the region and claim the award given to best match against West Greene’s Kuykendall. Coggins lost to Jennings of Greeneville in a particularly physical match pitting two extremely strong wrestlers. Only Potter remained to join his team mate Andrew Richardson in the finals.

This year’s 285 lb. weight class was particularly unique in Region 1 in that it boasted three of the top six ranked wrestlers in the state (#1 ranked Ben Murray of Science Hill, #2 ranked Potter of Elizabethton, and #6 ranked Eric Tilson of Greeneville). To add more drama Murray and Potter both possess 2006 TSSAA State Medals (Murray placed 3rd and Potter placed 5th in last year’s state tournament). The 285 lb. lower bracket pitted Potter against Tilson. Potter dominated Tilson in a match not indicative of the score (3-0 for Potter). There was no doubt that every fan on hand knew that they were in for something special in a finals match that would pit Potter against Murray. For the Cyclone wrestlers that fell short in the semi-finals, the day had just begun..

Each of the Cyclone wrestlers that fell short in the semis were still just one win from placing and securing a chance to finish 3rd. A second loss however, means elimination. As the famous Brit Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson exclaimed in his famous poem honoring the Light Brigade, ‘there’s but to do or die’ for these Cyclones. The consolation matches did not get off to a great start for the Cyclones. Coming off the Myers loss, Dalton Williams lost a tear jerking match to Jesse Reed of Morristown East 10-8. The match ended with Williams rolling Reed to his back as time expired and thus, just missing a 3 point near fall that would have given him the win. Nick Papantonio also fell just short of placing, losing to S. Feathers of Daniel Boone. There were bright spots in this particular round of the consolations. Pearse pinned Rozar of West Greene at 1:44 of the 3rd period. Chris Hubbard dominated the favored and 3rd seeded Steven New of Chuckey-Doak on his way to a 10-4 victory. Josh Richardson pinned Garvin of David Crockett at 0:22 of the 3rd period. Zach Coggins pinned B. White of Science Hill at 1:18 of the 2nd period. For Pearse, Hubbard, J. Richardson, and Coggins, a shot at placing 3rd was within reach.

Another agonizing and anxiety filled break was taken before the consolation finals got underway. Pearse was the first Cyclone up in a match against the 3rd seeded M. Goldstein of Science Hill. This was perhaps the best and most heart-breaking match of the tournament. The two contestants slugged it out for 6 minutes, exchanging take downs. The score was tied at six at the end of regulation. Overtime in wrestling is sudden death (the first man to score wins). Pearse immediately went on the offensive, shooting in on Goldstein’s leg. A hotly contested scrum ensued and ended with Pearse on top of his opponent, appearing to have scored the take down and securing the victory. However, the take down was ruled out of bounds and it was back to the center. Goldstein wasted no time in having a repeat of previous circumstances as he took the initiative and scored the victory. Hubbard continued his domination in a decisive 8-0 victory over Mark Erwin of Daniel Boone. Coggins finished 4th having lost to Morristown West’s Kilgore.

The stage was now set for the Championship Finals. The finalists entered the bull ring and waited the announcement of their names. At this point the PA system was turned over to former Greeneville High School wrestling coach David Hollowell who delivered a brief but moving speech honoring the life of former Elizabethton High School wrestling coach John Klock who passed away last month after losing his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. No dry eyes were found amongst the Cyclones and their faithful as Coach Hollowell directed an empty chair with a whistle draped over the back to be placed in memory of our fallen comrade. (It should be noted here that a finer man could not have been picked to lead this ceremony. In a truly humbling fashion, this devout and strong man of God did as instructed by our Lord Jesus and ‘rendered unto Caesar’ asking for a ‘moment of silence’ in the gymnasium; though I believe many of us prayed).

In the true spirit of America and East Tennessee the National Anthem was sung by a student from Chuckey-Doak High School. During this time it was impossible to not reflect on matters of more importance taking place half-way ‘round the world and remembering those involved. Also occurring was the idea that perhaps the future leaders, fathers, and soldiers of America were standing tall before our eyes with ‘butter-flied’ intestines waiting to square-off one more time in Region 1.

The finals did not go well for the two Cyclones involved. A. Richardson lost to Tapia of Science Hill and Potter lost a tightly contested 3-0 match to Murray. The day is not over for these wrestlers. Three Cyclones will fight another day. In fact, that day will come this Thursday at the state tournament in Chattanooga. It is entirely possible that Potter and Murray will meet again with a state medal on the line.

The competition of the Region 1 wrestling tournament was incredible. The ferocity displayed by both winner and loser was encouraging to see. It is clear that this country still has men that will potentially stand up and lay it all on the line (and definitely on the mat). Wrestling is a unique sport. Two competitors lay it all on the line in a heated six minutes of passionate fury only to pick each other up off the mat and shake hands. Win or lose (there is no draw), the true spirit of sports was not lost on this day. Good luck to all of Region 1's wrestlers in Chattanooga.

(Will Righter: February 13, 2007).

[oneblindref]

QUOTE(cyclone152 @ Feb 13 2007 - 01:35 AM) 826369726[/snapback]

Ladies and Gents,

I realize all on this thread are wreslting fans so pleas don't feel insulted by the explaining of some basic principles. This article was written for a publication in Elizabethton, TN (Cy Peter's Double Play Sports and Kim Richardson's sports.edit.com) I thought perhaps many of you might find it interesting.

God Bless

6 ‘Betsy Wrestlers place in Region, prepare for State

by: Will Righter, WCYP Radio / Double-Play Sports / www.sportsedit.com- Righter or wrong

 

Chuckey-Doak High School- Six Elizabethton Cyclone wrestlers placed in the Region 1 wrestling tournament held at Chuckey-Doak High School this past weekend. Zach Potter (285) and Andrew Richardson (119) both advanced to the tournament finals and placed 2nd. Chris Hubbard finished 3rd in the 145 pound weight class. Zach Coggins (189), Josh Richardson (160), and Steve Pearse (140) each finished 4th in their respective weight classes. Additionally, the Cyclones finished 5th overall in the team standings (quite an accomplishment considering the size of the other 13 schools competing). The Cyclones accomplished this 5th place finish in spite of having to forfeit four weight classes (103, 112, 152, and 171) due to injuries.

Friday night (the first day of the tournament) found the Cyclones in high gear as seven EHS wrestlers secured spots in Saturday’s semi-finals by demolishing quarter-final opponents. The quarter-final action was intense (after witnessing Josh Richardson’s 5-4 victory over Morristown West’s Shipley in the 160 lb. quarter-finals, one first time spectator was overheard saying, “I couldn’t take seeing my own son do this!”). Josh’s brother, Andrew, kept the Richardson family unbeaten by pinning Duncan of West Greene in the 119 lb. weight bracket. To the amazement of many area wrestling fans (but to no surprise of Cyclone Coach Bill Potter) Elizabethton’s 5th seeded Dalton Williams upset Dobyns Bennett’s 4th seeded Will Sorgelous with a pin. A series of close matches ensued with Steve Pearse (140 1bs.) and Chris Hubbard (145 lbs.) both scoring 9-6 victories in their quarter-final matches. One more intense moment remained for Cyclone fans on Friday night. Having trailed most of the match the resilient Zach Coggins pinned M. Montgomery of Daniel Boone with 11 seconds remaining. The quarter-finals were concluded for the Cyclones with Senior Zach Potter protecting his perfect 33-0 record by pinning L. Bailey of Morristown East in 63 seconds. Cyclone under-class wrestlers Macmillian, Woodby, and Papantonio also fought hard on Friday night but fell just short of the quarter-final round. Friday night ended with Coach Potter feeling very good about his team’s chances, “So far everything has just about played out according to plan. I feel real good about our guy’s chances to place. I believe we’ll have 6 or 7 wrestlers place tomorrow.” Having taken care of business at Chuckey-Doak, the Cyclones headed back to Elizabethton feeling confident but knowing their goals had not been accomplished. These young men would have one more night to endure the anxiety of the un-known. Seven Cyclones had a chance at the finals. Perhaps more important, they had dodged the grueling grind of the consolation bracket.

The semi-finals got underway in Chuckey-Doak at 10:30 A.M. Saturday morning. The equation was simple, win and you’re in (the Regional Finals and State Tournament). A win in the semi-finals also guarantees a much needed rest until the evening finals. Lose and you’re still a win away from placing. Andrew Richardson rode the momentum of the following evening by pinning K. Johnson at 1:05 of the 2nd period. Dalton Williams had perhaps the toughest draw of the tournament as he lost a tough match to Greenville’s Caleb Myers. (Myers went on to win best wrestler of the entire tournament). Steve Pearse and Chris Hubbard both lost to top seeded Sullivan East wrestlers. Josh Richardson lost to Sullivan East’s 2nd seeded Wheeler who went on to win the region and claim the award given to best match against West Greene’s Kuykendall. Coggins lost to Jennings of Greeneville in a particularly physical match pitting two extremely strong wrestlers. Only Potter remained to join his team mate Andrew Richardson in the finals.

This year’s 285 lb. weight class was particularly unique in Region 1 in that it boasted three of the top six ranked wrestlers in the state (#1 ranked Ben Murray of Science Hill, #2 ranked Potter of Elizabethton, and #6 ranked Eric Tilson of Greeneville). To add more drama Murray and Potter both possess 2006 TSSAA State Medals (Murray placed 3rd and Potter placed 5th in last year’s state tournament). The 285 lb. lower bracket pitted Potter against Tilson. Potter dominated Tilson in a match not indicative of the score (3-0 for Potter). There was no doubt that every fan on hand knew that they were in for something special in a finals match that would pit Potter against Murray. For the Cyclone wrestlers that fell short in the semi-finals, the day had just begun..

Each of the Cyclone wrestlers that fell short in the semis were still just one win from placing and securing a chance to finish 3rd. A second loss however, means elimination. As the famous Brit Sir Alfred Lord Tennyson exclaimed in his famous poem honoring the Light Brigade, ‘there’s but to do or die’ for these Cyclones. The consolation matches did not get off to a great start for the Cyclones. Coming off the Myers loss, Dalton Williams lost a tear jerking match to Jesse Reed of Morristown East 10-8. The match ended with Williams rolling Reed to his back as time expired and thus, just missing a 3 point near fall that would have given him the win. Nick Papantonio also fell just short of placing, losing to S. Feathers of Daniel Boone. There were bright spots in this particular round of the consolations. Pearse pinned Rozar of West Greene at 1:44 of the 3rd period. Chris Hubbard dominated the favored and 3rd seeded Steven New of Chuckey-Doak on his way to a 10-4 victory. Josh Richardson pinned Garvin of David Crockett at 0:22 of the 3rd period. Zach Coggins pinned B. White of Science Hill at 1:18 of the 2nd period. For Pearse, Hubbard, J. Richardson, and Coggins, a shot at placing 3rd was within reach.

Another agonizing and anxiety filled break was taken before the consolation finals got underway. Pearse was the first Cyclone up in a match against the 3rd seeded M. Goldstein of Science Hill. This was perhaps the best and most heart-breaking match of the tournament. The two contestants slugged it out for 6 minutes, exchanging take downs. The score was tied at six at the end of regulation. Overtime in wrestling is sudden death (the first man to score wins). Pearse immediately went on the offensive, shooting in on Goldstein’s leg. A hotly contested scrum ensued and ended with Pearse on top of his opponent, appearing to have scored the take down and securing the victory. However, the take down was ruled out of bounds and it was back to the center. Goldstein wasted no time in having a repeat of previous circumstances as he took the initiative and scored the victory. Hubbard continued his domination in a decisive 8-0 victory over Mark Erwin of Daniel Boone. Coggins finished 4th having lost to Morristown West’s Kilgore.

The stage was now set for the Championship Finals. The finalists entered the bull ring and waited the announcement of their names. At this point the PA system was turned over to former Greeneville High School wrestling coach David Hollowell who delivered a brief but moving speech honoring the life of former Elizabethton High School wrestling coach John Klock who passed away last month after losing his battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. No dry eyes were found amongst the Cyclones and their faithful as Coach Hollowell directed an empty chair with a whistle draped over the back to be placed in memory of our fallen comrade. (It should be noted here that a finer man could not have been picked to lead this ceremony. In a truly humbling fashion, this devout and strong man of God did as instructed by our Lord Jesus and ‘rendered unto Caesar’ asking for a ‘moment of silence’ in the gymnasium; though I believe many of us prayed).

In the true spirit of America and East Tennessee the National Anthem was sung by a student from Chuckey-Doak High School. During this time it was impossible to not reflect on matters of more importance taking place half-way ‘round the world and remembering those involved. Also occurring was the idea that perhaps the future leaders, fathers, and soldiers of America were standing tall before our eyes with ‘butter-flied’ intestines waiting to square-off one more time in Region 1.

The finals did not go well for the two Cyclones involved. A. Richardson lost to Tapia of Science Hill and Potter lost a tightly contested 3-0 match to Murray. The day is not over for these wrestlers. Three Cyclones will fight another day. In fact, that day will come this Thursday at the state tournament in Chattanooga. It is entirely possible that Potter and Murray will meet again with a state medal on the line.

The competition of the Region 1 wrestling tournament was incredible. The ferocity displayed by both winner and loser was encouraging to see. It is clear that this country still has men that will potentially stand up and lay it all on the line (and definitely on the mat). Wrestling is a unique sport. Two competitors lay it all on the line in a heated six minutes of passionate fury only to pick each other up off the mat and shake hands. Win or lose (there is no draw), the true spirit of sports was not lost on this day. Good luck to all of Region 1's wrestlers in Chattanooga.

(Will Righter: February 13, 2007).

 

 

This is a good story, but the writer left out the part about the the other coach that was honored (whom also past this past year) THE GREAT LOU HOBAN.

[cyclone152]

QUOTE(oneblindref @ Feb 13 2007 - 11:56 AM) 826370085[/snapback]

This is a good story, but the writer left out the part about the the other coach that was honored (whom also past this past year) THE GREAT LOU HOBAN.

 

 

oneblindref,

You are correct and I do apologize. Coach Lou Hoban was a tremendous coach who had outstanding wrestling teams during my era (Rodney Norton and Chris Brewer come to mind). There were several wrestlers that had passed away who were honored as well. I could not remember the names (as we were standing in observance / no time for note taking) and therefore did not want to dis-credit anyone that Coach Hollowell mentioned. All of the deaths were terribly tragic. Thanks for pointing out this oversight and glad you enjoyed the article.

All the Best,

cyclone152

[krichunaka]

Great article, 152,

 

I just heard that Elizabethton's Zach Potter has advanced to the State Semi-finals. As I understand it, last season, Potter was the highest-ever Cyclone finisher, at fifth.

 

Congratulations Zach! Good Luck. God Bless.

[cyclone152]

QUOTE(krichunaka @ Feb 15 2007 - 03:56 PM) 826373274[/snapback]

Great article, 152,

 

I just heard that Elizabethton's Zach Potter has advanced to the State Semi-finals. As I understand it, last season, Potter was the highest-ever Cyclone finisher, at fifth.

 

Congratulations Zach! Good Luck. God Bless.

 

 

 

Krich,

I believe Justin Fair won the state a few years ago (when I was out of the area). Something I should know but still in the familiarization period. Zach Potter has placed 3rd with a 7-4 victory in the consolation finals. Also, Joel Brimer and Matt King of Greeneville finished 4th. Sullivan East's Reece Wheeler finished 5th. Jeff County's Brad Robbins finished 6th. Congrats to all these region 1 wrestlers.

 

 

[

[JCHSblindrefson]

QUOTE(cyclone152 @ Feb 16 2007 - 05:04 PM) 826374890[/snapback]

Krich,

I believe Justin Fair won the state a few years ago (when I was out of the area). Something I should know but still in the familiarization period. Zach Potter has placed 3rd with a 7-4 victory in the consolation finals. Also, Joel Brimer and Matt King of Greeneville finished 4th. Sullivan East's Reece Wheeler finished 5th. Jeff County's Brad Robbins finished 6th. Congrats to all these region 1 wrestlers.

[

 

 

 

Yeah this was probaly the craziest tournament i have ever seen as far as upsets are concerned. There must be something in the air down in Chattanooga. Congrats to these Great Wrestlers.

[cyclone152]

QUOTE(JCHSblindrefson @ Feb 16 2007 - 05:33 PM) 826374927[/snapback]

Yeah this was probaly the craziest tournament i have ever seen as far as upsets are concerned. There must be something in the air down in Chattanooga. Congrats to these Great Wrestlers.

 

 

 

JCHSblindrefson,

Wish I could have been there. Looks like it was a great tournament. Did you happen to see what transpired in the 285 match when Science Hill's Ben Murray was upset in the 2nd round? I'm curious (figured he was headed toward's a state medal).