Inspiring for coaches and wrestlers...

[Sommers]

Chattanooga/No Ga Rivalry Coverage...

 

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/preps/story/2016/jan/31/generals-match-state-power-gilmer-aretraditio/347587/

 

Heritage matches state power Gilmer at area traditional wrestling tournament

 

January 31st, 2016by Lindsey Youngin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 2 mins.

 



 

Heritage's Charles Thurman, left, tries to pin Brentwood Academy's Justin Becci during a 120-pound match at last season's McCallie Invitational. Heritage advanced 12 wrestlers into next weekend's sectional round.

 

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

 

JASPER, Ga. — The seeding held pretty much true to form Saturday in the Area 7-AAAA traditional tournament at Pickens High School, which was certainly good news to Gilmer.

 

The Bobcats had seven individual champions and advanced 12 of their 14 wrestlers into next weekend's sectional round while rolling up 242 team points to win by nearly 80 points over second-place Heritage.

 

However, if the main goal is to place wrestlers into the sectional round, Heritage matched Gilmer with 12.

 

"That's the most we've had in a while, and I think it's more than we had when we won state (in 2012)," Heritage coach Mike Craft said. "I was very pleased, though I would have liked some of our placements higher in the end. Still, with only one senior and over half our team freshmen and sophomores, I was real happy to do this well."

 

In all, 11 of the 14 No. 1 seeds won titles.

 

The Generals had only one individual champion — defending state titlist Chuckie Thurman at 126 pounds — but they had three runners-up and three third-place finishers. The top four finishers in each weight class will compete in the Class AAAA "B" sectional at Gilmer.

 

Gilmer, coming off its Class AAAA state duals title in mid-January in Macon, did not miss a beat. Coach Joshua Snider's team earned individual titles from Alberto Perez at 120 pounds, Lucas Patterson at 132 (in a 4-2 upset of top-seeded Jacob Mariakis of Ridgeland), Ethan Teague at 138 (the only No. 3 seed to win a title), Keegan Sharpe at 145, Jake Parker at 170, Matthew Waddell at 182 and Levi Seabolt at 285.

 

"Everybody performed very, very well, about like we expected them to," said Snider, whose Bobcats also had four runners-up. "We would have liked to have had a couple more guys place higher, but we've got a lot of guys going to the sectionals, and that's the key.

 

"Every match we lost today we are going to look at and try to find improvement next week at sectionals. We've done that all year with certain individual matchups, and we hope to be able to do it again for next week."

 

Northwest Whitfield qualified eight wrestlers for sectionals, including 195-pound champion Jordan Lewis, but Bruins coach Allen Tucker wasn't satisfied with the day's work.

 

"I thought we had a good shot at getting 10 in," he said. "We wrestled OK, but we didn't do as well as we could. We wrestled like we hadn't been on the mat for three weeks.

 

"This region is pretty tough, though. I will say that every weight class here will have at least two place in the state tournament, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more. There are four classes — heavyweight, 126, 132 and 138 — where we could have three or maybe even all four place."

 

While Ridgeland only advanced six wrestlers to the sectional round (from which the top eight finishers at each weight will advance to state), three of them — Chris Prescott at 113, Ryan McGill at 152 and Chris Henderson at 220 — will go as area champions.

 

Other individual champions were Pickens' Koby Milner at 106 and LaFayette's Cole Ingram at 160.

 

Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296. Follow him on Twitter @youngsports22.

 

 

 

More McCallie - Baylor Coverage...

 

 

Baylor beats McCallie with late run of wins

 

January 31st, 2016by Ward Gossett in Sports - PrepsRead Time: 2 mins.

 

Baylor's Trevor Milling controls McCallie's Jaren McAllister on the way to a win by major decision in their 120-pound class match as McCallie hosts Baylor in a wrestling match on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Photo by John Rawlston /Times Free Press.

 

McCallie's Zack Ward upends Baylor's Claton Pettway on the way to a win by a pin in their 106-pound class match as McCallie hosts Baylor in a wrestling match on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Photo by John Rawlston /Times Free Press.

He may not have spilled any breakfast on his shirt or pants Saturday morning, but Baylor wrestling coach Ben Nelson's day started rather poorly.

 

Undefeated senior stalwart Ryan Parker, who has wrestled at 195 and 220 pounds this season, tweaked his back in a mid-morning practice. The bus that was to transport the Red Raiders to McCallie failed to show, forcing Nelson and his assistants to hustle wrestlers into their personal vehicles for the crosstown trip.

 

And then McCallie went up 27-13 nine matches into the evening dual.

 

It was an entertaining, seesaw match — something both coaching staffs had anticipated — with McCallie winning five of the first seven bouts and backing Baylor into a do-or-die corner.

 

The Red Raiders won 30-27, securing their 11th straight regular-season win against the Blue Tornado.

 

"It's always an entertaining match, and it's always tough (to lose) when you're in the match with a chance to win it," McCallie coach Mike Newman said. "We missed some opportunities."

 

It was only after Caleb Powell won the final match with a major decision at 160 pounds, polishing off a five-win comeback, that Nelson was able to catch his breath.

 

"McCallie wrestled great," Nelson said. "That's what you expect when you wrestle the Baylor-McCallie match — that amount of effort from both teams. They did almost what they needed to do to win."

 

Baylor's rally started with 132-pounder Jack Reynolds.

 

"Jack wrestled extremely well against a physical, strong competitor," Nelson said. "At his height and weight class, he's usually outmuscled, and he's become used to it."

 

Austin Atchley added a major decision at 138 and, in the night's featured bout, Michael Murphy bested Ethan Dendy 6-4 at 145. Freshman 152-pounder Mason Reiniche pulled the Red Raiders within a point before Powell's 10-1 major decision.

 

"Obviously through the heart of our lineup we expected wins in those matches, but we knew they were going to be hard-fought matches," Nelson said. "They've got a lineup of studs where we have a lineup of studs, and all you can do is hope your guys are more prepared. You decide it on the mat, and that's what happened."

 

Newman indicated that the last five matches were with fairly evenly matched competitors.

 

"When you look at those matchups — 132 through 160 — those are pretty even. Some guy might have a slight advantage here or there, but they came out and won those last five — won the close matches and did what they had to do to pull out the win, so credit goes to them," he said.

 

McCallie forged a 24-9 advantage and boosted it to 27-13, leaning heavily on pins from Judah Duhm (170), Trel Phillips (195) and Zach Ward (106).

 

Baylor didn't have a pin.

 

"That's strange for us," Nelson said. "It's something we've been working on, and it's definitely something we need to improve on."

 

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett.

Edited January 31, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Great to see the Blount Co and surrounding area schools building and maintaining squads, especially little Greenback...

 

http://m.thedailytimes.com/sports/alcoa-wrestlers-pick-up-regional-three-peat/article_bd5f02cb-b577-5b25-a456-0674dc4f6794.html?mode=jqm

 

Kudos to Gossett once again...

Alcoa wrestlers pick up regional three-peat

 

 

By Will Estep sports@thedailytimes.com | Posted 3 days ago

 

KINGSTON — The Alcoa wrestling team continues to build on the program’s growing success over the last few years.The Tornadoes picked up another on Thursday night.

 

Every Tornado wrestler had his picture made with the Region 3-A/AA championship plaque after two matches inside Roane County High School. It signaled that the wrestling team was headed back to Alcoa with some more important hardware. It also meant that Alcoa is going to the Class A/AA State Wrestling Duals for the third straight year.

 

On Thursday, Alcoa knocked off both Greenback and Kingston to complete a three-peat run on the region title.

 

Greenback fell to Alcoa, 63-18, in the first round of matches followed by Kingston dropping an 81-0 decision to the Tornadoes.

 

“I just told the kids that we really need to appreciate it because the opportunities aren’t always there,†Alcoa coach Brian Gossett told The Daily Times.

 

“The fact that we get a chance to do this again is really awesome, and I am proud for the guys and I am happy for the program.â€

 

Gossett thought his team was really focused and it showed early on. Eight different Alcoa wrestlers pinned their opponent against Greenback while one also picked up a decision.

 

“We wrestled really well tonight and we got after it really well,†Gossett said. “I was happy with our effort.â€

 

Kingston only had four wrestlers which translated into only a quartet of Alcoa wrestlers having to take the mat twice beyond walking to meet the referee and accepting a forfeit. Jack Warwick, at 182-pounds, and Noah Evans, in the 195-pound class, each wrestled twice and won twice for Alcoa.

 

Warwick participated in the first match of the night, knocking off Greenback’s Steven Owens with a first round pin. Evans followed with a first round pin victory over Shon Wampler.

 

Against Kingston, Evans knocked off Austin Davis with a second round pin and Warwick won a 10-2 decision over Christian Gilmore.

 

Sammy Evans also won over his Greenback opponent in the 285-pound class with a pin. Paxton Pearce (120-pounds), Ryan Verhulst (138), Tim Fisher (152), Austyn Renshaw (160) and Karim Shereef (170) all secured pin victories against the Cherokees.

 

Dylan McNutt won a 4-2 decision in the 132-pound class against Greenback.

 

“They have been a good team,†Gossett said. “They have worked hard together. They have lifted each other up. I am just proud and I hope they appreciate the chance to win a region title as much as I do.â€

 

Greenback picked up a 54-12 win over Kingston in the third and final duals match of the night. The win gave the Cherokees region runner-up status.

 

The duals season ended for Greenback on Thursday, but they still have several wrestlers who will have a shot at the individual state tournament. After the conclusion of the state duals championship, the teams return to the mat for the individual regionals and spots at the state’s individual championship meet.

 

As for the season as a whole, Greenback coach Ben Ward saw a lot of good things this year.

 

“I knew coming into this year that Alcoa was the team to beat,†Ward said. “They are head and shoulders above everybody in our region. My goal was to cut into how bad they beat us last year and we did do that. We gained some on them, but they are still way ahead of everybody in our small school district.â€

 

In the win over Kingston, Kevin Ogle picked up a first round pin victory over Fate Currier in the 145-pound class. It was the second win of the night for Ogle as he also pinned Alcoa’s Isacc Lorenzo earlier in the night.

 

Vincent Perry picked up a first round pin in the 106-pound class over Alcoa’s Brennan Salter.

 

In the 195-pound class, Greenback’s Shon Wampler scored a first round pin win over Kingston’s Austin Davis.

 

“If everything goes our way, we could easily take four or five guys to the state tournament,†Ward said.

 

Alcoa will wrestle in the Class A/AA State Duals on Feb.5 and 6 at Williamson County Expo Center in Franklin.

 

Region 3-A/AA Wrestling Duals Results

 

Round 1

 

Alcoa 63, Greenback 18

 

182: Jack Warwick (A) def. Steven Owens (G) by first round pin

 

195: Noah Evans (A) def. Shon Wampler (G) by first round pin

 

220: Bryson Perkins (A) win by forfeit

 

285: Sammy Evans (A) def. Michael Thacker (G) by first round pin

 

106: Vincent Perry (G) def. Brennan Salter (A) by first round pin

 

113: Heather Courtney (G) win by forfeit

 

120: Paxton Pearce (A) def. Ian Perdue (G) by first round pin

 

126: Michael Mora-Colon (A) win by forfeit

 

132: Dylan McNutt (A) def. Jacob Rhyne (G) by 4-2 decision

 

138: Ryan Verhulst (A) def. Austyn Myers (G) by first round pin

 

145: Kevin Ogle (G) def. Isacc Lorenzo (A) by second round pin

 

152: Tim Fisher (A) def. Jonathon Hawkins (G) by first round pin

 

160: Austyn Renshaw (A) def. Mason Sliger (G) by first round pin

 

170: Karim Shereef (A) def. Zach Malone (G) by first round pin

 

Round 2

 

Alcoa 81, Kingston 0

 

195: Noah Evans (A) def. Austin Davis (K) by second round pin

 

220: QuayVaughn McCollum (A) win by forfeit

 

285: Grant Brace (A) win by forfeit

 

106: Brennan Salter (A) win by forfeit

 

113: Alcoa win by forfeit

 

120: Donavan Puri (A) win by forfeit

 

126: Michael Mora-Colon (A) win by forfeit

 

132: Dylan McNutt (A) win by forfeit

 

138: Ryan Verhulst (A) win by forfeit

 

145: Isacc Lorenzo (A) def. Fate Currier (K) by first round pin

 

152: Tim Fisher (A) win by forfeit

 

160: Austyn Renshaw (A) win by forfeit

 

170: Karim Shereef (A) win by forfeit

 

182: Jack Warwick (A) def. Christian Gilmore (K) by 10-2 decision

 

Round 3

 

Greenback 54, Kingston 12

 

220: Double Forfeit

 

285: Michael Thacker (G) win by forfeit

 

106: Vincent Perry (G) win by forfeit

 

113: Heather Courtney (G) win by forfeit

 

120: Ian Perdue (G) win by forfeit

 

126: Double Forfeit

 

132: Jacob Rhyne (G) win by forfeit

 

138: Austyn Myers (G) win by forfeit

 

145: Kevin Ogle (G) def. Fate Currier (K) by first round pin

 

152: Jonathon Hawkins (G) win by forfeit

 

160: Daniel Novack (K) def. Mason Sliger (G) by second round pin

 

170: Double Forfeit

 

182: Christian Gilmore (K) def. Zach Malone (G) by second round pin

 

195: Shon Wampler (G) def. Austin Davis (K) by first round pin

Edited January 31, 2016 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Thanks Sam Brown and Gannett for this...

 

http://usatodayhss.com/2016/tennessee-school-for-blind-wrestlers-thrive-on-sports-lessons

 

Some may remember a very strong team from here in the 60's...

 

Tennessee School for Blind wrestlers thrive on sport's lessons

 

By Sam Brown, sdbrown@tennessean.com January 25, 2016

 

21

 



 

Tori Harrison, 15, adjusts her headgear before a wrestling match against Greenbrier High School at the Tennessee School For The Blind, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

The Tennessee School For The Blind wrestling team huddles up after a wrestling match at the Tennessee School For The Blind Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

Tennessee School For The Blind’s Avery Mayberry, top, pins Greenbrier’s Jaden Burns in the 120-pound match during a wrestling match at the Tennessee School For The Blind Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

Tennessee School For The Blind’s Avery Mayberry, top, pins Greenbrier’s Jaden Burns in the 120-pound match during a wrestling match at the Tennessee School For The Blind Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

The Tennessee School For The Blind wrestling team huddles up after a wrestling match at the Tennessee School For The Blind Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

Tori Harrison, 15, adjusts her headgear before a wrestling match against Greenbrier High School at the Tennessee School For The Blind, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn.

 



 

The Tennessee School For The Blind wrestling team huddles up after a match at TSB on Jan. 12.

 

From endurance to rigid dieting to mastering new techniques and moves, wrestling requires dedication.

 

It’s even more demanding when you’re not able see your opponent.

 

If you were to stop by the Tennessee School for the Blind on a Monday or Wednesday afternoon for practice, you would see that dedication in action.

 

TSB features a coed program that allows visually impaired students in grades 7-12 to participate in high school wrestling as a part of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. The wrestling program has existed since the early 1960s. The school was formed in 1844.

 

“Wrestling has a long history with individuals who are blind or visually impaired,†said Jay Humphreys, second-year TSB wrestling coach and former wrestler for Donelson Christian Academy. “So it lends itself well to it and it teaches you a lot of skills that are needed for visual impairments.â€

 



 

Tennessee School for the Blind’s Avery Mayberry, top, pins Greenbrier’s Jaden Burns in a 120-pound match at TSB on Jan. 12.

 

The TSB is part of the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind, which is made up of 13 schools that provide visually impaired students the chance to compete in wrestling, cheerleading, swimming and goalball, which involves a rubber ball with bells and is similar in scoring style to soccer.

 

In addition to wrestling other schools for the visually impaired, TSB more often wrestles local schools and has produced 14 TSSAA individual state champions, the most recent in 1969 (Joe Roberts, 119-pound division).

 

“We only wrestle blind students maybe three or four times a year,†Humphreys said.

 

Facing the competition 

 

Not being able to see the person you’re squaring off with understandably has its challenges.

 

“You’re going out there blind,†DCA wrestling coach Ryan Pendergrass said. “There’s no other way to say it. You’re going out there not knowing what you’re going to get into.â€

 

Without being able to see their opponent, visually impaired wrestlers find help from a rule adjustment.

 

“There’s this rule that says you can’t break contact, and that helps,†TSB sophomore wrestler Carlos Medrano said. “Because if you break contact, you don’t know where the opponent is or where he is going to go.â€

 

That rule really levels the playing field, according to Medrano.

 

“On the mat, you really don’t know if they can see or not,†he said. “You’re not going to break contact so it all comes down to what you know and what you don’t know.â€

 

But just because a wrestler can see, it doesn’t necessarily give him the upper hand.

 

“I went out there once and I thought I might just be able to get the guy in a headlock,†DCA freshman wrestler James Geiger said. â€œBut he was faster than I anticipated and he had me on the ground before I knew what was happening.â€

 

Sight doesn’t really matter. It all comes down to skill.

 

TSB WRESTLER CARLOS MEDRANO

 

“People that are sighted can also mess up and get in a weird position that requires more energy to get out of,†Medrano said. “Sight doesn’t really matter. It all comes down to skill.â€

 

And without the ability to clearly see their opponent, visually impaired wrestlers must rely on other instincts.

 

“It’s more of a feeling,†said Medrano, who placed first in this year’s TSB/DCA Invitational Tournament in the 126-pound division. He placed third in the 113-pound division at last year’s NCASB Conference Championships.

 

“I don’t know what he’s going to do so it’s more about how your opponent feels. If an opponent is right in front of you and you feel him go down to shoot for a leg and take you down, your natural instinct is to try to sprawl and kick your leg back.â€

 



 

Tori Harrison, 15, adjusts her headgear before a wrestling match against Greenbrier High School at TSB on Jan. 12.

 

Something for everyone

 

As far as the reasons they choose to wrestle, each has a different answer.

 

“Anytime we have meets and get to stay on a campus over the weekend to wrestle other schools, that’s great,†TSB sophomore wrestler Garrett Meeks said. “I like that because growing up we never went out of the state, we barely went out of the county, and it’s an experience just going out to other states.â€

 

Some, like freshman wrestler Tori Harrison, enjoy wrestling to let out possible frustrations from a tough day at school.

 

“You get to hurt a lot of people,†she said with a laugh.

 

Having tried cheerleading, Harrison said wrestling is more her style.

 

“I did cheerleading last year and we got first place,†she said. “But I didn’t really like it. I’m more of a tomboy.â€

 

Medrano loves the excitement that comes during matches.

 

“It was just really cool with the atmosphere,†he said. “I loved it.â€

 

School culture

 

That atmosphere is one created out of the TSB’s dedication to wrestling, and the support from parents and fans.

 

“They’ve really built the program up and created a culture of wrestling that’s very helpful for a new coach like me,†Humphreys said. “Here at Tennessee School for the Blind, wrestling is every other school’s football. Our top athletes wrestle, so all the hype goes into wrestling as far as pep rallies and that type of thing.â€

 

That support and culture has led some students to take an interest in wrestling after previously having no interest in athletics.

 

“My best friends are wrestlers,†said Meeks, who finished second in this season’s TSB/DCA Invitational Tournament in the 220-pound division after finishing second in the NCASB Conference Championships in the 160-pound division last season. He didn’t gain 60 pounds in a year (more like 30 pounds over approximately 18 months), but the gap in weight divisions forced him to compete in a heavier class.

 

“I didn’t really like it when I first started but I stuck with it because all of my friends wanted me to. Once I got my endurance up and began to learn more and more things I started to really like it and get into it.â€

 

Once into wrestling, visually impaired athletes can use the sport as a means to learn life lessons that will benefit them long after they’ve left the mat.

 

“There’s no better allegory for life than wrestling,†Humphreys said. “You get out there and it’s only you on the mat. You don’t get any timeouts and you don’t get to lean on anybody else.â€

 

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

[Sommers]

More No Ga/ Chatt Metro Press thanks to Free Press...

 

Ringgold wins tough Area 6-AAA tournament

 

January 31st, 2016by Idris Garcia in Sports - PrepsRead Time: 1 min.

Ringgold High School hosted Saturday's Area 6-AAA traditional wrestling tournament and kept the team title right at home.

 

The Tigers racked up 169.5 points and qualified nine wrestlers for next week's sectional tournament. Hayden Moss at 132 pounds, Griffin Green at 145 and Jesse Wade at 220 earned individual titles.

 

"The guys have worked hard all year long, and we're excited to win a traditional tournament," said Ringgold coach David Moss. "Any time you win a postseason tournament, it makes it all worth it. I'm proud of our guys."

 

Sonoraville nipped at Ringgold's heels all tournament, with Trevor Burdick (106), Tyler Hunt (113) and Kenneth Cooper earning championships to lead the way. The Phoenix also qualified nine wrestlers and totaled 156 points.

 

Third-place finisher Coahulla Creek put a tournament-best 10 wrestlers through to next week. The Colts finished with 151 points.

 

"Our goal was to get 10-plus guys through, and we're looking to go to state and get a trophy," Colts coach Brent Raby said. "All of these teams showed up and wrestled tough. Ringgold looked strong, and Sonoraville did, too. I was really impressed with our area teams today."

 

Coahulla Creek's Levi Kinsey and Daniel Lopez won titles at 120 and 182 pounds, respectively. The other champions were Calhoun's Jacob Callahan (138) and William Craig (195), Adairsville's Daelen Harrison (160) and Henry Pabst (170), Murray County's Marcelino Lopez (126) and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe's James Knight (152).

 

Lopez was named most outstanding wrestler.

 

All of the teams qualified at least three wrestlers, who will battle at next week's sectionals for spots and seeding at the traditional state tournament the following week.

 

"We're going to focus on what our guys do best and sharpen that," Sonoraville coach Steve Hamilton said about his team's preparation moving forward. "We'll work on riding guys for 30 seconds, escaping in 30 seconds, getting a takedown in 30 seconds — situations like that. You may not be able to turn a guy when you get to the higher levels, but things like being able to ride guys for 30 seconds are huge."

 

Calhoun with 128.9 points and Adairsville with 98 rounded out the top five. Murray County (65), LFO (47), North Murray (39) and Gordon Central (37) were the other area participants.

 

Contact Idris Garcia at sports@timesfreepress.com

[Sommers]

Zack Getting More High Level Mat Time...

 

http://www.nbc29.com/story/31102821/virginia-tech-wrestling-tops-virginia-31-7-in-commonwealth-clash

 

10th Ranked Virginia Tech Wrestling Tops 18th Ranked Virginia 31-7

 

Posted: Jan 31, 2016 5:15 PM CSTUpdated: Jan 31, 2016 5:16 PM CST

 

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va (WVIR) -

 

Eighteenth-ranked Virginia (5-4) got wins from George DiCamillo (Highland Heights, Ohio) and Zach Nye (Enola, Pa.), but fell to No. 10 Virginia Tech (10-2) by a score of 31-7 on Sunday (Jan. 31) in the Commonwealth Clash.

 

Sunday’s match was sponsored by Virginia529, the official college savings plan of University of Virginia Athletics.  With Virginia Tech’s victory, the Hokies have earned a point in the Virginia529 Commonwealth Clash.  The score for the Clash is now University of Virginia – 3.5 and Virginia Tech – 3.  Learn more about Virginia529 and this competition at TheCommmonewalthClash.com. 

 

“Virginia Tech is a great team and wrestled like a great team tonight,†said Virginia head coach Steve Garland. “They are well coached and did a fantastic job. They attacked more than we did and that’s why the score was what it was.â€

 

DiCamillo, ranked No. 6 at 133 pounds, picked up a 14-4 major decision over Dennis Gustafson, while 10th-ranked Nye picked up an 8-2 decision over Dylan Cook at 197 pounds.

 

"We got out-fought today, but you got to be constructive with your criticism," says DiCamillo. "I think we needed a little more fight.  We need to bring the action a little more, rather than being passive and waiting for the action to come to us.  Overall, we're right there.  This one may not have indicated it, but I really believe this team is right there."

 

The Cavaliers also saw a pair of tight battles at 157 pounds and heavyweight, both of which fell the way of the visiting Hokies. Andrew Atkinson(Lynchburg, Va.) dropped an 11-9 decision in sudden victory to No. 4 Nick Brascetta. Atkinson got a late takedown to take the match into extra periods. At heavyweight, Patrick Gillen (Shelton, Conn.) fell to undefeated and 17th-ranked Ty Walz by a score of 8-6.

 

The Cavaliers will return to action next weekend, continuing to wrestle at home with a pair of ACC dual matches at Memorial Gym. Virginia will host Duke at 7 p.m. on Friday (Feb. 5) before hosting No. 14 North Carolina at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 6).

 

No. 10 Virginia Tech 31, No. 18 Virginia 7

125: No. 3 Joey Dance dec. Nick Herrmann, 9-2; VT 3-0

 

133: No. 6 George DiCamillo major dec. Dennis Gustafson, 14-4; UVA 4-3

 

141: No. 10 Solomon Chishko major dec. Zach Watson 14-3; VT 7-4

 

149: Sal Mastriani fall TJ Miller, 5:43; VT 13-4

 

157: No. 4 Nick Brascetta dec. (sv-1) Andrew Atkinson, 11-9; VT 16-4

 

165: No. 11 David McFadden major dec. Garrett Peppelman, 11-3; VT 20-4

 

174: No. 3 Zach Epperly major dec. Tyler Askey (UVA) 15-5; VT 24-4

 

184: Austin Gabel (VT) major dec. Will Schany (UVA) 12-4; VT 28-4

 

197: No. 10 Zach Nye (UVA) dec. Dylan Cook (VT) 8-2; VT 28-7

 

285: No. 3 Ty Walz (VT) dec. Patrick Gillen, 8-6; VT 31-7

[Sommers]

Television Coverage in Chattanooga's, on Henry Arena...

 

http://www.wdef.com/2016/02/01/soddy-daisy-names-wrestling-arena-for-former-coach-steve-henry/

 

Soddy Daisy, TN-(WDEF) Soddy Daisy has to be one of the few high school wrestling teams that has their own arena. They have the school’s old round gym all to themselves. And last week, Soddy Daisy named the arena in honor of former coach and current athletic director Steve Henry, who racked up over 500 wins and seven state titles. Henry has also been in charge of the maintenance on the old brick gym for so many years.

Said Henry: “It was built in the 60’s. The was really the new gym for the old high school at that time. When we changed schools and moved to the new high school, we really didn’t have a place to wrestle. Coach Goss, who was the wrestling coach at East Ridge at that time, said, ‘Hey, what did they do with that old round building at the old high school?’. I said, ‘I don’t know if they’ve done anything with it.†He said, ‘That’s where I’d go.’ Salvaged a lot of our bleachers from the old McCallie school when they tore that down. That clock right there came from McCallie. I look at those chin-up bars up there. One of my wrestlers, Roger Smith, made those. We’ve had some roof issues that we’ve had to address, so Coach Higgins and I got up on the roof ourselves. We had bats one time but we took care of that.â€

Reporter: “How did you know what to do about the bats?â€

Henry: “I checked with some of our science teachers. Ms. Levi, she knows all of that kind of stuff.â€

Reporter: “It’s just got that old school feel.â€

Henry: “It does, but it doesn’t stink. But it does smell like smell like wrestling. We had Turkey when they were here for the World Cup. They practiced up here. I had video set up, thinking I was really gonna get some good stuff, and they wanted to play basketball, so I had to go find cranks to get the goals down just so those guys could play. I was a little disappointed.â€

Reporter: “When they mentioned that they were gonna name this arena after you, what were your initial thoughts?â€

Henry: “My initial thought was, ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me.’ I appreciate it. It’s humbling. I have a lot of respect and there’s a place in my heart for it.â€

[Sommers]

Mocs Back in the Top 25 This Week

 

UTC hosts Appalachian State on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 02, 2016 Wrestling

 

USA TODAY/NWCA DIVISION I COACHES POLL

APPALACHIAN STATE MATCH NOTES

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling team is back in the top 25 for the second time this season. The Mocs check in at No. 25 in the NWCA/USA Today Coaches Poll, the same spot they held for one week earlier in the year.

 

UTC hosts Appalachian State on Senior Night on Friday, Feb. 5, at Maclellan Gym. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. (E.S.T.), one hour later than originally scheduled.

 

This is the final home dual for John Lampe and Austin Sams. Both will be honored as a part of the Senior Night festivities before the match.

 

The Mocs are 10-3 overall and lead the Southern Conference race with a 5-0 mark in league duals. Chattanooga can wrap up its 16th SoCon regular season title with a win over the Mountaineers.

 

UTC bumped Appalachian State out of the top 25 this week. The Mountaineers were ranked for most of January before falling to Gardner-Webb (22-18) on Jan. 26. ASU is 9-3 overall and 4-1 in SoCon matches.

 

Tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com or by calling the UTC Ticket Office at (423) 266-MOCS (6627). Live scoring and live video links are available on the wrestling schedule page on GoMocs.com.

 

Chattanooga Mocs (10-3, 5-0 SoCon) Probable Lineup

125: Alonzo Allen (Fr. - 10-9, 2-2 SoCon)

133: Cody Hill (So. - 4-12, 1-4 SoCon) or Cody Minnick (Fr. 0-1, 0-0 SoCon)

141: Michael Pongracz (Jr. - 18-2, 5-0 SoCon)

149: Chase Zemenac (So. - 3-2, 1-1 SoCon)

157: Kamaal Shakur (Fr. - 20-5, 5-0 SoCon)

165: Dominic Lampe (Fr. - 15-8, 4-1 SoCon)

174: Sean Mappes (Jr. - 14-7, 4-0 SoCon)

184: John Lampe (Sr. - 15-4, 4-0 SoCon)

197: Scottie Boykin (Jr. - 15-6, 5-0 SoCon)

285: No. 11 Jared Johnson (Jr. - 19-3, 5-0 SoCon)

 

Junior Jared Johnson leads the team with his 19-3 overall record and No. 11 national ranking at heavyweight. Freshman Kamaal Shakur has the most wins at 20-5 at 157, while junior Michael Pongracz continues his outstanding season with an 18-2 tally at 141.

 

Head Coach Heath Eslinger is in his seventh season at UTC. A two-time Southern Conference Coach of the Year, he owns an 84-44 (.656) career dual record.

 

SOCON RACE UPDATE

The Mocs have dominated the SoCon, winning the league 30 times since joining in 1978. UTC was picked to win again this year, but it is a tight race. UTC leads with a 5-0 mark, followed by Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb at 4-1.

 

Campbell is next at 2-3, followed by The Citadel (1-3) and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville (1-3). Davidson (0-2) and VMI (0-4) are still looking for their first win in league action.

Chattanooga has won 27 consecutive SoCon matches. The last loss was a 21-17 home defeat against Appalachian State on Feb. 5, 2012.

 

APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS (9-3, 4-1 SOCON) 125: Vito Pasone (Jr., 15-8, 5-0 SoCon)

133: Jacob Grigg (So., 12-9, 1-2 SoCon)

141: Michael Longo (So., 13-11, 5-0 SoCon)

149: Matt Zovistoski (Fr., 14-10, 3-2, SoCon)

157: David Peters-Logue (So., 10-9, 1-1, SoCon)

165: Forrest Przybysz (So., 16-8, 4-1, SoCon)

174: Nick Kee (So., 23-5, 5-0, SoCon)

184: Taylor Jackson (So., 12-11, 2-3, SoCon)

197: Randall Diabe (Fr., 5-11, 1-2, SoCon)

285: No. 5 Denzel Dejournette (Jr., 23-2, 5-0, SoCon)

 

ALL-TIME VS. APPALACHIAN STATE

The Mocs are 29-13-1 all-time against Appalachian State, including last year's nail-biting 19-17 win in Boone, N.C. UTC's last loss in the series was also its last SoCon setback, 17-21 at home on Feb. 5, 2012.

 

Last 10 Matches

Feb. 8, 2015 - Chattanooga 19 - Appalachian State* 17

Feb. 2, 2014 - Chattanooga* 35, Appalachian State 8

Feb. 3, 2013 - Chattanooga 29, Appalachian State* 9

Feb. 5, 2012 - Appalachian State 21 - Chattanooga* 17

Feb. 6, 2011 - Chattanooga 27 - Appalachian State* 10

Feb. 6, 2010 - Chattanooga* 33 - Appalachian State 9

Jan. 24, 2009 - Chattanooga 25 - Appalachian State* 12

Jan. 27, 2008 - Chattanooga* 27 - Appalachian State 9

Jan. 29, 2007 - Chattanooga 35 - Appalachian State* 3

Nov. 13, 2006 - Chattanooga 21 - Appalachian State* 21

 

LAST TIME VS. APPALACHIAN STATE

The Mocs won five of 10 matches, including two tech falls, to squeeze by Appalachian State 19-17. The Mocs got down big in three matches, including 7-1 at 133, 9-0 at 149 and 5-0 at 197. However, they battled back to score a win in each. the win clinched a share of the SoCon title for Chattanooga.

 

Chattanooga 19 – Appalachian State 17

Sunday – Feb. 8, 2015 - Varsity Gym – Boone, N.C.

125: No. 11 Sean Boyle (UTC) – Dec. 9-6 - Dominic Parisi (ASU) – UTC 3-0

133: No. 13 Nick Soto (UTC) – Dec. 11-7 - Vito Pasone (ASU) – UTC 6-0

141: Michael Longo (ASU) – Dec. 3-1 - Michael Pongracz (UTC) – UTC 6-3

149: Shawn Greevy (UTC) – TF, 26-9 - Javon Johnson (ASU) – UTC 11-3

157: Zack Strickland (ASU) – Dec. 4-3 - Austin Sams (UTC) – UTC 11-6

165: Nick Kee (ASU) – MD, 16-5 - Justin Lampe (UTC) – UTC 11-10

174: Forrest Przybysz (ASU) – Dec. 4-3 - Sean Mappes (UTC) – ASU 13-11

184: McCoy Newberg (UTC) – TF, 15-0 - Nick Vetell (ASU) – UTC 16-13

197: Scottie Boykin (UTC) – Dec. 15-10 - Tyler Radford (ASU) – UTC 19-13

285: No. 20 Denzel Dejournette (ASU) – MD, 15-2 - Clay Dent (UTC) – UTC 19-17

 

KEY MATCHES WITH APPALACHIAN STATE

Each match will be critical for both sides, beginning with Vito Pasone's 5-0 league record at 125. He goes against UTC freshman Alonzo Allen (10-9, 2-2 SoCon).

 

141 will be a rematch of the SoCon finals between Michael Pongracz and Michael Long. Longo won both meetings last season, including 3-1 in the dual and 7-4 in the SoCon tournament.

 

ASU's Nick Kee is 23-5 overall and 5-0 in the SoCon at 174. He is matched up against UTC's Sean Mappes, the defending SoCon Champ at that weight.

 

Heavyweight features two ranked wrestlers in UTC's No. 11 Jared Johnson and Appalachian State's defending SoCon Champion No. 5 Denzel Dejournette. Dejournette scored a narrow 2-0 win over Johnson earlier in the year at the Southern Scuffle.

MOCS VS. THE SOCON

The Mocs are 41-1 in SoCon action in seven seasons under current head coach Heath Eslinger. The lone loss was a 17-25 setback at home to Appalachian State on Feb. 5, 2012. Since then, UTC has won 27-straight league matches.

 

MOCS SET RECORDS IN THE CLASSROOM

The wrestling team had an outstanding semester in the classroom for the Fall 2015 term. UTC topped the 3.0 mark (3.04) for the first time as a team. The Mocs also set program records with 22 on the A.D. Honor Roll, 16 on the Dean's List and five 4.0s.

[Sommers]

Cleveland Tennessee Press...

 

http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/bears-look-to-turn-silverinto-gold-at-state-duals,27187

 

Bears look to turn silver into gold at state duals

 

pic

 

THE BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS finished third in last year’s state duals wrestling tournament. They will be looking to move up two spots to the top of the podium at the 2016 tournament beginning Friday, in Franklin.

 

BANNER PHOTO, LYNNAE ROBERTS

 

Posted Thursday, February 4, 2016 10:40 am

 

RICHARD ROBERTS Banner Sports Editor

 

After an absence of three years, the Bradley Central Bears again found themselves vying for a state duals wrestling tournament championship.

 

A loss to Wilson Central in the semifinals relegated the team to a third-place finish and 365 days to figure out how to take the next step and regain their place as wrestling champions.

 

Bears coach Ben Smith has spent that time thinking about it, wondering about it, figuring how to make his team better and working on ways to prepare his team for another run at the crown. This time around, a year's worth of seasoning and maturing is hopefully the key to wrestling championship No. 23 for the Bradley Central wrestling program.

 

Smith said he and the Bears may have taken to the mats in Franklin in 2015 just a little bit overconfident, and wound up finishing third. But, the Bears coach also feels that experience helped prepare this year's team for what is to be expected with 16 mats of wrestling action taking place at the same time.

 

With a year to think things over and retool for another run at a championship, Smith is happy with the Bears' body of work and said the group has earned the No.1 ranking. “But that’s just a paper ranking,†he noted. “Now that we've put together 3 1/2 months of work, we still have three weeks to close the book on it.

 

“Even though Cleveland is not there, they are still defending state champions. Right now it is up for grabs. It's one of those things where we have a little bit more of a one-match-at-a-time focus. We got humbled pretty stoutly in the semifinals by Wilson Central last year and that hasn't left our minds. I tend to exude overconfidence at times and maybe our team was a bit overconfident because of me last year,†he stated.

 

“I think we are the best team in the state, but that doesn't mean we will be the best team in the state. We are going to get what we earn.â€

 

Last year's tournament saw the Bears maybe wrestle over their heads a bit with many wrestlers being a part of such a large and boisterous atmosphere for the first time. It will be a seasoned group walking into the Cow Palace this time, looking to make it to the top of the podium.

 

“This year, I think if we wrestle like we are supposed to, the winning and losing will take care of itself. If we are supposed to win, we will — if we do what we are supposed to,†said Smith. “But as long as we put forth a good effort I'm still going to be pretty happy.â€

 

Smith is counting heavily on the wisdom garnered in last year's tournament to help the Bears this time around. Even so, with several juniors and seniors in the starting slots, there are still some younger Bears who will see their first really big-time action in Franklin with 16 mats of wrestling taking place at the same time.

 

“There are five or six kids who have never been there, but the team as a whole made its presence known last year at the state dual level. Having been there and experienced a big loss kind of takes some of the shock-and-awe factor out of it. Last year wasn't as bad as it could have been, but I felt like that at worst we were the third-best team there last year — and that's what we got,†Smith related.

 

“I think we underachieved last year and we lost a big match. It wasn't necessarily an upset, but it was an upset for us.â€

 

The experience factor also should help with the Bears who made the trip to Franklin with the team but never saw action on the mat during the tournament.

 

“They've seen it, they've been there, they've smelled it and heard it. Part of our team training has been visualizing the arena and the tournament. We will still visit the arena and do some mental walk-throughs, but I think the shock factor of just being there and getting back there will be more of a relief. I think there will be more of a business-type mindset,†Smith Acknowledged.

 

“If we are going to turn silver into gold at the end of the day we will have to be focused on the task at hand.â€

 

The Bears open the tournament Friday at 3 p.m. CST [4 o’clock Eastern] against Bartlett High School. A successful outing against the Panthers will set Bradley up with a second match at 7 p.m. against the winner of Gibbs-Centennial.

 

With 16 mats going full tilt, one of Smith's main tasks will be keeping his Bears' focus on the one mat where they are currently wrestling.

 

“We're sitting (in the bracket) where we want to be and we're in a good spot, however I'm trying to do a better job of getting our guys focused on the task at hand and not thinking too far ahead,†he said.

 

“We are kind of in control of our own destiny to a certain degree. We wrestle every team in the state that's good. We travel and we find the best competition so that when we get to this moment it is another match and we have already been there.â€

 

If Smith is able to keep the Bears focused on the task at hand, there is one other person that has also to keep his focus where it needs to be — and that is Smith himself. When not around wrestling, the fifth-year coach turns his attention to family and giving just as much there as he does to the Bears.

 

“When I'm not around wrestling I've been trying to focus on my family more. I try to give 110 percent to wrestling when I'm there, but when I'm at home I try to give 110 percent there. Balancing some things out at home, turning the phone off, closing the laptop, shutting down the video. My family, my faith and doing a lot of reading helps keep me balanced.

 

“I'm just trying to progress on the maturity level. I think through family and faith that's kind of helping me relax,†he said. “I'm just trying to enjoy it. This is a great group of kids — I love my kids. We are a success whether we win the state championship or not. My kids are good kids. We're doing good things. Their lives are being changed and they are changing my life. I am enjoying my time with them.â€

 

But still, Smith finds himself having to contain his excitement about the tournament and the Bears' chance to bring home a 23rd state championship.

 

“It's hard to contain. I've been anxious all week. There is some excitement around Bradley High School. There is some excitement around the coaching staffs. Our school wants this. Our school needs this. Our program in particular needs it,†he admitted.

 

“You don't want to wish time away because you want to take time to prepare, and prepare properly. But at the same time we are excited about getting over there. But, I won't let my guys think ahead. I won't let our fans think ahead. There's no thinking ahead. There's no talking about a state championship or putting rings on our fingers because we have four matches in two days to turn a silver trophy into gold. That's what we are focusing on.â€

 

Focused, anxious, prepared, levelheaded and ready are the group of Bears headed to Franklin. Filled with a controlled confidence and knowing they have what it takes to finish first, the Head Bear feels his team is as good or better than any group leaving it all on the mat this weekend.

 

“Our chances are as good as anyone's. I think our body of work says if we do what we are supposed to do we should be state champions. That doesn't mean we will be. I know my guys have worked hard and I know my staff has worked hard. I know we have all worked hard together,†said Smith.

 

“This thing has been brewing for a couple of years now. I took over five years ago and this was the group of kids that were fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders. They have been with me from the beginning. A lot of people across the state have seen this group come up together, and they know what we are capable of. If we can cash the check we've written with our hard work, I think we can be state champions.â€

[Sommers]

Local Boro area Coverage...

 

http://www.dnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/02/04/blaze-stars-wrestle-added-purpose/79817106/

 

HIGH SCHOOL

 

Blaze, Stars wrestle with added purpose

 

Tom Kreager, tkreager@dnj.com5 hours agoFacebookTwitterGoogle Plusmore

 

Tom Kreager/DNJ

 

Blackman coach Ronnie Bray gives instruction to Hunter Winters during the G.P. West Invitational. Winters' brother Daniel died nearly a year ago in a car accident.

 

John A. Gillis/DNJ

 

Blackman wrestler Hunter Winters signs a banner remembering his brother, Daniel

 

MURFREESBORO â€” Two Rutherford County Class AAA wrestling programs Friday will begin quests for a TSSAA state duals title for the first time in the history of the event.

 

Both have reached the state competition at the Williamson County Expo Center with identical goals — they want to honor a fallen teammate.

 

Blackman High's team continues to wrestle with thoughts of former Daniel Winters, who died nearly a year ago from a car accident. And Siegel High wrestles for former grappler Mason Loupe, who died from a gunshot wound in the head in September.

 

"It's brought us close," said Siegel 106-pound wrestler Tyler Grant of Loupe's death. "Everyone has bonded together. We help each other out.

 

"We're brothers now. We're not teammates â€” we're brothers."

 

Siegel wrestling honors Loupe

 

Fans, family honor Mason Loupe at Siegel game

 

Blackman faces Science Hill at 3 p.m. in its first dual of the state tournament. Siegel wrestles Arlington at 3 p.m. in its opener of the double-elimination tournament. The winners will wrestle again at 7 p.m. The losers return at 9 a.m. Saturday.

 

Blackman will come to state donning new team blue and orange sweatshirts with Winters' initials as a reminder.

 

"Everybody loved him," Blackman coach Ronnie Bray said of Winters. "Everybody is going through that pain together. It has brought us together. It was a horrible thing."

 

Siegel's program has remained close with the Loupe family. Members of the team helped his mother, Melanie Loupe, move out of her home. And they mowed her yard to help her sell her home.

 

"She was very happy that we helped," said Grant, who said he's been asked to be a groomsman in Melanie Loupe's upcoming wedding. "I was very pleased that we were there to help her. And we were there to help her grieve."

 

Grant said he and Mason Loupe were extremely close. He'd go over to his house virtually every day.

 

Tom Kreager/DNJ

 

Siegel coach Lee Ramsey and the Stars compete in the state duals this weekend. The Stars have wrestled in honor of former wrestler Mason Loupe all season.

 

"Losing Mason was a moment that fortified us together," Siegel coach Lee Ramsey said. "It was something incredibly painful for all of us.

 

"We always talk about being a family and being one."

 

Blackman's team can relate. Winters' death came the night after he qualified for the 2015 TSSAA individual state tournament. His death brought the program and all those competing extremely close that weekend during the state tournament.

 

pic

 

Blackman graduate Tyler Garrison even won his state title wearing Winters' wrestling shoes.

 

State wrestling qualifiers honor memory of Blackman athlete

 

Perfect Ending: 4 area wrestlers win state championships

 

Blackman wrestling coach: 'It's like losing a son'

 

And that tight bond hasn't decreased nearly a year later.

 

"Losing him was a very tragic thing," Blackman wrestler Andre Bravo said. "We've all supported each other to get through the situations â€” especially with Hunter.

 

Hunter Winters â€” Daniel Winters' younger brother â€” wrestles for the Blaze. He qualified for the individual state tournament a year ago, but chose not to compete after the loss of his brother.

 

"It's been very hard on him," Bray said. "Everyone can imagine that, but they don't know that.

 

"His teammates have lifted him up."

 

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Kreager.

 

TSSAA State Duals

 

When: Friday-Saturday

 

Where: Williamson County Expo Center, Franklin

 

How much: $10

 

Who: Blackman faces Science Hill at 3 p.m. Siegel faces Arlington at 3 p.m.

 

 

 

Press Coverage from Tennessee's largest paper...

 

http://usatodayhss.com/2016/state-wrestling-duals-preview

 

State wrestling duals preview

 

By Sam Brown, sdbrown@tennessean.com February 4, 2016

 

Ben Stacey (top) and his Father Ryan teammates will be vying for a Division II state title at the TSSAA State Duals Friday and Saturday.

Ben Stacey (top) and his Father Ryan teammates will be vying for a Division II state title at the TSSAA State Duals Friday and Saturday.

Wilson Central will be looking to take its season one step further this year as the TSSAA state dual wrestling championships kick off Friday at the Williamson County Expo Center in Franklin.

 

The Wildcats have finished Class AAA runner-up each of the past three years, coming up short against state-power Cleveland all three times.

 

Joining Wilson Central in its pursuit of a team state title are 10 other Midstate teams, six of which will be wrestling alongside the Wildcats in Class AAA.

 

Beech — last year’s fourth-place finisher — and Siegel are also returning teams from last year in AAA, while Independence, Blackman, Stone Memorial and Centennial hope to leave their mark in duals competition after failing to reach the tournament a year ago.

 

Father Ryan will also be looking for redemption after a second-place finish in Division II last year, falling 32-30 to Baylor in the finals.

 

The Irish will open up against Franklin Road Academy, which made the tournament after missing last year, and Montgomery Bell Academy will also be looking to improve on last year’s fourth-place finish in DII action.

 

Page and Greenbrier will carry the weight of the Midstate in the Class A/AA bracket. The two wrestle each other in the opening round Friday at 5 p.m.

 

Gates open at 12:30 p.m. on Friday with weigh-ins for all divisions starting at 1:30 p.m.

 

Class AAA will kick off the competition with the round of 16 starting at 3 p.m. and Division II and Class A/AA divisions will get under way starting at 5 p.m.

 

At 7 p.m. Class AAA will have championship quarterfinals while Class A/AA and Division II will have championship semifinals.

 

Class AAA semifinals are at 1 p.m. Saturday. Championships for all three divisions will begin Saturday at 7 p.m.

 

Reach Sam Brown at 615-259-8232 and on Twitter @SamBrownTN.

 

Beech, Beech high school Centennial, Beech senior high school, Blackman, Blackman High School, centennial high school, Father Ryan, Father Ryan high school, FRA, Frank Simpson, Franklin Road Academy, High School Wrestling, Independence, Independence High School, John Kramer, MBA, Montgomery Bell Academy, Page, Page high school, Pat Simpson, Siegel, Siegel High School, TSSAA, Wilson Central, Wilson Central high school, wrestling, Nashville, Baylor School (Chattanooga TN), Franklin Road Academy (Nashville TN), Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville TN), Wrestling, News

[Sommers]

Big College matchups over the next few days...

 

http://www.flowrestling.org/article/39452-what-2-watch-4-in-ncaa-d1-wrestling-wolfpack-streak-on-the-line

 

Ohio State vs. Penn State Superdual Breakdown

 

A year ago we all saw the spectacle of PSU v. Iowa at the Bryce Jordan Center.  As outstanding as that dual was from a fan perspective, Iowa/PSU last year doesn’t compare on the national scale to Ohio State vs Penn State.  This dual has been discussed and built up throughout the year.  Though TOSU may not have quite the pop to beat PSU in a tournament, they're a fantastic match up against Penn State in a dual setting.  

 

125 - #1 Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State vs #4 Nico Megaludis, Penn State

 

Nico potentially winning this match gives me a nightmare scenario for ranking purposes. I think it’s a scenario we’re going to see.  In a vacuum all things being equal I may in fact view Nathan as the superior guy skill for skill.  

 

However,  if we look back at Nathan’s track record for his FIRST crack against elite guys, he has lost those matches each time.  He lost to Joey Dance, then beat him the next time.  He lost to Thomas Gilman, then beat him the next time.  He lost to Alan Waters, then beat him the next time.  I think that’s a real possibility for this match.  Nico has this uncanny ability to win matches in unique ways.  Whether it’s a ride-out, a reversal, a sneaky quick counter td, Nico just wins matches in these kinds of spots.  I think Tomasello will struggle to get to legs against Nico and even if he gets in, he’s never had to finish against someone like Nico.  Nico may not be better (though he might be), but I do think he wins by a point. 

 

PSU: 3

OSU: 0

 

Here's Nico's win over Delgado a few years back. 

 

133 - #15 Johnni DiJulius, Ohio State vs #5 Jordan Conaway, Penn State

 

My upset senses are tingling a little for this one.  As badly as JDJ may be trending, matchups matter.  Recall Conaway’s match against DiCamillo at the Scuffle.  DiCam controlled ties (wrists) very well, used his length, got to singles and dominated a long stretch of that match.  Then we saw Conaway hit that gear like we’ve seen him do time and time again where his pace becomes too much and ultimately he won.  

 

So if we conveniently ignore the part where DiCamillo fell apart at the end and look at the meat of that match, I see a lot of similarities in what could make this a problematic bout for Jordan Conaway. JDJ has largely been scouted and scouted and guys are doing a better job of avoiding his ties.  Many guys have that success against JDJ the 2nd time around.  This will be the first meeting between the two.  Recall JDJ is a guy in his career with wins over Cody Brewer (twice, actually), Cory Clark, Jimmy Gulibon (multiple times) and Joe Colon.  Many of these meetings were the first time these two hit, and on a few occasions these results were reversed.  So first crack in this dual and I can’t believe I’m going there but I’m calling the upset. Johnni is DUE in a major way for a win that really defies explanation.  Conaway has been MONEY at home and even beat Tyler Graff there a few years ago.  His motor doesn’t stop.  I think Jordan’s size and style put him at a slight disadvantage this time against Johnni.  JDJ wins by decision.

 

Ohio State: 3

PSU: 3

 

Here's that Conaway/DiCamillo match I mentioned:

 

141 - #6 Micah Jordan, Ohio State vs Jimmy Gulibon, Penn State

 

Jimmy will be in the match, there’s not much doubt in my mind about that.  However, I think Micah presents some problems for Jimmy.  I think he’ll struggle to finish on Micah because of his size and length. Micah has been very good but a tad untested of late.  Also, you have to consider the hour weigh in.  If Micah’s cut is rough, it could spell trouble late against Gulibon.

 

All that said, I think Micah is a takedown or two better than Jimmy and he’ll take this one by decision.

 

OSU: 6

PSU: 3

 

 

149 - Cody Burcher, Ohio State vs #1 Zain Retherford, Penn State

 

Hunter Stieber, Cody Burcher, it doesn’t matter.  PSU is winning big time here.  Zain is pinning everyone in sight.  That’s going down again. Retherford will overwhelm and pin.  He’s a new man from the top position.  I won’t waste your time with analysis here.  Zain by fall.

 

PSU: 9

OSU: 6

 

157 - #11 Jake Ryan, Ohio State vs #1 Jason Nolf, Penn State

 

Ryan represents a contingent at 157 that from about 11 on back to 20 and beyond are approximately the same guy.  Ryan has been super solid only losing to elite guys.  His wins aren’t really there yet, though he has a few.  He’s tough to score on in many of his matches.  

 

Nolf will absolutely overwhelm here.  Ryan is being sent out on a bonus point preservation mission.  Keep it to a major or dec and that’s a job well done for Jake.  The way Nolf has been competing, I don’t we’ll see that.  Give me the tech for Nolf.

 

PSU: 14

OSU: 6

 

 

165 - #2 Bo Jordan, Ohio State vs #11 Shakur Rasheed, Penn State

 

You have to love Bo in this spot, but I think Rasheed will prove difficult to blow out.  He hasn’t shown real vulnerability from underneath, rather his conditioning.  I think Bo takes this one by a lopsided decision.  I think Rasheed will hang and make things difficult enough early that the points don’t come easily. 

 

The part that makes this especially difficult is Rasheed has not faced an elite rider this year. It’s possible that he is not ready for the double legs/half combo that makes Bo a terror.  Bo has been hit or miss with bonus.  He has quite a few pins but every now and again a guy like Christian Brucki comes along and holds him to a decision.  

 

I don’t feel strong about anything other than a Bo win.  By how much is a real mystery.  I’m saying a lopsided decision for Bo Jordan.

 

PSU: 14

OSU: 9

 

174 - #15 Myles Martin, Ohio State vs #1 Bo Nickal, Penn State

 

These two met earlier this year and it was just a 4-3 win for Nickal at the NLO.  Nickal has since ascended to the top spot in the rankings.  Martin was pulled from redshirt and has been quite impressive, but not on Nickal’s level of production.  I always say in these that match ups matter.  I think Myles is very difficult to score on, and Bo’s propensity to attack may leave him vulnerable for Myles’ re-attacks.  

 

With that considered, I think Bo comes out with a better-honed gameplan and wins comfortably.  I think we’ll see him have success from low ankle attacks and he’ll thrive in the scrambles. Nickal wins by a couple.

 

PSU: 17

OSU: 9

 

 

184 - #13 Kenny Courts, Ohio State vs #7 Matt McCutcheon, Penn State

 

Things aren’t trending in the right direction for McCutcheon heading into this match.  He’s yet to beat Courts in his career and he’s coming off of an injury.  Courts hasn’t been anything to write home about this year in his own right.  I can’t get the memory of him getting teched 15-0 against Miklus out of my mind.  He also was blown out 7-1 by Dudley who McCutcheon has beaten this year. 

 

If I pick McCutcheon I’m going against their history which favors Kenny.  If I pick Kenny, I’m going against all the indicators that this season has given us.  Give me McCutcheon in a tight one.

 

PSU: 20

OSU: 9

 

Check out the NCAA meeting between Courts and McCutcheon here:

 

197 - Mark Martin, Ohio State vs #1 Morgan McIntosh, Penn State

 

There’s a possibility we will see Jack Rozema for Ohio State in this spot.  No matter who gets the nod, it will be tough sledding against Morgan McIntosh.  McIntosh has been on a bonus point tear this season with a pile of majors, techs and pins. I’m feeling a major decision here.  

 

Martin’s advantage is his speed and agility being a smaller 97.  That won’t be an advantage for Mark in this spot, however.  McIntosh is every bit as fast and agile combined with great attacks, scrambles and turns.  I like a major here for McIntosh with lots of riding time.  

 

PSU: 24

OSU: 9

 

285 - #2 Kyle Snyder, Ohio State vs Jan Johnson, Penn State 

 

The question here isn’t "who?†it’s “by how much?†Looking to make up for some previous bonus points, I think we could see Kyle Snyder’s first D1 fall.  He went all of last year without a pin. Johnson has struggled and currently has only one win on the season.    

 

This is likely self-efident based on my previous sentence but Snyder struggles to turn guys in the folkstyle sense.  He’s almost exclusively takedown, cut and get out on bottom.  I think Snyder has his way with Johnson but I’m not ready to call the pin.  Takedowns for days, but ‘just’ a tech fall for the Buckeyes.

 

Final Score:

PSU: 24

OSU: 14

 

So it’s a 10 point win for PSU.  All Ohio State needs to win this dual is a NATO win as well as a Courts win over McCutcheon.  So while I was very bullish earlier this week on radio about TOSU’s chances.  It’s right there for the taking.

 

Comment

 

rtierney418 minutes ago

 

125 - Nico 5-3 (3-0)

 

133 - Conaway 6-4 (6-0)

 

141 - Micah 7-4 (6-3)

 

149 - Zain FALL (12-3)

 

157 - Nolf FALL (18-3)

 

165 - Bo 10-3 (18-6)

 

174 - Nickal 7-3 (21-6)

 

184 - Courts 8-5 (21-9)

 

197 - McIntosh MD 11-3 (25-9)

 

285 - Snyder 1st Career FALL (25-15)

 

LikeReply

 



 

kadiamose2 hours ago

 

Too much silly here. I'm from ohio but numebrs don't lie- Pennsylvania Wrestling has quailty and depth year after year- they are at another level. You know what you will get with PS- a team full of hammers- bringing it. If the   OSU team  that wrestled UM shows up- this is going to be a long night for OSU- Very possible only their Jordans and Snyder get their hand raised- but the thing that makes this so much fun is that it is possible to imagine they run the table the first 3 matches and Courts and Martin catch lighnting- unlikely- yes- possible sure- this is gonna be great to watch- the only people I am jelous of are the people who will be there- what a great show!!! 

 

 

And I never said only PA wrestlers are good by the way. Just clearing that up. They have the more NCAA AA's than anyone and more NCAA CHAMPS but wrestlers from other states are obviously good too!!! I think the jealous juice got to you!!

 

LikeReply

 

SHOW MORE COMMENTS

 

 

What 2 Watch 4 in NCAA D1 Wrestling - Wolfpack Streak On The Line?

 



 

Photo: Tony Rotundo

 

What 2 Watch 4 in NCAA D1 Wrestling - Wolfpack Streak On The Line?

 

 

Feb 5, 2016

 

Christian Pyles

 

It's ramping back up again.  Last week we saw around 40 ranked match ups (which still produced quite a few upsets).  This week it REALY ramps up with nearly 70 ranked match ups.  A number of very competitive duals will be going down including TOSU v. PSU, Ok. State v. Cornell and NC State v. Nebraska and Illinois v. Nebraska.

 

Friday, February 5:

 

Ohio State at Penn State, 6:00 PM

125 - #1 Nathan Tomasello, Ohio State vs #4 Nico Megaludis, Penn State

133 - #15 Johnni DiJulius, Ohio State vs #5 Jordan Conaway, Penn State

141 - #6 Micah Jordan, Ohio State vs Jimmy Gulibon, Penn State

149 - Cody Burcher, Ohio State vs #1 Zain Retherford, Penn State

157 - #11 Jake Ryan, Ohio State vs #1 Jason Nolf, Penn State

165 - #2 Bo Jordan, Ohio State vs #11 Shakur Rasheed, Penn State

174 - #15 Myles Martin, Ohio State vs #1 Bo Nickal, Penn State

184 - #13 Kenny Courts, Ohio State vs #7 Matt McCutcheon, Penn State

197 - Mark Martin, Ohio State vs #1 Morgan McIntosh, Penn State

285 - #2 Kyle Snyder, Ohio State vs Jan Johnson, Penn State 

 

Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh, 7:00 PM

133 - Dennis Gustafson vs #19 Dom Forys

141 - #8 Solomon Chishko vs #10 Mike Racciato

285 - #3 Ty Walz vs #13 Ryan Solomon

 

Wisconsin at Rutgers, 7:00 PM

133 - #7 Ryan Taylor vs #18 Anthony Giraldo

165 - #3 Isaac Jordan vs #6 Anthony Perrotti

 

Duke at Virginia, 7:00 PM

197 - #5 Conner Hartmann vs #13 Zach Nye

 

Navy at Old Dominion, 7:30 PM

184 - #15 Mat Miller vs. #10 Jack Dechow

 

Mat Miller is good on top:

Indiana at Iowa, 8:00 PM 

125 - Elijah Oliver vs #2 Thomas Gilman

174 - #10 Nathan Jackson vs #7 Alex Meyer

 

Illinois at Nebraska, 8:00 PM 

133 - #2 Zane Richards vs #9 Eric Montoya

157 - #2 Isaiah Martinez vs Tyler Berger

165 - #4 Steven Rodrigues vs #7 Austin Wilson

174 - #2 Zac Brunson vs #16 Micah Barnes

184 - #17 Jeff Koepke vs #8 TJ Dudley

 

Kent State at Northern Illinois, 8:00 PM

197 - #16 Kyle Conel vs #18 Shawn Scott

 

Iowa State at Northern Iowa, 8:00 PM

133 - #8 Earl Hall vs #17 Josh Alber

165 - #12 Tanner Weatherman vs #19 Cooper Moore

 

Alber and Hall had a good one at CKLV:

Minnesota at Northwestern, 8:00 PM

149 - #15 Jake Short vs #3 Jason Tsirtsis

 

Oklahoma at Oklahoma State, 8:00 PM

125 - #10 Ryan Millhof vs # 5 Eddie Klimara

133 - #3 Cody Brewer vs #20 Gary Wayne Harding

149 - Davion Jeffries vs #19 Anthony Collica

174 - #20 Matt Reed vs #5 Kyle Crutchmer

285 - #14 Ross Larson vs #5 Austin Marsden

 

North Dakota State at Utah Valley, 9:00 PM

125 - #13 Josh Rodriguez vs #18 Chasen Tolbert

 

Saturday, February 6:

 

Arizona State, Clarion, Cleveland State, Hofstra, Lock Haven at Edinboro's Edinboro Open, 9:00 AM

141 - #18 Brock Zacherl, Dan Neff

149 - #14 Matthew Kraus, #12 Pat Lugo

184 - #3 Blake Stauffer, #2 Vic Avery

 

Columbia at Cornell, 1:00 PM

157 - #16 Markus Schiedel vs #18 Dylan Palacio

 

Princeton at Harvard, 1:00 PM

141 - Jordan Laster vs #12 Todd Preston

 

American at Lehigh, 3:00 PM

125 - #8 David Terao vs #15 Darian Cruz

157 - John Boyle vs #9 Mitch Minotti

 

Franklin & Marshall at Drexel, 4:00 PM

141 - #11 Rick Durso vs Kevin Devoy

 

North Carolina State at Nebraska, 8:00 PM 

141 - #3 Kevin Jack vs #17 Anthony Abidin

157 - #4 Tommy Gantt vs Tyler Berger

165 - #8 Max Rohskopf vs #7 Austin Wilson

174 - Nick Hall vs #16 Micah Barnes

184 - #18 Pete Renda vs #8 TJ Dudley

197 - #15 Michael Boykin vs #8 Aaron Studebaker

285 - #1 Nick Gwiazdowski vs Collin Jensen

 

Kent State at Northern Iowa, 8:00 PM

133 - #12 Mack McGuire vs #17 Josh Alber

 

Sunday, February 7:

 

Old Dominion at Ohio, 12:00 PM

133 - #16 Emilio Saavedra vs #11 Cam Kelly

 

Michigan at Rutgers, 12:00 PM

125 - Connor Youtsey vs #19 Sean McCabe

133 - #14 Rossi Bruno vs #18 Anthony Giraldo

141 - Zac Hall vs #4 Anthony Ashnault

157 - #9 Brian Murphy vs #20 Richie Lewis

184 - #12 Dom Abounader vs #19 Nick Gravina

285 - #4 Adam Coon vs #15 Billy Smith

 

Oklahoma State at Cornell, 1:00 PM

125 - #5 Eddie Klimara vs #20 Dalton Macri

133 - #20 Gary Wayne Harding vs #1 Nahshon Garrett

149 - #19 Anthony Collica vs Joey Galasso

157 - #5 Joe Smith vs #18 Dylan Palacio

165 - #1 Alex Dieringer vs #18 George Pickett

174 - #5 Kyle Crutchmer vs #4 Brian Realbuto

184 - #16 Nolan Boyd vs #1 Gabe Dean

 

Last time Crutchmer and Realbuto met was at the 2016 Southern Scuffle:

 

Virginia Tech at Edinboro, 1:00 PM

149 - Sal Mastriani vs #12 Pat Lugo

157 - #7 Nick Brascetta vs #13 Austin Matthews

184 - #14 Zack Zavatsky vs #2 Vic Avery

 

Pittsburgh at West Virginia, 1:00 PM

197 - Nick Bonaccorsi vs #10 Jake Smith

 

Minnesota at Wisconsin, 1:00 PM

133 - Sam Brancale vs #7 Ryan Taylor

 

Northwestern at Illinois, 2:00 PM 

133 - Dom Malone vs #2 Zane Richards

149 - #3 Jason Tsirtsis vs Kyle Langenderfer

 

Missouri at Northern Illinois, 2:00 PM 

197 - #2 J’Den Cox vs #18 Shawn Scott

 

Bleise and Manley also meet in the Mizzou and NIU dual. 

 

LikeReply

 

By The Numbers: UNI vs CMU

 

Photo: Tony Rotundo

 

Feb 4, 2016

 

Brock Hite

 

This installment of "By The Numbers" breaks down the dual between the Northern Iowa #panthertrain and Central Michigan Chippewas. The Panthers won the battle of being aggressive, but the Chippewas won the war by converting on their attacks.

 

Takedowns:

 

UNI: 8

CMU: 16

 

Central Michigan won the dual by converting on a higher percentage of their attacks. They were very good scrambling out of attacks forced by Panther wrestlers and did a nice job capitalizing on go behind opportunities. It isn’t often you see the team with fewer attacks win the takedown battle, but the Chippewas did just that. 

 

Committed Attacks:

 

UNI: 49

CMU: 43

 

This dual had a common theme throughout. UNI was attacking and CMU was using the Panther attacks to score points. CMU scored five go behind takedowns off of missed leg attacks opportunities by the Panthers. The Chippewas made the most of their opportunities and made the Panthers pay for their mistakes. 

 

Reversals:

 

UNI: 0

CMU: 0

 

Nothing to see here. I am starting to accept the fact that reversals just don’t happen at the Division I level. Hopefully, the reversal gets increased value along with the takedown if that rule change happens. Maybe that will be detrimental to the reversal because top wrestlers will bail out more quickly, but it can’t help to try to create incentive. 

 

Nearfall:

 

UNI: 2 sets of 4

CMU: 0

 

Both sets of nearfall came from the neutral position. Dylan Peters took Fleetwood straight into criteria, while Cooper Moore has a slight hesitation to sink in a bottom leg Turk. It is difficult to turn a guy that is just trying to escape unless you name is Zain Retherford. If guys have incentive to go for reversals you might see more guys give up nearfall points chasing them down.

 

Stall Calls:

 

UNI: 2

CMU: 13

 

This was a stunning statistic when I saw the final tally. Both of UNI’s stall call were on the new boundary rules. None of CMU’s calls came from the new rule. They picked up stalling calls in a variety of ways. Sometimes they were protecting leads, sometimes they were being outclassed, and other times they just seemed to be waiting to counter attack. It didn’t hurt the Chippewas in the final outcome, but you can never be happy about giving away that many stalling calls.

 

Riding Time:

 

UNI: 2

CMU: 3

 

This continues to be the statistic that has the best correlation to winning the match. Only one evaluated match this season has seen the losing wrestler score a riding time point. It makes sense, if you are on top you normally had to score points to get into that position.

 

Each week I have brought to light an issue that focused on how the match was called by the official. Mostly gray areas where judgment came into play. This week there is no gray area or judgment involved, just a call that you don’t see made very often. The double knee kick back became illegal a few years ago. I know it was 2010-11 for the high schoolers, but I haven’t been able verify the exact year it went into effect on the NCAA level. I know I have seen it used at least 20 times since it has been illegal, and I have never seen it penalized. 

 

 

This is an easy call. The situation doesn’t allow the move to be hidden and it isn’t difficult for the official to see, no matter what angle he is looking at the action. “It was legal and used often for a long time†is the only explanation I can think of when searching for reasons officials don’t make the correct call. If it’s in the book, the officials should get the call correct, no excuses.

 

 

 

The live video with Alber above does NOT depict this violation. Alber is not kicking or even touching any part of the "back of the knees". He shoots both feet THROUGH his opponent's legs and hooks on the opposite side. Watch the video, see for yourself. This is NOT a violation. 

 

 

@mountcarmel.16 Could not disagree more.  That is a textbook example of a double knee kickback and it is illegal because it is dangerous.  Alber's shins clearly impact the back of his knees and push them forward.  The rule is shins or feet.  Whether he hooks his feet or not afterward is irrelevant.  I would bet cash money that you couldn't find an official rules interpreter for high school or college that would say that was anything other than an illegal knee kick.  The official clearly blew that call.

 

 

I think the reason this doesn't get called more is that it doesn't happen often so officials aren't looking for it.  I have been in the sport for nearly 40 years and I have only seen double knee kickbacks in person a handful of times and I don't think I've ever seen it called.  

 

Top Wrestlers Ink Football Letters Of Intent

 

Photo: John Sachs

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Ryan Holmes

 

On Football National Signing Day and some of the the top prospects signed their Letters of Intent to play for some of the best programs in the country. Among these highly touted recruits are some of the best wrestlers who look to get it done on the gridiron instead of the center circle.

 

#1-Osa Odighizuwa, OR

 

 

HM-Jake Beistel, PA

 

 

#9-Nick Coe, NC

 

 

HM-Allen Stallings, IL

 

 

Super Bowl Bound Broncos' Linebacker Shaq Barrett Credits Wrestling

 

Feb 3, 2016

 

Ryan Holmes

 

Best of the Rest: Top Unranked HS Competitors

 

Feb 3, 2016

 

Ryan Holmes

 

2016 USA Olympic Team Trials Qualifiers

 

Nov 12, 2015

 

Brock Hite

 

Spencer Lee Is Back!

 

Feb 2, 2016

 

Ryan Holmes

 

Top 6 Freestyle Upsets From Around The World

 

Feb 4, 2017

 

Brock Hite

 

Top 10 D1 NCAA Upsets Of The Week

 

Christian Pyles

 

FloSports, Inc.

 

FloSports, an innovative sports media and events company, based in Austin, Texas, is the authentic source for content and a new world of coverage that true fans have been waiting for. Focused on three areas – live competition and coverage, original content, and owned and operated events – the company takes fragmented communities and provides them the platform to connect with the sports they love.

 

Learn More at FloSports.tv

 

Network

 

WrestlingTrackMileSplitGymnasticsEliteSoftballGrapplingBoxingMuscleCheerHoops

 

Company

 

Our StoryNewsContact UsAdvertiseCareersFAQPrivacyTerms & Conditions

 

FloWrestling

 

ðŸ”

[Sommers]

Tri-Cities TV Coverage...

 

The hard work in upper East Tn paying off in a big way this weekend...

 

http://wjhl.com/2016/02/06/vikings-win-3rd-greene-devils-4th-at-tssaa-dual-wrestling-championship/

 

Vikings win 3rd, Greene Devils 4th at TSSAA Dual Wrestling Championship

 

By Jacob YoungPublished: February 6, 2016, 8:31 pm

 

FRANKLIN, TN — It didn’t look so good for Tennessee High’s wrestling team on Friday. A 40-27 loss to Wilson Central in the TSSAA Dual Wrestling Championship Quarterfinals meant a long road back to place at state.

 

Good thing the Vikings are in a sport defined by perseverance.

 

Tennessee High rallied Saturday, winning three times on their way to a 3rd place finish at this year’s tournament. It wasn’t just any three wins either. The Vikings dominated Arlington 36-4, then with a spot in the consolation final on the line, they edged past rival Science Hill, 34-31.

 

That set up a 3rd place match against the same Wilson Central they lost to a day before. This time, the story was different. The Vikings beat the Wildcats, 39-33, taking 3rd place in Class AAA.

 

The weekend was far from a lost cause for the Hilltoppers. Science Hill actually advanced to the semifinals before falling 42-34 to Bradley Central then to Tennessee High in the consolation semifinal.

 

In Class A-AA, perseverance was the key to a 4th place Greeneville finish as well. The Greene Devils lost their first match of the tournament to Alcoa, setting up a three match run Saturday.

 

The Devils blew out Notre Dame 61-18, then edged past Page 39-36 before a 3rd place rematch with Alcoa. Greeneville was better the second time around, but the Tornadoes still took the win, 41-33.

[Sommers]

Coach Smith said... “We just felt like if we got to Franklin healthy, in one piece and made weight, that if we did our job and wrestled the way we trained and our tradition dictates, things would fall into place. That’s what happened tonight,†said Bears coach Ben Smith, who outwardly showed no signs of stress and admitted he was confident in his team as he watched the Bears warm up before the championship match.

 

http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/wrestling-bears-back-on-top,27372

 

Wrestling Bears Back on Top

 

Win program’s 23rd state title

 

THE BRADLEY CENTRAL wrestling Bears captured the TSSAA State Duals Championship title Saturday in Franklin. The crown is the first in five years for the Black-and-Gold grapplers and the 23rd state title in the program’s history.

 

BANNER PHOTO, DEBBIE MOORE

 

 Buy this photo

 

Posted Saturday, February 6, 2016 11:07 pm

 

RICHARD ROBERTS Banner Sports Editor

 

FRANKLIN — The Bradley Central Bears are once again on top of the TSSAA Wrestling Duals.

 

The No. 1-ranked Bears breezed through the first three rounds of the Tennessee State Duals Championships with 34 wins in 42 bouts. Their first title in five years came with 10 wins and a 52-21 victory over runner-up Soddy-Daisy in a rematch of the Region 4 championship between the two programs.

 

“We just felt like if we got to Franklin healthy, in one piece and made weight, that if we did our job and wrestled the way we trained and our tradition dictates, things would fall into place. That’s what happened tonight,†said Bears coach Ben Smith, who outwardly showed no signs of stress and admitted he was confident in his team as he watched the Bears warm up before the championship match.

 

“I’m very relieved. I’m happy for these kids and I’m happy for the program. That’s a memory these guys are going to have forever. That’s great.â€

 

The victory not only puts the Bears again at the top of the 3A wrestling heap, it also brings Smith out of the shadow of legendary Bradley wrestling coach Steve Logsdon — who directed the Bears to 21 state championships — a feat Smith shook off as non-consequential after the match.

 

“It’s not about me. It’s about the team,†the coach said matter of factly. “Ten years ago I would have said, ‘Yeah, it makes me feel good for me.’ But now here’s what makes me feel good; it makes me feel good that I had a group of kids who when I took over could have not believed in the program and could have jumped ship. I had a group of kids who stayed with me. A group of coaches who stayed with me and helped rebuild this thing to where we are now. I’m more happy for them for believing in me to get this thing back where we are. The affirmation is for the program. We’re not going anywhere. But, selfishly it feels good.â€

 

The Bears sent seven state-ranked wrestlers to the mat (Adams No. 3, Hicks No. 1, McElhaney No. 1, Parker No. 3, Fuller No. 1 Beyer No. 1 and Brown No. 1) but Smith said it was a total team effort that pushed the team to the title.

 

“We started at a great weight. That helped, I felt like, but I am more impressed with the fact that after the match all his kids were saying, “Congratulations coach.†There was no unsportsmanlike conduct. It was complete class. Hats off to coach (Soddy-Daisy head coach Jim) Higgins and his crew. They wrestled tough and he had them prepared. We just kind of got the ball rolling and kept it going.â€

 

The much anticipated rematch between the Bears and Trojans started with T.J. Adams putting the Bears up 6-0 with a pin at 285 pounds. Soddy-Daisy countered with a pin at 106 to tie the match at 6-6. T.J. Hicks (113) And Ryan McElhaney (120) came through with pins that pushed Bradley to an 18-6 lead.

 

In the 126-pound bout, Joshua LaCoe fought to a major decision over Soddy’s Slater Daniel and the Bears led 22-6. At 132, Hunter Parker won a hard-earned 10-8 battle for the Bears. Knox Fuller walked off the mat after a forfeit at 138 that put Bradley on top 31-6. Soddy-Daisy made it 31-12 with a pin at 145.

 

The Bears recouped with a pin by Donnie Beyer at 152 and another by Caleb Adkins at 160 that gave Bradley a 43-12 lead and ensured a state championship for the Bears with four matches left.

 

The Bears closed out their return to state championship status with Ed Elkins winning a decision at 182 and Brett Brown earning a pin at 220 to make the final score 52-21.

 

“I just felt really good. I wasn’t nervous. We knew they were going to have to bump weights and beat us and get some upsets. We felt like as long as we wrestled and stayed off our backs we were going to be fine. The guys weren’t relaxed, but not too uptight,†said the proud Smith.

 

Bradley began the 16-team tournament Friday with wins over Bartlett (45-27) and Gibbs (34-31) setting up Saturday’s semifinal match against Science Hill. That meet resulted in a 42-4 win for the Bears and a berth in their first duals championship since Smith took over the program five years ago.

 

In the first three rounds of the tournament, the Bears wrestled well enough to put themselves in position to forfeit 13 of 42 matches and still come out winners.

 

The Bears picked up nine wins in 10 bouts against Bartlett and held a 45-3 lead over Bartlett before forfeiting the final four bouts. Against Gibbs, Bradley held a lead of 34-7 and conceded the last four matches. Bradley Central held a 42-4 lead over Science Hill before handing the final five bouts to the Hilltoppers.

 

“At this point it is survive and advance. You want to get your kids out there and off the mat as quickly as possible. It limits injuries. It limits exposure to skin issues and it limits your loss and liability. It’s just business. It’s nothing personal. It is a good spot to be in if you can save four or five guys and keep them fresh and keep them healthy,†Smith said after the semi-finals win.

 

“It is (a confidence builder). We have put in a pretty good body of work and we’re just trying to keep moving forward and working toward the ultimate goal of a state finals, which we got. We just wanted to give ourselves a chance to win it.â€

 

ROUND OF 16

 

BRADLEY CENTRAL 45, BARTLETT 27

 

(Match started at 106)

 

106 — Bryson Bishop (BC) dec. Matt Bozarth, 4-0; 113 — Thomas Hicks (BC) pinned Cody Longo, 0:49; 120 — Ethan Anderson (BC) dec. Dalton Cockman, 2-1; 126 — David Thomas (Ba) dec. Joshua LaCoe, 7-6; 132 — Hunter Parker (BC) pinned Henry Washburn, 1:58; 138 — Knox Fuller (BC) pinned Sidney Smith, 0:35; 145 — Austin Mathews (BC) pinned Cody Vick, 0:40; 152 — Donnie Beyer (BC) pinned Jacob Goodyear, 0:43; 160 — Henley Headrick (BC) dec. Christian Cara, 10-7; 170 — Ed Elkins (BC) pinned Tyler Longo, 0:14; 182 — Dawson Johnson (Ba) win by forfeit; 195 — Kevin McHaney (Ba) win by forfeit; 220 — Trevor Cara (Ba) win by forfeit; 285 — Trey Hawkins (Ba) win by forfeit.

 

QUARTERFINALS

 

BRADLEY CENTRAL 34, GIBBS 31

 

(Match started at 113)

 

106 — Cory Gibbs (G) win by forfeit; 113 — Thomas Hicks (BC) dec. Phillip Maxwell, 4-3; 120 — Landon Adzima (G) dec. Ethan Anderson, 5-0; 126 — Joshua LaCoe (BC) pinned Tyler Ficken, 3:29; 132 — Hunter Parker (BC) major dec. Matthew Maxwell, 12-4; 138 — Knox Fuller (BC) tech fall Noel Leyva, 16-1; 145 — Austin Mathews (BC) Angel Leyva, 1-0; 152 — Donnie Beyer (BC) pinned Christian Cook, 1:46; 160 — Caleb Adkins (BC) dec. Elijah Lawson, 9-2; 170 — Brandon Cook (BC) major dec. Isaiah Brooks, 14-4; 182 — Hunter Fortner (G) major dec. Kevin Gentry, 15-2; 195 — John Lawson (G) win by forfeit; 220 — Dylan Burkhalter (G) win by forfeit; 285 — Cory Fouts (G) win by forfeit.

 

SEMIFINALS

 

BRADLEY CENTRAL 42, SCIENCE HILL 34

 

(Match started at 220)

 

106 — Bryson Bishop (BC) major dec. Garrett Stiltner, 14-3; 113 — Thomas Hicks (BC) pinned Dorian Butler, 1:22; 120 — Ryan McElhaney (BC) tech fall Cooper Williams, 19-2, 3:55; 126 — Joshua LaCoe (BC) dec. Luke Story, 6-0; 132 — Hunter Parker (BC) pinned William Pridemore, 3:46; 138 — Knox Fuller (BC) pinned William Diehl, 1:11; 145 — Austin Mathews (BC) pinned Joseph Morrell, 5:09; 152 — Arthur James (SH) win by forfeit; 160 — Alexander Hise (SH) win by forfeit; 170 — Denzel Medina (SH) win by forfeit; 182 — Weston Brown (SH) win by forfeit; 195 — Alden Bailey (SH) win by forfeit; 220 — Hunter Bagley (SH) major dec. Devin Gibson, 13-1; 285 — David Adams (BC) pinned Austin Taylor, 0:21.

 

CHAMPIONSHIP

 

BRADLEY CENTRAL 52, Soddy-Daisy 21

 

(Match started at 285)

 

106 — Charles Wheaton (SD) pinned Bryson Bishop; 113 — T.J. Hicks (BC) pined Chase Payne, 2:32; 120 — Ryan McElhaney (BC) pinned Jacob Kilgore, 0:30; 126 — Joshua LaCoe (BC) major dec. Slater Daniel, 9-1; 132 — Hunter Parker (BC) dec. Tony Wilson, 10-8; 138 — Knox Fuller (BC) win by forfeit; 145 — Andres Gatlin (SD) pinned Austin Mathews, 2:32; 152 — Donnie Beyer (BC) pinned Joshua Stiles, 0:30; 160 — Caleb Adkins (BC) pinned Brent Settles, 2:32; 170 — Tucker Russo (SD) pinned Henley Headrick, 2:51; 182 — Ed Elkins dec. Ty Boeck, 9-5; 195 — Brett Brown (BC) pinned Dylan Aslinger, 3:17; 220 — Thomas Ables (SD) dec. D.J. Gibson, 3-2; 285 — D.J. Adams (BC) pinned Jesse McNew, 3:20.