Coming off a title at the Cheesehead Invitational this past weekend -- Apple Valley, MN is favored to repeat as champion at The ClashVIII National Wrestling Duals this coming weekend in Rochester, MN. The Eagles are the event's anchor squad with five nationally-ranked wrestlers -- Matt Kelliher (125/130), Brandon Kingsley (135/140), Destin McCauley (152), Steven Keogh (160), and Jake Waste (171). Other notable wrestlers are state champion Dakota Trom (112), as well as Cheesehead champions Jordan Kingsley (103) and Devin Scott (135/140).
Apple Valley is the strong favorite to emerge from Bracket A on Friday morning -- competition for Brackets A and B will be conducted at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. (CST) -- and advance to the Championship pool to be conducted on Saturday evening. They will open the competition with Independence, IA whose best wrestler is Ryan Fank (215). Presuming the win there, they would move on to the bracket semifinal against Blue Springs, MO -- which is favored to beat Carl Sandburg, IL in the first round. They are anchored by state champion Keenan Hagerty (135) and state runner-up Josh Howk (140), both ranked first in the big-school division; and they also have Derrick Sanders (171) and Lewis Foutz (189) ranked second statewide.
Sturgis, SD is the third seed in Bracket A led by a pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers in Josh Keszler (125) and Seth Lange (130). Their first round opponent is Scott West, MN whose best wrestler is Michael Kroells (189). However, it is very likely that Sturgis will advance to face Grand Island, NE -- the top ranked team in that state -- after they take care of Baylor, TN in the opening round. The Islanders return six of the seven wrestlers that made the state final last year, including all four state champions -- Andrew Riedy (119), Blake Fruchtl (125), Alec Chanthopatheth (135), and Nathan Westerby (215); while Baylor is anchored by two-time state champion Zach Watson (119) and Cole Hayes (135).
Dvorak champions Montini Catholic, IL are the strong favorites to emerge from Bracket B and advance into the championship bracket. The Broncos are a squad without superstars, but they are anchored by Kevon Powell -- ranked 15th at 103; Junior National freestyle All-American Colton Rasche (130); and state champion Stephen Robertson (140). Their first round bout is against Oak Grove, MO -- whose best wrestler is Mitchell Bradley (112). After the presumptive win in the first round, their semifinal match would be against the winner of a relatively tossup first round match between Skutt Catholic, NE and Hastings, MN. Skutt Catholic is anchored by nationally ranked Thomas Gilman (112) and Toshiba Midwest Classic champion Jake Hasz (285). Hastings is led by state placers Eric Bauer (119) and Zach Rohr (145).
Plainview-Elgin-Millville, MN is the third seed in Bracket B, and is anchored by state champion Blaine Miller (160). They'll have a relative tossup in the first round against Wausau West, WI -- a squad anchored by Joe Umlauf (103) and Evan Knutson (285). The winner and loser of that match will move on in bracket competition against the corresponding results in the dual meet placing Ponderosa, CO against Roseburg, OR -- a battle of top ranked teams in their respective states' big-school classification. Ponderosa finished third at the Reno ToC on the strength of champion Jake Snider (145), as well as high placement finishers from Steven Kelly (152) and Austin Gabel (171). Roseburg is led by a trio of state champions -- Dan Faas (119), Sam Meacham (140), and Dylan Fors (171); former state champion Seth Thomas (152) is the lone nationally-ranked wrestler.
Brackets C and D - scheduled for Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. -- do not have the defined favorites like the morning brackets do. Despite having no nationally-ranked wrestlers, Simley, MN is still the top seed in Bracket C. This is a very balanced squad; however, their strength is in the lower portion of the lineup with Juan Torres (112), Dylan Wright (119), Jake Short (130), Tommy Glenn (135), and Dan Dick (140). Their first round opponent -- Punahou -- comes all the way from Hawaii; but their only notable wrestler is Sani-Jonathan Fuimaono, ranked 20th nationally at 285 pounds. With that first round win, Simley should matriculate to the second round against either Owatonna, MN or Glenbard North, IL. Owatonna is the second-ranked team in Minnesota's big-school division, and is anchored by Dalton Henderson (189). The opposing Panthers are not as strong as in the recent path, and their top wrestler is Dvorak champion Joe Gosinski (125).
Mt Carmel, IL faces Kaukauna, WI in the three-six dual meet in Bracket C. Though the Caravan from Illinois is favored against the Ghosts of Wisconsin, there is a crystal clear possible feature bout involving nationally-ranked wrestlers at 171 pounds. Walsh Ironman champion Charles Argue, ranked 13th nationally, is slated to wrestle Cheesehead champion Noah Budi, ranked 14th nationally. Waverly Shell-Rock, IA is the second seed in Bracket C, and very well positioned to poach the bracket away from Simley late Friday evening. The Go-Hawks feature a pair of ranked wrestlers -- Jacob Ballweg (135) and Cody Krumwiede (215) -- with Eric DeVos (119), Jordan Rinken (130), and Cody Caldwell (145) also being impact wrestlers. Their first round opponent is Minneota, MN -- anchored by two-time state champion Christian Skillings (125).
With five Fargo All-Americans, Park Hill, MO is the top seed in Bracket D. Three of these young men are ranked inside the top six at their weight class -- Bricker Dixon (112), Alan Waters (125), and Kaleb Friedley (145). The other two All-Americans are Skylar Wood (119) and John Eblen (189). Their first round opponent is La Quinta, CA - and presuming that victory, Park Hill moves on to face the winner of a match between Neuqua Valley, IL and Kasson-Montourville, MN. Featured wrestlers for Kasson-Montourville are Nate Thomas (103) and Garret Garness (135). Neuqua Valley features a pair of Junior National freestyle All-Americans in Matt Cavallaris (119) and Nick Proctor (160); Proctor is ranked 9th nationally.
STMA, MN is the third seed in Bracket D led by a pair of state finalists in state champion Jordan Crampa (160) and runner-up Kraig Schumm (189). Vacaville, CA is the sixth seed and a legitimate candidate to upset STMA. The squad from the Golden State has a pair of returning state placers in Adam Delagarza (189) and Ben Holmes (215); also of note is Tyler Johnson (145). Wisconsin Rapids, WI is the second seed in this bracket and presents itself as a challenger to Park Hill with five wrestlers either ranked first or second within their state. The lone nationally-ranked wrestler is Curt Fuller, listed 18th at 285 pounds; while the other high profile wrestlers are Jason Munoz (103), Ryan Lubeck (140), Zak Benitz (145), and Devin Peterson (171). Albert Lea, MN is the first round opponent for Wisconsin Rapids, and is led by two-time state runner-up Cory Hansen (130).
For those unfamiliar with The Clashformat, teams wrestle three matches in a bracket on Friday and move into a pool on Saturday based on bracket placement. Within the four brackets, teams that place in the same position will face each other for three more round-robin matches. Those finishing fifth through eighth will wrestle in the morning session (9 a.m./11 a.m./1 p.m.), and those in the top four wrestle in the afternoon/evening session (4 p.m./6 p.m./8 p.m.) on Saturday.
Nation's oldest tournament celebrates its 66th year
A unique wrestling tradition rooted in Middle America celebrates its 66th year this coming Friday and Saturday. Starting in 1944, the community of Geary, OK has embraced its tournament. Visiting teams are still housed in local homes, churches, and even classrooms. The curiosity and generosity are unrivaled. Many of the best teams in Oklahoma attend the event, and a selection of teams from out of state attends the event on an annual basis. Keeping with its heritage - there is no seeding, nor are there advancement points, and challenge matches for true second are still allowed.
This year's event is slated to feature 23 teams, including defending tournament champions Tulsa Union, OK. The Hurricanes seek to win their third title in the last four years, and were state champs in Oklahoma's big-school division last year. Three other state championship teams in the field include Canyon Randall, TX; Claremore, OK; and Tutlte, OK. Other notable teams in the field are Bishop Lynch, TX -- third at National Preps last year -- and Broken Arrow, OK.
One half of the champions from last year's tournament return in defense of their titles. Ronnie Balfour (Tulsa Union, OK) -- ranked 12th at 160 pounds - was the Most Outstanding Wrestler of last year's tournament. This year, Balfour will probably have to navigate the toughest bracket of them all in order to repeat. Zach Skates (Broken Arrow, OK) and Cory Dauphin (El Reno, OK) are both state champions, while Trey Adamson (Bishop Lynch, TX) is a two-time National Prep placer.
Two defending tournament champions are currently unranked nationally, but have the 11th ranked wrestler in the nation standing in their way to a repeat Geary Invitational title. Cole Gracey (Tuttle, OK) is slated to compete at 171 pounds, where Tanner Eitel (Bishop Lynch, TX) is also expected to appear in the bracket; while Terry Williamson (Broken Arrow, OK) is scheduled to compete at 285 pounds with Cody Dauphin (El Reno, TX) also appearing in the bracket.
The four other defending tournament champions are Tray Dorrell (Del City, OK) -- competing at 112 pounds; Case Garrison (Bishop Lynch, TX) -- competing at 130 pounds; Troy Silver (Bishop Lynch, TX) -- competing at 135 pounds; and Shane Woods (Tuttle, OK) -- competing at 215 pounds. Woods also stands 7th in the nation for his weight class. Rounding out the list of nationally-ranked wrestlers are Matt White (Woodward, OK) -- 18th at 152 pounds; and Stephen McPeek (Bishop Lynch, TX) -- ranked 19th at 189 pounds.
California's best seek out cowboy hats
In the first of two January tournaments that serve as a prelude to the California state championship, Clovis High School will host the 33rd annual Doc Buchanan Invitational. The field features three defending state champions, six defending event champion, nine nationally-ranked wrestlers, and 35 returning state placers. In addition, the top five teams (also 8 of the top 10 and 15 of the top 25) in the most recent statewide team rankings (credit to The California Wrestler) anchor this field.
State champion Jesse Delgado (Gilroy, CA) -- ranked 17th nationally -- seeks to become only the third four-time champion in the history of the tournament. However, Delgado will have to navigate one of the event's toughest brackets in order to achieve such an honor. The bracket includes two other defending tournament champions -- Vince Rodriguez (Clovis North, CA) and Adam Magnusson (Madera South, CA). In addition, the weight also includes freshman sensation Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore, CA) -- champion at the Reno ToC; state placer Chris Martinez (Clovis West, CA); and former state runner-up AJ Valles (Sanger, CA).
Another one of the feature brackets is at 171 pounds, where three-time state placer James Cook (Madera, CA) seeks to defend his Doc Buchanan title but is not the favorite. The bracket features two wrestlers ranked 17th in the nation, both of whom were state placers at 152 pounds. Bryce Hammond (Bakersfield, CA) is ranked at 160 pounds nationally, but ranked first in the Golden State at 171; while Martin Fabbian (Buchanan, CA) is listed nationally in this weight class, and ranked second in the state. There are three additional returning state placers in this weight class -- Dominic Kastl (Gilroy, CA); Vince Waldhauser (Oak Ridge, CA); and Zach Nevills (Clovis, CA). In addition, Reno ToC runner-up Lucas Sheridan (De La Salle, CA) populates the bracket.
Two other weight classes include a pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers. Defending state champion Morgan McIntosh (Calvary Chapel, CA) - ranked second nationally at 189 pounds -- makes his season debut coming off injury; while standing in his way is two-time state placer Tommy Burriel (Clovis, CA), who is ranked 18th in the nation. This weight class also features a defending tournament champion in Lyndell Sear (Ponderosa, CA); Reno ToC champion Chase Eskam (Carlsbad, CA); and a pair of returning state placers in Rudolfo Juarez (Central, CA) and Nick Corona-Zamarripa (Kingsburg, CA).
At 112 pounds, defending state champion Alex Cisneros (Selma, CA) is ranked third nationally; while state runner-up Stevan Knoblauch (Clovis West, CA) is ranked 11th after his championship at the Reno ToC. Also present in this weight class are three other state placers -- Vinny Moita (De La Salle, CA); Daniel Gaytan (Clovis, CA); and Adrian Rodriguez (Buchanan, CA).
Rounding out the defending champions is Drew Meulman (St Francis, CA) -- ranked 7th nationally at 285 pounds. Also present in Meulman's weight is three other state placers -- Kyle Papendorf (Buchanan, CA); Rykeem Yates (Edison, CA); and Brian Schoene (Bakersfield, CA). The last of the nationally-ranked wrestlers is Nick Pena (Selma, CA) -- ranked 11th at 135 pounds -- though he is projected to compete at 130 this coming weekend. Also in the weight class is state placer Shane Tate (Oakdale, CA).
Buchanan, CA seeks to invade the gym of neighborhood rival Clovis to steal a second straight Doc Buchanan title from their midst. The two teams were first and second in last year's tournament. Three other notable team contenders are Bakersfield, CA; Selma, CA; and Gilroy, CA. The live blog for the tournament is available at http://cloviswrestling.blogspot.com , while live streaming video is available at the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/clovis-wrestling. Competition starts at 9 a.m. Pacific Time on both days.
Kings of the Mountain again seek to "Escape the Rock"
Twenty-four teams will again converge upon Council Rock South, PA for the 5th annual Escape the Rock Wrestling Tournament this coming Friday and Saturday. Like at last month's King of the Mountain, Central Mountain, PA is seeking another repeat tournament championship. However, a formidable field stands in their way -- starting with last year's tournament runner-up Wyoming Seminary, PA. The Knights continue a run through the nation's most rigorous schedule; already having competed at the Walsh Ironman, Beast of the East, and Cheesehead -- with Mount Mat Madness and a quad at Blair Academy, NJ still remaining. Other notable teams in the field are Council Rock South, PA; Paulsboro, NJ; and Sussex Central, DE.
The defending champion Wildcats feature three of the nine wrestlers that return to defend titles from last year's Escape the Rock -- Jordan Rich (135), as well as Andrew (145) and Dylan (152) Alton. The 135 pound weight class featuring Rich and Simon Kitzis (Wyoming Seminary, PA) is one of three brackets to include two nationally-ranked wrestlers. Andrew Alton is featured in the only bracket with two returning tournament champions, as Matt Martoccio (Council Rock South, PA) joins him at 145 pounds. Dylan Alton's primary challenger is likely to be state placer and two-time Beast of the East placer Bo Candelaria (Middletown, PA).
Likewise, Wyoming Seminary features three defending tournament champions in Dominick Malone (112), Kyle Johnson (119), and Mike McMullan (285). Malone is competing in one of the tournament's tougher weight brackets, with fellow nationally-ranked wrestler Chris Donaldson (Salesianum, DE) joining him in the competition. In addition, state placers Randy Cruz (Bethlehem Catholic, PA) and Billy Hagany (Lenape Valley, NJ) join those two at 112 pounds. The primary challenger for Johnson at 119 pounds will be Brandon Davis (Parkland, PA). McMullan, ranked first in the nation at 285 pounds, seeks to continue his dominant run of wrestling in what might be the easiest leg of his gauntlet run with only state placer Zach Corl (Central Mountain, PA) of real note in his weight class.
The third and final weight class with a pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers is the one at 140 pounds featurning Junior National freestyle champion Josh Dziewa (Council Rock South, PA) and Beast of the East runner-up Codey Combs (Sussex Central, DE). Dziewa is ranked third nationally, while Combs is currently 11th in the rankings. Also in this weight class is Cadet National freestyle runner-up Brian Brill (Central Mountain, PA).
The other team with defending tournament champions is Paulsboro, NJ with Joe Duca (125) and Zack Greenwald (215) -- both of whom are nationally ranked. Duca is the favorite in a weight class that also includes state qualifier Matt Rappo (Council Rock South, PA); Walsh Ironman placer Garrett Hammond (Wyoming Seminary, PA); and former Beast of the East placer Brandon Shultie (Sussex Central, DE). Greenwald is slated to compete in arguably the tournament's feature weight class, which also includes Beast of the East champion Matt Idelson (Garnet Valley, PA) as well as a pair of state placers in Scott Syrek (Owen J. Roberts, PA) and Jon Gingerich (Bald Eagle Area, PA).
Rounding out the list of twelve nationally-ranked wrestlers in the event is Jamie Callender (Council Rock North, PA), 14th at 189 pounds.
Virginia Duals turn 30
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Virginia Duals National Invitational Wrestling Tournament in Hampton, VA. The event, which includes three divisions of high school competition and two divisions of collegiate competition, will be held this coming Friday and Saturday. It was the initial event to use the team advancement concept, and remains one of the pre-eminent events using the format. All three high school divisions feature a 16-bracket.
The American Division is the second level bracket and features primarily schools from the Commonwealth of Virginia -- only four programs come from out of state. The top seed is Grundy, VA; while St Christopher's, VA anchored by Brandon Jeske -- ranked 12th nationally at 119 pounds -- is the second seed.
The Black and Blue Division is the bottom-level bracket including teams exclusively from Virginia. The top seed is Skyline, while the second seed is Brooke Point.
With five wrestlers nationally ranked by InterMat, St Mark's, DE is the top seed in the National Division. Nick Schenk (130) and Bobby Telford (285) are the anchor wrestlers, ranked second and third nationally; Tyler Pendergast (112), Sean Dolan (119), and Sean Boylan (125) also populate the rankings for the Spartans. In the first round, they draw Hopewell, VA -- which is anchored by Cody (152) and Clint (171) Allala.
Presuming a first round win, the Spartans would advance to face the winner of the dual meet between the eight seed South Plainfield, NJ and Wantagh, NY. The lone nationally-ranked wrestler in this dual is Matthew Loew (189) of Wantagh. The match between Loew and Mike Wagner, who placed fourth at state last year, is the feature match of the dual meet. South Plainfield is an incredibly young team with a number of impact freshmen in the lineup, and they are favored to win the dual meet due to their excellence in the lower half of the lineup. Other featured wrestlers for the Tigers include Anthony Ashnault (103), Troy (112) and Nick (135) Heilmann, and Ryan Sacco (140).
The tournament's fifth seed is Phillipsburg, NJ -- state champions in Group III last year. The Liners are anchored by state placer Oliver Burkhardt (145), along with Matt Lane (130) and John Horak (135). The feature bout of the first round dual against Fauquier, VA will be at 145 pounds where Burkhardt is slated to compete against Walsh Ironman placer Connor Miller (145). Other wrestlers to watch for the Indians are Greg Flournoy (119) and Ryan Hunsberger (125).
Six-time state champion Christiansburg, VA is the tournament's fourth seed and should be favored to advance to the quarterfinals against (mot likely) Phillipsburg. The Blue Demons are anchored by a pair of nationally-ranked wrestlers in Joey Dance (112) and Devin Carter (125). Four other wrestlers placed in the POWERade -- Logan Bosley (130), Brady Epperly (140), Rich Eva (152), and Tyler Miles (160). Their first round opponent is Canon McMillan, PA -- which is led by freshman Connor Schram (103), two-time state placer Nick Catalano (135), and Cody Klempay (215); Schram and Klempay were POWERade runners-up.
Moving to the lower half of the draw, the third seed is Eastern Regional, NJ. The Vikings are a very top heavy team with a quartet of nationally-ranked wrestlers, one additional state placer, but not much strength across the rest of the lineup. Robert Deutsch (119), Hank Stinson (140), Anthony Baldosaro (145), and Preston Kieffer (160) are the ranked wrestlers; while Dave Newcomber (152) placed eighth in the state tournament last year. Their first round opponent is Kellam, VA; which is anchored by two-time state runner-up Aaron Runzo (125), who also was a Junior National Greco-Roman AA this past summer.
Presuming the likely first round win for the Vikings, they would move on most likely to face Nazareth, PA. The Blue Eagles are anchored by two-time state runner-up Zach Horan (125), who is ranked 10th nationally. In addition, Nazareth features state placer Ryan Krecker (152). Their first round opponent is Columbia, NY.
The most intriguing of the eight opening round matchups in the National bracket is the one placing seventh-seed Bethlehem Liberty, PA against Camden Catholic, NJ. The Hurricanes had six placers in their home tournament over the holidays - led by Anthony Cabrera (103), Devon Lotito (112), and state placer Anthony Marino (125). Camden Catholic have won six consecutive state titles in the Parochial Group A classification, and are anchored by state champion Taylor Walsh (140/145). Three other notable wrestlers are freshman Chad Walsh (103); Matt Sausman (119), third at state; and Beast of the East placer freshman TJ Miller (125).
Best of Buckeye State to do battle
While there is no official dual meet state championship within Ohio, the Ohio High School Wrestling Coaches Association (OHSWCA) State Duals this Sunday will have to make do. Starting at 12:00 noon at three different sites, each division will have an eight-team bracketed dual meet tournament. The big-school division will compete at Wadsworth, Division II will compete at Graham, while Division III (small-school) will compete at Evergreen. Competition will continue at each site with the second round at 2:00 p.m., and the finals will commence at 4:00 p.m.
Most notable is the Division I tournament, which should feature a finals match between two of the nation's elite squads in St Edward and Wadsworth. While St Edward has won the last 13 individual state tournament titles, Wadsworth knocked off the Eagles in last year's state duals and in a dual meet later on during the season. In order to advance to the final, St Edward has to beat Springboro in the first round and then most likely Twinsburg in the semifinal; while Wadsworth has Mentor in the first round, and the winner of Marysville vs. Cincinnati Elder in the second round.
Key to the Eagles team should be the return of Jamie Clark, tops in the nation at 130 pounds. Clark competed in the season's opening weekend, but did not compete in the Walsh Ironman and has not since appeared on the mat. In addition, the squad features nationally-ranked wrestlers in Dean Heil (103), Anthony Salupo (145), and Nick Sulzer (160); as well as former state champion Gus Sako (125).
The Grizzlies will also be welcoming back a key ingredient to their squad in Caleb Busson (189). A state placer last year, Busson is one of the lead contenders for a state title in the big-school division at his weight; however, he has not competed yet to date this year due to football injury. Wadsworth features nationally-ranked wrestlers in Kagan (119) and Brad (145) Squire; and has two other notable wrestlers favored for state titles in their weight class -- sophomore Nick Tavanello (215) and senior Ben Buzzelli (285).
The host Falcons should walk their way to a Division II state dual meet title with their four nationally-ranked wrestlers -- Ryan Taylor (103), Nick Brascetta (119), Felipe Martinez (140), and Max Thomusseit (189). Their championship final could come against Medina Invitational runners-up Oak Harbor.
One would think the small-school division favorite is Monroeville with their "big four." However, that is not the case for two reasons. First, two members of the big four are question marks for the event -- as Hunter Stieber (119/125) and Chris Phillips (171) were out at their last tournament due to injury. Second, beyond state qualifier Cal Clark (135/140), the rest of the Eagle squad is suspect. In terms of fan interest, the other two contenders for the state title -- CVCA and Chanel, both out of the Cleveland/Akron area -- are also not in the event. Therefore, look for a final between West Jefferson and Cuyahoga Hts.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now