Enter the Dragons: The Ohio Dragons bring Firepower to Disney Duals showdown with Ohio Samsons.

(above): We meet again: Tony Jameson and Marcel Clopton should meet for the fifth time in Orlando.

At the start of the spring, the Ohio Samsons appeared poised to create a team that no Ohio squad could match for the Disney Duals.  However, Coach Chris Canale, himself a former All-American at Ashland Unversity, had created a new team called the Ohio Dragons.  Canale showed a great deal of foresight by beginning to assimilate  his team before the season even ended.  Big name after big name fell in line for the Dragons. 

At the end of the day, a lineup was created that was better than any Ohio team that has ever been taken to Disney.  The wrestlers in Canale’s starting line-up have combined for eleven state titles and have placed at state 27 times.  One cannot help but ask, can this team topple the mighty Samsons?  Here is their complete line-up as I have it at the time of this article:

OHIO DRAGONS

103- Ty Mitch (Aurora)
112- Cody Garbrandt (Claymont)
119- Cordell Longstreath (Graham)
125- Scott Meyer (Ravenna)
130- Dan Kolodzik (Miami Valley)
135- Issac Dukes (Ravenna)
140- Tony Jameson (Austintown-Fitch)
145- Matt Reedy (Ravenna-Ohio University)
152- Coby Boyd (Graham)
160- Phil Dukes (Ravenna-Mercyhurst)
171- Nick Mills (University)
189- John Weakly (Cvca-Ohio State)
215- Travis Porter (Berkshire)
285- John Hiles (Desales)

Despite the firepower the Dragons have put together, a win over the equally strong Samsons is far from a shoe-in.  Coach Hewitt of the Samsons has also put together his best squad in my view.   The Samsons line-up, like the Dragons, also has combined for eleven state titles.  This team is headlined by Dustin Kilgore, three-time state champ Kevin Hardy, two-time champs Cody Magrum and Nathan Sharp, and Richie Spicel. 

OHIO SAMSONS

103 Matt Meuer (Medina)
112 James Inghram (University)
119 Brad Wukie (University)
125 Brad Squire (Wadsworth)
130 Darren Boing (Chanel)
135 Richie Spicel (Brunswick)
140 Marcel Clopton (Shaker Heights)
145 Dawson Riedy (Bellevue)
152 Kevin Hardy (Solon)
160 Chris Phillips (Monroeville)
171 Dustin Kilgore (Berea)
189 Cody Magrum (Oak Harbor)
215 Adam Cogar (Barberton)
285 Nathan Sharp (West Branch)

Alternates
135 Andrew Shafer (Chanel)
160 Riley Kilroy (Padua)

The other question remaining is whether either squad will be ready to challenge the vaunted Middle Atlantic Blue team.  Comprised of superstars from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, this team was untouchable last year- truly, there was no weight that did not have a bono-fide stud and they defeated the Samsons 33-9 and the Ohio Falcons 46-9.   However, the score of the win over the Samsons is deceptive as there were many close bouts.  I’m not certain exactly what the line-up of Middle Atlantic Blue will be at this time, but either the Samsons or the Dragons are stronger than last year’s Samsons squad. 

Here is what to expect in the upcoming Dragons/Samsons Dual, as well as what to expect from the other tough Ohio teams in the All-Star Divison.  Ohio Wrestlng Site will forecast the upcoming dual starting with the 152 lb. class:

152- Coby Boyd (Dragons) vs. Kevin Hardy (Samsons)

Without question this is the match that I will be looking forward to the most- and frankly, the bout that makes me want to get a plane ticket for Orlando.  How Division II state champion Coby Boyd would fare against three-time Division I state champion was one of widely debated questions among Ohio wrestling fans, and one of the most interesting, given the wrestlers night-and-day style contrast.

Coby Boyd is without question one of the most fan-friendly wrestlers in the state.  A hammer who epitomizes the word “power”, Boyd can dominate you with his leg-attacks,  then he can pin you at any time with his dreaded “Coby Boyd” (previously known in wrestling circles as the “Cowcatcher”.  The funny thing is, that with a few breaks, one could forsee that Boyd could be a three-time state champion himself.  His freshman year, he was forced to wrestle up a weight by three-time state champion Cameron Doggett.  Even so, he defeated the #1 ranked wrestler in the state in Jordan Lipp of Beachwood (who then finished 4th at NHSCA Senior Nationals).  His sophomore year, Boyd came up just short against state champion, high school All-American, and three-time state finalist Adam Kriwinsky.  Boyd’s junior year, of course, he left nothing to doubt as he pinned Kirk Tank of Oak Harbor in the “Coby Boyd”.   Among the great wrestlers he defeated was four-time Missouri State Champion Shane Nay.

Kevin Hardy’s style could not possibly be more different.  Very tall and lanky, Hardy uses technical skill and leverage rather than power to win.  While Boyd’s style is in-your-face-aggression, Hardy is calm with an aura of surpreme confidence.

Perhaps his style just isn’t popular- but Hardy has been the Rodney Dangerfield of three-time Division I state champions- not getting any respect.  Despite the fact that only four wrestlers have posted better career placements in the Division I state tournament (those being Willie Wineberg, Clint Musser, Ryan Lang, and Lance Palmer), nearly all observers, this writer included, picked Boyd to beat Hardy should they have wrestled this year.

However, since the season ended (or at least since Senior Nationals, where Hardy placed a disappointing 8th despite beating a four-time state champion), Hardy’s performances have continued to improve practically by the week.  First, he beat Luke Ashmore (a Junior National and Cadet National Champion who pinned Lance Palmer last summer)  at the Dream Team Dual.  Then, Hardy jumped all the way to 171 and beat the rugged Steve Wilson of Marion Pleasant in freestyle.  He followed that up by besting two of the state’s three outstanding 152’s at freestyle states in convincing fashion (Eric Cubberly and Jedd Moore).   These latter wins were remarkable given that Hardy is not particularly noted as a freestyler.

So here’s what I’m making my decision on:  the five lb. weight allowance.  The lanky Hardy has put a lot of mass on his frame- as evidenced by the fact that he wrestled 171 at a spring tournament.  With the. allowance, and only a single weigh-in at Disney, he can bounce up to a walk-around weight of 165-170 lbs. at Disney.   Meanwhile, the much shorter Boyd is pretty compact already, he can only put on so much more weight it would seem.  I think he will be giving up about a weight class of size difference to the red-hot Hardy  by the time they take the mat, and that will make the difference.

OWS Pick: Kevin Hardy (Samsons) dec. Coby Boyd 7-5

Samsons lead 3-0.

160- Phil Dukes (Dragons) vs. Chris Phillips (Samsons)

This one looks like it should be a no-brainer.  We have a graduated senior who finished third at state in the toughest weight class in Division II, against a wrestler who just finished the eighth grade.  And it is an easy call for me- only I’m taking the middle school wrestler and I don’t think it will be that close.

Reports of Chris Phillips feats against older wrestlers have been going around for years.  Sometimes, it’s difficult to sort out the exaggeration from reality as these reports began to sound like Bigfoot sightings- but I saw for myself at FILA Cadets in Akron this spring.  Wrestling one of the nation’s best 171’s from this past year in Corey Peltier, Phillips got two quick takedowns that looked ridiculously easy, before Phillips- a freestyle novice- made a strategic error that lead to him getting thrown and touch falled (there was never “control”, he just his on his shoulders for an instant and sort of rolled through) in what could only be described by even an unbiased observer (which I won’t claim to be) as a fluke.  Phillips rebounded  by dominating an Arizona State Champ that in turn dominated state third-place finisher Derrick Yant, and then dominating very tough freshman Riley Kilroy of Padua.  Not bad for his first season of freestyle. 

Phil Dukes (headed for Mercyhurst) is himself an explosive wrestler who is a very dangerous “thower” but I don’t think he can match Phillips speed or technical polish here.   In anticipate this pick will be roundly criticized- all I can say is just wait and see.

OWS Pick:  Chris Phillips (Samsons) dec. Phil Dukes (Dragons) 9-4.

Samsons lead 6-0.

(above): Dustin Kilgore is best wrestler on a superb Samsons team. Photo Credit: Bob Tuneberg, Villager News. Photo Credit: Bob Tuneberg, Villager News

171- Nick Mills (Dragons) vs. Dustin Kilgore (Samsons)

I think that these are two of the most underrated wrestlers in the state.  It may surprise that I would refer to a wrestler as well-known as Kilgore as underrated, but if you look at his overall dominance in the state the past two years it’s tough to argue that he is one of the best upperweights of the decade.  In a takedown battle, the ever-so-slick Kilgore is extremely tough to defeat,as he showed in coming within seconds of beating one of the nation’s top seniors, Kirk Smith, at the Dream Team Dual (several weeks after Smith had beaten an NCAA Division I All-American, Mike Letts).  It was a truly monumental effort for equally outstanding junior Brian Roddy to unseat him in a bout for the ages.

If I had to make a list of five guys that are going to surprise wrestling fans next year, Nick Mills would be one of my picks without question. His freshman year Mills was very slick but still very young looking at 152 lbs.  Last year’s he made a quantum leap in performance as he added some strength to go with his quickness and technique.  In the off-season Mills has continued to add strength and I look for him to be an absolute force the next two years.   Really, I think he’s at a very similar point skill-wise as Kilgore was his sophomore year at 160- and I’d look for him to continue that progression. 

Of course, with Mills being where Kilgore was two years ago, Kilgore has continued to progress and this outstanding senior will almost certainly get the best of Mills.  I’d look for it to be a bit more competitive than many expect, however.

OWS Pick:  Dustin Kilgore (Samsons) dec. Nick Mills 11-6

Samsons lead 9-0

(above): John Weakley of the Dragons faces Cody Magrum of the Samsons. Both of these wrestlers are two-time state champions and future teammates at Ohio State. Photo Credit: Bob Tuneberg, Villager News

189- John Weakley (Dragons) vs. Cody Magrum (Samsons)

In a dual meet chalk full of marquee matchups, this is the second biggest of the night (after Boyd vs. Hardy).  An added subplot in this match-up is that these two-time Division II State Champions are future teammates at The Ohio State University.

John Weakley is well-known to Ohio fans.  With a blast double that is second to none, he has literally mowed over the competition this year on his way to dominating the state tournament at 189 for the second straight year.  However, there is no way to get around the fact that despite winning a second title, Weakley seemed unfocused and had, by his standards, a disappointing season.  There was the shocking major decision loss to archrival Chris Honeycutt at Ironman.  Then there was the default against another archrival, Jamey Srock, in which according to most observers, Weakley was getting handled in the early going.  Then, he was stunned by unheralded Kevin Bailey of Walsh Jesuit at Sectionals.  Though Weakley avenged that loss in a big way at Districts, and then romped through state, the aura of invincibility is clearly gone- especially with his disappointing Senior Nationals.  

Cody Magrum, by contrast, is more of slick wrestler than Weakley.  Magrum followed up a brilliant season in which he suffered only one defeat by finishing 2nd to one of the nation’s best at NHSCA Junior Nationals. 

These two have met just one previously that I am aware of- at freestyle states in 2006-and the result was a dominating win by Weakley.  However, Magrum, at that time, was very much between weights, wrestling 189 at that time but headed back down to 171 at Disney Duals and during his junior season.   Giving up significant size is simply not feasible against a powerhouse like Weakley- and Big John pretty much steamrolled him on that day.  However, with Weakley struggling, and Magrum developing into a much bigger 189, I think the tides may have turned.  In my upset special, I’m taking Magrum to upset Weakley.

OWS Pick: Cody Magrum (Samsons) dec. John Weakley (Dragons)

Samsons lead 12-0

215- Travis Porter (Dragons) vs. Adam Cogar (Samsons)

Here is my other upset special.  Travis Porter is much better than his 7th place finish at the Division III state tournament indicates.  Very quick for a wrestler his size, mark down the prediction that Porter is a finalist next year at either 189 or 215.  

Adam Cogar has to be the favorite in Division I next year after a state runner-up finish (though the field should  be STACKED with Orlando Scales, Andrew Tumlin, Tyler Rasho, Cody Beatty, and Cody Smith all returning).  Cogar reminds me of Matt Koz- not the most impressive looking specimen at 215, but opponents seem completely unable to solve his low center of gravity and he’s got offense when he needs it.   Cogar’s impressive dominance over Division III champ Nick Hooper at Bill Dies stands out in my mind in particular.

I’m going with Porter here because it’s the off-season.  I see Porter training everywhere in the off-season, Cogar may very well be as well but it’s tough for me to believe he is getting the same level of workouts that Porter is at Walsh and Solon.  In season I would still take Cogar, but I think Porter’s conditioning takes over in the third period in this one.

OWS Pick: Travis Porter (Dragons) dec. Adam Cogar 5-4.  

Samsons lead 12-3

285- John Hiles (Dragons) vs. Nathan Sharp (Samsons)

Here we have a rematch of the Division II state finals.  Nathan Sharp prevailed narrowly in that bout to win his second state title.  Nonetheless, I am taking Hiles, without hesitation, for several reasons.  First, Nathan Sharp, for whatever reason, never seems to wrestle quite as well in the off-season.  One year ago he was pinned by Hiles, at freestyle states.  This spring, Sharp was beaten at the Great Eight by state fourth-place finisher Eric Diagosta.  His showing at the NHSCA Juniors last year was also disappointing. 

Meanwhile, Hiles has had a great spring of wrestling, including triumphing over a great field at freestyle states.  He’s my pick in a close bout.

OWS Pick: John Hiles (Dragons) dec. Sharp 3-2

Samsons lead 12-6

103- Ty Mitch (Dragons) vs. Matt Meuer (Samsons)

This is a match-up of two wrestlers who will almost certainly be in the hunt for a 103 lb. state title next year in their respective Divisions (should Meuer be able to make 103).   The first instinct is to take state place-winner Ty Mitch over Meuer, a state alternate.  However, a closer look reveals that while Meuer did not qualify for state, he was defeated by nationally ranked Jerome Robinson in the quarters and state fourth place finisher Danny Foore in “go-to-state bout.”  In between, he upset #4 ranked David Bolger of Strongsville (you know a District is tough when you beat the 4th-ranked wrestler in the state and STILL don’t qualify).   Meuer also posted a major decision over Division III state runner-up Justin Hall at Medina.

In short, I think these wrestlers are about as even as can be at this point.  What gives Meuer the edge in my view is that Mitch remains a very light 103, having competed as low as 91 lbs. this spring.  The Disney rules, with a five lb. allowance and only a single weigh-in (one day before wrestling), give a bigger 103 a substantial edge over him.  The flipside is that Mitch has done a lot more wrestling this spring than Meuer, so he may be better conditioned at this point.

OWS Pick: Matt Meuer (Samsons) dec. Ty Mitch (Dragons) 5-4.

Samsons lead 15-6

112- Cody Garbrandt (Dragons) vs. James Inghram (Samsons)

State Runner-up James Inghram has had a solid off-season including knocking off Nathan Westfall at freestyle states.  He looks to make the transition from 103 to probably 119 very well next year.   However, when a 103 state runner-up meets a 112 state champion history indicates that the 112 wins and generally wins big.  I’d also have to question whether there is a significant size difference here.  Garbrandt wrestled 127.7 at FILA Cadets and 125 at Cadet States.  Even with the five lb. allowance it is very surprising to see him at this weight.  Garbrandt can pull down to 117 and bounce back to his normal weight when they wrestle either the next day or several days later.  With a significant size advantage, I’d look for Garbrandt, one of the most aggressive and physical freshman lightweights I’ve seen- to dominate this bout.

OWS Pick: Cody Garbrandt (Dragons) maj. dec. James Inghram (Samsons) 13-5

Samsons lead 15-10

119- Cordell Longstreath (Dragons) vs. Brad Wukie (Samsons)

In another rematch of the Division II state finals, recently graduated senior Cordell Longstreath meets outstanding freshman Brad Wukie.  The funky Longstreath is a wrestler who simply seems to get better and better, while the freshman Wukie is on the steep end of his learning curve as well.  In a very close call I will take Longstreath for the third consecutive time.

Cordell Longstreath (Dragons) dec. Brad Wukie (Samsons) 5-4

Samsons lead 15-13

125- Scott Meyer (Dragons) vs. Brad Squire (Samsons)

Freshman Brad Squire is one of four freshman, to my knowledge, who have been undefeated state champions above 103 lbs.  The other three were fairly decent- Dustin Schlatter, C.P. Schlatter, and Johnny McGhee (Ty Morgan may also have been unbeaten his freshman year I cannot recall for sure).  That means Squire is the first in Division I.  As mistake-free a wrestler as you will find at his age, the unflappable Squire showed poise as he ran the table down the stretch, beating wrestlers like Pat Zamaria, Ryan Fields, Garrett Henry, and Tommy Pretty.   He isn’t flashy, but he NEVER makes a mistake.

Meyer is a tough competitor for anyone to handle and will push Squire hard here.  However, it is difficult not to see Squire getting the “W”.

OWS Pick: Brad Squire (Samsons) dec. Scott Meyer (Dragons) 7-4.

Samsons lead 18-13

130- Daniel Kolodzik (Dragons) vs. Darren Boing (Samsons)

On paper, Kolodzik would appear to be a clear favorite.  Kolodzik is, after all, a two-time state champion who completely dominated in Columbus this year.  Darren Boing finished seventh at state this year and fifth the year before, losing 8-0 to Kolodzik in the consolation semi-finals. 

However, a closer look reveals that Darren Boing just may have been the best 130 in Ohio this year- but seems to be “jinxed” in Columbus.  Among the wrestlers Boing has defeated in the past two years are 2007 state champions Josh Palivoda, Aaron Sulzer, and Brian Dean.  Boing has also beaten Chase Skonieczny (three-time Division II state placer), Ricky Floyd (Division I state third ‘05), Troy Opfer (2x state runner-up), Chris Romeo (state 5th), Josh Demas (state runner-up), Joel Jenkins (state 3rd at 135), and Jordan Thome (state 4th).  Perhaps most impressive, Boing defeated Pennsylvania state runner-up Grant Lowther in the Ohio vs. WPIAL All-Star bout.  Never has there been a wrestler in Division III whose state placements so completely underestimate the caliber of wrestler that he is.

Daniel Kolodzik, meanwhile, is also an underrated wrestler in my view.  Kolodzik is a single upset loss to Bryce Freeman away from being a three-time state champion.  A punishing mat wrestler, he racks up points from the top position in bunches.  I highly doubt there will be a dull moment in this match with the unorthodox Boing.  At the end of the day, it’s tough to pick against Kolodzik given his decisive win in 2006.

OWS Pick: Daniel Kolodzik (Dragons) dec. Darren Boing (Samsons) 6-5.

Samsons lead 18-16

Above: Do not be surprised if Richie Spicel of the Samsons goes unbeaten this weekend. Photo Credit: Bob Tuneberg, Villager News

135- Isaac Dukes (Dragons) vs. Richie Spicel (Samsons)

Here we have a battle of two very explosive wrestlers.   The difference, think, is that state champion and two-time state runner-up Richie Spicel is much more solid defensively and more technically polished.  State place-winner Dukes seems to get better practically every time out- but I can’t see him cracking Spicel’s “D”.  Against the very best wrestlers he seems to have “lapses”, something you can’t do against a wrestler of Spicel’s caliber.  I look for Spicel to score with a fireman’s and perhaps off a Dukes mistake and control position the remainder of the bout.

OWS Pick: Richie Spicel (Samsons) dec. Isaac Dukes (Dragons) 5-2.

OWS Pick: Samsons lead 21-16

140- Tony Jameson (Dragons) vs. Marcel Clopton (Samsons)

These guys have got to be getting sick of each other.  Four times they met, four times Jameson emerged the winner over high school All-American and 2006 state runner-up Clopton.  Some of the matches were relatively close (thought he outcome was never really in doubt), some, like at Districts, were a blowout.

The one thing you can count on in any Jameson/Clopton bout is there will never be a dull moment.  Jameson is much like a Spanish matador in these bouts, out-slicking and out-scrambling Clopton, who employs a straightforward “bull” style.  Clopton shoots his double leg like he was fired out of a cannon, and that double-leg has frustrated Jameson’s funk in the past, without question.  As discussed in prior articles (see http://www.ohiowrestlingsite.com/articles/article54.php ) the scrambling opportunities of even a Tony Jameson are dramatically reduced when an opponent has both legs wrapped up.  Nevertheless, Tony J. seems to break through in every bout with a flurry of points and has put Clopton on his back in every bout- very difficult to make up with takedowns.  Simply put, Clopton must stay off his back to win this match.

The fact of the matter is that for whatever reason, Tony Jameson doesn’t seem to wrestle with the same intensity level out of season as he does in-season.  He seems to be more in an almost “experimental” mode.  Clopton will come out for this match with a lot more to prove.  I expect him to wrestle Tony J. closer than many anticipate this time.

OWS Pick: Tony Jameson (Dragons)  dec. Marcel Clopton (Samsons) 8-6.

Samsons lead 21-19

145- Matt Reedy (Dragons) vs. Dawson Reidy (Samsons)

Matt Reedy’s progression from the state’s hard-luck story to the state’s “feel-good” story was one of the biggest transitions of the year.  After not qualifying for state the prior two years, Reedy went out on a blaze of glory- an unbeaten state champion.  A highly-polished competitor in all phases, Reedy generally dominates all but the very best opponents once he gets things rolling.

State Qualifier Dawson Riedy of Bellevue High School will very likely make a big jump in performance next year, but in this bout, he is going to be outclassed in my view.   I think Reedy gets the major here.

OWS Pick:  Matt Reedy (Dragons) maj. dec. Dawson Riedy (Samsons): 14-4

Dragons wins 23-21.

At the end of the day I see these teams splitting their seven bouts, but the two weights where the Dragons are likely to pick up bonus points making the difference.  In truth, there are about eight tossups in this dual so a wildly different outcome than what is projected here could be in order.

(above): Danny Genetin of the Dragons has moved up from 112 to 135 where he will face Richie Spicel of the Samsons. Photo Credit: Bob Tuneberg, Villager News

OHIO FALCONS STRONG AGAIN

Do not for even a second think that the Samson and the Dragons are the only Ohio teams competing in the All-Star Division. Coach Jerry Des Forges has once again put together a very good line-up.   No less than five state finalists are stacked up on the Falcons- Jesse Campbell, James Myers, Kirk Tank, Dan Genetin, and Kyle Gilchrist.  All but one wrestler in their starting line-up is a state qualifier. The big shocker is that Dan Genetin moves up from 112 to 135 lbs (actually 140 with the weight allowance).  It’s not surprising to see Genetin starting to “fill out” his tall frame, but that weight gain is stunning.   

With all the talk of the great match-up at 152 between Boyd and Hardy, two-time state runner-up James Myers is a legitimate threat at this weight to either.  Myers lost just once all year- in the state finals to Eric Cubberly.  Neither had better be looking past Myers.

Another very interesting match-up will be Dan Genetin against Spicel and Isaac Dukes.  I am hard-pressed to see him defeating the outstanding Spicel, but how he will match-up with Dukes is a complete mystery. 

Last but certainly not least, we should get to see Ohio State recruit Jesse Campbell of Sullivan Black River High School square off with Division II state finalists Nathan Sharp and John Hiles.  Sharp won their prior meeting at Bill Dies in overtime, but on nothing more than a hunch I anticipate a reversal of that result (and again, Sharp never seems to wrestle well in the off-season).

I’d look for the Falcons to four to five bouts against either the Samsons or the Dragons and win a lot more than they lose in the All-Star Division.  The Falcons also have a very young team so they should only get stronger in years to come.  The following is their complete lineup as provided by Coach Des Forges.

OHIO FALCONS

103: Drew Stone, 9, Oak Harbor
112: Kyle Gilchrist, 11, Jefferson Area
119: Robert Sheppard, 9, Mason
125: Shawn Fayette, 9, Centerville
130: Chris Romeo, 12, Lake Catholic
135: Dan Genetin, 11, Massillon Perry
140: Andrew Stine, Indian Creek
145: Kirk Tank, 11, Oak Harbor
152: James Myers, 12, Indian Creek
160: Bryan Panzano, 11, Gahanna Columbus Academy
171: Aaron Winemiller, 11
189: Colton Bowers, 10, Marion Pleasant
215:  Dave Pickerell, Toledo Central Catholic/Cody Wenrich, 10,Amherst
285: Jesse Campbell, 12, Black River

Alternates:  140/ 145 Evan Schreiner, 11, Mentor, District 6th
                    135/ 140 Mickey Mazza, 9, Midpark
                    285 James Meder, 10, Valley Forge, 07: SQ
           
OHIO LIGHTNING

While it may not be the strongest lineup Ohio Lightning has brought to the many national events they attend, the Lightning will be very competitive in the All-Star Division as well.  Headlining the team will be two-time state place-winner Jacob Vaughan, possibly the best.  A rising junior, Vaughan is a very skilled wrestler on his feet who has the talent to be a state finalist next year, if he can solve conditioning and injury issues which have plagued him at times.  Also “headlining” this squad is William Sheppard, who may be the state’s most improved wrestler in the off-season with a win over Tony Jameson in freestyle among others.  A Jameson-Sheppard rematch will be interesting to say the least.

Other very strong performers for the Lightning should be Cody Lamberg (Ohio’s best freshman upperweight this year along with Riley Kilroy), the underrated Jeff Liggitt (a very talented wrestler who fell victim to the Perry District), Joe Whitehead, and freshman state qualifier Garland McCormick.

103: Braylin Bellino
112:Tyler Reed
119:Tyler Powers
125:Jeff Liggitt
130:Jacob Vaughan
135:Brad Benedict
140:William Sheppard
145:Garland McCormick
152: Aron Brenner
160: ????
171:Cody Lamberg
189:Nick Rowland
215:Joe Whitehead
285:Mark Pleiss

OHIO EAGLES

My first thought was that national champion St. Edward might be able to put together a team that could be on-par with the Falcons, and push the Samsons or Dragons.  However, as it turns out, St. Edward will be bringing only about a third of their starting line-up and the rest will be wrestlers from their “Green Team.”  There are many good wrestlers on that team as well, however, and I’d look for the Ohio Eagles to be competitive with most teams in this division.

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