WWW.OhioWrestler.com would like to thank Brian Brakeman for all the hard work it took putting out the High School Wrestling Forecast and for the opportunity to share it with all our loyal e-patrons.

Introduction

The object of these annual reports encompasses two basic goals.  First is to acquaint everyone with the basic character of each weight class and identify the participants who are likely to play a major role in its resolution.  In addition, each district is examined as to whom its’ representatives might be.  Second is to stimulate interest in the whole State tournament process throughout Ohio.  Naturally, accuracy is also of primary concern, so care is taken to develop the most comprehensive list possible of outstanding wrestlers, though of necessity, the evaluation of their final place is, in part, subjective.  This report was written during a ten-day period ending January 20, based on the information available at that time.  It’s kind of a snapshot in time, with a picture that will surely change in many ways by tournament time.  Certainly many of those listed at weight classes where they are currently certified will move up for competitive reasons or because they cannot make the 50 percent rule.  In fact, some of those moves may well be precipitated by information contained within this document.

There are several ways you can help make this report more accurate.   First by sending me bracket sheets for tournaments you enter either by fax or mail – I’m especially interested in sectional and district bracket sheets this year and any tournaments for next year.   Also, phone calls, or better yet, e-mail messages dealing with results, weight class selection, or whatever, are gratefully received.  I especially appreciate coaches who provide an honest overview of their squad and superior wrestlers they’ve seen in competition.  Already I get messages and information from too many people to name individually, but I appreciate it all.

Brian Brakeman

23225 Hardwick Road

Shaker Hts., OH  44122

Fax No.: 330-659-2359                     E-mail:  cherylabrake@aol.com

This report is also available on the Internet on Gary Baumgartner’s website as well as Brecksville High School’s website:

http://www.baumspage.com

http://www.brecksvillewrestling.com

©2004– Reproduction of this material for profit without written consent is prohibited.

And remember, my usual fee is a wrestling T-shirt – XL.

(and that includes all your Internet readers)

Division III

During the late 1990’s, the quality of competition in Division III reached its apex.  This golden age lasted for, perhaps, five years and featured superstars such as Tommy Rowlands, Clark Forward, Harry Lester, Jared Opfer and many others.   That level has not been sustained and this year, it has cycled down to a much lower point.  Some Division III schools like Beachwood, Brookville and Keystone with strong teams and/or a few outstanding wrestlers, have moved up to Division II partly because some very small schools have fielded fledgling teams.  In addition, some wrestlers have opted to attend high schools with stronger programs and schedules than their Division III counterparts.  Whatever the reasons, many of the weight classes lack the up-top strength and depth that we have seen in the past.

103 #

Projected Champion:  PAYNE LINT  (CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS)

Top Contenders

One of the popular (and effective) strategies in working toward a state title is to crush the top opposition during the regular season.  Achieving physical and mental domination smoothes the path during the difficult weekends in late February.  Opponents can’t have a positive outlook and a confident stride if they’ve been manhandled just a few short weeks in the past.  That’s why I found Lint’s match with Mike Wilson over the holidays so interesting.  These were two of the top contenders at this weight class meeting at a major tournament.  Lint, who had defeated Wilson in overtime last year, quickly raced to a commanding 8-1 lead and looked overpowering.  I foresaw a major decision and a leg up on weight class domination.  Instead, Lint appeared to go on cruise control and let Wilson get back in the match, although he hung on to win 11-9.  All it did was provide Wilson with evidence that, with a stronger first period, he can beat Lint.  It was, perhaps, from Lint’s perspective, an opportunity wasted.

Nonetheless, Lint is still my favorite to take the title at their weight class.   He was 3rd last year, losing only to Wyant (by two points) and has compiled an outstanding record this year, capped by his title at Brecksville, over Division II state runner-up Madison Davis.  He has great workout partners, tourney experience, and an excellent coach, which should be a recipe for a state title. 

The aforementioned Wilson and Evans are Lint’s two biggest threats.  Wilson was district champ last year (with three tech falls) and won two state bouts--losing only to Gardella and Lint in overtime.  This year, he was 3^rd at Brecksville, beating Evans 9-3 for the third place.  Evans has now lost twice to Wilson, but the 4^th at Brecksville in his first outing of the year was impressive.  He followed that up with the title at Perrysburg and could be a possible finalist if Wilson and Lint are in the same half.

Surprisingly, the strongest district may well be at Xenia.  There are six well-credentialed wrestlers there who have upset potential when facing my top trio.  State placer Austin is very tough and gave Lint a good bout before losing 9-6 last year.  State qualifier Jarod Smith comes from a very small school, but he defeated Evans last year in overtime.  Still, I believe Preece might be the best 103-pounder here.  A transfer from Triad, he was a state alternate last year at 112# -- moving up because of two-time champ Wyant.  This year, he defeated Austin to win the GMVWA, and as a senior, may be one of the strongest 103’s.  Also, in the mix is the freshman, Thome (Casey, not Jim), who also has a win over Austin, Strickland, and Segovia.  The Xenia District was the poorest performing district of all 12 that feed into the state meet, but this group might help turn that around.  Also, just back is district qualifier Amanda Breezley, coming off a fractured arm.  She won the Reading Invitational her first week back. 

Lint should pretty much have his own way at Mentor with only the exceptional freshman, Boing, as a possible challenger.  He was 3^rd at the Junior High States and has been a steady placer for Chanel--2^nd at Solon and 3^rd at Wadsworth.  Evans should face little competition at the Owens District.  I’ve struggled to find much there and so far, have failed to unearth anyone with even low state place potential.  Much the same is true at Coshocton, though Wright or Fred Wilson are somewhat better than the rest of that field. 

112 #

Projected Champion:  LEVI WYANT  (TRIAD)

Top Contenders

It’s very unusual for opponents to meet in the state finals two years in a row.  Non-congruent growth patterns, the natural inclination for superstars to seek different weight classes, and just the sheer difficulty of making it to the state finals, generally precludes such an outcome.  The last time it happened in Division III was in 1985 (extra credit for knowing the wrestlers), but it certainly has a reasonable probability of occurring this year.  On one side, we have two time state champ Levi Wyant, who has moved up a weight class in this, his senior year.  He has displayed an uncanny skill in winning close bouts early in state competition. Twice, he has triumphed in overtime bouts in past years and two other times, by the margin of a takedown.  However, he has had brilliant final rounds, winning handily both years.  The victim last year was two-time state placer Oliver Gray, who has also moved up to this weight class.

Wyant has had a strong upgrade on his schedule, placing at the Ironman and beating the excellent Llanas at Wadsworth.  He should be primed for his run at a third state title.  He’ll face tough competition this year, but he is probably five points better than most of his challengers.  Still, I think he’ll be pushed to the brink in at least one bout (Koballa), but that is where his experience should pay off.

Two-time state placer, Gray, doesn’t wrestle the same rigorous schedule as Wyant, but he is very good.  Last year, he cruised through his tough district and was barely challenged at Columbus, until losing to Wyant 9-4.  This year, he won at the Gorman and is undefeated at 112#, but I don’t think he has cut into that five-point margin.  On the other hand, Koballa looks very good to me.  Last year, he lost first-round bouts at district and state by identical 2-1 scores at 112#.  Despite that, he placed at districts and won a bout at State (both times losing to Corey Opfer).  This year, he was 2^nd at Solon-- losing by 2 to Division I state runner-up Jordan Brown--and 3^rd at Wadsworth.  He has wrestled a very tough schedule and knows how to win tense, low-scoring bouts.  He and Gray are clearly the best out of Mentor.

I see three potential challengers to Wyant--Gray and Koballa--out of Mentor and Adam Tinnel from Owens.  The exceptional freshman Tinnel has really been impressive.  A state junior high champ last year, he is going to win some high school state titles.   He has won at Bellevue, Plymouth, and Edison--defeating state placer Lee, 6-0--and was 4^th at Brecksville, losing only to the champion, Ben Johnson and defaulting in the consolation finals.  Fearless, he’ll not be intimidated by Wyant.  The last three spots at Owens will be fiercely contested with state qualifier, Starr, battling Weller, Froehlich, Scarberry, Foos, and the freshman Hermes.   District finalist, Starr, has struggled somewhat this year, but may be ready to have a strong second half.  Both Weller and Scarberry just missed state qualification last year and should be primed for another run at it.  I particularly like Weller, who has been at 125# to make it. 

Now that state qualifier Cory Lemaster has dropped to 112#, there is a clear favorite at the Coshocton District.  He was 3^rd at the district last year, losing only in overtime to the excellent Wilson and went 1-2 at States.  He’s been at 119# all year with good success, but should be even better at this class, which is weak in this area.  The other three qualifiers are in for a tough time at Columbus, although state alternate, Wetzel, has upset potential.

However, Wyant will be backed up by some experienced personnel from the Xenia District at States.   State qualifiers Long, Fletcher and Kleman all should be competitive this time.  Between them, however, they were 0-6 at Columbus last year.  Still, I think a low place is possible.  Watch out for Traugh, who has put together a great seaon. 

Danny Hanson (Richmond Hts.) and Alan Neikirk (Cardinal) met in consecutive state finals in 1984 and 1985.  They also met in the district finals those two years with four-time state champ Hanson winning all four bouts.

119 #

Projected Champion:  BRAXDON SCALETTA  (CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS)

Top Contenders

During the past three years, 79% of all state champions were also district champions.  So that is clearly a strong correlate of success.  That achievement may be even more important at this weight class, where winning the Mentor District will be vital.  With three of the top contenders at Mentor, the winner should be away from the other two in the state bracket and will also be opposite two of the other three district champs.  That translates into an enormous advantage in Columbus, one that should help vault that winner to the state title.    

My choice is Braxdon Scaletta, the fine junior from Cuyahoga Heights.  Scaletta has been 3^rd and 2^nd the past two years, but with a little luck, he might have even more impressive credentials.  As a freshman at 103#, he met eventual state champion Levi Wyant in the semi-finals and from my perspective, appeared to have slightly the better of it.   However, a late Wyant score put the bout into overtime with Scaletta losing on a scrambling takedown.  Then, last year in the state finals, he met Kevin Lipp, who he had defeated the previous weekend at the district level.  Ahead, he got pinned in the 2^nd period, dashing his hope for a state crown.  It was reminiscent of his final round in the state junior high tourney where Kevin’s brother, Jordan, eked out a narrow 3-2 decision.  This year, Scaletta will put those disappointments behind him by winning his first state title.

Scaletta will face vigorous opposition at Mentor.  Gardella was 4^th last year at 103#, as he showed incredible improvement during the course of the season.  He took Wyant into overtime before losing and then fell to Lint in the consolation finals.  This year, he lost to state champion Kevin Lipp in overtime in the Solon final and placed at Wadsworth.  Also at Mentor is state qualifier Shane Marthey, who looked devastating at Richmond Heights Division III tourney.  Now a senior, he looks much more comfortable at this weight class and has excellent chances for a high place.  The fourth state berth at Mentor could be wide open.

Some last minute certification maneuvers have toughened up the field at 119# in the Owens District.   State placer Lee, after flirting with the 112# class, has certified at 119# and should do well.  State qualifiers Ryan Tinnel and Amburgey are also here and this is the third year they have been at the same weight class.  Tinnel won their most recent meeting at Plymouth, but Amburgey has also won in the past in this ongoing series.  Amburgey is one of those enigmatic wrestlers whose results cannot be predicted.  He can be brilliant as he was at the D-3 classic and, at other times, quite ordinary.  Tinnel is much more consistent, but does not have the large upside like Amburgey.  Other possibilities are Buehrer, the sophomore Lopez--just down from 125#--Geesey, Schreiner (Sandusky St. Mary), and Braden (Norwalk St. Paul).

There are four state qualifiers competing at this weight class at Cochocton.  Skoff, Minner, Gossett and Magers could fill up the state bracket assuming the pairings work out well with Conklin ready to slip in if they don’t.   Of that top quartet, Skoff and Gossett would appear to be the most dangerous threats, but Minner can be very good.  Minner has been at 130# much of the year, so it has been difficult to judge exactly where he’ll fit in at this weight class. I like Skoff a lot and thought he might have worn down toward the end of last season. Still, he won two state bouts and missed placement when he lost to Lee. 

Gossett also won a state bout and, again, how he’ll match up with others is problematical since he has been at 125#.  He and Minner split two bouts at last year’s district with Gossett winning the second in a decisive manner.  Magers might be the weak link here.  Conklin missed state qualification by a point, and Murray (Grandview Hts.) and Prickett could also challenge.  

State placer Bernholt is the best hope out of Xenia with state placers Steiner and Robbe a step behind.  However, all three are capable of winning at the state level and potentially garnering a low place.  Steiner, like Skoff, lost his state placement bout, while Bernholt won two squeakers to make the semi-finals before getting bombed three times.  Robbe is a three time state qualifier who has yet to win a bout in the championship round (though he has a consolation win), but who should rectify that this year.  Nobody else here is in their class, unless Long decides to compete at 119# rather than 112#.

125 #

Projected Champion:  CHRIS HAMED  (WOODBRIDGE)

Top Contenders

I was very surprised that none of the top 130’s dropped to 125#.  As you’ll shortly read, that’s a very crowded weight class with at least four potential state champs in the mix.  From my vantage point, this weight class looks far more congenial.  Still, even without them, there is solid talent here, though many are not as well known as they should be.  My choice is the experienced Woodridge senior, Chris Hamed, who has oscillated between schools and classifications for four years.  As a freshman, he was the best backup in the state at 103# for CVCA, but did not certify at that class.  When Wade went out, he was not eligible to replace him, although he certainly had state placement potential even then.  His sophomore year was at Woodridge, where he placed 4^th at 119#. Last year, Woodridge was Division II and Hamed was a state quarterfinalist before losing to state champion LaFollette and three-time placer, Reichman 1-0.  This year, he was 2^nd at Richmond Heights, defaulting in the finals and 4^th at Wadsworth, up a weight class at 130#.  He’ll need to be at the top of his game to win, but this should finally be his year.

As things are currently configured, Hamed should have little trouble at the Mentor District.   I don’t see anyone there who can challenge him so he should come into the state meet both well rested and a district champ.

The two best districts are at Coshocton and Owens.  At the former, there are three returning state qualifiers and a sophomore who might be better than any of them.  Kagey and Terry were both state quarter-finalists last year, although neither of them ended up placing.   They have all done well this year becoming finalists in almost every event.  However, I don’t see any of them defeating Hamed.  But each of them has placement potential, much of which will depend on their district placement and sub-sequent state pairing.  The wild card here is Nicola.  He was the OVAC champ at 112#, defeating the excellent Lucas Huffman, but did compete at sectionals.   His only loss this year was a lightning quick pin by three-time placer, Reichman.  He has tremendous upward potential, and could be a major factor at this weight class if he can maintain consistency.  He blew away the field at Marion Harding and he needs to maintain that level.

There are also challengers at Owens.  Two-time state qualifier, Matt Bloniarz, won two state bouts last year, just failing to place.  State qualifier, Rufenacht, also missed placement by one win and he exits the same sectional, so they should be apart at the district level.  Rufenacht won the “A” Classic and beat Kunisch in their dual meet.  State qualifier, Kunisch, and Abair are solid secondary candidates with Schalk another half step behind.   Watch out for the freshman, Sowers (good wrestling genes) and Schmitz.

All of the Carlisle wrestlers have moved down a weight class mixing up my lovingly created lists.   Jory Brown is probably the best, now that everything has been revised.  He lost an 18-11 go-to-state bout at 130# last year, and should do even better at this lower weight. Kendig was 4^th at Perrysburg and may be the finalist here, opposite Brown.   After this duo are a whole host of potential challengers.  Young has had a great year, while Beach had two district wins last season.  Barga and Etzler (Lincolnview) are also possibilities with Levy and Lindsey (Landmark Christian) long shots.

130 #

Projected Champion:  DREW SCHAFER  (monroeville)

Top Contenders

This is probably my favorite weight class in Division III, featuring a wide variety of styles and body types.  It is a deep weight class with excellent contenders from each of the four districts.  With such a diversity of style and form, the pairings will be critical, but should work out reasonably well.  There are four wrestlers who have already finished either 2^nd or 3rd and at least that number of others who have past state experience.  It is a particularly crowded weight class because Jaggers and Shearer dominate the next two weight classes, leaving many little choice but 130#.  Let’s look at some of the top contenders.

Schafer was 2^nd last year at 119# after finishing 6^th two years before.   His only loss last year was in the state finals to Keyes, who he had defeated the previous week at districts.  He looked absolutely devastating at Richmond Heights, decimating the best weight class there capped by a second period fall over the redoubtable Emery.   Schafer and Opfer exit the same sectional and district, which should help Schafer acclimate to Opfer’s unusual style.  The question is will that be enough for Schafer to win Monroeville’s first state title.

Corey Opfer is, without a doubt, the most unorthodox of this group.  There isn’t a risk-laden hold he doesn’t love and his bouts are almost always the most entertaining of the night.  Always looking to score (or better yet, pin), he takes the most chances, but his fundamentals and athleticism generally carry the day.  He finished 3^rd both as a freshman and a sophomore, losing both times to Lucas Huffman (who has since graduated). Up three weight classes, he won the Midwest Classic and was 2^nd in overtime at Brecksville. The big question is can I pick him for a third time, after two previous failures.

Whenever I see the name Tucker linked to Martins Ferry, I know we’re talking about state placement.  Two years ago, Tucker lost in the first round at 103# and came back to get 4^th.  Last year, he won his first three state bouts 15-0, 16-4 and 17-6, but then was pinned by Caruso and finished 2^nd.  He’s settled in nicely at 130# and could easily win it all this year.  He beat Schafer, 5-1, two years ago.  He’ll be the top seed should he win his district.  So at least two of this top group will automatically be away from him. 

I know the least about Franz.  A solid senior, he was 3^rd at 125#, losing to Caruso in the semi-finals.  For their area, Waynesville wrestles a touch schedule and his nine losses last year are a testament to that rigor.  This year, he won at Xenia and had a perfect record the last time I looked.  He’ll be on the same side of the bracket as the Opfer/Schafer winner – assuming he wins his district.

The district breakouts are interesting.  The deepest schedule of competitors is at Owens.  We’ve already discussed Opfer and Schafer, but there is much, much more.  The trio of state qualifiers, Gombash and Hill along with Sendelbach, are all very good.  Gombash won his district last year, winning every bout in less than six minutes, but then went 1-2 at Columbus.  He looked raggedy at Brecksville, but it was his first event of the year.  Hill was a district runner-up and he placed 6^th, losing to Tucker (badly) and Franz.  Sendelbach has come on strong, finishing 4^th at Richmond Heights--including a one-point loss to Hill--and winning at Hopewell-Loudon, Plymouth, and the “A” Classic-- including a one-point win over Hill.  At least one of this group will fail to qualify and with Schultz (who beat Kief, 7-3), Reer (a great freshman) and Knisely also here, nobody is safe.  At the same time, state qualifier, Coleman, has also certified here, but I’ve ranked him at 135# since that is my guess as to where he might compete.

Tucker should dominate at Coshocton, but there is a strong under card.  Navarra was a state qualifier two years ago, but lost out last year, losing to eventual state placer, Jarrod Anderson, 2-1, in his go-to-state bout after being pinned by Tucker in the semi-finals.  He has looked good this year and should return to Columbus. 

The unheralder, Urling, was a state alternate last year and should vie one of the last two spots with Bond, Dobereiner, Smith, Melko and Nutbrown.  Wyse might be the kind of long shot you’d put some money on.  Again, Cottrill certified at 130#, probably as a way of keeping his options open.  I’ve rated him at 135# (where he could well be a district champ), but he would rate highly here, too, if he actually does move.

Franz will be joined by state qualifiers Kief and Schindledecker at Xenia.  Kief, a move-in from Indiana, was a district champ last year and won a state bout.  This year, he was 3^rd at GMVWA.  Shindledecker cannot be overlooked.  He was a district runner-up at this weight class last year and won two state bouts, falling just short of placing.  He was 3^rd at the “A” Classic this year (behind Sendelbach and Hill), and his sectional movement to Xenia rather than to Owens (as it was last year), will make qualification much easier.  After this trio, it is wide open with the young Stapleton, Crowley and Keuterman possibilities.

Mentor is uncharacteristically weak.  I like former state qualifier Jacob Bill, who, rather shockingly, did not get out last year after getting pinned by Schafer and losing narrowly to eventual place winner, Tomasone.  Cardinal has two excellent 130’s in Dulka and Morris.  Either one would do well here, so I’ve rated Dulka at this class--where he has been all year--and Morris at 135#.  They may switch at sectional time, however. Tomaino or Thomas are other thoughts.

135 #

Projected Champion:  J JAGGERS  (CHANEL)

Top Contenders

It took about 10 seconds to spot him.  I’ve seen tens of thousands of wrestlers, but an absolute novice could not have helped but recognize it.   The 7^th grader on the center mat was clearly one of The Chosen.  A precocious genius of the wrestling mat, who destroyed an excellent opponent to win a state title at the inaugural junior high state championships.  There aren’t many like him--but just seeing them once is enough for recognition. I said three years ago that he had a chance to be Ohio’s first six-time champion and that was not really a bold or daring prediction. In his last two state tourneys, no one has lasted six minutes and that was true when he won the prestigious Ironman, as well. None of Ohio’s 12 previous wrestlers, trying to win four titles, have lost and while the number thirteen is considered unlucky, it won’t happen this time either.   J. Jaggers has had an amazing high school career and one can expect that will continue at Ohio State. 

The battle here will be a hard fought, spirited one, but it will be for second place.  A key component in that struggle will be to draw away from Jaggers. Those who are sure to do so are the 2^nd and 3^rd place finishers at Mentor.  Likely to be in one of those positions is the very tough Kyle Huss. He was a state qualifier last year at this weight class in Division II, but had an awful draw. He got eventual champ Aaron Martin in the first round and then state placer, Ryan Morgan, after a consolation win and lost 3-1.  He has won titles at both North Canton and Canal Fulton, and will be a rugged challenge for everyone, but Jaggers. After him, state qualifier Martell, Morris, and, maybe, Chase are next best.

The deepest district is at Owens.  While Mark Blonairz and Coleman are both state qualifiers, I think Gliatta might be the best here.  He missed state qualification in 2003, but like his state champion brother of last year, he seems to be on a steep part of the learning curve.  At Brecksville, he lost to Roberts (3^rd in Division I), 4-3, and ended up 7^th, the highest Division III placer at that weight.  Certainly, Blonairz and Coleman should place at this district with Buckingham, Madden, Bodenbender and Rupp in the hunt.  I think Coleman (or Smith, if they move down) will end up second best here, but there will be a lot of close bouts on this bracket.

There is also good depth at Xenia, and the quality may be just as good.  District champ, Gambill, is now only a sophomore and he keeps getting better.  At Columbus, he lost two heartbreakers--one in the 30-second overtime and the other, 8-7.  This year, he won the GMVWA and will lock horns with Kyle Stapleton, the defending district champion at this weight class.  Stapleton, at 140# most of the year, was 6^th at that weight in the GMVWA, but he’ll be a major factor here.  Riley was a 5-4 loser to Gambrill at the GMVWA and he was a state qualifier at 119# last year.  Factor in state qualifier Waldman and Ison, and it’s clear somebody isn’t getting a return ticket to the Value Center Arena.  Two other possibilities are Pelkey and the outstanding freshman, Klaus.  One name I have not seen is state qualifier Wells (Bethel Tate) who was at this weight class earlier in the year.  His inclusion would make it even tougher to get out.

I don’t see a whole lot at Coshocton.  I rate state qualifier Cottrill and Brown as the areas top hopes.  But this will not be a strong weight class at this district.  It will even be weaker if Cottrill opts to wrestle at 130#, leaving the cupboard as bare as Old Mother Hubbard’s at this weight class.  Besides, those listed, Cataldo (Wellsville) and Waite (Shenandoah) should be checked out.

140 #

Projected Champion:  TANNER shearer  (sandusky st mary)

Top Contenders

As was the case at the last weight class, one lone figure dominates this competition.  Two-time state champion, Tanner Shearer, has lost but four times in the last three years (with 118 wins) and not once to a Division III competitor.  It would be an enormous surprise if he were to be upset at the state meet, given his tough, mistake-free style.  At Brecksville, he beat the excellent Rohler in the semi-finals (pounding on him the last two periods) and deserved to win against my Division II choice, Morgan in the finals.  He had the only takedown and was, by far, the aggressor throughout the bout, but drew an official who apparently hadn’t heard there were rules against stalling. He lost in that horrible 30-second tiebreaker.  Nonetheless, despite some reasonably good opposition, Shearer should take his third state title, becoming the third boy from St. Mary to win at least that many.

Rather surprisingly for a weight class right at the peak of the bell shaped curve of the weight division, there are (except for Shearer) no returning state place winners.  Given that there is little power below Shearer, this is a weight class where exceptional freshman or under appreciated veterans could easily place.   At Coshocton, state qualifiers, Borders and Ferguson, along with state alternate, Fleming, probably head the strongest district.   The first two just missed placement last year and should overcome that barrier this year.  Ferguson wasn’t at the D-3 Classic, but was a strong 2^nd at Shadyside.   It may turn out that Fleming is now the best of this trio.  He missed state qualification by one point last year after qualifying the year before, and has been exceptional this year.  This is his third year at 140#.  Also in the mix is state alternate Miller, but Ferguson did beat him 14-2 last year in their go-to-state bout.  A dark horse candidate is Warren, who gave state qualifier, Frollini, a real battle at 145# at Bellaire St. John and has now moved down to 140#.

It is not as deep a group at Owens.  Coopman and state qualifier, Smith, might be next best after Shearer, but there is a large gap between them.   Coopman won at Hopewell-Loudon, while Smith has bounced between 135# and 140#.  Wisdom, winner at Plymouth and the “A” Classic, is also a factor, but, like Ferguson, did not compete at Richmond Heights.  I’m not seeing as many names at this district that looks like state material.

The most crowded field is at Xenia.  But this group has not competed well at the state level in the past.  I’ve divided this group into three categories--former state qualifiers, solid performers, and exceptional freshman.  In the first category, Spohn, Henry and Shafer all have state experience and I see them as relatively closely bunched.  Shafer has been hot lately, but Spohn has been better in the past.  Henry, perhaps, is a step behind them, though the Versailles boys do well in the late season.  The second group contains Loreaux, Bowers and Taylor--all of whom have the potential to vault over that first trio.  Finally, there is the freshman.  Falk, son of a three-time champ, clearly got the right genes, sweeping to the junior high state title.   Undefeated this year, he could be the surprise package at Xenia.  He has state champion skills and it’s more a question of when, rather than one of if.

Dierkes may be the best of a pretty low-key group of qualifiers out of Mentor.  The other possibility is Besancon, who just moved down from 145#.  His most recent win was at Chippewa where he took the title at 145#.  Both were state alternates last year with Besancon losing by one point in his go-to-state bout and Dierkes dropping his to eventual state runner-up Brandon Kertesz.  Kalina and Dillon are other top-of-the-mind possibilities, but there will be some surprises here.

145 #

Projected Champion:  jamison moss  (delta)

Top Contenders