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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Over time the completion of this report has involved a substantial number of people. I am always indebted to tournament directors like Lynn Houghtaling, Hal Norris, and Nick Dimitris who send me bracket sheets from their event. I am very thankful for all the coaches who send me material – particularly those from other parts of the state. A good example is Wendell Donathan who reliably delivers all kinds of information, particularly newspaper results, on a regular basis. Coaches like Jude Roth, Joe Marino, Dave Riggs, and so many others are a constant source of information, results, rumors and, even, speculation – all of which is helpful. A special thanks to Roger Richards who has faithfully sent Columbus data to me for close to decades.

Finally, Kim Manning, also known as “Kim Fifty Fingers” typed this report for many years and did a tremendously professional job. This year my cousin Nancy Dimitris typed the entire paper and did an absolutely splendid job. Without her help you would not be reading this today.

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 seven-day period ending January 22, 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.

This report is also available on the Internet on Ned Heminger’s Ohio Wrestling Sport Page at:

A very close friend of mine (who is brilliant) is a long-time member of SABR (Society for the Advancement of Baseball Research). Recently he prepared a paper that developed all-star teams for each letter of the alphabet. As it turned out the best and deepest team was for the letter “M”. It seemed like the idea might have applicability in terms of high school wrestling. Listed below are the top three wrestlers (obviously, my opinion) for the letters of the alphabet. Incidentally the deepest letter was again “M” with names like McGhee, Milkovich, Mollica, Musser, McFarland, Marchette, Morgan, Matteucci, and so on.

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.

2002

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

FORECAST

(31st Annual Edition)