Pioneers’ Shawver, Fenton shine at Ironman

For Elyria’s Dylan Shawver (113) and Brendon Fenton (120), redemption was the theme on Day 1 of the 24th annual Walsh Jesuit Ironman tournament on Dec. 8.

Both Shawver and Fenton went 0-2 a year ago, but advanced this time around in what is widely regarded as the toughest tournament in the country. Shawver, seeded fifth, received two byes before picking up a tough 7-5 decision over Graham’s Tanner Jordan in the third championship round.

Shawver is set to face Lake Highland’s Ryan Chauvin (No. 4 seed) in the quarterfinals.

“I remember going 0-2 last year and that just motivated me more to work harder and improve on my matches, finish my shots and stay on the attack,” Shawver said. “I’m a lot better because of the Ironman last year. My coaches pushed me harder to do better than I did last year so I can come out this year and win it.”

To walk out of Ironman either as a champion or placer is on Shawver’s agenda for Day 2.

“It would mean a lot because last year I went 0-2 and didn’t do as much as I could last year, so this year I’m trying to do way better,” he added.

No. 6-seeded Fenton, a reigning two-time state champion, found himself in a low-scoring tussle with No. 11-seed Brandon Paulson of Clovis California High School. Fenton and Paulson were scoreless most of the way before Fenton hit a quick takedown with 1:17 remaining to give him a 2-0 win.

Fenton squares off with No. 3-seed Malik Heinselman of Castle View High School in the quarterfinals.

“Last year was a really bad start and I’ve just been working all offseason. I wrestled at Super 32 and I’m still training,” Fenton said.

“Win or lose, I’m just out here wrestling. I’m committed (Eastern Michigan) and I’m feeling good, and I’m just out here wrestling to just accomplish stuff for me — my goals, and I’m just doing it for me now.”

Fenton opted to skip football over the fall to flourish in tournaments such as this — and heading into Day 2, his mindset and physical condition is the best it has ever been.

“As a state champion, I feel like I should be a top kid now that everyone is going to want to be beat me,” he added. “So when I lose (like last year), I feel terrible. I’m a lot better now and I’ve been wrestling a lot more. I’m in shape, I’m ready and I’m just ready to go.”

Pioneers state-placer Josh Breeding (132) received a bye before upending La Salle’s Darnai Heard in a 5-3 decision in the second championship round.

In the third round, Breeding lost a major decision (10-2) to Wyoming Seminary’s (Pennsylvania) Carson Manville. Breeding bounced back in the consolations by decision over Dalton Harkins (Malvern Prep, Pa.), 7-1. Breeding locks horns with Reece Witcraft (Broken Arrow, Okla.) in the consolation on Day 2.

Sophomore Mick Burnett (126), who bumped up 20 pounds from last year, won his second round championship match over Lake Catholic’s Conor McCrone, 8-4. McCrone is a two-time state placer.

Burnett followed with a loss, getting pinned (:40) by Blair Academy’s Travis Mastrogiovanni and a 7-2 decision loss to Dylan Burnowski (Montini Catholic, Ill.).

The Pioneers went 9-19 overall in matches on the day and sit in 25th place (28). Blair Academy is in first (97.5).