The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Before moving forward, a look back
Almost a month into wrestling season, The Morning Journal coverage area has already seen a lot of ups and downs from local teams and athletes.
The season truly kicks into gear in the New Year. Before that, let’s look at some of the things that have stood out to me so far this season, in no particular order:
• The Morning Journal wrote about the start the Bay Rockets have experienced up this point. They won the Knights of Columbus Invitational at Avon Lake, and placed 12th out of 34 teams at the North Coast Classic, led by junior Matthew Cover (195) going 13-0 with 11 pins. The win at Avon Lake was the first tournament victory in coach Ryan Cover’s nine years with the program.
• Lutheran West won its first tournament since 2013 at the J.B. Firestone Invitational. It was also just the third title in the last 50 years for the school. Coach Dave Ressler’s squad garnered three champions in junior Parker Watson (132), junior Jon Duran (113) and freshman Donovan Palmer (138).
After Watson’s win at Firestone, Ressler said that Watson has a different mentality this season.
“What’s huge for him was finishing fifth and being one match away from state last season,” he said.
“I want to be on that podium. I want to be higher on the podium than I think I deserve and have to push myself. I want to exceed my own expectations.” — Vermilion senior Tyler Bath
“He got focused and traveled to Fargo and the training for Fargo is phenomenal. That’s really helped him focus and he’s got the best coaches in the state of Ohio there and in the nation just helping him fine-tune his game. He knows he’s got to stay focused to get to Columbus. That’s the goal.”
• Amherst has gotten off to a strong start under Coach Brian Cesear, finishing as a runner-up at the Knights of Columbus tournament. The Comets picked up a huge Southwestern Conference dual win over Avon, 32-27, in the final match when Adam Lough snagged the victory. Heavyweight Matt Lee is 14-0 with 12 pins.
• Even though Elyria hasn’t gotten off to a start to their normal standards — particularly not placing anyone at the Walsh Jesuit Ironman — the Pioneers’ Dylan Shawver (113) earned a seventh place finish at the Beast of the East tournament. Shawver is a twotime Beast of the East placer. Elyria junior Farouq Muhammed (152), a state-placer, hasn’t wrestled for Elyria yet because of the transfer rules. His presence will be a big boost in their lineup in the new year.
• Vermilion won the Clear Fork Invitational, and senior Tyler Bath (220) is one of the hottest wrestlers in the area right now with a 11-0 record and 11 pins.
“I definitely want to place,” Bath said. “I want to be on that podium. I want to be higher on the podium than I think I deserve and have to push myself. I want to exceed my own expectations.”
• Olmsted Falls went into a tough Olentangy Liberty Invitational tournament and took a runner-up finish. Overall, the Bulldogs’ trio of Michael Shaw (106), Jihad Salti (138) and Josh Jaeckin (152) claimed titles in their respective weight classes.
On tap for next week
As we gear up for a new year, I’ve been asking area coaches their thoughts on the state of high school wrestling and whether they think it’s dying or still prospering. I’ve already received some interesting answers, and hope to get the thoughts of a few more coaches on the subject. Be sure to check back for a story.
Key tournaments this week
• Elyria competes in the Brecksville Holiday tournament Dec. 29-30. The Pioneers hope to repeat as tournament champions.
• The Vermilion Super Duals takes place Dec. 28-29.
• The Medina Invitational is set for Dec. 27-28.