The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Avon wins SWC title, crowns 4 champs
Eagles share Southwestern Conference title with Berea-Midpark Titans
Ever since Jeremy Johnson took over as head coach of Avon, the first goal on the Eagles’ bucket list was to win a Southwestern Conference title.
On Feb. 16 at Midview High School, Johnson, in his second season, got his wish as the Eagles (163.5) outscored BereaMidpark (141) and crowned four champions.
It officially goes down as a Co-Championship with the Titans because Berea-Midpark won its dual match over Avon during the regular season and went undefeated, which accounts for 50 percent of the title.
“The kids just wrestled great,” Johnson said. “Ever since losing to Berea in our gym in the dual in the school, this was a milestone for us. We’re starting to hit our peak right now and I hope this isn’t the best we wrestle. I’m hoping we can keep on climbing.”
Avon nearly had a fifth champion in the most anticipated match of the day when heavyweight Jack Roesch squared off with Midview’s Daniel Bucknavich.
Bucknavich, ranked No. 4, edged No. 5-ranked Roesch in a 4-3 decision. Roesch held a 3-1 lead before getting called for a stall and then Bucknavich hit a late takedown.
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It was Bucknavich’s second win over Roesch, who he pinned at the Bill Dies Memorial Tournament.
Potentially, both can see each other three more times setting up a great rivalry.
“I’m not happy with it,” Bucknavich said. “I messed up a lot. He was posting and I didn’t shoot. He was a lot more physical than in the Bill Dies match. It’s crazy knowing we can see each other three more times, but it’s just a wrestling match. You have to beat a guy one way or another. It’s nice having Midview come out with at least one championship.”
Eagles senior Tommy
Sear (145) clinched his third SWC title when he got a major decision over North Ridgeville’s Jared Viancourt, 11-0.
“I care more about the team because we haven’t won a title in a while,” Sear said. “I want my senior class to leave a legacy. It’s pretty special to win one.”
Avon junior Jordan Greer (195) won his first title in a 5-1 decision over Olmsted Falls’ Justin Jaeckin. Greer was coming off an ankle injury missing time since the Bill Dies tournament.
“I’m still at about 90 percent,” he said. “I was super motivated after losing last year to Seth Frambach (Midview). It feels amazing being back out on the mat. This team title means everything, coach Johnson has preached that since my
freshman year.”
Avon freshman Cael Saxton (106) tech falled North Olmsted’s Jeffrey Kennedy, 18-2, for his first SWC title.
“To be able to come through especially with bonus points and help win the championship is special,” Saxton said.
Avon’s Luke Masisak (152) got a major decision in the finals over Olmsted Falls’ Connor Atkins, 9-0, to help Avon’s stellar tournament showing.
Westlake left with a pair of champions in Thaer Zayed (132) and Liam Kruger (160).
Zayed won in a 11-4 decision over Midview’s James Hutchinson.
“I was a little nervous because he looked a lot bigger than me, but I knew I was faster,” Zayed said. “After I
hit the couple first shots, I knew I was in control and I can mentally break him. Now I got first at SWC and my goal next week is to get first at sectionals. I don’t care who I am wrestling and this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.”
Kruger pinned Avon Lake’s Abud Salem in 36 seconds.
“It means a lot because last year I was out with an injury,” Kruger said. “I’m coming back strong and I couldn’t wrestle until this past December. This isn’t like winning state, but it’s a stepping stone.”
For North Olmsted senior Dalton Diaz (170), this season has been about making statements. And he continued that claiming his first title beating Berea-Midpark’s Jimmy Paletta, 8-2,
who was a returning champion at 160 pounds.
“He’s a real strong wrestler and I had to use my speed to my advantage,” Diaz said. “I went out to score points and dominate the match. I wanted to make a statement. This is a confidence booster but I can’t wait for next week.”
Amherst’s Russell Hellinger (220) claimed his first title in a 3-1 sudden victory overtime win over North Ridgeville’s Patrick MacGregor. Hellinger beat MacGregor two prior times in overtime.
“It’s exciting,” Hellinger said. “It’s tough beating an opponent three times in overtime. This means a lot especially since I broke my foot last year and didn’t wrestle. Bouncing back
means a lot.”
Olmsted Falls senior Caiden Fetterman (182) won a 5-0 decision over Westlake’s Moe Zayed for his first SWC title.
“I had to be aggressive and keep shooting and scoring,” Fetterman said. “I try to listen to my coaches and work on stuff I normally hit in practice. This feels great because I’ve been injured this year and it feels good to be back and win a SWC tournament.”
Avon Lake’s John Perry (138) pinned Amherst’s Tim Carrion in 3:48. Perry is a two-time conference champion, winning last season at 126 pounds.
“It’s extremely nice,” Perry said. “All the credit goes to coaches and drill partners. I wouldn’t have done it without them.”