The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Perry’s Rowan enjoying last prep journey
Kyle, brother Calvin among area wrestlers vying for D-II berths
ALLIANCE » Short time.
That’s a term used in wrestling when the clock is winding down.
When Perry’s Kyle Rowan hears it, he takes it to heart.
Just two weeks remain in his high school wrestling career — this weekend at the Division II district tournament in Alliance and next week’s state tournament.
A while back, Rowan said he flipped through some photos in his family’s home. The photoviewing didn’t just get Rowan a little nostalgic, but it also accentuated the importance of enjoying one final ride with his father, Perry coach Dave Rowan, and his brother Calvin, who is in the district tournament this weekend, also, as the Pirates’ 126-pound wrestler.
Rowan won both of his matches on Day 1 of the Alliance
District on March 6, piling up an 18-3 technical fall over Girard’s Kyle O’Hare in his opener, then taking a 7-2 decision over Copley’s Canyon Wells in the quarters. Those wins him on pace to qualify for the state tournament on March 7, where he hopes to add a 120-pound state title with the 106-pound crown he won as a junior.
He’ll face Aurora’s Antwan Sagaris in the semis on March 7.
Calvin, lost his opener, 6-5, in heartbreaking fashion, but then won his first consolation match, 7-0, and can still finish as high as third.
But this tournament, as well as next’s, isn’t just about wins. It’s about taking advantage of the “short time” in his high school career.
“I’m trying to soak up as much brother love as I can before I leave,” he said of the unique season with Calvin. “Looking back at all the pictures and the memories, we were so tiny. And now we’re wrestling in high school together now. I’m so grateful to have him.”
Prior to the tournament, Dave Rowan said he has accentuated the importance
of Kyle bonding with his brothers and passing on his knowledge and care before embarking on his college wrestling career at Stanford — in California — this coming fall.
Kyle knew — and he’s embraced it.
At last week’s sectional, no one celebrated more when Calvin won his weight class more than Kyle. When Calvin made 71 of 71 extra-point kicks for the highly successful Perry football team, no one was prouder than his older brother.
A shared trip to the state tournament would be the proverbial icing on the cake.
“This is my last year before I to college, so I am happy to have them in my family,” Kyle said. ‘My dad and brother are such an important part of my life. To share this experience with
them is amazing.”
Rowan is one of 13 NewsHerald area wrestlers alive in the championship bracket when action resumes on March 7. A win in the semifinal round means automatic qualification to the state tournament.
Additionally, 29 others are still alive in the consolation bracket and can still place as high as third.
After Day 1, Louisville (91) leads the team race, followed closely by Lake Catholic (86), Aurora (85.5) and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (54.5) in a leader board that looks like a Who’s Who in Ohio Division II wrestling.
“Best district in the state,” said Lake Catholic 113-pounder Brendan McCrone. “That’s how I look at it — best district in the state. In any division. No doubt about it.”
McCrone is one of eight Lake Catholic wrestlers
still vying for not only state bids, but also for district championships.
Others in the top half are Brock Herman (106), Nick Coreno (138), Anthony Trivisonno (145), Rob Boley (160), Simon Taraska (170), Cole Hivnor (182) and Owen Weaver (195).
Perhaps the most gratifying was that of Taraska, who went 0-2 at the district competition last season, but went 2-0 on Day 1 this year to put himself on the cusp of a state bid.
“Last year wasn’t my best tournament,” he said. “It’s good to get the first one and keep it rolling.”
Chardon has two in the semis, 113-pound Jake Hamulak and 285-pound Jaret Hall. Also one semifinal win away from a state berth Geneva’s Charlie Taylor (220) and Perry’s Collin Koenig (138).