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Postseason wrestling preview

Tribune Chronicle / Joe Simon Pymatuning Valley’s Gaige Willis, top, shown here attempting to pin Alex King of Boardman during a tournament earlier this season, hopes to win one more match than last season, when he was a state runner-up.

The high school wrestling postseason starts Feb. 25 with the sectional tournament. The top four placers advance to the district tournament, which is March 3-4. The top four again move on to the state tournament, which is March 9-11 at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

The following is an in-depth look at area wrestlers expected to compete for a spot at the state tournament, according to coaches and Tribune Chronicle sports writer Joe Simon.

DIVISION I

Austintown Fitch Falcons

at Kenston sectional/North Canton Hoover district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Andrew Fairbanks Sr. 132 42-5

One of the more seasoned and experienced wrestlers in the area, Andrew Fairbanks has accomplished a lot in four years with the Falcons. He’s one of only seven wrestlers in league history to win four straight Eastern Ohio Wrestling League Tournament titles. His 141 career wins are fifth all time at Fitch. This year he won the EOWL, placed second at the Joshua Hephner Memorial Invitational and fifth at the Top Gun tournament in Alliance. He’s coming off his first appearance at the state tournament, so all that’s really left for Fairbanks is to place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus — the site of the state wrestling tournament. He has to get there first as he will battle a number of state-ranked wrestlers at the district tournament. He uses a “methodical” and “strategic” approach, according to Fitch coach John Burd, and his understanding of the sport is second to none considering he has wrestled year-round since entering high school. If he can maneuver his way through the district gauntlet, he’s more than capable of placing in Columbus.

¯ Gus Sutton So. 120 36-8

A young, talented wrestler, Sutton is another Falcon who spends the spring and summer working on his craft. He travels all around to wrestle in tournaments and study different styles such as freestyle and Greco-Roman. The extra work pays off. Sutton finished as the runner-up at the Hephner, was fourth at the EOWL and seventh at the Medina Invitational Tournament — one of the state’s most difficult in-season events. That type of experience is pivotal as he and the Falcons prepare for one of the toughest district tournaments in the state. “The last two years he’s had a lot good quality mat time at big tournaments, preparing for what’s ahead of him,” Burd said. “He knows it’s going to be a tall task, but he’s been working hard — he’s ready.” Slick and speedy on his feet, Sutton is especially good on his feet, but he’s well rounded, as he can find ways to score from any position. He’ll need all those skills during a rigorous postseason.

¯ Michael Ferree Jr. 160 36-7

Ferree is one of the more technically sound wrestlers in the area. He had to battle for a spot in the lineup as a sophomore, but he’s enjoyed a breakout junior season. He was the 160-pound champion at the Hephner, placed second at the EOWL and fourth at the Medina Invitational. His aggressive style is consistent through three periods, an impressive tactic given the conditioning needed to accomplish it. He can use an array of takedowns from the neutral position and often wears people down simply with his effort. “He loves to push the pace, push the tempo, and he’s always looking to score,” Burd said. “He’s tough on his feet. He always seems to be in the guy’s face, pushing the tempo of the match, and he wrestles all 6 minutes.” He is in the same boat as the rest of his Fitch teammates, who all must find a way out of an intensely difficult North Canton Hoover district. Burd said Ferree needs to continue to work on his defense and positioning, but his conditioning could put him over the top in high-level matches.

¯ OTHER FALCONS TO WATCH: Marco Parry (Sr., 26-11, 126), Kyle Varga (Sr., 32-10, 170), A.J. Stehura (Jr., 28-11, 152), Tyler Petrey (Jr., 23-13, 285).

Boardman Spartans

at Kenston sectional/North Canton Hoover district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Carlo DeNiro Sr. 182 30-8

DeNiro might already be a state qualifier if not for some tough luck his last two seasons. Aside from dealing with a variety of injuries the past two years, he was behind a pair of state placers in the lineup (Anthony Mancini and Mario Graziani). He’s finally healthy and one of the Spartans’ elite wrestlers. His most glaring attribute is his pinning ability. He is two pins shy of tying the school record for career pins (84). Considering the Spartans have had multiple state champions and countless state placers over the years, that’s quite an accomplishment. As Boardman coach Dom Mancini said, “if he gets you on your back, there’s a 99-percent chance he’s going to pin you.” DeNiro, who placed second at the Hephner and fourth at the EOWL, needs to make some improvements from the bottom position to reach the state tournament, but the potential is there for the senior.

¯ Michael O’Horo So. 170 20-4

O’Horo is relatively unknown to most in the area after he spent his freshman season at Cuyahoga Valley-Christian Academy. Originally from the area, he made a name for himself by returning as a sophomore and starting at quarterback for the Spartans’ football team. He was having a great sophomore year in wrestling, too — placing sixth at the prestigious Top Gun Tournament — with a 20-4 record before he had to have his appendix removed. He just came back from the injury, so his conditioning might need to improve, but Mancini said his overall athleticism gives him a shot to make a postseason run. “He’s a great athlete,” Mancini said. “Anytime you have athletics skills, that’s a huge advantage in wrestling. He can pick up things quicker because he knows how to move. He’s really strong for his size too.” Depending on how quickly O’Horo returns to form, he has a chance to advance from a loaded North Canton Hoover district.

¯ OTHER SPARTANS TO WATCH: Anthony Balgama (Fr., 13-10, 113), Derek Slipkovich (Jr., 20-12, 120), Alex King (Sr., 21-15, 195).

DIVISION II

Canfield Cardinals

at West Branch sectional/

Alliance district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Anthony D’Alesio Fr. 152 22-5

One of the more prominent freshman in the area is D’Alesio, who was a junior high state champion last year and has made a smooth transition to high school. He placed second at the Bill Dies Memorial Invitational Tournament, sixth at the Brecksville Holiday Tournament and third at the Perry Pin City Invitational (he missed the EOWL Tournament because of an illness). That’s an impressive resume for anyone, let alone a freshman. He’s ranked as high as fourth in the state and has notable wins over Luke Sorboro of Rootstown, a three-time state placer, and Isaac Yoho, a returning state qualifier from Woodridge. His skills are good, but it’s his attitude that Canfield coach Dean Conley likes. “Sometimes I don’t even think he knows the situation he’s in, he just hates losing,” Conley said. “He competes and wears guys down. He’s incredibly tough. He’s got a motor that just goes, and he’s not afraid of anyone. … He’s the kid on your team who, when the tournament is over, his face is mangled, he’s got knots over his eye and bloody noses and cuts all over. He’s that kid.” If D’Alesio can handle the pressure and nerves that come with this time of year, he has all the skills needed to place high at the state tournament.

¯ Georgio Poullas Sr. 160 32-0

One of the state’s premier wrestlers, regardless of division, Poullas is having his best season as a senior — which is saying a lot considering he won a state title last year. This season, he already claimed a championship that’s probably harder to earn than the OHSAA title. He became the first Mahoning Valley wrestler in history to place first at the Ironman Tournament, one of the most difficult high school tournaments in the nation. He also became the seventh wrestler in EOWL history to win four straight EOWL Tournament titles. He claimed a title at Brecksville (beating three-time state champ Kyle Lawson in the final) and at Perry Pin City. The Cleveland State graduate is ranked in the top 10 in the country at his weight class and is the No. 1-rated wrestler in the state at 160 pounds in Division II. Poullas blends an uncanny combination of power and speed. He’s almost impossible to score on because of his exceptional defensive skills, and his strength and quickness give him advantages from the top and bottom positions. Winning a state championship is never easy, especially with St. Paris Graham looming in the same division, but Poullas is definitely the favorite to claim a second title.

¯ David Crawford Jr. 170 29-5

Sometimes overshadowed by Poullas is a junior whose resume is equally impressive. Crawford, projected as a state champion by multiple publications, placed sixth in the state in Division II as a freshman and was fourth last year. His sight is set on the top of the podium this year, and there’s little reason to doubt him. He placed fourth at Brecksville, second at the Bill Dies Memorial and first at the EOWL. His losses came at the Ironman (twice), Brecksville (twice) and the Dies (once) — some of the state’s most difficult tournaments — but all came to opponents from other divisions. His speed and in-your-face style make him a menace from the neutral position. He can dominate opponents in this regard and has done so throughout his career. Conley said Crawford, who’s being recruited by several major Division I colleges, has improved from the bottom position to the point where he can escape from even the most elite wrestlers, and his ability to score on top is improving by wrestling Poullas, D’Alesio and other quality opponents on a daily basis at practice. He’ll need to be at his best from all positions to claim a state title, but considering the unrelenting work ethic Conley talked about, the odds are in his favor.

¯ Dominic Cooper Jr. 182 26-7

Bringing a different style but with similar results is Cooper, a bruising 182-pound junior who placed sixth at the state tournament last year. He made a name for himself by using underhooks to set up upperbody throws and tosses, which are entertaining to watch and lead to more points and pins but can be risky to attempt. He added a more efficient attack this year that seems to be catching opponents off guard. “This year he realized he’s gotta have something besides underhooks … to complement guys who don’t allow him to get those (underhooks),” Conley said. “He’s done a really nice job of developing some things from his feet.” The improvement is evident as he placed third at Brecksville and the Bill Dies and second at the EOWL. He’s ranked as high as fourth in the state and has a few close wins — and losses — to several of the state’s best at his weight class. If he puts it all together, he, too, could be wrestling for a state title.

¯ Tyler Stein So. 195 29-8

One of several Canfield up-and-coming underclassmen, Stein is the prototypical 195-pound wrestler, as he brings brute strength and power, which is rare for a sophomore. Stein was behind two four-year starters last year, so his experience is limited, but he’s made the best of his first varsity season. He was second at the Bill Dies Memorial, third at the EOWL (losing only to projected state champion Gaige Willis) and third at the Perry Pin City Invitational. “He’s a specimen,” Conley said of Stein’s physical attributes. “He’s kind of realized how to use his strength. He’d shoot the regular (double-leg takedown) and not bring his hips with him and couldn’t finish. Once the kid realized to pop his hips in, he’s putting guys through the floor. To see him figure that out has been fun.” Stein is ranked as high as 11th in the state, and if he can withstand the rigors of his first full high school season, a top eight finish in the state is possible.

¯ Mason Giordano Sr. 285 30-6

The big man for the Cardinals has quickly taken hold of a sport he just started a few years ago. Giordano, ranked as high as third in the state, only began wrestling as a sophomore, and his ascent to one of Ohio’s best heavyweights was fast. He qualified for the state tournament last year and has an excellent chance of standing high on the podium as a senior. He finished second at Bill Dies, fourth at Brecksville and second at the EOWL (losing by one point to projected state champion Ian Sharp of West Branch). He only weighs 235 pounds, which is small considering most of his opponents are much closer to the 285-pound threshold, but Giordano makes it work. “His motor is non-stop,” Conley said. “He constantly attacks. He has a chance (at a state title) because he’s not afraid of anyone and he never stops attacking.” His style pushes bigger wrestlers to the limit as far conditioning goes, and when they’re tired, Giordano’s quickness comes in handy. If he can keep other heavyweights from smothering him from the top position, he could sneak his way into a state title bout.

¯ OTHER CARDINALS TO WATCH: Eric El-Hayek (Jr., 132), Tanor English (Sr., 138), Anthony Joseph (Sr., 145).

Girard Indians

at West Branch sectional/Alliance district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Dakota McCloskey Sr. 120 31-6

McCloskey is hoping his career comes full circle as a senior. He qualified for the state tournament as a freshman, but he’s come up just short the past two years, finishing fifth at the district tournament in 2016 (the top four advance to state). He has looked good as of late, beating state-ranked Reese Wainuskis of Alliance in the EOWL finals to go along with a title at the Cardinal Middlefield Russ Ward Invitational. He was second at the Solon Comet Classic, the Jackson-Milton Invitational and Eastlake North John Matteucci Memorial Classic and placed third at the Hephner. He doesn’t dazzle people with an array of fancy moves, instead using a grinding, tactical approach to wear down opponents, Girard coach Jim Cardiero said. “His conditioning is real good, and he’s hard to score against,” Cardiero said. “He might only be scoring a point or two, but the other kid is scoring that or fewer. … He’s a strong kid, too, for a 120-pounder. He’ll wear you down. When you have a strong kid hanging on you for 6 minutes, your arms start burning and it’s not easy. That’s how he gets those last-second points.”

¯ Jack DelGarbino So. 220 36-1

DelGarbino is just a sophomore, but he’s an imposing figure at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. He has just one loss (to the sixth-ranked wrestler in Division I) and won titles at the EOWL, Hephner and the aforementioned Cardinal, Jackson-Milton and Eastlake North tournaments. The son of former Liberty state champion John DelGarbino, Jack can win in a variety of ways — bullying other wrestlers with a brawling style or by using patience and a surprising, almost-acrobatic defense to counter opponents’ attacks. As Cardiero said, “you never know what you’re going to get.” He can utilize a variety of styles because his offseason consists of different training tactics — traveling to different wrestling tournaments and clubs along with weight lifting and swimming workouts. He’s ranked as high as third in the state and has shown he can reach that potential, but he comes out of a tough sectional and district, so the road to Columbus won’t be easy. “There’s still some youth there, so he’s going to have an 18-year old or 19-year-old man coming at him every now and then,” Cardiero said. “But he finds ways to win. That’s what you need to do in the postseason.”

¯ OTHER INDIANS TO WATCH: Alex DelGarbino (Fr., 29-8, 113) , Jamil Bannister (So., 23-8, 152), Mike Belcik (Jr., 27-9, 160), Zach Hazlett (So., 170), Jacob Roviscanec (Sr., 25-6, 182), Carlos Bach (Jr., 27-7, 195).

Howland Tigers

at West Branch sectional/

Alliance district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Isom Julian Sr. 195 26-11

The older of the two Julian brothers currently on the wrestling team, Isom is on a mission to reach the state tournament after coming a few matches short as a junior. Julian is a powerful, stocky wrestler who can use a variety of styles to win matches, which might be one of his best, albeit intrinsic, qualities. “He’ll just find a way to win,” said Howland coach Matt Zakrajsek when trying to describing Julian’s style. “He’ll mix it up if he has to get scrappy. He’ll pull out some good technique here and there. He’s out there to win, and he’ll find a way to do it.” He placed first at the Howland Invitational, second at the Hudson Holiday Tournament and the Husky Invitational at Northwestern High School and sixth at the EOWL, when he jumped up a weight class to 220 pounds. Julian, whose brother is another standout at 220 pounds, got experience in pressure-filled matches last year at the district tournament, which should help him better prepare this year.

¯ Chris Julian Jr. 220 23-8

Chris Julian is a little different than his older brother. Chris had a lankier build, with long arms to go along with plenty of brute strength. The highly recruited football player is a master at cradles, and he has an explosiveness to go along with it that’s tough to match. It’s that athleticism that sets him apart from others. “He’s a physical specimen,” Zakrajsek said. “Someone who’s built like that, you can’t ever rule him out.” Julian also was a Howland Invitational champion and placed third at the Husky Invitational and the Hudson Holiday tourney. He’s not “on anyone’s radar,” Zakrajsek said of Julian not being highly ranked in any state rankings, but that could work in his favor with opponents not knowing much about his style. If he can add a few moves to his arsenal, Julian could be a darkhorse.

¯ Brandon Matlock Jr. 285 4-2

Even after missing three-fourths of the season, Matlock, who returned to the team at the beginning of February, is still one of the Tigers’ top candidates to reach state because of his experience and competitive drive. His first tournament was the EOWL, and he placed fourth at 285, one of the toughest weight classes at the event. He only weighs about 235 pounds, which some may see as a disadvantage at a classification where opponents can reach 287 pounds (there’s a two-pound weight allowance), but Matlock utilizes the positives. His speed and constant movement can tire out bigger wrestlers. Yet for that to be an advantage, Matlock must be in good shape as well. “It being a longer season helps him out,” said Zakrajsek of the season being extended an extra week this year. “We have two solid weeks with no competition that he can really focus on his conditioning. That’s enough time to get in shape if you’re doing the right things and really buckle down. So if we go into the sectional and later on, and he’s out of shape, that’s on him and on us.”

¯ OTHER TIGERS TO WATCH: Chuck Heckman (Sr., 126), Geshuann Matlock (Sr., 132), Jackson Deemer (Jr., 170).

Hubbard Eagles

at West Branch sectional/Alliance district

¯ EAGLES TO WATCH: Andrew Christy (So., 106), Jordan Nadjusask (Jr., 113), Jaden Kassen (So., 132).

DIVISION III

Brookfield Warriors

at Beachwood sectional/Garfield Heights district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Bryce Randall Jr. 170 25-10

Brookfield has fielded a smaller team over the years, but the Warriors are well known for sending at least one wrestler down to state. Randall — or his older brother, Dacoda — could be that person this year. Bryce is a junior who wrestled up a weight class for the majority of the season. The added weight worked in his favor as Bryce prefers to pummel inside and hit upper-body throws, a popular choice at the upperweights. Bryce had plenty of success tussling at 182 pounds, as he placed third at the Howland Invitational, third at the Jackson-Milton Invitational, third at the Tammi Pearl Invitational at Columbiana High School and third at the Waterloo D3 Classic. Brookfield coach Ben Solomon said Randall’s incredible hip strength gives him a shot against anyone. “He’s got some of the best hips I’ve ever seen,” Solomon said. “It’s hard to get him in a bad position, and he’s starting to take some shots now, so he’s added to his overall wrestling.” It’ll be interesting to see how Randall does at the lighter weight class, but if it suits him well, he could carry on the long state-rich tradition at Brookfield.

¯ OTHER WARRIORS TO WATCH: Dacoda Randall (Sr., 145), Tyler Lucas (So., 160), Dionte Colwell (So., 182).

Grand Valley Mustangs

at Beachwood sectional/Garfield Heights district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Cody Rhoads Sr. 145 43-7

The Grand Valley wrestling program has gotten better and better over the last few years, and Cody Rhoads has been the poster child for the Mustangs. He recently tied the school record for career wins with 151. He’ll likely shatter that mark over the next few weeks. Rhoads is coming off a sixth-place finish at the state tournament in Division III, and he’s been even better this year. Ranked as high as sixth in the state, he won titles at the Perry Pin City Tournament and the EOWL Tournament (with an impressive win over state-ranked Dylan Miller of West Branch. He was fourth at the Top Gun Tournament and second at the Joshua Hephner Memorial Tournament. He possesses great physical strength and has the technique to go with it. A dangerous offensive wrestler, his experience — and success — in Columbus last year makes him a threat for a state title as a senior. “You get down there your first year, you’re nervous, you don’t really know if you’re up to par” Grand Valley coach Keith Sherman said. “A lot of kids don’t think they should be there, and once he figured it out — now he’s comfortable and confident in himself — there’s no reason why he couldn’t be at the top of the podium.”

¯ Nathan Rasmussen Sr. 152 29-13

One of the more physically intimidating 152-pound wrestlers around is Rasmussen, a powerful senior with a ripped physique. He’s made significant developments over the last few years, starting with his mentality. Sherman said Rasmussen went into districts unsure if he was good enough to compete. Those thoughts no longer exist. “This year he’s wrestled a lot of good matches,” Sherman said. “He’s wrestled some good kids, and he’s beaten kids who beat him last year, so his confidence going into the (sectional tournament) is high.” He placed second at the Perry Pin City Tournament, fourth at the Hickory Invitational and fifth at the EOWL Tournament. Wrestling in a weight class that boasts a number of quality wrestlers, Rasmussen has a tough road, but the skill-set is there for a run to Columbus.

¯ Austin Mathis Sr. 285 30-8

Qualifying for state wasn’t enough for Mathis, who accomplished the feat last year as a junior. He wanted to stand on the podium and receive a medal, and when that didn’t happen, Mathis was upset — and motivated. Now ranked as high as fifth in the state, Mathis spent his summer traveling to Florida for the Disney Duals and then Virginia Beach for the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Championship (national tournaments that several of the country’s best wrestlers attend). In between he worked out and lost nearly 25 pounds. His hard work paid off. Aside from being an all-state selection in football, Mathis placed first at the Hephner and the Hawken Invitational, third at Perry Pin City, fourth at Top Gun and third at the EOWL. Like Rhoads, Sherman believes Mathis has the ability to win it all. “He was pretty disappointed in his performance last year at (the state tournament), so he’s had a chip on his shoulder since then,” Sherman said. “We talked about transforming his body, eating right, working out, lifting and just doing some wrestling in the summer. … It paid off.” His quickness is rare at the 285-pound weight class, which makes him dangerous on his feet, and his ability to score from bottom and hold even elite opponents down makes him a legitimate threat for a title.

¯ OTHER MUSTANGS TO WATCH: Clayton Takacs (So., 23-14, 160), Gavin Meeker (Sr., 132), Bradley Turner (Sr., 182/195).

Jackson-Milton Blue Jays

at Rootstown sectional/Garfield Heights district

Name Class Wt. Record

≤ Nick Vergalito Sr. 152 23-15

It’s been an up-and-down career for Vergalito, who qualified for the district tournament as an underclassman but missed out last year as a junior. He’s hoping to make up for it as a senior. A stocky, powerful wrestler with a lot of experience, Vergalito has enjoyed a solid senior campaign, taking second at the Waterloo D3 Classic, third at the Jackson-Milton Invitational and eighth at both the Solon Comet Classic and the Joshua Hephner Memorial Tournament. Vergalito has always been especially dangerous from the top position, Jackson-Milton coach Brian Weidenthal said, but he has become more of a well-rounded wrestler this year. That, along with an underdog approach, could make him a sleeper to advance to the state tournament. “He’s a senior, and he doesn’t have anymore time, and that’s what makes him dangerous,” Weidenthal said. “He’s somebody who’s not an anyone’s radar, and that’s a good thing for him. Aside from the expectations beyond just me, himself and his family, there’s no writers that predict him to do anything big … He’s got nothing to lose.”

¯ Nick Scarl Jr. 170 28-10

Another unknown wrestler with high hopes is Scarl, who also is unranked but has went toe-to-toe with numerous state-ranked opponents and held his own. His no-fear attitude and a toughness that never relinquishes are two of the main reasons Weidenthal feels Scarl has a good chance to reach state. “He’s not afraid to get in there and battle with anybody,” Weidenthal said. “He has an in-your-face style that a lot of people don’t expect, and that’s going to serve a good purpose here at the end of the year. He’s not on anybody’s ranking, but he’s wrestled two or three of those kids who are on there, and he’s right there in the match with them, and that’s early in the season. So, if we can get him to peak at the right time, it can fare well for him.” Scarl placed second at the Jackson-Milton Invitational, fourth at Waterloo, fifth at the Hephner and sixth at the Comet Classic. Weidenthal believes if Scarl’s focus is there from match to match, he can add two more top-four finishes to his resume.

¯ OTHER BLUE JAYS TO WATCH: Ryan Staton (Fr., 126), Anthony Pizzuto (So., 132).

Liberty Leopards

at Rootstown sectional/Garfield Heights district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Morgan Weinreber Sr. 138 28-6

A senior captain for the Leopards, Weinreber enters the sectional tournament with more than just state-tournament aspirations. He’s two wins shy of reaching 100 for his career, an accomplishment that would etch his name into the Liberty history books. The primary goal still remains reaching the state tournament. A bruiser at 138 pounds, Weinreber polished his technique to avoid simply relying on pure strength and explosiveness, and the results are there. He finished second at the Loudonville Invitational, fifth at the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League Tournament and eighth at the Joshua Hephner Memorial Invitational. Ranked as high as 23rd in Division III, he’s wrestled some of the state’s best at his weight class and had success. He’ll need to have more of it to advance through a tough Garfield Heights district. “He’s wrestling really well right now,” Liberty coach Hadi A. Hadi said. “He can go with just about anybody. He’s proved it.” Hadi said Weinreber may be at his best from the bottom position, where he can score against nearly any wrestler, and if he can continue to improve on his feet, he has a good chance to become Liberty’s first state qualifier since 2001.

¯ OTHER LEOPARDS TO WATCH: Jordan McFadden (Jr., 106), Ben Sattler (Sr., 126), Mouad Elouaddi (Jr., 145), James Zimbardi (Sr., 152), Zion Matlock (So., 160), Kaleb Merrick-Neff (So., 170), John Spivey (Sr., 182), Chris Edmonds (Jr., 195).

Pymatuning Valley Lakers

at Beachwood sectional/Garfield Heights district

Name Class Wt. Record

¯ Jake Edelman Fr. 106 25-5

Edelman is one of several Pymatuning Valley lightweights who is vastly talented but not many people know about because of his youth and location. Edelman won’t show up on many ranking lists, but the low profile often works in the favor of such wrestlers as unsuspecting opponents aren’t ready for them. The tall, lanky Edelman uses his size to his advantage. With there not being many tall kids at the 106-pound weight class, his build makes him tough to attack. “Most 106s are little guys,” Pymatuning Valley coach Dave Miller said. “He’s a tall kid. I yell at him to get in a stance, and then I realize he is in a stance, it’s just that he’s that much bigger than everybody.” The length also helps Edelman from the top position, as he uses a variety of pinning combinations to score points. He might be a slight longshot to reach the state tournament, but freshmen often succeed at 106 because most wrestlers in the weight class are underclassmen, so anything is possible.

¯ William Campbell Fr. 113 26-9

Campbell is another freshman with high expectations. The wiry Campbell is a bit different than Edelman in that he wrestles a style that many lightweights prefer, relying on flexibility and experience to maneuver their way into better positions. “There’s no position that he gets in where he feels uncomfortable,” Miller said. “He’s trying to find a way to score in every place. If you initiate, he’s still trying to find a way to score.” The squirrely method can be a risky one, Miller said, but Campbell has made strides. Being a freshman, he still must deal with the strength and experience of older opponents, but Campbell a veteran in his own way. “Him and (Edelman) both have experience,” Miller said. “They wrestled a lot when they were younger in bigger tournaments, but it’s a different beast when you get into high school.” Campbell will soon find out if he can adapt.

¯ Cameron Yeary Sr. 138 29-9

Despite being a senior, Yeary is relatively unknown by most. He battled injuries the past two years and had to forfeit out of last season’s sectional tournament, which means he didn’t have a lot of experience in big matches coming into the year. He somewhat made up for that by placing third at the Hawken Invitational, fifth at Kenston Invitational, second at Jackson-Milton Invitational and fourth at the EOWL Tournament. Those placement matches, what are known as “the finals” to followers of the sport, are high-intensity matches that competitors see on a match-to-mach basis at the district tournament. They’re also what intrigues Miller when it comes to Yeary. “He has the ability to be really good, it’s just how good is he going to be against other kids at his level,” Miller said. “This is the first year he’s been healthy the whole way through, so we’re hoping it translates into him being able to do something good at the end of the season.”

¯ Gaige Willis Jr. 195 33-0

Willis opened a lot of eyes by reaching the state final as a sophomore. His second-place finish was an impressive feat, but it also put a target of sorts on his back. People now know a lot about him and his style of wrestling. That hasn’t bothered him one bit. He has yet to lose a match, with first-place finishes at the EOWL, Hawken, Kenston and Jackson-Milton — where he beat returning state champion Will Bolanz of Waterloo. Willis’ physical strength is absurd, and that makes him hard to score on as he can easily brush off attacks. He possesses exceptional power in his lower body, which allows him to drive through an opponent’s defense with a jolting double-leg takedown. His closest matches were against Bolanz (1-0 in an ultimate tiebreaker) and a 3-2 victory over Jerrell Martin of Alliance in the EOWL final. Those were important wins even if they didn’t mean much at the time. “It’s good to wrestle those close matches sometimes because you’ve got to find ways to win,” Miller said. “That’s all the matters in the postseason.” A projected state champion by some publications, Willis certainly has what it takes to stand atop the podium.

¯ Caleb Bean Jr. 285 26-8

Another upperclassman on the rise is Bean, a 285-pound wrestler who made big strides from last year. He was 14-10 as a sophomore, and while he was a district qualifier, he wasn’t nearly the wrestler he is this season. Now 26-8, he placed third at Hawken, sixth at Kenston and first at Jackson-Milton (he did not wrestle at the EOWL). Bean shows signs of being one of the better heavyweights in the area (he’s ranked as high as 25th in the state), and Miller said he has a chance to advance to the state tournament if his progress continues. “It just depends on which Caleb decides to walk on the mat that day,” Miller said. “There have been times when he’s walked in and gone after guys and been mean and physical, and there have been other times where he’s just been taking what’s been given to him.” He’ll need to utilize both to advance at a difficult Garfield Heights district tournament.

¯ OTHER LAKERS TO WATCH: Noah Campbell (Fr., 126), Chad Brown (Jr., 145/152).

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