High school wrestling: Pin points, week that was and week ahead
January 30th, 2010
the annual Brakeman Report, authored by legendary wrestling guru Brian Brakeman. If there is a better media guide/bible for a high school sport, I’d like to see it. For those of you who have never seen one. For a wrestling fan like myself, it’s a must-read that I glance over repeatedly between now and the end of the season. I’m amazed at the in-depth look into every weight class in each division. The amount of time it takes him to not only write the report, but also to do the research, must be astonishing.
OK, for those who are hyperventelating after seeing Kirtland’s Royal Brettrager ranked No. 3 in the Division III 189-pound rankings in the Brakeman Report, go find a paper bag. It’s safe to say the report was already finished on Saturday when Brettrager stunned Northwestern’s Kurtis Schaefer, the top-ranked wrestler in the weight class, 4-0. No doubt, Brettrager and Schaefer are going to see each other again come tournament time with much more on the line.
The most recent area wrestler to put 100 career wins on the board is Madison 119-pounder Matt Turek. Considering the number of underclassmen Coach Ryan Wirtzberger has in his program, having a pillar of success like Turek to look up to is a bonus. Not just in Madison, but for any team. A lot can be learned from a wrestler who has stuck with the grueling sport and managed to win 100 career matches or more.
Team of the week
Brush coach Adam Swirsky has said from Day 1 this year’s team is among the best he has ever coached in Lyndhurst. Placing fourth at the Toledo Waite Tournament and crowing three individual champions goes a long way toward proving the energetic coach right.
Matches to watch
Mayfield at Solon (6, tonight): A very tough dual between two of the Northeast Ohio Conference’s juggernauts.
West Geauga, North, Kenston at Mentor (6, tonight): The highlight bout here is Mentor (ranked first in the Top of the Crop) against third-ranked Kenston.
Brush and Chardon at Madison (6, tonight): These three teams are solid from top to bottom and should provide a fun evening triangular.
Wadsworth Invitational (9 a.m., Saturday): University and Mayfield will be among the loaded field that will take part in this tough tournament.
South and Lake Catholic at Perry (6, Saturday): Three very solid Lake County teams will meet in a rematch of last year’s triangular won by Lake Catholic.
Stat of the week
5: It’s pretty much impossible for anyone to have a better tournament last weekend than South’s Will Porter. Going 5-0 with five pins is an impressive feat no matter what tournament you’ve entered.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply
