Takedown Machine152

I have to throw in a quick brag: I WAS THERE!! That match alone was worth the entire expense of the trip. Those two guys are the most exciting wrestlers in the country, followed closely by Jordan Oliver and Ed Ruth. In real time and from my angle to the mat (I was about 20 feet away in the Penn State corner), Dake locked in the merkle as they went out of bounds. It was a super close call, but it really could have gone either way. And the way that place erupted as Taylor scrambled late in the 3rd period was priceless. Just think, if David Taylor escapes with 3 or more seconds left then he wins 4-3 with the riding point. I can't wait for the NCAAs. I'm going on record now... Taylor wins the NCAA final 3-1.

IWIN, I totally agree. I would also throw little Lawson in that mix as well. I'm aware that he lost his finals match, but to be a 7th grader and mix it up so well against the current no. 1 is beyond impressive. I don't want to delve into speculation, but the only thing that separated Trevor Lawson from the top of the podium was a first period head-and-arm that cost him five points. Lawson won the next two periods 6-2. I think if these two square off again, Lawson will have his hand raised. Nathan Boston is an animal. This was my first chance to see Woodford Co. this season and they did not disappoint. Whether these kids moved from other states or not is irrelevant. They are winning matches in Kentucky and doing it with class. Watching Kyle Lawson run that half-nelson/chicken wing combo was so much fun. He is a bruiser on top. Crawley from Southern is a solid wrestler, but he just got beaten up on bottom. That super-physical top work is what you see from premiere high school wrestlers and the best in college. I'm excited to see more of these boys as the season progresses. There is only one word that describes Tevon Clay: TENACIOUS!! This kid flat gets after it! He's in your face, he stalks opponents out of bounds, he wears down the neck. He is constant offense. His only objective is to score points. And he does it! I also love seeing a kid, who is so physical on the mat, be collected as well as he is off the mat. He is focused all the time. I want 14 Tevon Clays on my team. All in all, WCI was a great tournament. Moore and Southern were impressive team-wise, and many individuals showed lots of guts. Watching champions is great, but sometimes I really enjoy seeing a kid persevere through the consolation bracket. One example of this from yesterday is John Hernandez of Henry Clay. He drew a first round pigtail against Nathan Boston and got hammered. Game over, right? WRONG! He fought back and took 3rd place, knocking off Jason Hall of Moore and Luke Rearic of Lafayette in the process. Hernandez wasn't perfect in those matches, but boy is he scrappy. Look for him to make some noise late in the season.

Thanks guys. I found the link. Looks like I missed a helluva day.

I wish I could have been there. It's refreshing to see such parity in so many weight classes this season. Nothing promotes excellence quite like strong competition. I'm looking forward to watching this sport continue to grow in Kentucky.

I seem to be having trouble with the link you provided, Mike. Would someone mind either posting the link again or providing full results via this thread? Thanks all.

This is my first crack at these... 14-John Fahy Trinity 138 lbs 13-Kevin Cooper Simon Kenton 145 lbs 12-Stephan Myers Campbell Co. 152 lbs 11-Garth Yenter Campbell Co. 120 lbs 10-Jayce Carr Union Co. 132 lbs 9-Bernard Ray Larue Co. 182 lbs 8-JJ Jude Johnson Central 170 lbs 7- Trae Blackwell Union Co. 113 lbs 6- Mike Whalen Henry Clay 106 lbs 5-Brock Ervin Union Co. 126 lbs 4-Shawn Hull Larue Co. 160 lbs 3- Drew Newberry Larue Co. 220 lbs 2- Terrell Moore Tates Creek 285 lbs 1- Tucker Fair Madison Central 195 lbs Team Champion- Union Co. Wild Card- Hiero Chamblee (15th @ 170 lbs) with Marshall Aiken Tates Creek a close second (13th @ 145lbs)... Aiken is not my pick, just feel he deserves some recognition. MOW- Brock Ervin Good luck to all wrestlers. This is going to be a great tournament. Possibly one of the best I've ever watched in Kentucky.

Okay, here is my take on this: Yes, there is a maturity gap between 7th-8th graders and high school seniors. There is also a maturity gap between freshmen and seniors. But I would argue that there is not a major gap between middle school kids and freshmen in high school. So if a 14-15 year old freshman can wrestle with an 18 year old senior, then why can't a 13-14 year old 8th grader? And in most cases, these middle school wrestlers are at weights that are predominantly occupied by freshmen and sophomores. My second argument is that most of the middle school kids who make varsity are superior wrestlers. Many others have named names like Mark Hall, Joe Carr jr., Josh Johnson, Brock Ervin, and I would add Josh Cooper to that list. These boys were all either state champs or state runners up at their respective weight classes. Furthermore, they all achieved this feat at no heavier than the 119lb. class. These aren't pre-teens going toe-to-toe with Richard Starks or Taylor Shearer. They are wrestling kids much closer to their age and physical development. And finally, most middle school kids won't make varsity, but the ones who do are talented and deserve the opportunity.

I've been around wrestling in Kentucky for well over a decade now and I have had many encounters with Coach B. on and off the mat. I have never doubted his integrity or his commitment to his team and his recent decision to allow the Myers boys to wrestle HAS NOT changed my opinion. Coach B. has been an ambassador to our sport well beyond the contours of Kentucky. I have no doubt that his decision was driven by his desire to be fair to all parties. One could argue that he should inately honor wrestlers who have been around all season, and this is a fair arguement, but when faced with such a difficult choice any of us would give pause and try to make the best one. The Myers boys are not wrestling for CC just so the Camels can hoist a state title at season's end. They are wrestling because Coach B. believes those boys should not be punished for the poor behavior of their father. I truly believe this. There was no perfect choice to be made here. It is unfortunate that the inclusion of the Myers brothers has adversely effected a hard-working wrestler, but it is simply an unwanted result of a very difficult decision. And I have learned that any coach around the state would rather see his kids succeed individually than win a team title. It's not about a coach's personal glory, it is about molding these kids into successful, achieving young men.

@ trithis: Don't misunderstand my motivation, sir. And don't question my manhood. I never once said that the referees "sucked" so don't put words in my mouth. If I am going to be taken out of context, then it is pointless for me to offer my point of view on this site. I am simply encouraging some changes statewide in the flow of matches. Too many kids are allowed to lie on the mat unpenalized, wasting away the clock while his oponent is working hard for points. This allowance can encourage some of our competitors to be lazy instead of grinding for a full six minutes. I'd rather see more frequent stall calls and stalemates, firstly because it enforces action, and secondly because our wrestlers should strive toward being better conditioned, not better stallers. I used the refs at state duals as an example because I have a limited sample from this season, but I stand by my opinion that such an important event should by officiated by our state's best refs. My motive is not to belittle our refs, but rather to express my thoughts on standard match flow. The next time you read one of my posts, I'd like for you to really understand my tone and not assume I am bashing anyone. And as for a "dissertaion" of my thoughts, everyone who submits a post on this site is communicating his/her thoughts. You have done no differently. So I challenge you to truly grasp what I am saying before you challenge me as a man. I never made my statement personal, and I would appreciate if you didn't either.

The biggest let-down to me was the way Myron Bradbury reacted at the end of his final against Mark Hall. Wrestling is a sport of honor and composure. Bradbury forfeited both upon the completion of his high school career. Spiking one's headgear and pointing toward the opposition's fans is no way to celebrate another state title. I expected that young man to show a little more class than he did. His actions reflect on many people and the state of Kentucky. In that moment I was embarrassed.

I noticed that Zac Brown from TC is no longer ranked. What happened? I doubt he has been losing, so was he injured?

I agree. Zarth might be the best in the state at peaking at the right time. He is always at his best in February and Matt Zarth at his best is better than anyone else at that weight. His sophomore year he allowed 2 points in 5 matches at state. Those points came on a last second reversal by Josh Johnson in the semis, but Matt still won 7-2. He then went on to major Chiu in the Final 9-0. Last year, Zarth controlled every match from start to finish, including wins over Elliot Martin and Ethan Miller. Martin beat Zarth by decision at the WCI final and Miller defeated Zarth in the regional final. These are all persuasive facts in support of the argument that Zarth is on a whole different level from his competition. We'll see if anyone can give him a run, but as of now I doubt it will happen. I'd like to add that both Kasey Hedges and Dan Griggs from Tates Creek have impressed me this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the finals this year. That's not a prediction, just an opinion.

I have a feeling that The-Beast is from Campbell Co.! Hedges wrestled a terrific match from start to finish, and for the record, I don't think someone can amass a 26-0 record purely on luck. The kid has worked hard for several years in the wrestling room and it is paying off for him now more than ever. Don't take anything away from that young man. They were evenly matched and Kasey got the best of Schneider this time. We will see who's truly better when the chips are down on Feb 21. Until then, accept that Hedges is won the match and therefore should be held with slightly higher regard. By the way, if Schneider had been more aggressive, maybe his hand would have been raised instead.

Does anyone know duel records by team or any individual results for some of the bigger names there? I wasn't able to make it this year. I heard a little about how Tates Creek showed, but I'm really interested in how Zarth and others performed.

I was around a Tates Creek practice a week or so ago, and I have to say that this group may be turning some heads this year. The team overall is not very deep, but they will have a solid core of leaders who will be winning more than others might expect. Zac Brown looks to be at the top of his game already, Kasey Hedges has shown vast improvement, Nathan Gray will certainly be among the frontrunners for the heavyweight championship, and Dan Griggs is in the best shape of his life. Griggs has a realistic shot at winning at 189 lbs. His technique, size, and intensity are as good as I've ever seen with him. Also, Wright, Kinder, and Brandon Abney will contribute to some (as I see them) high finishes at many tournaments this season.

Who is the best? I would say Courtney, Zarth, Dusty Brown, and Josh Johnson

Pardon my ignorance, but what happened to Dakota Choate?

You know what really got me going to wrestle? I loved to listen to other matches while I'd warm up. Nothing got my blood running better than counting down the bout numbers until I was due. Seeing sick takedowns, late period escapes, and desperation tosses built the fury for my matches. I fed off of the tears of the fallen and the elation of the victors. I would shadow wrestle or stretch while I waited. I'm not saying music is bad, but for me, the quiet led to focus and intensity. Now around practice, I listened to a lot of Alice in Chains, Korn, Slipknot, Tool, and Mudvayne.

I don't know if anyone is aware, but if Matt finds a way to win state next year, he will become the first 3x champion from Lexington. He has logged countless hours on the mat to reach this level, and his work ethic and determination have shown over the last two seasons. Where would it rank Matt among Lexington's finest if he pulls off the three-peat?

Fayette Co. desperately needs feeder programs. Up until now, middle school wrestlers in Lexington have been forced to practice with the high schools. This takes time away from the older wrestlers, and causes the young guys to mix in with more developed young men. Many of the middle schoolers lose focus and end up quitting. I'm from Fayette County, so I've witnessed the hardships of starting in high school compared to starting in elementary/middle school.

I don't understand why there's even an argument here. Wrestlers are supposed to keep their mouths shut, hence the coach sitting in the corner. Leave policy to the coaching staff. It is impossible to justify a wrestler spitting profanity at an official at any venue. Matt Neal was out of line, and he deserves the punishment which has been handed down to him. Some of you may be friends with Matt, but try to empathize ( see things from another's perspective). Surely none of you would appreciate a wrestler challenging your manhood in front of a crowd like that. So take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that what Neal did was disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.

Pmilf, I these are your predictions, but after watching the Fayette Co. tournament, how can you place Aghil ahead of Bryant from Lafayette at 112, and how do you figure Day will beat Griggs at 189? Bryant handled Aghil, showing control throughout the match, and Griggs has beaten Day every time they have wrestled.

Let's not be naive here. Reid may have pinned the Trinity kid and the Campbell kid, but pins don't prove a wrestler's dominance over his competition. In any given match a good wrestler can put himself in a bad position and get stuck, so pins should never be the make-or-break statistic. I have watched both wrestlers more than once, and I have to say that I have never seen Wolseifer put himself in a position to possibly lose a match. No one has even challenged him ( meaning he has been in control of every match) since Jairus Murton graduated. He might have only beat Choate by 4 in the finals last year, but John was never in danger of losing the bout. Wolseifer is the better wrestler. I don't mean to take anything away from Mason, but pound for pound, Wolseifer has him beat.

I was at the Region 7 duals, and I have to say that Shawn didn't appear to be injured physically, but maybe his pride was ailing. He quit in his match vs. Hedges from TC. His approach is fairly simple on the mat. He overpowers his opponents without focusing on technique. When he comes accross someone who can match him in strength, he loses his advantage. That was the case at the duals. Hedges roled through several hip-toss attempts by Johnson and showed superior mat skills. In the second period, Hedges hit a lateral drop, and Shawn stopped fighting and more or less pinned himself. I hate to see a talent like Shawn give up in a competitive match, but that was definately the case over the weekend. I didn't see his match against Voth, but I would venture a guess that technique played a factor there as well.

I wouldn't count out Kasey Hedges from TC at 125. He pinned Johnson at the region 7 duals this past weekend.