The 1978-19 season was another memorable year for Covington wrestling as the Buccaneers finished with a 27-23 overall record and finished third in the District Tournament. Overall, the Buccs finished with a 3-5 record in head-to-head dual meets, but compiled a 24-18 record in tournaments.

The icing on the cake was the performance of senior Randy Kimmel, who made a return trip to the state meet after claiming his second straight district championship at 155 pounds. Kimmel finished his senior year with a 24-2 record and closed out his career as the most decorated wrestler in Buccaneer history – a two-time district champion and two-time state qualifier. His final defeat came under controversial disqualification circumstances at the state tournament.

In the eight dual meets Covington defeated Urbana 45-21, Coldwater 45-29 and West Liberty Salem 35-24. Their five defeats came to Try-Village 31-42, Mechanicsburg 21-45, Miami East 24-48, Indian Lake 21-51 and Versailles 12-53.

“All of the boys did really well this year, but among the outstanding performers were Randy Kimmel, Randy Mohler, Bill Knick, Travis Brannon, Kirk Tisdale and Rus Ely,” said Covington coach Jack Schwamberger. “Congratulations and thanks to these young men for a fine season.”

RANDY KIMMEL WILL ALWAYS BE THE FIRST

Covington has a rich tradition of sending wrestlers to the state tournament, but only one can make the claim of being the first. Actually, this wrestler can also make the claim of being the first Covington wrestler to go to state in two straight years. That wrestler is Randy Kimmel.

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