The Covington Buccaneer wrestling team traveled to Logan County on Saturday to participate in the Ben Logan Raider Invitational. With four varsity wrestlers out of the lineup, the Buccs managed to finish just 7th out of thirteen teams, but had some outstanding individual performances along the way.
Two Covington wrestlers took home championships in the competitive field. At 189 lbs, Logan Brown continued his undefeated season, going 5-0 with 4 pins, to take first place. In his championship bout, Brown faced returning state placer, Tyler Blakely, of Ben Logan. The score remained close until Brown scored a couple takedowns to take the lead. After taking down Blakely the second time, Brown chose an optional start to give Blakely an escape so that they could wrestle back on their feet. The opportunistic Blakely spun around quickly and caught Logan off guard, earning an escape and takedown to tie up the match. Brown earned an escape to regain the lead and win with a 6-5 decision.
A little while later, C.J. Potter, who was competing in only his second meet of the season after recovering from a broken hand injured during football season, brought home the Buccs‚ second championship at 275 lbs. Potter, who weighed in at 220 lbs, was the lightest wrestler in his weight class, but wrestled smart throughout the day, using his athleticism to make up for a lack in size. After earning three pins to advance to the finals, Potter faced Matt Wolf of Greenon in the championship match. After a scoreless first period, Potter chose down. In an effort to get an escape, Potter got his 270 lb opponent off balance, reversing him and quickly turning him for a second period fall to earn his first tournament championship.
Four other Covington wrestlers placed at the tournament. At 152 lbs, Bobby Wiltshire took home third place with an injury default victory over Beau McCoy of Allen East. Finishing in fourth place for the Buccs were Jordan Tebbe at 112 lbs and Jake Wise at 215 lbs. Tebbe dropped his final bout to Garrett Lay of Greenon while Wise lost in overtime to Heilman of Miami East. At 160 lbs, Logan Hall finished in fifth place for the Buccs with a 6-2 decision over Vet Smelko of Tecumseh.
The Buccs travel to Versailles on Thursday, Feb. 2, for a dual meet with both the high school and jr. high teams.
2006 Ben Logan Team Scores:
- Allen East, 237.5
- Ben Logan, 214
- St Charles, 163.5
- Tecumseh, 159.5
- Northeastern, 156
- Miami East, 142
- Covington, 139
- Greenon, 137.5
- Springfield North, 91.5
- Bellefontaine, 70
- Stebbins, 58.5
- Northwestern, 53
- Indian Hill, 42
