Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Covington High School wrestling team put in a very strong performance at the 13-team Ben Logan Invitational on Saturday. The Buccs – who were missing a couple starters – still managed to finish in fourth place overall with a comfortable lead over fifth-place finisher Tecumseh. Ben Logan won the event followed by London. With their full team, Covington most likely would have brought home the team championship.
Nine of Covington’s ten varsity wrestlers placed in the top six of the event, including a tournament high four individual champions.
Andrew DeHart had a memorable day as he was voted the most outstanding wrestler of the tournament after winning the 152 lb. championship. DeHart advanced out of his pool with a pair of pins then picked up two additional pins in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Facing Northwestern’s Mason Sherrock in the finals, DeHart scored quickly and controlled the match for a 4-1 victory.
Brandon Flora also had a special day by winning the 135 lb. championship. Unseeded going into the tournament, Flora upset the no. 2 seed from Bellefontaine and earned another victory by pin to win his pool. He then earned a decision in the quarters and a quick 17 second pin in the semis to advance to the finals where he defeated no. 1 seed Baylor Deselem of Northeastern, 11-4.
Kyler Deeter had perhaps the most exciting finish to the tournament. Deeter won his pool and picked up a pair of pins in the quarters and semis to advance to the 135 lb. finals versus Ben Logan’s Bryan Newland. In a tightly contested bout that went into overtime, Deeter scored a takedown straight to the back to pin his opponent in dramatic fashion.
Covington’s fourth champion – Sam Angle – battled through adversity in claiming his 145 lb. title. Angle was leading in one of his pool matches when he got overly aggressive going for near fall and was caught and pinned. By finishing second in his pool, he still made his way onto the final bracket where he earned a last second come-from-behind victory in the quarterfinals, followed by an 8-1 decision in the semifinals over the no. 2 seed. In the finals, Angle avenged his earlier loss in dominating fashion with a second period pin.
Tyler Tebbe (140) and Brian Olson (171) both finished the tournament in strong fashion, each pinning their final opponents to finish in third place with 4-1 records. Also placing for the Buccs were Cody Burton (215, 4th, 1 pin), Zach Shilt (125, 6th, 1 pin) and A.J. Ouellette (160, 6th, 2 pins). Competing at 189 lbs for Covington was Justin Daniel.
A few of Covington’s JV wrestlers also competed in the tournament and gained valuable experience. D.J. Jennings picked up a pair of pins to win his 135 lb. pool, upsetting the no. 3 seed in the process, while Alex Bitner picked up a big pin at 145 lbs. Also competing were Jake Sowers (140) and Dalton Bordelon (152).
Covington hosts Versailles on Friday, February 4. Both the High School and Jr. High squads will compete during the team’s Senior Parents’ Night.
