Saturday, January 7, 2011
The Covington high school wrestling team got to see some new competition at this year’s Troy Invitational. Some of the new schools in attendance who brought strong teams included Cincinnati St. Xavier and South Adams, Indiana – who ended up winning the tournament. The Buccs finished in 5th place out of 17 teams overall and had six placewinners.
The tournament was set up with four pools of four wrestlers each, where you had to win your pool to advance to the championship semifinals or take second to advance to the consolation semifinals.
Kyler Deeter (138 lbs) led the way for Covington with a first place finish earned in dominant fashion. Deeter won his pool with three pins before advancing in the semifinals with a 15-1 major decision over Tyler Sowards of Kenton Ridge. He then picked up a first period pin over South Adams’ Charlie Hirschy in the finals.
Jake Sowers also advanced to the championship match where he dropped a tight 4-3 decision to Kenton Ridge’s Cody Ryan to finish as runner-up at 145 lbs. Sowers also won his pool with 3 pins before earning a fourth pin in the semifinals over South Adam’s Austin Grabau to advance.
Taking 4th place for the Buccs was Ben Miller (160). Miller won his pool of four, earning 2 pins, before dropping his semifinal and finals bouts. Brian Olson (182) finished in 5th place with a 4-1 record, earning a pin and tech. fall. Olson dropped an overtime decision in his pool before winning his consolation semifinal and finals matches.
Placing 6th for the Buccs were brothers Brock (132) and Cole (152) Smith. Brock finished 3-2 with 2 pins, while Cole went 2-2 with 2 pins. Daniel Jennings took advantage of an opening to give Covington a second wrestler at 145 lbs, going 2-2 with a pin and falling just a point short of placing.
Picking up pins on the day, but not advancing out of their pools were Matt Carder (120), Bryton Lear (126) and A.J. Ouellette (170). Also competing hard for the Buccs were Alex Fries (160), Justin Daniel (195) and Jordan Wolfe (285).
Covington travels to Miami East on Wednesday, January 11, in a meet with the Vikings, Troy and Tipp City.