2011-12: BUCCS TAKE SECOND AT NORTHEASTERN

Jake Sowers

Northeastern Invitational – Day 1
Friday, December 9, 2011

Covington got off to a nice start at the ten-team Northeastern dual meet wrestling invitational on Friday night, going 4-0 overall on the evening. The Buccs opened with a 45-21 victory over Fairborn, before defeating Springfield in similar fashion, 44-22. In the third round, Covington overwhelmed Triad, 54-12, then concluded the day with a competitive 40-28 victory over Tipp City.

Three Buccaneer wrestlers – Kyler Deeter (145), Jake Sowers (152) and Ben Miller (160) – went undefeated on the day with 4-0 records. Deeter picked up 2 pins and a major decision, while Sowers earned 2 pins and 2 majors, and Miller earned 3 pins overall.

Another five Covington wrestlers earned 3-1 records, including Matt Carder (120), Bryton Lear (126, pin), Brock Smith (138, 2 pins), Brian Olson (182, pin, major) and Justin Daniel (195, 3 pins). Going 2-2 were A.J. Ouellette (170, 2 pins) and Jordan Wolfe (285). Dustin Freeman (132) also picked up a victory for the Buccs.

Five additional Covington wrestlers competed in varsity matches during the tournament and two of them went undefeated as well. Both Cole Smith (152) and Alex Fries (160) finished with 3-0 records, while D.J. Jennings (145), Gage Looker (160) and Garrett Shafer (170) also competed and won matches for the Buccs.

Saturday, Covington opens with Urbana in the first round. Wrestling starts at noon.

Northeastern Invitational – Day 2
Saturday, December 10, 2011

The Covington wrestling team put in a solid performance at the Northeastern Duals on Saturday to finish 4-1 on the day and 8-1 overall to take second place as a team. The Buccs defeated Urbana 41-30, West Liberty-Salem 66-0, Southeastern 66-12 and Northeastern 49-30. In their lone defeat to champion Northwestern, Covington, missing three starters, fell 52-30.

Three Buccaneer wrestlers – Kyler Deeter (145), Jake Sowers (152) and Ben Miller (160) – went undefeated with 9-0 records and claimed first place at the event. Deeter earned bonus points in all of his matches with 5 pins, 2 technical falls and a major decision. Sowers earned 5 pins and a major, while Miller picked up 6 pins during the weekend.

Finishing in second place for Covington were Bryton Lear (126) and Brock Smith (132). Both Lear and Smith finished with 6-1 overall records, after missing a couple duals due to ACT testing.

A.J. Ouellette (170), Brian Olson (182) and Justin Daniel (195) each finished with 7-2 overall records. Due to placement criteria, Olson placed third, while A.J. and Justin finished fourth. Also placing fourth with a 6-1 record was Matt Carder (120).

Two additional Covington wrestlers went undefeated in limited action for the Buccs, competing as independents. Cole Smith (152) went 3-0 overall, while Alex Fries (160) finished with a 4-0 record.

Also competing for the Buccs and winning matches were Dustin Freeman (132), D.J. Jennings (145), Gage Looker (160), Garrett Shafer (170) and Jordan Wolfe (285).

Covington competes next at the Versailles dual meet invitational on Saturday, December 17.

Freshman Ben Miller went through the entire tournament without giving up a single offensive point to his opponents.